Neumann Large-Diaphragm Condenser Comparison

Since the brand first formed in 1928, Neumann has been dedicated to offering audio creators the highest quality microphones possible.

The stellar reputation Neumann has built speaks for itself with the creation of staples like the U 47, U 67 and M 49. These icons of the recording industry have stood the test of time and have been used on countless hit albums by producers and engineers around the world.

Vintage King recently decamped to The 45 Factory just outside of Detroit, Michigan, to set up a Neumann microphone shootout of epic proportions. Check out sample sounds from both female and male vocals recorded with 11 different large diaphragm condenser microphones, including both vintage and reissue Neumann models.

Listen to the clips below to hear each track in your browser or select one of our featured options to download the WAV files or Pro Tools session files.

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Neumann TLM 102 thumbnail

Neumann TLM 102

With a new capsule derived from the U 87, the TLM 102 is budget friendly version that maintains the sound characteristics in a way only Neumann can provide.

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Female Vocal
Male Vocal
Neumann TLM 103 thumbnail

Neumann TLM 103

Neumann’s TLM 103 is a modern update of the U 87 sound, which means you get a super quiet, super cool cardioid vocal mic for less.

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Female Vocal
Male Vocal
Neumann TLM 49 thumbnail

Neumann TLM 49

Taking inspiration from the classic M 49 microphone, the TLM 49 emulates the dynamic response of a vacuum tube, but with reliable solid-state circuitry running on phantom power.

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Female Vocal
Male Vocal
Neumann M 149 thumbnail

Neumann M 149

This modern version of a timeless classic features nine polar patterns and seven low-cut frequencies, which makes it perfect for use on vocals.

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Female Vocal
Male Vocal
Neumann M 49 Vintage thumbnail

Neumann M 49 Vintage

The Neumann M 49 was created released in 1952 and offered incredible versatility, thanks to the microphones remote pattern control.

Female Vocal
Male Vocal
Neumann U 87 Ai Thumbnail

Neumann U 87 Ai

Utilizing the classic K 67 capsule and head grille of the U 67, Neumann’s U 87 Ai is a unique combination of character and clarity.

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Female Vocal
Male Vocal
Neumann U 47 FET Thumbnail

Neumann U 47 FET

This modern reproduction of the Neumann U 47 FET (originally released in 1969) offers many of the same features as the original microphone and is a go-to for vocals, guitar cabs and kick drums.

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Female Vocal
Male Vocal
Neumann TLM 67 Thumbnail

Neumann TLM 67

The Neumann TLM 67 is a lower cost alternative to a vintage U 67, which utilizes the body, grille and capsule of the original with a transformerless solid-state circuitry designed to emulate a tube mic.

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Female Vocal
Male Vocal
Neumann U 47 Vintage Thumbnail

Neumann U 47 Vintage

The Neumann U 47 is the granddaddy of large diaphragm condenser microphones and has been used by The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson.

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Female Vocal
Male Vocal
Neumann U 67 Reissue Thumbnail

Neumann U 67 Reissue

In 2018, Neumann introduced a U 67 reissue created with great historical accuracy that focused on recreating the same sonic qualities, construction and power supply.

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Female Vocal
Male Vocal
Neumann U 67 Vintage Thumbnail

Neumann U 67 Vintage

At the end of the 1950s, Neumann needed to go in a new direction. The resulting innovation was the U 67, an incredibly beloved microphone, great for use on vocals, drum overheads and acoustic guitars.

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Female Vocal
Male Vocal

Download The Tracks

Download all the tracks as WAV files or in a Pro Tools session.

Download WAV Files (129MB) Download Pro Tools Files (129MB)
Joe Dickinson, Vintage King Audio Consultant

If you have listened to all of the Neumann microphones in our shootout and want to know more, we're here to help. Contact our team of Audio Consultants via email or by phone at 866.644.0160 with any questions.