Neumann Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Shootout | Vintage King 

The m49 was my favorite. Decided to look up how much one costs. Not my favorite anymore.

U87 and the U47 Fet sounded really warm on her voice!!

Wow, all these mics sound amazing! My favorites were probably the m49/149 and the TLM67. I usually prefer transformer coupled mics, but that one really stands out.

Thank you for this interesting comparison. Neumann Microphones tend to sound nasty in the midrange on loud voices. With these soft voices most microphones sounds good. For the hole picture a powerful part would be helpful! That's the weakness of modern Neumann microphones.

To me The u47 and the Vintage U67 are the better ones, however all of them sound very good. if I had the budget I'd get a vintage U47, it sounds a little fuller than the 67

Thank you for sharing this, very useful.

Praise the gearslutz for this

U47 Best Mic Warm Sound

Neumann is way better than the new TLM Sennheiser mics.

1:53 when i am dieing

1:16 1:37 2:20

U87ai for THIS chick U47 FET for THIS guy Just goes to show there isn't one mic for every job!

5:04 the music ? name pls is amazing

Женский вокал (female vocals) Мужской вокал ( male vocals) 1:12 TLM 102 5:04 TLM 102 1:33 TLM 103 5:17 TLM 103 1:54 TLM 49 5:30 TLM 49 2:16 M 149 5:43 M 149 2:37 Vintage M 49 5:55 Vintage M 49 2:58 U87Ai 6:08 U87Ai 3:18 U47 FET 6:21 U47 FET 3:40 TLM 67 6:33 TLM 67 4:01 Vintage U47 6:46 Vintage U47 4:22 U67 Reissue 6:59 U67 Reissue 4:44 Vintage U67 7:12 Vintage U67

It seems that you just have to buy a Neumann and you're already on the good side.

I bit the bullet and bought a tlm49 yesterday. I keep coming to this video to justify the price

Best sounding Neumann is the one you have

What’s really amazing is the consistency across 70 years of manufacturing.

She has amazing voice control, oh and mics sound good too.

1:33 TLM 103 2:57 U87 Ai

A room packed with every single microphone from my wildest dreams 😍😍😍😍😍

They all sounded rather similar. I noticed years ago, that in very dry acoustics, microphones tend to sound very similar.

Wow! Not seeing my comments on 149! To me that sounded incredible, even better than the 87. Love how it didn't boom out the breaths.

They all have something to offer. I was most impressed with the TLM102 and the TLM67 and both U67s. On every comparison video that I have watched with the TLM67 in it, that was my preferred mic. The TLM102 is a lower cost Neumann, but it really has something great about it too.

TLM 49 = my surprise favorite. Original u67 probably second.

What song is she singing?

That TLM 49 sounds amazing.

The tone richness from the Vintage U47 on the female vocals made me cry.

on male voice I only liked U47 followed by m149. All others have to much upper mid range that make his voice more nasal. on this particular female voice more mics work well, I liked the M49 for very thick and vintage vibe sound and the U47 for good character, but nothing annoying in it. TLM 67 surprised. A bit "disappointed" by U67. But it also depends on context/song. I owned or used most of them, compared to the Telefunken USA C12, U47 and Elam 251E I always preferred the TELE USA mics. Since the U67 reissue came out, I considered buying it, but now I know, I won´t. Fantastic shootout!

I honestly can't tell the difference.... but I don't have an ear for mics

Best overall: U47, followed by U67, 87i, TLM49, TLM 103, etc. Amazing the rel. cost/benefit of the 102.

For me, it was the Vintage U47 on the female vocal and the U67's on the male vocal! Surprised by the u47 FET tho

the guy vocalist said "Hey Vsauce! Michael here."

I think here the best mics were- female vocal- U87ai male- TLM102 and vintage M49

This was one of the best microphone shootouts on the internet. The U67 was my favorite, on these two vocalists. I own a U48 and two vintage U87s, but this makes me want to purchase that vintage U67!

It bums me out that I preferred the vintage U47 on the female singer. I was trying to block it, but I can't lie to myself. The FET really sounds good to me, but is missing something. It sounds compressed/processed/modern, which is desirable in a lot of cases, but thinner-bodied and again...missing a specialness to it. The iconic mics do have something that justifies their absurd price to a trained ear. There is a reason for their status. Reminds me of the Sony C-800G. To me, nothing else sounds like it. It was like watching 1080p video for years and then experiencing 4K. All of a sudden, 1080p wasn't sharp and detailed enough. Once I heard the Sony, I couldn't unhear it. Biggest mistake in my audio hobby. It's not like I could settle with the thought of, "Well, the cheaper/inspired mics are close." Close isn't enough if they lack the added vibe/dimension that makes recorded music extra special. Vanity aside, spending the thousands to get the one mic that sounds EXACTLY as one wants is the only way to that destination. God bless!

The problem with doing such a test, is that it doesnt really show which mike turnes out great in a mix. All sounding great at this stage, but it will change in mix.

the more pricy mic makes the more smooth, fascinating sound... I wish I could afford it.

