Here's a link to high quality audio, recording settings, and some affiliate links. If you choose to use one of the affiliate links I earn a small fee and it costs you nothing extra. I use that income to fund the channel. If you don't want to use one of the links that's cool too. Have a great day. HQ Audio Of Video: podcastage.com/rev/u87vstlm49 Recording Settings Interface: Universal Audio X8 U87 Gain: 30dB (+2.7dB in Post) TLM49 Gain: 38dB (+2dB in Post) Conversion: 24-bit / 48khz Buy the Neumann U87 Ai Affiliate Link) Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/u87ai B&H Photo: bhpho.to/3XAwJP9 Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/276800?partner_id=23899 Amazon: geni.us/u87aikit Buy the Neumann TLM49 (Affiliate Link) Amazon: geni.us/tlm49 Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/tlm49 B&H Photo: bhpho.to/3zGwR7M Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/194633?partner_id=23899 Buy the Universal Audio X8 (Affiliate Link) Amazon: geni.us/uax8 Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8 B&H Photo: bhpho.to/4gALxGg Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/446926?partner_id=23899 As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Same. Seeing if I was the only one. Even listened on my Sennheiser HD600 headphones to see if it was my little computer speaker system. Even pointing out which was which I really can't hardly hear any difference.
Literally couldn’t tell the difference between the two with my eyes closed. Neumann all-around has an amazing sound and even though I’ve just got the 102 right now for my VO work, I have zero complaints about it, best mic I’ve gotten so far
They sound very similar! If only using for voice, the TLM 49 would be a good, lower cost alternative to the U87ai. Though for un amplified acoustic instruments the TLM 49 would also be fine. There seems to be a bit more top end in the 49. Very subtle though. I suspect it’s because the 49 is transformerless while the 87 has a transformer. That’s probably where the sizzle comes from in the 49. Without a transformer to tame high frequency transients. I like it more than the 103 which sounds too sizzley in the high end. To me anyway. Honestly there are other, much lower cost alternatives that still sound excellent.
I used an original, lovingly restored M49 to record Gloria Estefan live on stage singing the American Songbook with orchestra. It sounded heavenly but took a leap of faith to make work. She asked during rehearsal, and I said go for it. FOH was not happy. A U87 would have been far easier for them but that wasn’t a choice. Video wanted the look and it is a gorgeous piece of metal. It is a classic Neumann but ever so slightly hyped by comparison to the U47.
I always love the stories you share! Thank you so much for being such a fantastic resource and sharing these great experiences with all of us! You rule!
Wow, the original M49 was hyped in comparison to a U47? I'm kinda surprised to hear that. I ended up with an M49 clone (Flea, complete with NON-FUNCTIONAL jewel lamp LOL) because it was slightly LESS hyped than the Flea 47 (or the Wunder 47 clone). I've read there can lots of variation between vintage examples...anyway, interesting! I'm curious what made it hard to work with?
@@kbb149 I probably should have been more specific. Hyped is a big old messy word. I find the M49 to be high-mid forward in a way I do not find the U47 of the era or the modern U87, which is a point of reference for me as an “unhyped” vocal microphone. What that means to me is that the U87 sounds most like the person I put it in front of most of the time. Hope this helps.
@@kbb149 It presented difficulties for the FOH mixer. We placed its stand on a thick sheet of some non-transmissive mass damper that the owner carried with the mic. I urged FOH to take the HPF up to 175Hz or so to see what was really giving him trouble. He is a brilliant mixer and he was not happy with the sensitivity of the microphone to the rest of the band. That’s understandable but I answered to Gloria and felt it would be a missed opportunity to use a hypercardioid handheld for a show about “The Great American Songbook”. Aesthetically, it was absolutely solid. Sonically, it would require extra attention in post. I don’t regret my choice. FOH did a fantastic job under less than ideal circumstances
Really appreciate the video, man! I'm loving how the TLM 49 can also serve as a blunt force trauma weapon - thing is a damn brick lmao, definitely pulling the trigger and upgrading from the TLM 102.
Get progressive leasing. Long as you got a bank account longer than a year and got some income in it, you can get approved to buy any thing. You may first it approved for $1200. You get any item up to that much. Pay it off and your approval amount goes up.
The U87 is basically two microphones inside to get the selectable polar patterns. If the TLM49 had selectable patterns it would be about the same price or slightly more. My point, comparing price only matters if you only need cardioid.
