Neumann M-50 V

At long last, Neumann has resumed production of the classic M 50. Neumann first introduced the M 50 in 1951. Although outwardly identical to its M 49 stablemate — which housed a large diaphragm and was the first studio microphone with a continuously variable polar pattern — the M 50 was built around a small-diaphragm capsule flush-mounted in a small sphere and yielded a fixed omnidirectional pickup pattern. Today, vintage M 50s are legendary and highly sought-after recording tools. If you were to find one in working condition for sale today (a tall order), it would command an astronomical price. Fortunately, for a fraction of that, you can now own a genuine Neumann M 50 V reissue, handcrafted in Germany to original specifications using archived documentation.

State-of-the-art vintage-spec reissue

The tolerances and build quality that go into today’s high-end microphones have come a long way since the 1950s. Cutting-edge technology and advanced materials science enable high-precision design and manufacturing unimaginable even a few decades ago. Accordingly, this M 50 V reissue incorporates reliable, state-of-the-art vintage-spec components and technical improvements throughout, such as its newly designed K 33 Ti capsule, which features a lightweight, durable titanium diaphragm, and its RF-proof connector design that resists electromagnetic interference from today’s Wi-Fi and mobile phone signals.

True to the original — with improvements

The original, trailblazing M 50 concept remains the same — a small diaphragm sitting flush-mounted in a 40mm acrylic sphere — resulting in an even response in the diffuse field and gradually boosted directivity at higher frequencies, which particularly lends itself to the capture of live orchestra performances and attendant concert hall ambience. The newly developed K 33 Ti capsule used in the M 50 V leverages the acoustical design of the original K 53 capsule, but benefits from modern build quality, as evidenced by the titanium used to handcraft its delicate diaphragm, which replaces the nickel or aluminum used in the original. The electronics remain true to the original design as well.