Neumann M 50 V SET

The Neumann M 50 V is back. With the M 50 V Set, Neumann resumes production of a microphone that has been the reference point for classical recordings, film scores and large ensembles since 1951. Not as a modern tribute, but as a reissue according to original specifications, built with documentation from the Neumann archive. The basics remain the same: a pressure transducer (pressure receiver) with a small membrane capsule mounted flush recessed in a 40 mm acrylic sphere. This design delivers an even response in the diffuse sound field and a directivity that gradually increases in the highs. As a result, the M 50 V combines a spacious, large image with precision in placement.

Each M 50 V is hand-built and soldered in Germany. The set is intended for engineers and studios seeking the sound and behavior of the original, with improvements needed in contemporary studios (RF protection and power supply).

What the M 50 V is used for
The M 50 V is seen mainly as a main microphone array in orchestral recordings: classical music, film and game scores, choir and large ensembles.
Typical setups are:

• Spaced omni: with two (or more) microphones
• Decca Tree: with three microphones in triangle

In addition, the M 50 V works as a piano mic, spot on strings/copper, percussion, and as a room mic in pop/rock (for example, with drums or ensemble).

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About Decca Tree
The Decca Tree is a recording setup worked out at Decca in the 1950s: three microphones in a triangle, placed above and slightly in front of the orchestra. The center microphone secures center image and depth; the two outer microphones provide width and placement. The stereo image is created by controlled time and level differences between the three positions. Why the M 50 fits this so well is in the behavior of the sphere concept: in the **low** the microphone remains **omnidirectional**, so foundation and room remain intact; in the high it gradually becomes more directional, giving additional focus on definition, onset and localization. The result is a large, stable image with clear instrument placement without the room "falling away.

Unique features of the sphere concept
The M 50 V uses a small membrane capsule that is flush-mounted in a 40 mm acrylic sphere. This gives even response in diffuse field (room/reflections remain balanced) and increasing directivity in the highs. This results in a frequency response with a smooth rise to the high, intended to compensate for high loss in the diffuse field. As a true "pressure transducer," the M 50 V also has strong low-end reproduction down to very low frequencies, with no proximity effect. This is an important reason why this microphone works so well as a main array in large rooms.

K 33 Ti capsule with titanium diaphragm
Inside the M 50 V is the K 33 Ti capsule. Acoustically, it matches the beloved historic K53 capsule, but with manufacturing and material choices appropriate for long-term use. Instead of nickel or aluminum, the diaphragm is titanium. Titanium is lightweight and mechanically stable, which helps with fast, accurate transient response, consistent behavior with temperature changes and stable matching over time.

Classic tube circuit + BV11 transformer
The M 50 V also stays true to the original electronically. The circuit is based on the latest historical revision and includes the large BV11 output transformer. Neumann deliberately opts for the classic structure here: this is the "original route, alongside more modern alternatives.'Because RF contamination from Wi-Fi and mobile networks has increased dramatically in studios, the M 50 V uses an RF-resistant connector derived from the historic broadcast version M 250, which is practical for large stages, orchestra boxes and venues with many wireless systems.

Yoke bracket: positioning without fuss, less contact noise
The M 50 is famous for the combination microphone + yoke bracket. The M 50 V Set features this iconic mount again, with additions that count in practice: elastic decoupling against rumble/structure and cable holder to reduce cable-related impact noise.

Brief history: from broadcast development to studio standard
The development of the M 50 came out of the broadcast world, with the goal of having two microphones as standards: a universal M 49 and a pressure receiver for critical applications in good acoustics: the M 50. Neumann produced M 49 and M 50 from 1951 to 1971. During that production period, tube types, transformer and circuitry changed (among other improvements in noise, sensitivity and interference resistance), and the RF version M 250 for broadcast also emerged. This explains why the M 50 V is based on the later revisions, but with contemporary RF requirements in the design.---

Neumann M 50 V features:

• reissue of the legendary M 50 to original specifications
• unique omnidirectional capsule, flush mounted in a **40 mm** sphere
• pressure receiver principle: low frequency reproduction without proximity effect
• directivity increases in the high for focus and placement
• classic tube circuit with BV11 output transformer
• RF resistant connector (broadcast specification) for modern environments
• NM V power supply with automatic mains voltage adjustment
• hand-made and hand-soldered in Germany
• matching when ordering two or more M 50 V microphones

Comes with:

• Neumann M 50 V tube microphone (omnidirectional)
• NM V Pattern Control Unit/power supply
• KC 5 cable (7-pin)
• MZ 49 A mount (yoke mount with decoupling)
• M 50 case
• quick guide
• safety guide

Neumann M 50 V specifications:

• acoustic principle: pressure transducer
• directional characteristic: omnidirectional
• frequency range: 20 Hz - 16 kHz
• sensitivity (1 kHz, 1 kOhm): 19 mV/Pa ≅ -34.5 dBV ± 1 dB
• nominal impedance: 200 ohms
• recommended load impedance: 1000 ohms
• signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted, ref. 94 dB SPL): 79 dB
• equivalent noise level (A-weighted): 15 dB-A
• max. SPL (0.5% THD): 118 dB SPL
• signal-to-noise ratio (CCIR, ref. 94 dB SPL): 67 dB
• equivalent noise level (CCIR): 27 dB
• maximum output voltage: -8 dBu
• power supply: NM V
• microphone jack: KC 5 cable (7-pin)
• power supply output: XLR 3 F
• weight of microphone": 800 gr.
• microphone dimensions: diameter: 80 mm, length: 163 mm
• Neumann article no.: 008729