Actually, the second capsule is there expressly to give it a cardioid choice. As it is in every cardioid condenser microphone. There is only a single amplifier.
Focus in on the high- and low-end frequency content. In the voice tests, you'll notice that microphone B has a darker tone to it then microphone A. They handle the top end a bit different. 🙂 Great video!
Loved it! Thx. They both have their place. The dip in the 49 at about 6K reveals the bump at 8-10k. The overall hump in 87 from 5 to10K seems to help mask the siblance we hear in the 49. The extra money? well, it's the added diaphragm and the multiple patterns along with the high pass filter may say why, but is it justified? All I can say is I've got 2 87s (not matched, unfortunately format value standpoint) in my studio and they never disappoint. I'll have to try the TLM 49. The acoustic guitar is fantastic on both I must say.
I have the U87 and recently the TLM49 after watching your review on it...I definitely can say that I prefer the TLM49 on your voice...In the U87 I just hear that unflattering midrange on it where I don't feel it in the TLM 49.
For the test, it was so hard to pick, they are so close to each other, I was able to pick the 49, simply as a voice over I own the 49, and it is my go to mic, I even like it more than the mkh 416.
Your videos are great sir and u have always helped me before pulling the trigger on a purchase thanks again for the videos have a great rest of your day sir, keep being great
For better or worse, the U87 just sounds like reality. The TLM and lots of other mics are great, and they sound like recordings; I can hear the microphone in-between the sound source and me. That's how I think about the choice. Do you want your raw audio to feel like the source itself, or do you want it to sound like a crafted and creative recording of the thing; I think both are really valuable. For me I preferred the U87 on everything except for the acoustic guitar and the vocals with music. The 49 gave the acoustic a sweet flavor, I felt I was listening to a purposeful recording that was crafted by the mic choice. For the dry vocals I liked the u87, but when the audio was mixed in I much preferred the tone and cut through of the TLM49.
@ Re my comment, most recordings I hear are not the U87. C12, Sony 800, U67 are more common. The U87 is an easy sound to like. Well balanced both tonally and dynamically, it is an easy sound to alter in any way I wish in post. The U47 has much more character and I will use it or the C12a on singing I don’t anticipate modifying a lot if it sounds right for the singer. Those have a built-in sound.
@ I know exactly what you mean and I agree. Another good example is that a snare, or a president speaking, or I think all the vocals on MJ’s Thriller, may sound odd if it Isn’t on an SM57. You can almost guarantee that mic is somewhere on 90% of music.
In every test I chose the U87... Listening with a great monitoring setup and especially in electric guitar comparision definitely the U87 is terrificly smooth and natural... M49 sounds like picking the sound from a boundary :/ Thanks for the video now I understand the prcie difference more...
I have a TLM49 and at least for my voice 3k stixks out like a sore thumb. if you EQ the bottom end, it becomes harsh to the point of burning your ears. doesn't take compression well without becoming harsh. So even though I own a TLM49, I use a AT4047 for everything. Need to try a u87 soon at some point.
I was able to pick them in the blind A/B pretty easily, but the 3x acoustic guitar mix @8:00 is most telling, imho. The 49 sounds very fast and nice, however the 87 conveys a more human, musical character. The TLM sounds mechanical and dry where the U87 is already closer to sounding "like a record" if only because we've heard it on 1,000s of records lol.
Great video, Bandrew! Much preferred the sibilance presentation on the 87, and the way you described the 49 as being a bit "gritty" up there is a great way to put it. All in all I agree, both sound awesome, but I also CAN hear why one of them is twice the price of the other, pedigree aside.
Preferred the U87 by a lot. That extra money shows itself in the smoothness alone. That transformer does wonders. Sure, the 149 sounds more exciting, but also quite a bit harsher. I bet the 149 would sound better if it didn’t have that weird cut in the treble. The frequency curve of the u87 can’t really be beat as an all around mic. Like buttah
My guess: Mic B has a little hollow spot in the sound likely the TLM49, also has a TOUCH more really high end (like over 10k). The mics are VERY close in sound and that difference isn't enough to worry about in just about any application. If you dont need polar patterns or pad/filter the TLM will get you that Neumann sound for half the price of the 87.
The 87 has very slightly less sibilance to my ears. The low mids are slightly clearer, if that makes sense. But its sooo minimal I could only hear it on my m50x's. The 87, even though I am not a fan, is worth the money, but so is the 49 in reality.. If I had the money I'd go for an 87, just because its a workhorse that'll last a century based upon how every studio in the world has at least one.
