Neumann Mics - best one straight into PT?

[Kon Alexiou]

OK here is a question for all of you Neumann mic users....

Which Neumann mic have you found works best for vocals, straight into PT interfaces such as Mbox/other with no external pre-amp?

I am asking this because I've always liked the sound of Neumann mics, but I'd like to hear about other people's experiences using them with PT....

By the way, I have a Pre-Sonus 'blue tube' valve pre-amp and I wonder if this would work better with a Neumann than the standard M-box pre? My signal path would be: Neuman mic > Presonus > Mbox (bypass Mbox pre).


Thanks in advance for your ideas and suggestions.

Kon.

[lwilliam]

U47s are the definitive vocal mic if you want to use a Neumann, although some people prefer U67s.

However, not too many people who own PTLE will want to spend $8-$10K on a U47 or $5-6K on a U67 in good condition....

I've been using a TLM103 for about five years with very good results. They're under a grand. U87's are also very good, but will cost closer to $3K.

[Phil Jeffers]

Of course, Neumanns are simply one of the best brands on the market -- hand made, German engineering, total quality control. beware though, there are a lot of very old U87's floating around though.

Definitely use the presonus pre over the M-Box's...

[paulmellors]

Thing is with mics is it's very personal. My idea is to buy good quality branded mics if offers come along and am gradually building a nice mic cupboard (over several years). I sort of trat it as quality mics are like money in the bank. Just be wary of the well used U87's there are lots out there, there are lots of superb little used examples too. Don't forget to budget for a shockmount (which mostly are not included), or the Enhanced Audio clamp is excellent and works on different mics.

I have 2 Neumann mics a TLM193 and (the latest purchase) an M149. Both are very different but the M149 has a real punch and the flexibility of the patterns is superb (if you need that). I've only had one session with it so far and it is a stunning thing

Paul