The M 149 is a universal studio microphone with tube electronics in the tradition of the legendary M 49, the large-diaphragm condenser microphone that raised the standard of audio recording in the 1950s and has shaped the sound of countless jazz and pop albums ever since. The M 149 continues in this tradition, augmenting the timeless fidelity of its predecessor with updated technology and improved performance specs.

The M 149 uses the same sound transducer as its famous predecessor, the classic K 47/49 large-diaphragm capsule, renowned for its supreme balance and unmatched presence. This delicate dual-diaphragm capsule is housed in a large, acoustically open head grille, which minimizes internal reflections. The capsule signal is then amplified by a subminiature triode tube, specially selected for lowest noise and optimal transmission characteristics. The final stage is a high-precision, ultralow distortion transformerless output stage, which preserves the full dynamics of the preceding tube circuit and is optimized for 21st-century signal chains. The M 149 offers higher sensitivity and much lower noise than vintage tube microphones. And thanks its current sensing technology, which ensures optimal operating conditions for the tube, and its low output impedance, the M 149 can drive long cable runs of up to 300 m without transmission losses. It was this innovative combination of classic tube technology with state of the art Neumann engineering which earned the M 149 a prestigious TEC Award in 1997.

The M 149 offers nine directional characteristics—omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-8, plus four intermediate positions—as well as a 7-position low cut (20Hz to 160Hz in half-octave steps). This flexibility along with an exceptionally low self-noise figure of only 13dB-A (cardioid mode) makes the M 149 a truly universal studio microphone for all applications. Not only is the M 149 a superb microphone for vocalists in any genre; unlike many other modern tube microphones, it is also an amazingly versatile microphone for a wide range of instruments, such as piano, acoustic and electric guitar, upright bass, percussion, drums overheads, as well as solo strings, brass and woodwind instruments. The M 149 is a premium microphone which will satisfy even the most demanding users.