The apparent size differences of the Neumann microphones made me wonder: In general, are microphone handles mostly empty/air? Or is there vital stuff in there?
Wow! That 49 sounds so good! I think with a little eq you can make them indistinguishable from each other. Thank🙏you for helping me save about $2,000! 🎉 Keep up the great work man! 🤘
On the guitars, I completely agree with you. 49 for acoustic and 87 for electric. For singing, I could go either way. For spoken word, I preferred the 49. That's my two cents. So I only have another 169,998 more cents to go for the 49 and 359,998 to go for the 87. I'm not quitting my day job!
Just on spoken voice I guessed wrong but it was because I thought you had the M 149 rather than the TLM 49 haha. The second mic sounded drier and more neutral which I tend to assume is the more expensive one. So I got it right but with the wrong models!
I have a pretty nice audio set up with a dac/integrated amp/PSB Imagine mini speakers. The set up MSRP is around $2000 (not to flex) and I can't hear much of a difference in the A/B test.
Thanks for another great VS’s vid. To continue the study it would be nice to A/B both mics in a mix. Which one needed less processing ? Which one held its sound when tossed into the muck and mire of a cluttered mix ? I have checked out cheaper mics that sounded pretty good alone but once they get in context there were problems. As far as the shootout went my ear consistently picked the 87. It sounded more intimate and inviting somehow. Super close though. I’m sure I would happy with either one. I own and use Neumann 47fet, U67 , M49v and a pair of 170s . (The 170s are my most used. Not the sexiest but they do the job and sound fantastic)
Honestly, because transformerless has a clearer sound reproduction, it gave itself away in the blind test. Nevertheless, both sound great on everything. It's rare when eq'ing isn't in the equation of mixing, simultaneously they sound great dry. The price difference and switching patterns/fixed cardioid, it absolutely depends if those options are desired. Tone and character are incredibly close, other than the additional clarity of the TLM49 which honestly could work as a desert island mic.
After youtube's compression , 87 is still clearer and more detailed. The resolution is better on 87, decays are longer and feels spacious due to good treble registry. 49 feels dark , less detailed , veiled compared to the 87, air frequencies were not there. It was like they chopped of 20% of the sound in the 49. Watching this video on Nostalgia Audio Camelot with Lancelot + RoseTechnics RT5000, so in this configuration 87 is a clear winner by far
Hello Neumann! 😂Thanks again for a great comparison video... Personally, I really loved the sound of the TLM49 overall. With the exception of the guitar solos and perhaps the vocal. The guitar solos really punched through the mix with the U87. Vocals I could go either way depending on the style of music. On your voice, I really do prefer the U87 - the vocal has wonderful clarity without nasality & harshness. Smooth is the term you used and I think it's appropriate. But the TLM49 has a bit of warmth I really like. Again, thanks for a great comparison.
I prefer TLM49. I feel more air on TLM. But both are natural enough no complain at all. I can't realize which microphone is if I hear not exact same source.
At first I was seduced by the extra HF sizzle but then thought, that sounds like LDC characteristics, so then I thought the less bright mic might be the 87. If it was (first and foremost) my money and my project and my recording, it would be the 49 because it's so close. Otherwise I'd hire an 87. Really interesting back to back comparison!
I honestly could not tell the difference in sound! The TLM 49 seems like a sleeper being that everyone focuses on the TLM 103 or u87. I believe the TLM49 would be great for those who want the Neumann sound for specifically home studio purposes; with it being a cardioid only mic, it seems perfect for vocals. For bands, professional studios, instruments, etc., the u87 would make more sense.
I liked B on all test in the second set of examples and that is simply because the bass was better. Maybe its just my ears but I loved bass and highs better in the 49
The U87ai sounded more full and natural, while the 49 could cut through a mix slightly more efficiently pre-EQ because of the top end. That said the 49 sounds a bit less natural bc of that slightly hyped top end, but it's so subtle that it certainly doesn't sound cheap the way many modern "affordable" condensers boost those frequencies. My pick is the 87 but neither is a bad choice at all.
The 49 has a tiny bit more bite to it but the two mics are so close this is only noticeable on some words or parts of them. This is somewhat more apparent on the guitar demos but still it's rather slight. $2000 more is a lot of cash for a tiny bit smoother sound of the 87 if that happens to be your preference but you do get the multiple patterns so that's something I suppose. Mic placement, the room, and the performance would all account for much bigger differences in sound than the mics themselves. I think you would find more of a difference comparing a vintage 87i than between these two mics.
