Neumann Microphones
Lev Orlov

The Neumann microphones are not simply instruments for every-day work. They are, as masterpieces, an excellent way of capital investments, to what the modern prices for the models, created forty years ago, testify: e.g. U 47, U 67, U 87 and others. Now they are called classic and considered the professional standard in sound recording. A talented German engineer George Neumann established the well-known company, which microphones are recognized by the highest sound quality, in 1928. In the year of establishment, the first condenser microphone CMV 3 was created. For its shape, it was named "the Neumann bottle".

Neumann TLM series studio condenser microphones

The wide diaphragm provides good handling of high SPL. Here, the TLM abbreviation in the name of the microphone series stands for TransformerLess Microphone, i.e. transformerless circuitry offering lower noise level, outstanding transient characteristics, high output level as well as linear frequency response at low signal levels and independence of the magnetic core saturation. All the Neumann condenser microphones are designed for +48 V polarization voltage (phantom power supply) which is provided by a power supply unit, as a rule included in the microphone kit, or by an external power supply.

The TLM 50 S is a studio microphone with an unusual omnidirectional characteristic designed specifically for high-quality studio recording of "live" instruments and vocal, including A-B stereo recording. Due to the use of an unusually thin (2.25 µm) diaphragm of 12 mm in diameter, the microphone capsule has excellent transient characteristics. The TLM 50 microphone head represents a sphere, where the capsule is mounted flush into the surface of this sphere. The result is a smooth rise in frequency response and an increased directivity within the upper frequency range. For the first time this unique design was used in the legendary Neumann M 50 microphone with the help of which the majority of records of The Beatles band were made. Good characteristics ensure exact balance between the direct and reflected sounds when recording in studio environments.

TLM 170 R

This model is used in recording studios, radio and TV broadcasting, program production. Unlike other microphones with vivid sounding "peculiarities", the TLM 170R provides neutral sounding with no coloration. Within the limits of ±100° from the axis for frequency ranging from 20 to 1200 Hz, directivity is practically independent of frequency. Consequently, this microphone has an extremely linear frequency response in scattered field.

TLM 193

Application area: project-class sound recording studios, regional radio and TV-stations, concert performance reinforcement. This model is also a cutting-edge technology product and made according to the latest achievements in science and engineering, but its price is significantly lower than that of the Neumann top-models. The TLM 193 provides neutral sounding without coloration.

Neumann KM 100 modular microphone system

The modular design and ultra-miniature components allow to apply the KM 100 in various situations: at work with film or video cameras, on stage or in studio. The system consists of changeable active condenser microphone capsules (with a single gold-plated diaphragm of 16 mm in diameter), a transformerless output stage that can be remotely installed at a distance of up to 50 meters, and additional accessories.

AK 20 microphone in the set of KM100 system

The microphone capsules may also be installed directly on the output stage. Any microphone of the KM 100 System is capable of working without overload handling SPL of up to 150 dB. The optional accessories kit includes mounts to install two microphones, adapters, stands, a diffraction sphere, etc. (available as an option).

Each sound stage component is reproduced faithfully and perceived equally; linear frequency response and constant sensitivity within the limits of 0 to 180°.

AK 20. Linear frequency response ranging from 20 to 1000 Hz in scattered field; approximately 7 dB boost around 10 kHz in free field.

AK 31. Linear frequency response ranging from 20 to 1000 Hz in scattered field; a smooth slope at frequency range above 5 kHz.

AK 40. Frequency-independent directivity within the limits of ±135° from the axis.

AK 43. Linear frequency response ranging from 20 to 12000 Hz within the limits of ±90° from the axis.

AK 45. With the characteristics identical with those of the AK 43 plus an additional bass cut-off.

AK 50. -10 dB sensitivity slopes aside and in the rear from the axis with sensitivity reaching its minimum at 120° .

Specifications of the Neumann capsules:

Neumann KMR 81 and 82i shotgun-type microphones

The KMR 81 is designed specifically for ENG/EFP applications, but it is also used for individual recording of orchestra instruments; for voice-over work in video or motion picture production. So is the KM 82i. Nevertheless, it also has a frequency boost ranging from 2 to 15 kHz to compensate for the loss of high frequencies at reinforcing or recording distant sound sources.

Neumann RSM 191 A-S stereo shotgun

It is intended for ENG application, as well as stereo recording in cinema or TV and represents a stereo microphone system offering high directivity with an adjustable pick-up angle. The two capsules reproduce the mid and side signals respectively. The system consists of the microphone and the MTX 191A matrix amplifier. The matrix amplifier controls the width of the stereo image by changing the side signal gain relative to the middle signal in six 3 dB steps. The transformerless sum-and-difference circuitry of the matrix amplifier converts the mid-side (MS) signal to the ordinary left/right (XY) signal. The output signal type may be selected by a switch.

Specifications of the shotgun microphones:

Neumann KMS 140/150 hand-held condenser microphones

They are used in TV-production for ENG and talk-shows, that is why their bodies have a traditional shape optimized for hand-held use.

An extremely wide dynamic range allows to reproduce sibilants and plosive sounds without any distortion. The KMS 140/150 are also characterized by a surprising sound clarity. Owing to directivity patterns, they are capable of effective suppression of feedback, which is likely to be caused by on-stage monitors placed either in the middle (KMS 140) or in aside (KMS 150).

Characteristics of the Neumann KMS 140/150 condenser microphones:

• polar pattern - cardioid/"petal";
• frequency range - 20...20000 Hz;
• dynamic range - 122/124 dB;
• sensitivity - 15/10 mV/Pa at 1 kHz;
• rating impedance - 50 ohms;
• S/N ratio - 78 dB;
• attenuation - -10 dB;
• diameter - 48 mm;
• length - 175 mm;
• weight - 285 g.

Neumann GFM 132 boundary layer microphone

Typical applications: high-quality recording of discussion0tables, talk-shows and TV-conferences. The microphone has a uniform frequency characteristic both in scattered and free sound field. The smooth frequency response for all angles of incidence exhibits a rise in the upper frequency range. This assures that all sound sources, even distant ones, will be recorded with clarity and presence. Through computer simulation Neumann optimized the design to be free of any comb filter effects due to reflections, typical of other such microphones. The increase of the working surface area doubled sensitivity and, consequently, increased the output level.

The microphone specifications:

• pick-up pattern - hemi-sphere;
• frequency range - 20...20000 Hz;
• dynamic range - 123 dB;
• sensitivity - 18 mV/Pa;
• rating impedance - 50 ohms;
• S/N ratio - 80 dB;
• dimensions - 213x168 mm;
• weight - 460 g.

I.S.P.A.-Engineering Co.

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