Whether you know it or not, Neumann has captivated the hearts and ears of music enthusiasts, sound engineers, and recording professionals for over nine decades. With a rich history rooted in groundbreaking audio innovation, Neumann has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of professional studio equipment.
Neumann’s products have become synonymous with uncompromising quality and precision – from the revolutionary U47 studio microphone to their cutting-edge KH 120 II studio monitors. Georg Neumann’s (the company’s founder) tenacious appetite for innovation laid the foundation for modern-day microphone design and contributed enormously to the professional audio, broadcast, and recording industries.
Join us as we welcome Neumann by taking you through their history, products, and of course – unparalleled legacy.
‘Neu’ Beginnings
Founded in 1928 as a small workshop in Berlin, Germany – Neumann wasted no time leaving their mark by introducing the CMV 3 or as it’s more fondly referred to, the ‘Neumann Bottle’ – the first ever mass-produced condenser microphone. Needless to say, the CMV 3 fast became the new standard for studio and broadcast use in Germany and across Europe.
In the 1930s, Neumann came up with the level recorder – a development that revolutionised the recording industry. The level recorder allowed the German company to reliably measure signal levels, making Neumann the first audio company to implement effective product processes and stringent quality control. This innovation set the stage for Neumann’s future success and cemented their position as a leader in audio technology.
The midcentury saw the introduction of the most popular microphone in their history – the Neumann U 47. Distributed internationally under the Telefunken brand, the U 47 has lent its legendary tone to greats like Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, and countless others.
This model improved on the CMV 3 in many ways; most notably with its built-in switchable polar patterns. Rather than utilising interchangeable capsules, the U 47 combined two condenser diaphragms facing opposite directions. With only one turned on, the mic exhibits an omnidirectional pickup pattern. When the rear element is engaged, everything it picks up is subtracted from the front signal, effectively reducing the mic’s rear sensitivity and creating a cardioid (heart-shaped) pattern.
The Neumann Product Range
Today. Neumann’s product portfolio is diverse and extensive – catering to various needs within the audio industry. Here’s a quick breakdown of their product categories:
- Microphones: Neumann offers a range of microphones, from the iconic U87 to the versatile TLM 103. These microphones are known for their exceptional sound quality, durability, and versatility, making them a favourite among professional recording artists and engineers.
- Headphones & Studio Reference Monitors: Neumann’s headphones are designed for both professional and personal use. Their flagship model, the NDH 20, is praised for its accurate sound reproduction and comfortable design.
- Professional Audio Equipment: Neumann’s product range extends to other professional audio equipment, such as audio interfaces, preamps, equalisers, and compressors. These products are designed to provide high-quality sound and are used in various applications, including live performances, post-production, and broadcasting.
Why Choose Neumann?
There are several reasons why countless professionals in the audio industry trust Neumann to capture their recordings. Here are just some of the many factors in play:
- Innovative Technology: If it isn’t apparent already, Neumann has a storied history of pushing the boundaries of innovation. Over the years, they have been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technology that sets their audio products apart from their peers in the industry.
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Neumann’s products are renowned for their exceptional sound quality – a result of their commitment to using only the finest materials and rigorous testing processes.
- Time-Tested Durability: Neumann’s products are built to last, with a focus on durability and reliability that ensures they can withstand the demands of professional use. In fact, there any many stories of vintage examples that are still going strong today.
Whether you are a professional recording artist, an experienced engineer, or a music enthusiast, Neumann’s products are designed to deliver the best results. With that in mind, let’s guide you through the Neumann gear we have in Swee Lee:
Neumann TLM 102 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
The Neumann TLM 102 is a compact, large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for a broad range of applications. Despite its small size, it features a cardioid capsule developed specifically for the latest generation of Neumann microphones. Built around low-noise circuitry that captures sound sources without adding extensive colour, the TLM 102 is known for its clear and detailed sound reproduction.
- High-Quality Neumann Sound: The TLM 102 is renowned for its accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it a popular choice among recording engineers and musicians.