Quite different! Most of Lewitt mics have pronounced upper frequencies. It depends on the purpose for which you choose to use the mic. TLM49 will be significantly superior than LCT 440 for vocals including voiceovers. If you are seeking cheaper option, then Shure KSM32 is an alternative to TLM49. Lewit mics aren’t bad, some are awesome. If you are looking for TLM49 sound, LCT 440 is really different. Universal Audio SC-1 is also interesting Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone, which can provide TLM49/U87 style sound with Hemisphere plugin. But my opinion was only from voiceover perspective.
I have a 1073 as well as both of these mics. IMO, they both serve a purpose. The 87ai, is more natural/neutral and accurate to source sounding. While the 49 has what I would consider a more "enhanced" bass/mid response with a perceived slightly added "grit". As far as respective purposes go while running them through a 73 for recording vocals only, I would say I use the 87 to obtain an organic, smooth and dare I say "polished" sounding vocal take, I use the 49 to obtain an analog, hefty and "warm" (please forgive me, I promise that's not an often used word in my regular vernacular} sounding vocal. For example, about 2 years back I was working with a female singer who utilized a very breathy, jazzy, lounge-esque style of singing. She mostly sang in head voice and falsetto, think thin and smokey. All vocals were recorded through the u87ai into the neve 1073. Isolated, the vocals sounded "ready for radio" but once the instruments were unmuted, the vocals could not compete. They sounded too "delicate" in the dense mix and arrangement consisting of 808's, synths, drums, vocal stabs and electric guitars. I must've attempted 15 different vocal mixes using 100 different approaches but nothing i did was adding "impact" to the overall vocal sound. The results were way over-engineered soft sounding jazz vocals over heavy electro pop. Then I remembered a random indie-jazz session I got hired for back in 2011 for a singer with a very similar vocal style, The main mic that studio was using was the 49 going into what I think was either a Focusrite Red 1 or a Focusrite ISA pre and at that time i had zero experience with that mic and then I remembered how full sounding with extremely low effort the vocals were sounding. We just recorded a single centered lead on the verses with a doubled chorus and 2 part harmony and the vocals sat right on top of the mix beautifully. So with that in mind, I jumped right on ebay to pick up a used 49 in a last ditch effort to retrack the vocals to save this song, found one in excellent condition for $800, got it, called the singer back in, retracked all the vocals with the 49, removed 60% of the processing plugins that were on there, adjusted the eq and the song was sonically exactly where we wanted it to be. Bottom line is both mics sound fantastic through the 73. They're both full of detail and both have their "color" and purpose/vibe. Sorry for the long winded reply, I really hope this helps!
@@arveles.production the 49 is great for rap/drill. I always break it out for those sessions where I need that raw and in your face yet articulate vocal sound. Especially when paired with the 1073. But if I’m cutting rap vocals for a more commercial pop-trap oriented song, I’m using the 87 all day.
The two were almost indistinguishable, but the 49 had ever so slightly more warmth and bottom than the 87. Also, while I never use figure 8 or omni polar patterns, I do prefer it when my mics have an hp filter on them for a bit more flexibility. Finally, I really enjoyed the musical riff. If you put a strong backbeat on it, and cleaned up the vocal a bit, you might be on to something there! 😳
Damn! I actually chose B each time. And I actually think you sound great on the TLM 49. That is interesting. So apparently....based on this video...the TLM 49 seems to be a smidge brighter than the U87. I would have thought it would be the other way around. Either way both sound great on you though
@@Dracomies I think it’s a mix of the less dominant lowend, the less exaggerated mid boost, and I hear a bit more extension into the air compared to the 87.
Without the Mic A and Mic B, i would struggle to tell them apart, but I do think I like the Mic B audio slightly more. B just has a slightly more pleasant warm sound to me, but just barely in my opinion. I think B might be U87. Edit: for the vocals and acoustic, I prefered the TLM49.
On studio monitors, on both the acoustic and electric guitars, it seems like the U87 sounded fuller in the lows than the TLM49. But the TLM49 sounds overall better on your voice.
Which, for music, you obviously want to capture lows for certain voices, but a lot of the time those lows fight with other things in the mix and generally get high-pass filtered out anyway.
I use a 49 for VO and absolutely love it. I don’t like the u87ai. At all. Way overpriced and overhyped. I could tell immediately which was which in your vocal A/B. Thanks for the thorough comparison!
