Neumann TLM 49

The Neumann TLM 49, a large diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone, is a great versatile microphone for almost any application. The TLM 49 uses the K47 capsule, which is also used in the M49 and the U47. The capsule provides a cardioid directional pattern with characteristics of a super cardioid, due to the special capsule construction. With a 34mm capsule diameter, following the example of the M49, high frequencies are more directional. When first purchased out of the box it was a legendary vocal microphone that very few could stand up to, so I did the exact opposite and recorded everything other than vocals to start. First off I recorded a guitar cab with mild distortion. The frequency curve on the microphone gave it a nice presence while having less bite than expected. Next I recorded a Epiphone EJ-200 placing the capsule towards the lower portion of the body pointing at the bridge. The sound was very warm with more presence in the mid range. I continued to test the TLM 49 over multiple instruments including a banjo, slide guitar, cello, violin, xylophone and a bass. A lot of these instruments would normally require two microphones to capture the full spectrum of the instrument, but the Neumann held up to the test. 
After testing every instrument I have available in the studio I had to bring in a vocalist and see this microphones true ability. I called in my friend Eliso who was excited to come and run some tests with me. From the very start there was that famous brilliant sound with amazing clarity. I have a locker of very well know vocal microphones and the Neumann blew most of them out of the water. It was the sound I was looking for which made all the difference to me. My signal path is a Universal Audio 710 Twin Finity pre amplifier running threw a Allen and Heath GL 2400 console converted by RME ADi8 interfaces. Overall the TLM49 is a superior microphone that comes with a superior price. For most places it sells for around $1600 US Dollars, which is a large sum for a single microphone. It may not be suitable for a most small home studios budgets, but it is always a good idea to have a Neumann in the locker. I rate this piece of gear a 5 out of 5 and would recommend it for professional vocal and instrumental recordings.