TLM49... Holy bat guano Robin... you WILL be owned.

[SteveE9C6]

Yeah... So I bought one of these this past weekend. I have a number of mics already, but I was really intrigued by the clips I heard.

Got her into the studio, hooked her up, and started tracking. Holy batcrap Robin! I'm an old fart. I've been around the block a time or two. I've been using the following for vocals:
AT4050
MxL V69 Tube
MXL V67G

I have used Neumann 87's in the past as well as AKG 414, C12, and some other stuff that a "real studio" had in their cabinet.

No smoke folks... this is the best sounding vocal mic I have ever heard, anywhere, regardless of price. It has no extras. It is a one trick pony. But boy, does this horsey ride.

Here is a link to a song I redid vocals on.

* Go to the bottom of the web site. Listen to a bit of "Welcome Home" This was done with a AT4050.

* Now... go to "Welcome Home Remix" This is the Neuman TLM49. No eq on the mic all. It is tracked about 8 inches out.

The updated vocal sounded so much better, that I decide to try to improve some other stuff in it. I added a acoustic guitar, redid the lead and remixed it.
Don't worry about that stuff. Just listen to the difference in mics.

Steve Stallings Songs

 

[chessrock]

Steve,

The 4050 picked up more of the room, and the TLM49 had a tighter pattern and thus picked up less room / more voice, so that the vocal track sounded more upfront.

I'm assuming you had the 4050 either in figure 8 or Omni (in which case you need to switch it to cardiod if you want to compare apples to apples). If not, then perhaps it just naturally has a wider pattern (than the TLM49).

That's all. You're reading way too much in to this if you think this somehow proves one mic's superiority over the other. You recorded in a very live room, and for whatever reason the TLM was better suited to that environment. Don't get me wrong, now -- I'm not saying the TLM isn't better, because hell, for all we know it might be. Just that this particular comparison does nothing to support this notion.

That's a mighty nice-sounding room you tracked those drums in, by the way. Nice job on the recording, also. Great sound.
.

 

[SteveE9C6]

I will stand by my assessment of this mic. I think it will be the biggest hit for Neumann in 40 years. I believe that the AT4050 was set on cardoid on the original track. I can't think of a reason I would have tracked that vocal on omni or figure 8. (Thought the more I listen to the AT 4050 vocal track, the more I think I may have not reset it to cardoid after using it as a room mic.)
They were recorded in the same room, though I believe the AT4050 was actually a foot furthur from the wall of auralex. Some of the difference in the recording is simply due to a much different mix on the new version, plus mastering. The AT4050 is a great all purpose mic. It is useful in many situations. I have the benefit of actually listening to the raw untreated tracks.


I'm taking the TLM49 to a "big boy" studio, where they have a mic cabinet to drool for. I'll see how it performs there.

Oh yeah... thank you for the comments on the drums. I worked very hard loading those "Drums on Demand CD's" into my computer

 

[meriphew]

All I have to say to Neumann is start using transformers again. Go back to the drawing board or bring back some of the originals. Their current lineup pales in comparison to Brauner, Soundelux, BLUE, & MG.

 

[SteveE9C6]

All I have to say to Neumann is start using transformers again. Go back to the drawing board or bring back some of the originals. Their current lineup pales in comparison to Brauner, Soundelux, BLUE, & MG.

Uh yeah ... Perhaps you might actually get one of these in your hands and just try it. I don't mean that in a snide or rude fashion, but this is a darn good mic. If you can find a single negative comment on the web about this mic, post a link. My assessment is pretty much shared by many folks who do not frequent this forum and actually mix for a living.

 

[BigRay]

So people that frequent this forum arent professionals?? maybe I misunderstood. VERY possible. I am a dumbass sometimes. I will go ahead and say it. I had one in my hands two days ago..tried it on a countertenor, and my wife, a mezzo... I didnt like it. a bit honky sounding in the highs, and to my ears lacked sufficient bass extension, and detail through the mid/low mids wasnt good to me... Give me a gefell m990, or old neumann m49 ANY day.. maybe itd be good on some voices, even great..but it isnt the messiah of mics to my ears.....just another "neumann meh" offering...like pretty much everything they put out these days..itll sell because of the name and the hype, but I can think of 15 mics id rather use for voice. that being said, if it is everything you wanted and more, hell! I am very glad for you. It is a special moment when something works beautifully! any comments, negative or postive dont mean dick really. everybody has differnt ears on their head!

Uh yeah ... Perhaps you might actually get one of these in your hands and just try it. I don't mean that in a snide or rude fashion, but this is a darn good mic. If you can find a single negative comment on the web about this mic, post a link. My assessment is pretty much shared by many folks who do not frequent this forum and actually mix for a living.

 

[BigRay]

edit, you are a steel player??thats great! ive been playing for many many years!

