Neumann Mics: Are they the best in the biz?

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RiZion

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Hi All, I wanted to get some opinions. Do you think Neumann mics are the best in the biz? If so or not, what mics are better? I use a Neumann Tlm-49 and I love it. My only challenge is when I record someone loud I have to readjust the mic. For this reason, my voite is I love the Neumann but I wish it could handle more...
 
Neuman mics are very, very nice and have a dsitinctive sound. Best is a very subjective term though. If they work for what you want they are great if they don't work for what you want they are not.

A TLM 49 can handle an SPL level of 129 dB SPL which is about as loud as a jet engine. What kind of singers are you recording that the mic is not able to handle them?
Maybe you are running the pre amps with too much gain and clipping the signal? that's not a problem with the mic, just turn down th epre amp gain
 
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You can never state the SPL of a source without including distance. A speaker at 1" can easily generate 129dBSPL, as can some singers at that distance. I imagine a jet at the same distance is far louder, until your ear gets sucked into the intake . . . :eek:
 
TLM49 - 110/129dB SPL that is kind of low. Distance attenuates the SPL a bit. So I guess you answered your own question. Neumann is good and popular, and the most known high end mic. But not really because they're the best. They've just been around and good for longer than most of the competition. There's other equally as expensive mics out there. Some as good, possibly better. And a few special purpose mics that Neumann probably doesn't even make. It really depends on the application. Whale song underwater? Bat sounds beyond human hearing? Train whistle in proximity? Or or just birds in the yard. In studio, on stage, outdoors, and other specialties.
 
My opinion is Neumann of today (Sennheiser owned) is not the Neumann it was of yester-year. Too much emphasis on specs on paper and/or cost cutting and not enough artistry. None of the newer mics compete with the old classics. That's not to say they are inferior tools, just that they lack that "something" the classic mics had. There was a genius that good ol' Georg had that doesn't seem to have carried over.

Have you tried engaging a pad or using a compressor for louder singers? Maybe a limiter?
 
RiZion said:
Do you think Neumann mics are the best in the biz?
Click to expand...

'Best' is what works best for you. There are lots of pricey mics... Manley, Telefunken, Gefell, Brauner... but hits have been recorded with a Shure SM57.
 
I can never seem to make up my mind.
For every recording project always brings forth a new hero from the microphone locker.
 
PhilGood said:
My opinion is Neumann of today (Sennheiser owned) is not the Neumann it was of yester-year. Too much emphasis on specs on paper and/or cost cutting and not enough artistry. None of the newer mics compete with the old classics. That's not to say they are inferior tools, just that they lack that "something" the classic mics had. There was a genius that good ol' Georg had that doesn't seem to have carried over.

Have you tried engaging a pad or using a compressor for louder singers? Maybe a limiter?
Click to expand...

I'm sure I've said something here that's threatening to mshilarious' position on microphones. Surely (don't call me Shirley) he will be along momentarily to show me the error of my ways and put me on the path of righteousness.
 
I have a TLM 103 which I find to have a warmer, more complex and detailed sound than the AKG 414 and or the AT 4033. Don't have any experience with other large capsule mics.
 
My top mic. manufacturers are:-

Sennheiser
Neumann
MBHO
DPA
Schoeps
Gefell

Probably all pretty equal in quality, but different ranges so you choose what is best for what you want.
 
John Willett said:
My top mic. manufacturers are:-

Sennheiser
Neumann
MBHO
DPA
Schoeps
Gefell

Probably all pretty equal in quality, but different ranges so you choose what is best for what you want.
Click to expand...

What about Bock Audio or Soundelux?
 
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