I've been recording with my "Baby" TLM102 for over a year. Freakin love it. I'm trying to figure out how much I could sell a kidney for so I can land a U47....lol.

I couldn’t catch her last name I’ed like to buy her music I love her voice!

Vintage U67 won my heart; loved the open airy high frequencies of the U87 also.

Neumann U67 according to my eardrums frequencies and vibration.

My favs... U87 of course, its natural but still has some punch. The tlm 102 has a nice vocal upper mid punch and definition. But damn the vintage u47... It's the most well rounded and smooth in the right ways to me. Really not a bad mic in the bunch with the right processing but those 3 are my favorite as is. The Vintage U67 is also very nice on the male voice especially.

U47FET sounds great on a female vocal. Also the U67 and the reissue

What a horrible decision to have to make. The U47 makes everything sound special, particularly the female singer. Let's face it, it's not a practical mic in the same way a Ferrari isn't a practical car. We're not going to afford one unless we get contracts from Warner Music. But for the male vocal, I actually liked the edge the U67s gave his upper midrange. It gave him a little anger almost, a certain growl-- and that girl he's crooning about knows she's better off alone. It fit the song best and helped his soft-ish voice. The M149 is the real-world mic I'd probably choose to buy overall if I were recording singers exclusively and worked every day in the profession. I love the slight gloss on the top end without too much sparkle. It dances a fine line to perfection. But for an all-rounder I'd actually purchase? That's the U87 for me. It isn't the best mic in the bunch, but it does everything so well and it controls plosives and sibilance like nobody's business. It can do spoken word, female and male lead vocals, drums-- pretty much anything you can throw at it (except water. It doesn't like water.) It's a reasonable cost, and I wouldn't feel guilty leaving it in the mic stand overnight, or worry about leaving the tube on accidentally. The one thing this shootout makes clear: You can buy an M103 or a TLM49 and make an exceptional recording. If you didn't have these other options to choose from, both mics are deep enough, and high enough, without ever getting harsh.

I have owned and loved my TLM 103 since I purchased it in 2002. I always heard stories of the U87s and thought I needed to "Upgrade" one day... After listening I feel good about my choice. I would only purchase a U87 if I were to hit the lotto... I no longer feel like i'm missing out... The TLM 49 was my favorite. I heard a lot of room tone from the M149. Thank you!

Very impressed with the female singer, the way she says "hell" at the end of every shootout kills me. Also, am I crazy or did that TLM 102 sound way better than expected? I think I honestly preferred it to some of its more expensive counterparts. Loved the TLM67 and both the U67's as well. The U47 seems to have another dimension to its sound. Great video!

Great shootout. To me the vintage U47 and U67 sounded the best by quite a margin. The difference was actually a lot bigger than I expected.

I've never really thought about the M49 or the U47 fet before, but hearing them next to all of those mics was crazy. Liked them a lot. The u67 is still my favorite though. Nothing sounds hyped in the spectrum. Very clear and creamy.

Where it's possible to hear more about this female singer? Her voice are amazing!

102 sound better than 103 overall her voice has pictch corrections compression

I think the TLM 49 sounded good in this instance because it's well suited with the API preamp.

TLM 102, 49 or Vintage U47. They sound very easy to mix in a dense pop track.

Vintage U47 has that built in eq for voice that just works. Its just clear and present without being too bright. I love the U87ai too, for it's real clarity and truer flatness.

Vintage U47 Is so good followed by U87 Ai, I am also impressed by TLM 49 they all sounded so rich and full, TLM 102 is a pleasant entry level surprise, lacks the fullness slightly, but in the low and mids its there with the masters. TLM 103 was also smooth but the presence boost is a tiny bit unnecessary.

As you can see in the comments its all about taste , every Mic in this lineup is good and pleasing to the female vocal

tlm 49, U47 FET wow, but that little 102 is a beast

TLM 67 is the winner for quality and price

That vintage M49 definitely needs servicing. It sounds muddy and dull compared to the others. IMHO, nothing beats the presence and intimacy of the vintage U47 in the female vocals. It would be interesting to know if it had an original VF14 tube or a modern replacement installed. But the best all-rounder for me was the U67 re-issue. A jack of all trades of sorts. Finally, the best bang for the buck, the TLM103.

Amazing test environment with two great singers. The best test I ever heard in the internet.

The TLM102 is warmer than the TLM103.

the 102 is very impressive in this particular shootout. very forward with full low mids. and I own the tlm67, u67 , fet47 and u47........ (also had the tlm103 many years ago but sold it) guess maybe its time to buy some 102's

Wow, the TLM 67 would probably be my overall choice If I had to go with one. M149, U47 fet, & u67 reissue we’re all magical in there own way. I wonder how the TLM 70 & 193 would fair in this shootout?

Seen that pop filter so much what is it

For me the U67 had the biggest difference in clarity and smoothness. All great mics though.

TLM102 is the best 👍 💫 I will buy it Thanks for sharing 😊

Ive got an m149, have ordered a stereo pair of u87ai, and thinking of getting a u47fet. But that vintage u47, man! God damn, what a mic!