Just got myself an MSA S-10 from 1973, and I am in LOVE with it. Ive got a couple MSAs, and some ricky lap steels, and a national or two, not to mention many gibson acoustics(j45, and b-45-12)...country is my thing!(well, performing wise..I am a classical location recording engineer)

 

[johnish]

TLM49 Neumann New mic:How does it sound?

Uh yeah ... Perhaps you might actually get one of these in your hands and just try it. I don't mean that in a snide or rude fashion, but this is a darn good mic. If you can find a single negative comment on the web about this mic, post a link. My assessment is pretty much shared by many folks who do not frequent this forum and actually mix for a living.

Hi steve did you mean this about the TLM49? if so what did you find wrong with it soniclly sound wise? can you give us more info regarding the sound you heard from the TLM49 compared to other mics.

Thanks mate

 

[bwindsor]

I'm almost at the point of giving up on reading reviews in general...and I definitely don't make any firm decisions based on what I read...after all, it's just each man's (or woman's) opinion on any given day, based on talent, application, experience (or lack of) plus just the reviewers general tonal preference, etc... In other words they aren't me, I'm not them, etc. etc.

I happen to really like this microphone, as do many of my more experienced clients (some good "ears" in this group)...still prefer my M930's on some sources, but in the past week I've tracked: Female Jazz Vocalist, Male Gospel-tinged Vocalist and Male Spoken Word....all three came out "very good to excellent"....in fairness, all three are stellar vocalists anyway, but I still came away thinking this mic did them no harm...pre's were Pacifica which didn't hurt either, and a Drawmer 1969 which was not "as good", but far from bad...

Anyway, if I listened to the above example only, I would probably not choose the mic, as I feel it doesn't portray "at all" what this mic really sounded (and sounds) like to me sitting in the control room listening to final or rough mixes of what I've done this week...all this to say I strongly believe you need to hear this on the sources you are familiar with, and then judge...anyone who says it "will" be great for you doesn't know what they are talking about unless they "are" you...and vice-versa....I know this is all obvious to many, but just felt after hearing and reading the above, that it needed to be pointed out...to say this is a dog (don't think anybody really did) would be totally incorrect, but of course it could be a dog one day, and the "cats meow" the next, if you know what I mean!!!

I like it, I bought it..still have other mics as well, wouldn't say it would ever be an only mic, not versatile enough for that...as stated above, it does one thing, but does it very nicely with the right source, as others do...not the first Neumann I've used, but the first I bought...price was a consideration...and as I stated on another board, I did feel the need (due to some client pressure) to "have" a Neumann when they asked...could have been a TLM 103, but I really don't like those. Just for info sake, my ear tells me the TLM49 has a very natural, but un-hyped top end (no "artificial" sizzle here) with an overall "smooth" tonality (not to be confused with muddy, because it isn't)...for those who like the new crop of "hyped" mics, this likely won't be for you...but again, who knows...try it!!!

BW

 

[SteveE9C6]

So people that frequent this forum arent professionals??

From years of reading postings here, it is clear to me that the vast majority of folks here are hobbyist and do not derive their primary source of income from recording. This is not meant as a derogatory comment, but rather as a factual statement. I myself am more songwriter/musician, then anything else. In the statements context, I was simply referring to what I have read (and heard via web samples) at several other smaller, non mainstream, forums which seem to be frequented by recording professionals. (At least the names they use I recognize as well known and respected professionals) I apologize if anyone takes offense at my statement. It was certainly not intended in that manner.

edit, you are a steel player??thats great! ive been playing for many many years!

Yep... same here. You can check out samples of my steel playing on most of my songs. "A Memory That Won't Fade" has a lot of steel in it. I'm currently playing "Rains" pedal steels exclusively. My first steel was an MSA back in 1978. I play in and around central Texas on a regular basis. I wish I was better, but I'm 54 and writing songs has become more important to me than playing.

Hi steve did you mean this about the TLM49? if so what did you find wrong with it soniclly sound wise? can you give us more info regarding the sound you heard from the TLM49 compared to other mics.

I'm not sure I understand? I didn't find anything wrong with the TLM49. Well, I wish it had adjustable polar patterns, a pad, and a below 50 roll off, but that would raise the price I'm sure. Compared to other mics, I found this to be pretty natural sounding with no artificial high end.


I like this mic quite a bit. I don't think I would use it on acoustic guitar, but then, I haven't tried it on one yet. I think this microphone is an excellent vocal mic for a single vocalist. I actually prefer it's sound to vocal tracks I have recorded with a U87 and a AT4050. It sounds more balanced with a better overall presence ... to my ears.


My observations are my own. Everyone has their own take on sound. If I had to pick a single vocal microphone, this is it for me. It is not my choice for a general purpose microphone.

I am genuinely pleased with the quality of this microphone and really think that it will find many others who feel the same way.

I meant my intitial post as more of a public service "Hey, look at this great bargain" than anything else.

