Neumann M147 vs. M149?

[FenderTweed59]

In terms of recording male vocals, can anyone characterize the
differences between the M147 and the M149? Are they... similar?

As a side note, I have owned several U87's and never liked their sound
on my vocals. Given that the newer Neumann models use completely different
capsules, do they also sound completely different than the U87?

Thanks.

[FenderTweed59]

Sorry for the hasty post. A quick google search has answered my
questions.

[Techmeister]

You have been given a LOT of misinformation!

The statement "Neumann models use completely different capsules" is NOT true! SOME
of the capsules are made with MINOR changes. Some OPINIONS are that they are
inferior in construction details, but I have seen no physical evidnece this effects
sound.

Having listened to 1000s of old and new ones and owned 100s over the years,I can
state flatly that this is basically false: the newer U87 which is the U87ai, uses a
version of the K67 capsule,which was the U67 capsule. It is brighter, more open AND
WAY MORE CONSISTENT than the older capsules. I concede the older ones are a HAIR
warmer but getting warmth on vocals is rarely so hard as getting clarity. With a
good preamp choice, I have as yet to see ANYONE turn down a new U87ai when compared
with comparable mics. A few buyers specifically seeking the "older" sound took the
older over the newer mics.

As far as the M147 / M149: the 147 capsule IS a bastard capsule and a weak design.
Great on bass drum, waste of money on vocals. Nearly NOTHING in commons with a real
U47 and barely competition for a Fet47 except in a kick drum.

The M149 is another matter:

that IS a K49 capsule, identical to a K47, the last U47 replacement capsule, still
available. Great sounding mic. The transformerless electronics seem to make this
less than any M49 but still a STUNNING ± $3000 mic that will hold it's own and
better over Soundelux and MANY other mics in that range. Will eat an AKG C12VR for
lunch.

I sell all Neumann, new and used, so I have no axe to grind.

Feel free to email or call to discuss.No pressure to buy.

David aka techmeister

Post by FenderTweed59
In terms of recording male vocals, can anyone characterize the
differences between the M147 and the M149? Are they... similar?
As a side note, I have owned several U87's and never liked their sound
on my vocals. Given that the newer Neumann models use completely different
capsules, do they also sound completely different than the U87?
Thanks.

[david]

Post by Techmeister
With a
good preamp choice, I have as yet to see ANYONE turn down a new U87ai when compared
with comparable mics. A few buyers specifically seeking the "older" sound took the
older over the newer mics.

Hi David, hope things are better with ya. Since you said ANYONE, for
me, a Soundelux U195 beats a U87 for vocals mano a mano more often than
not. Say 75% of the time. I know our friend Phil would say pretty much
the same thing. Noteably it's also about half the price. The color that
it adds is what makes the difference.

I still use a pair of 87's as drum overheads. Sounds so nice I never
put up U195's to listen. Will give it a try sometime...





David Correia
Celebration Sound
Warren, Rhode Island

***@aol.com
www.CelebrationSound.com

[Garthrr]

Post by david
I still use a pair of 87's as drum overheads. Sounds so nice I never
put up U195's to listen. Will give it a try sometime...

They have become my starters for drum OH. They have the smoothest high end of
anything I've tried and they, of course, have a big strong low end. Before I
switched to the U195s I was using a pair of Earthworks Z30X cardioids and they
werent bad but something about the low mids never quite sounded right to me.
Kind of a boxy quality which, to be fair, might well be my room. Nevertheless I
prefer the Soundelux for this app in my room.

Garth~


"I think the fact that music can come up a wire is a miracle."
Ed Cherney

[D. Butler]

U87ai, Dave, NOT U87. Totally different mic, really!

;-)

happy to do the shootout anytime!

db

Post by david

Post by Techmeister
With a
good preamp choice, I have as yet to see ANYONE turn down a new U87ai when compared
with comparable mics. A few buyers specifically seeking the "older" sound took the
older over the newer mics.

Hi David, hope things are better with ya. Since you said ANYONE, for
me, a Soundelux U195 beats a U87 for vocals mano a mano more often than
not. Say 75% of the time. I know our friend Phil would say pretty much
the same thing. Noteably it's also about half the price. The color that
it adds is what makes the difference.
I still use a pair of 87's as drum overheads. Sounds so nice I never
put up U195's to listen. Will give it a try sometime...
David Correia
Celebration Sound
Warren, Rhode Island
www.CelebrationSound.com