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continuously variable pattern selectionSoundelux e49

Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

The e49 was a multipattern tube mic built around a K47-style large-diaphragm capsule. The mic employed an innovative double-shockmounting system to reduce transduction of mechanical noise through the body of the microphone.

The mic was inspired by, and to some degree modeled after the Neumann M49, which was the first multipattern mic whose pattern-control switch was on the power supply rather than the microphone.

Unlike the M49, which used MSC2 and AC701 tubes, the e49 used an EF732/5840.

Soundelux, 2006

The E49 is a variable pattern, internally shock mounted, outboard power supply tube microphone designed for vocal or critical distant applications. It does not need a big spider shock mount. This microphone is relatively flat compared to most Large Diaphragm Condensers and mimics the original 1950’s response curve very well.

The tube E49 does not have the extreme proximity effect of the U-47 or Telefunken Ela M 251 (instead of +18dB it is about +12dB at 85Hz) or the rising top end of the C12 and most modern condensers. It does have an incredibly smooth midrange that is unique and impossible to replicate with any other microphone. This makes the E49 suitable for a span of applications that normally call for two different microphones such as a 47 and C12. Male vocalists with that special mid character really come through on the E49; the female with the smoky detail and harmonics of a lounge singer sound correct; the sound of a piano on stage or a drummer at distance sounds like it really sounds in real life. No other mic was as good as the [Neumann] tube 49 at getting smoothness across. This, perhaps, is why it has been the mic that defines jazz, such as Miles Davis “Kind Of Blue”, which was made entirely with 49s.

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The mic was released in 2003.

Specifications

Frequency Response - OmnidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!
e49 Omnidirectional Frequency Response Chart
Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
e49 Cardioid Frequency Response Chart
Frequency Response - BidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!
e49 Bidirectional Frequency Response Chart
Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (17 mV/Pa; 30 - 16,000 Hz)
Cardioid (17 mV/Pa; 30 - 16,000 Hz)
Bidirectional (17 mV/Pa; 30 - 16,000 Hz)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 25mm
200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 119 dB
Self-noise: 19.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
666g (23.49oz) 159mm (6.26'') 76mm (2.99'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Includes tube power supply

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