- Capture Every Sound: Its ability to handle extreme SPLs up to 144dB makes it a versatile microphone suitable for professional and project studios, broadcast, and live sound. This microphone can be used for a wide range of instruments too, including vocals, instruments, and even drum kits.
- Bang for Buck: The TLM 102 is priced to make the legendary Neumann quality accessible to a broader range of users.
Neumann TLM 103 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Microphone
The Neumann TLM 103 is a high-quality large-diaphragm cardioid microphone designed for professional recording applications. It features a condenser capsule and a cardioid polar pattern, providing clear and detailed sound reproduction.
Industry Standard Sound: The TLM 103 is known for its clear and detailed sound reproduction, making it a popular choice among professional recording engineers and musicians.
Cardioid Polar-Pattern: The microphone’s cardioid polar pattern helps to reduce ambient noise and focus on the sound source, ensuring a clear and clean sound.
High-Quality Construction: The TLM 103 is built with high-quality components and a durable design, ensuring reliable performance in demanding recording environments.
Neumann KH 120 II 5-inch Powered Studio Monitor
The Neumann KH 120 II is a high-end powered studio reference monitor designed for professional audio applications. It features a 5-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter, providing accurate and detailed sound reproduction suitable for a variety of studio applications.
- Sound Perfection: The KH 120 II is known for its precise and detailed sound reproduction, making it a popular choice among professional audio engineers and musicians.
- Crystal Clear: The monitor’s powerful and clear sound ensures that even the smallest details are audible, making it ideal for mixing and mastering.
- Anytime, Anyplace: The monitor’s compact design allows for easy placement in any studio, making it a versatile option for various recording environments.
Neumann KH 80 DSP 4-inch Powered Studio Monitor
The Neumann KH 80 DSP is a compact and powerful studio monitor designed for professional audio applications. It features a 4-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter for a flat frequency response – providing accurate and detailed sound reproduction for mixing and mastering purposes.
- Accurate Sound Reproduction: The KH 80 DSP is known for its precise and detailed sound reproduction, making it a popular choice among professional audio engineers and musicians.
- Compact and versatile: The monitor’s compact design allows for easy placement in any studio, making it a versatile option for various recording environments.
- Adaptive Sound: The monitor features digital signal processing, which helps to correct for room acoustics and ensure accurate sound reproduction.
Neumann KMS 104 Cardioid Vocalist Microphone
The Neumann KMS 104 is a high-quality cardioid vocalist microphone designed for professional recording applications. It features a condenser capsule and a cardioid polar pattern, providing clear and detailed sound reproduction.
- Sound Aloud: The KMS 104 is known for its clear and detailed sound reproduction, making it a popular choice among professional recording engineers and musicians.
- Take Out The Noise: The microphone’s cardioid polar pattern helps to reduce ambient noise and focus on the vocalist, ensuring a clear and clean sound.
- Rugged Reliability: The KMS 104 is built to last, with a durable design that can withstand the demands of professional recording.
Neumann KMS 105 Supercardioid Condenser Microphone
The Neumann KMS 105 is a high-quality super-cardioid condenser microphone designed for professional recording applications. It features a condenser capsule and a super-cardioid polar pattern, providing clear and detailed sound reproduction.
Capture Sound in Detail: The KMS 105 is known for its clear and detailed sound reproduction, making it a popular choice among professional recording engineers and musicians.
Supercardioid polar pattern: The microphone’s supercardioid polar pattern helps to reduce ambient noise and focus on the vocalist, ensuring a clear and clean sound.
Durability Personified: The KMS 105 is built to last, with a durable design that can withstand the demands of professional recording.
We’re done, now it’s your turn to head to your nearest Swee Lee store so you can try Neumann gear for yourself! Use this introduction to the brand as a launch point and make a list of their audio equipment that you would like in your own setup. Buy what feels right to you for the music you want to make.
Need a bit more info on exact Neumann gear? Head to our website first. While you’re there, be sure to follow us on our social media platforms. We’re constantly sharing tons of exciting new gear you might enjoy.
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