I own a TLM49, so I am certainly familiar with it's sonic character, and I have used 87's plenty of times, though never owned one. I could hear the difference each time, but to be more specific, I actually PREFERRED the TLM49 in your clips, especially on vocals. It's a liiiiittle brighter, and has a little more character (which you described as grit). Neumann claims the TLM49 is supposed to have a "tube emulation circuit", which I think is what we're hearing. It's very tailored to vocals. When solo'd, the U87's transformer output definitely gives it a slightly beefier bottom and smoother top. It's a very versatile mic obviously, because other than it having a great "forward" sound, it isn't particularly characterful, but obviously very easy to mix and manipulate. It was quite striking how close they really are, of course considering the price difference. In all honesty, the U87 retail price is way too high. Of course it has a couple extra features, but it's a great mic that should probably be about $2500. The TLM was probably only about 5-10% different, and not necessarily worse- in fact, you could say certain characteristics are better on certain situations. I've heard that running the TLM49 through a nice tube or transformer preamp is heavenly, and I'd love to get the chance to try that sometime. That would certainly give it a little more of that beefiness, but it would still have that clear open top end.
49 has more bump in full bass out of box. Compare the 49 with u47 fet. Would love to hear some of these mics in live jam session, with drummer....call it a One mic jam session, to see what these mics can produce in stand alone.
Is Rode pressuring you to review the RodeCastor video? I'm assuming they sent one out to you. Their passing out all the big checks to all the other TH-camrs right now.
They both sound great...the TLM49 has a little less top as expected, being modeled after the M49. Having a U87ai and Flea 49...yet another (tube) clone of M49, the TLM49 doesn't sound anything like (I think) an M49 sounds like. The TLM49 sounds more akin to the TLM193 (also a fantastic mic and far more reasonably priced than an 87).
Thanks @Podcastage. Love your reviews. They have cost me tons of money...! :-) I hear no difference on my 500 EUR studio headsets. Disclaimer: I own both of the mics and I bought the TLM49 just for the vintage look. Still love it for that!!
So, I guess that the TLM49 is Mic A, U87 is Mic B - mainly because I like the warmer tone of the TLM49 and it felt warmer to me. Also, yes, I laugh every time you say 'Hello, Neumann!"
Yeah, not enough of a difference to choose. Both sound gorgeous. I guess if you have more space than money, get the TLM49, if you have more money than space, U87 🤷♂
Here's a link to high quality audio, recording settings, and some affiliate links. If you choose to use one of the affiliate links I earn a small fee and it costs you nothing extra. I use that income to fund the channel. If you don't want to use one of the links that's cool too. Have a great day.
HQ Audio Of Video: podcastage.com/rev/u87vstlm49
Recording Settings
Interface: Universal Audio X8
U87 Gain: 30dB (+2.7dB in Post)
TLM49 Gain: 38dB (+2dB in Post)
Conversion: 24-bit / 48khz
Buy the Neumann U87 Ai Affiliate Link)
Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/u87ai
B&H Photo: bhpho.to/3XAwJP9
Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/276800?partner_id=23899
Amazon: geni.us/u87aikit
Buy the Neumann TLM49 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/tlm49
Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/tlm49
B&H Photo: bhpho.to/3zGwR7M
Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/194633?partner_id=23899
Buy the Universal Audio X8 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/uax8
Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8
B&H Photo: bhpho.to/4gALxGg
Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/446926?partner_id=23899
As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hey am tryna find a mic under 500 that has a nice low and mid and the topend is not too crazy
I don't think I could reliably pick the two out if you didn't specifically tell me you had switched. Truly that close.
I agree
Same. Seeing if I was the only one. Even listened on my Sennheiser HD600 headphones to see if it was my little computer speaker system. Even pointing out which was which I really can't hardly hear any difference.
At least for this one, glad it wasn't just me. I had to switch up headphones recently and haven't fully gotten used to these yet.
Literally couldn’t tell the difference between the two with my eyes closed. Neumann all-around has an amazing sound and even though I’ve just got the 102 right now for my VO work, I have zero complaints about it, best mic I’ve gotten so far
Danke!
Thank you so much Rainer! The support truly means so much! I appreciate you kind sir.
They sound very similar! If only using for voice, the TLM 49 would be a good, lower cost alternative to the U87ai. Though for un amplified acoustic instruments the TLM 49 would also be fine.
