Neumann M 150 Tube
Omnidirectional Tube Condenser Microphone
Intended as a modern recreation of the classic spherical-capsule M 50, the M 150 is also a tube mic with a fixed omnidirectional pickup pattern, designed primarily for ambient sound applications.
The M 50 introduced an innovative capsule design — by mounting a small-diaphragm capsule onto the face of a 4cm sphere, the resulting frequency response showed a smoother rise with increasing directionality in the mid-to-high frequencies. The M 150 Tube retains this basic design, but changes all the elements:
- The sphere in the M50 was a solid, high-density plexiglass/acrylic compound. The sphere in the M150 is the same size (4cm ø), but is hollow, and is made of a softer plastic compound.
- The M50’s capsule (initially and briefly PVC, then aluminum, then Mylar) is replaced here by a titanium capsule, model K 33 TI. As in the M50’s KK50, KK53, and KK83 capsules, the M150’s K 33 TI has an approximate diameter of 12mm. The titanium diaphragm measures 5 microns thick.
Both the diaphragm and housing of the new K33TI capsule are constructed of titanium. Otherwise, the K33TI is identical to the earlier K33 capsule, which used a thinner (~2.5-micron) nickel membrane. For more information, see Martin Schneider’s AES presentation on omnidirectional spherical capsules (sidebar).
The M 150 Tube, like Neumann’s TLM series, has a transformerless (op-amp based) output circuit. Neumann engineers cite numerous advantages of this design: reduced noise, reduced harmonic distortion, transparent amplification, high current output (allowing cable runs of 300m without signal loss).
The tube in the M150, as in the M147 and M149, is a dual triode model 6111, described by Neumann’s Martin Schneider as “military grade.”
The front grille of the M 150 is sloped, as on numerous other Neumann microphones. This design has the benefit of preventing standing audio waves between the diaphragm and the inside of the grille.
The M 150 Tube mic ships with the external power supply, “8-core” cable (p/n KT 8), suspension shockmount (p/n EA 170), and an aluminum flight case. It is also available in a matched stereo pair kit, with two shockmounts in a large aluminum suitcase.
The mic won a TEC Award in 2002.
Summary of distinguishing characteristics of Neumann’s spherical-capsule microphones
M 50 | TLM 50 | M 150 Tube | |
Amplifier type | tube (AC701) | FET | tube (6111) |
Capsule | KK83 | AK 33 TI | K 33 TI |
Diaphragm | Mylar | Titanium | Titanium |
Output type | transformer | transistor | transistor |
Grille | sloped | rounded | sloped |
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The Neumann M 150 Tube is also known as: M150.
The mic was released in 2001.
Specifications
Frequency Response - OmnidirectionalClick Graph to Compare! |
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Pickup Patterns | Pads & Filters |
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Omnidirectional
(20 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz) |
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Capsule Dimensions | Impedance | SPL/Noise |
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Diaphragm diameter: 12mm |
50 Ohms (Low) | Max SPL: 114 dB Self-noise: 15.0 dB(A) |
Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
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800g (28.22oz) | 165mm (6.50'') | 78mm (3.07'') |
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Power Specifications |
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