I Love The TLM49 
by Glen Ballard from U.S,, July 2008
Music Background:  songwriter/producer

It's amazing to me,how someone can put down the TLM49. I'm confused by the last reviewer who thinks the TLM49 is all hype and lokks. It's a great sounding mic on vocals. I own a U87 as well and I prefer the TLM 49 on vocals because of the tailored response on the low end. Neumann has tailored the sound by gradually lowering the output from 1 khz down to 20hz (below zero db). This makes the TLM49 shine on vocals without having to roll-off bass which can muddy up most vocals. I use both TLM49's and U87's through An Avalon VT-737 and the sound is pristine. Sometimes I wonder if some of the jealous competitors of Neumann (like RODE etc.) write these negative reviews.....

  Sorry Neumann... You can do better! 
by Michael Paul from Los Angeles, June 2008
Music Background:  Singer, Recordist, Engineer

I have used many new and vintage Neumann mics as both a singer and an engineer, and sadly this microphone did not perform as well as I had hoped. On vocals it was annoyingly harsh in the upper midrange, even when paired with my Telefunken 72. Even my TLM 103 sounded more pleasing than this mic and it is considerably less expensive. Don't beleive the hype. use your ears,--- and look past the name, and the cool look of this microphone.

  I've had... the time of my life, and I owe it all to you 
by Lucas Orion from San Francisco, CA, May 2008
Music Background:  Recording Engineer

several years ago after months of toiling about whether to invest in one really nice mic and having a bevy of low-end ones, I decided on the TLM 49 and haven't looked back since. On its own through the 002's onboard pre's and a/d (neither of which impress me) it sounds realistic, rich and full. But when you pair this beautiful piece of microphonery through a nice preamp, it shines (I'm running through a UA Solo 610). Almost too responsive, it picks up everything; I recorded a guitarist/vocalist with a backup vocalist and harmonica off mic and with just the one mic it sounds like you're in the room with the singer. I agree, those who complain about the sound either have a bad signal chain, no understanding of mic placement, or possibly a defective mic.

  According to me, a great mic 
by Valerio from Italy, March 2008
Music Background:  Classical Piano Degree, Home studio recording.

I don't have such a big experience about microphones, but when I changed by a 60$ Samson C01 to the TLM (auto-present for my graduation) I noticed an astonishing change in my tracks. I use a Yamaha 01V as preamp, and with this mic the voice sounds always loud, clear and at the top of the mix. If you want to make an investment for many years, this is definitely the right choice.

  I love this microphone 
by Daddy Kev from Los Angeles, CA USA, July 2007
Music Background:  Recording Engineer

I've been a recording professional for about 10 years. My mic locker includes a Shure SM7B, AKG C414, AKG SolidTube, and a few other cheapies (SM57, SM58, SM86, AKG Perception 200). I've also had extensive experience recording with a vintage Neumann U87. That said, I recently purchased the TLM 49 after reading it's many glowing reviews. For the first session, I was a bit skeptical, but was immediately convinced that this microphone is phenomenal. Since then, I've recorded 30 other vocalists with the TLM 49. All of them sound amazing. For those who say the mic sounds brittle, I think they have a bunk mic or a bad signal path.

  THIS IS A SUPER MIC FOR VOCAL TRACKS !!! 
by Chuck from Boston,Massachusetts, May 2007
Music Background:  Recording Engineer

I can tell you that the Neumann TLM 49 is one of the best vocal mics that I've tried. It's got a beautiful balance of highs,mids and just the right amount of bottom end. Neumann has created a microphone which is voiced perfectly for singers. Vocals sound up front without the boxiness and harshness found in other mics. The TLM 49 also sounds nice on acoustic guitar !!! This is a super microphone, get one !

  Neumann TLM49 
by Rick Gabler from Boulder, CO, January 2007
Music Background:  Songwriter, producer, studio engineer.. 40 years

Nice mic.. Ran it through a Neve 1073 for the crunchy vibe, and then through a Grace for the open sound. Sounded good through both.. Hated it the first day I got it. But with a little eq and experimentation, dialed it in. Clean, not too strong in the low-mid department, but really cuts through..We settled on a Rode K2 tube mic for our main vocal mic on this project though..

  STUNNING 
by JONNY. THE YARD PRODUCTION from LOS ANGELES, September 2006
Music Background:  RECORDING ENGINEER, PRODUCER

I've been through a selection of mics at my home studio and at major studios. This mic by far is in a class of its own with vocals. Pure, clean, upfront in the mix. It will make your vocalist stand back and say wow.

  This micrphone has become my new favorite. 
by Lester Abraham from Chicago, USA, June 2006
Music Background:  Sound Engineer, Mixer

It didn't take very long for this mic to become my absolute favorite, and I've only had it for a week. It has such a sweet detailed sound, and sounds fantastic on a variety of sources. If you're considering a new studio condenser mic this is THE ONE!

  A modern classic in the making. 
by Craig McPherson from New Jersey, June 2006
Music Background:  Recording Engineer, Mic collector

I am truly blown away by this microphone, and I own serveral modern Neumann mics and also a vintage Telefunken 251 (currently worth more than my car). The TLM 49 shines on just about everything I have tried it on. Full, warm, bottom end with glimmering highs. During A/B tests through my Neve board with the Telefunken and the TLM 49 using all Mogami cabling throughout the signal path, listeners in my studio chose the TLM 49 after I added a little EQ to make them tonally the same. The winner was clearly the TLM for vocals. I cannot praise Neumann enough for this mic. I truly believe this is a modern classic in the making.

  TLM 49 - GOLDEN MIC- AMAZING!!! 
by Jesse Michael Wilkinson from New York, June 2006
Music Background:  Producer, Studio Owner

This has to be the most awaited mic from Neumann in years. Rich, smooth, and sweet, it sounds like everything I dreamed of when I was hoping for years that Neumann would release a mic like this. The K47 Capsule in a transformerless design. Wow!!!!! You must own this mic. No doubt about it. By the way it also looks gorgeous, and if you own a studio like me, customers will love it.

  Thin hollow sound 
by J deans from ATL, GA, June 2006
Music Background:  Recording Engineer

Harsh sounding treble range with much to be desired in the mid-low registers. Definitely an impressive looking mic. not such an impressive sound...

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