 

[mrface2112]

Steve, nice to see you around here again. You and i "met" many moons ago over on the UMGF..........although i haven't been active over there in years.

bottom line--i think your assessment is largely correct in that most folks here happen to be hobbyists, although some of us dabble in recording others for $$.....and i'm glad you've found a vocal mic that gives you the results you've been looking for.

i've got the tlm49 on my short list, for sure.


BTW, don't let some folks here getcha down.


cheers,
wade

 

[nuemes]

I'm almost at the point of giving up on reading reviews in general...and I definitely don't make any firm decisions based on what I read...after all, it's just each man's (or woman's) opinion on any given day, based on talent, application, experience (or lack of) plus just the reviewers general tonal preference, etc... In other words they aren't me, I'm not them, etc. etc. BW

Funny you say this; I recently bought a SM7 and used it on a session where it was by far the best mic for the vocalist out of other dynamics and condensors I own (up to a $700 range). I was convinced that this was suddenly the best mic I owned for vocals and was nearly ready to post as such - and convinced that I could turn to the SM7 in the future for any live-in-the-studio vocal sessions.

Then, the next week I track a different band live in the studio with all vocals through the SM7 - exact same setup short of a different vocalist. And it sounded terrible. Terrible. Literally worse than any of the other mics we tried (over a dozen). The understanding was that we'd overdub the vocals anyway, and of all the mics a V67 ends up clearly being the best mic for the singer despite having mics that cost considerably more and have much more popular reputations.

So, basically, I'm never going to be able to afford a house.

 

[meriphew]

Uh yeah ... Perhaps you might actually get one of these in your hands and just try it. I don't mean that in a snide or rude fashion, but this is a darn good mic. If you can find a single negative comment on the web about this mic, post a link. My assessment is pretty much shared by many folks who do not frequent this forum and actually mix for a living.

I've used enough of Neumann's current lineup to not be too interested in trying out the TLM49. I own mics by Soundelux, Neumann, BLUE, Royer, etc, and have found the newer Neumanns to be lacking in most areas when compared to many of the 'botique' mic manufacturers. Obviously it's just my opinion, but I won't cut Neumann (Sennheiser) any slack until they re-think their way of doing things.

 

[SteveE9C6]

but I won't cut Neumann (Sennheiser) any slack until they re-think their way of doing things

I'm sorry, I don't understand what that has to do with this. You're pissed at Neumann, so anything they do is crap? That's kind of what I'm getting out of your contribution to the thread. It certainly is your God given right to feel that way, I just don't think it's a logical approach to microphone evaluation. Regardless, I'm not a Neumann flunky, nor apologist for them. I'm not a brand snob. I'm very comfortable using a MXL. I just thought it quiet cool that Neumann came out with a mic that I like a lot and doesn't cost as much as my Harley

I note we have something in common.... Seattle. I grew up in the area, played in some good Pacific Northwest bands from the mid 60's on, had a lot of regional airplay back in the seventies with a band named "Sidewinder". I wrote our one "hit" .... No Star. We recorded our album at Kay.

 

[meriphew]

I'm sorry, I don't understand what that has to do with this. You're pissed at Neumann, so anything they do is crap? That's kind of what I'm getting out of your contribution to the thread. It certainly is your God given right to feel that way, I just don't think it's a logical approach to microphone evaluation. Regardless, I'm not a Neumann flunky, nor apologist for them. I'm not a brand snob. I'm very comfortable using a MXL. I just thought it quiet cool that Neumann came out with a mic that I like a lot and doesn't cost as much as my Harley

I note we have something in common.... Seattle. I grew up in the area, played in some good Pacific Northwest bands from the mid 60's on, had a lot of regional airplay back in the seventies with a band named "Sidewinder". I wrote our one "hit" .... No Star. We recorded our album at Kay.

Steve - I dont hate the company, Im just not interested in them. They dont spark the flames for me in the same way that other mics do. If and when Neumann takes a new approach, I will have a look. One of my prior bands was on a record label (San Jacinto) that was owned by a guitar player from a band called "The Sidewinders". They later changed their name to the "Sand Rubies".

 

[Ears]

I will stand by my assessment of this mic. I think it will be the biggest hit for Neumann in 40 years. I believe that the AT4050 was set on cardoid on the original track. I can't think of a reason I would have tracked that vocal on omni or figure 8. (Thought the more I listen to the AT 4050 vocal track, the more I think I may have not reset it to cardoid after using it as a room mic.)
They were recorded in the same room, though I believe the AT4050 was actually a foot furthur from the wall of auralex. Some of the difference in the recording is simply due to a much different mix on the new version, plus mastering. The AT4050 is a great all purpose mic. It is useful in many situations. I have the benefit of actually listening to the raw untreated tracks.


I'm taking the TLM49 to a "big boy" studio, where they have a mic cabinet to drool for. I'll see how it performs there.

Oh yeah... thank you for the comments on the drums. I worked very hard loading those "Drums on Demand CD's" into my computer

Of course it is a great mic!!
Not because of who makes it. I am very happy with it as an addition to my collection, because it is unique, and it is capable of picking up.