If someones looking for the song of the girl, its "North - Olivia Millerschin" it's one of the singer's songs.

She's rediculous singer. How does she make her voice glitch so controlled in the "up in MY head" phrase?

The vintage U67 is my favorite followed closely by the vintage M49. The new ones all sound amazingly good, but all have a slight "bite" to them. Whereas the vintage U67 and M49 sound realistically transparent.

Kind of wild that I like... barely heard a difference whatsoever on the female vocal. Some maybe ever so slightly darker than others for their voice, but I had to make sure I wasn't actually just TRYING to listen for it. Male vocal was a little bit more obvious. Mostly I think it might boil down to the super high range clarity, and bleed characteristic. Some are definitely better for the modern super-breathiness desired on pop vocals, and maybe some are better for the smoother, warmer sounds of past. But, as someone much younger and really just trying to dive into the nuances of gear way before my time, this has been extremely eye opening.

This was a very interesting mic compare.. I'm listening on high end system.. The female vocal was too weak to actually hear any real differences in the mics. My guess, it need more volume hitting it to hear the details. Not a good singer for comparisons... The male vocal was more pronounced so the differences were very apparent. I won't give you my favs as it's a personal thing. The last time I reviewed one of your mic videos, you got upset with my honesty. I'm only being honest.

I feel the two most similar on her voice are the TLM 102 and the vintage u67

Vintage u67 and TLM 49 stood out to me. The TLM 102 held its own and wins on bang for buck.

VINTAGE U47 IS AMAZING MAN! WOW U67 AS WELL AND HONESTLY IM GRABBING A TLM102 SOON JGST BECAUSE

DUDE! That Vintage M49 is sexy!!!

That tlm67 was very straight forward in its own weird way it had reallly good clarity to it most all of these mics asides from the Tlm seemed to be very warm the 67 has rich clarity

TLM 49 was really nice on Male Vocals. The Vintage u67 was nice on the female vocals!

TLM 149 sounds really good on the female vox.

thata a great video the differences betwen the mics are around 2% ... or less All sound good for me. NO need for drama

Vintage u47 clearly shines on both vocals. TLM49 was also ok for the lady.

Very informative shootout. They all sound so similar to me I'd tend toward getting the least expensive one unless I was trying to impress somebody. That said, after so many years using the M149, that's the sound, however slightly different it is, I expect and want to hear: clear yet smooth. The distortion on the female vocalist's line "UP in my head" is annoying on all of them.

J'adore le TLM 49 et le U67

из всех тестов которые я слышал Этот самый лучший на просторах ютуба .Спасибо вам за проделанную работу наверное целый день это делали

Vintage U47 made me feel like they both were right here with me. First time I've heard that mic. Nothing added, nothing lost. That's a microphone. M149 seemed really good at capturing atmosphere to hear the room they were in, which could be a blessing...or a curse.

TLM 49 for spoken voice and U87AI for singing are my picks.

Cant tell the difference but all of them sound amazing. Howard Stern brought me to these mics

Male - TLM 103 - sounds amazing. Also Vintage U47 and Vintage U67 not bad. Famale - TLM 49 amazing and M 149 also great.

Male: TLM 67 for sure

After using many different microphones along my 50-year musical Journey, I have the The Good Fortune to own a tlm-102, and u-87. I have tested the tlm-103 and I like it better than the 102. But the u-87 is just incredible for me and my voice. I can't speak too highly of the microphone and it's worth every penny, but it definitely needs a worthy preamp to realize it's remarkable depth and clarity with no harshness in the top end.

The TLM49 seems to be doing something nice, like taming harshness or something .. got me really impressed. It was a bit better than the TLM67. U87Ai just is smooth all the way and is a go to mic but for voice I would pick better. Of the vintage the U47 and the U67 sound mind blowing. The tubes all have that colour in the mids and high mids and could be in your arsenal if you are rich, but not the go to mic always. For me the TLM49 seems like a very good bet and at its selling price definintely much cheaper than the U87Ai and in fact does better for voice I reckon.

Great video! vintage U67 for me. It was interesting to hear it against the tube U47 and M49

What an amazing video, even though it's just a compressed audio transportition via youtube you can pick up on some tonal differences and it narrowed down my choice very easily in such little time. Having the exact same playing field (same setup other than the mic used) for so many classic choices was amazing, thanks a lot!

The sound treatment in the room sounds amazing that I can't really tell, Vintage M49 and U47 stand out to me though, more natural sounding.

I own vintage several M 49s and U 67s. Both models have served me well over the years. However the newer mics do have a very good sound to them. Probably will go out a get a few of the newer ones to add to the collection. Btw... what is the female singer's name and does she have a bio online?

I think the M 49 was my favorite

Anyone hear all the same? or just me?

The U47 fet has such a wonderful open and detailed top end which works well on both voices. Great presence and body. Truthfully, I wouldn't kick any of these mics out of my studio. Did/does Neumann make any 'bad' mics?

Vintage u67 easily sounded best on the female vocal

increible, increible el rendimiento que ofrece el tlm 102