There seems to be a bit more top end in the 49. Very subtle though. I suspect it’s because the 49 is transformerless while the 87 has a transformer. That’s probably where the sizzle comes from in the 49. Without a transformer to tame high frequency transients. I like it more than the 103 which sounds too sizzley in the high end. To me anyway.
Honestly there are other, much lower cost alternatives that still sound excellent.
I used an original, lovingly restored M49 to record Gloria Estefan live on stage singing the American Songbook with orchestra. It sounded heavenly but took a leap of faith to make work. She asked during rehearsal, and I said go for it. FOH was not happy. A U87 would have been far easier for them but that wasn’t a choice. Video wanted the look and it is a gorgeous piece of metal.
It is a classic Neumann but ever so slightly hyped by comparison to the U47.
I always love the stories you share! Thank you so much for being such a fantastic resource and sharing these great experiences with all of us! You rule!
@@Podcastage I’m a fan of yours.
Wow, the original M49 was hyped in comparison to a U47? I'm kinda surprised to hear that. I ended up with an M49 clone (Flea, complete with NON-FUNCTIONAL jewel lamp LOL) because it was slightly LESS hyped than the Flea 47 (or the Wunder 47 clone). I've read there can lots of variation between vintage examples...anyway, interesting! I'm curious what made it hard to work with?
@@kbb149 I probably should have been more specific. Hyped is a big old messy word. I find the M49 to be high-mid forward in a way I do not find the U47 of the era or the modern U87, which is a point of reference for me as an “unhyped” vocal microphone. What that means to me is that the U87 sounds most like the person I put it in front of most of the time. Hope this helps.
@@kbb149 It presented difficulties for the FOH mixer. We placed its stand on a thick sheet of some non-transmissive mass damper that the owner carried with the mic. I urged FOH to take the HPF up to 175Hz or so to see what was really giving him trouble. He is a brilliant mixer and he was not happy with the sensitivity of the microphone to the rest of the band. That’s understandable but I answered to Gloria and felt it would be a missed opportunity to use a hypercardioid handheld for a show about “The Great American Songbook”. Aesthetically, it was absolutely solid. Sonically, it would require extra attention in post. I don’t regret my choice. FOH did a fantastic job under less than ideal circumstances
Really appreciate the video, man! I'm loving how the TLM 49 can also serve as a blunt force trauma weapon - thing is a damn brick lmao, definitely pulling the trigger and upgrading from the TLM 102.
Always loved both microphones but have even more respect for the TLM49 now after this video. Truly a great microphone
The expensive one most of us will probably never afford vs the really expensive one most of us will definitely never afford.
Get progressive leasing. Long as you got a bank account longer than a year and got some income in it, you can get approved to buy any thing. You may first it approved for $1200. You get any item up to that much. Pay it off and your approval amount goes up.
@ my rent is too high, my woman is too greedy.
The U87 is basically two microphones inside to get the selectable polar patterns. If the TLM49 had selectable patterns it would be about the same price or slightly more. My point, comparing price only matters if you only need cardioid.
Actually, the second capsule is there expressly to give it a cardioid choice. As it is in every cardioid condenser microphone. There is only a single amplifier.
The U87 has also a transformer inside. That part is the most expensive after the capsule
@@peterpeper4837 The transformer is not an expensive part. The stand adapter costs more than the transformer.
@@artysanmobile Maybe the chinese ones
@@artysanmobile you can not have with one capsule omni and figure 8
Focus in on the high- and low-end frequency content. In the voice tests, you'll notice that microphone B has a darker tone to it then microphone A. They handle the top end a bit different. 🙂 Great video!
Loved it! Thx. They both have their place. The dip in the 49 at about 6K reveals the bump at 8-10k. The overall hump in 87 from 5 to10K seems to help mask the siblance we hear in the 49. The extra money? well, it's the added diaphragm and the multiple patterns along with the high pass filter may say why, but is it justified? All I can say is I've got 2 87s (not matched, unfortunately format value standpoint) in my studio and they never disappoint. I'll have to try the TLM 49. The acoustic guitar is fantastic on both I must say.
I have the U87 and recently the TLM49 after watching your review on it...I definitely can say that I prefer the TLM49 on your voice...In the U87 I just hear that unflattering midrange on it where I don't feel it in the TLM 49.
that unflattering midrange is definitely a u87 for u and the same goes for the 67
i feel the same tbh
For the test, it was so hard to pick, they are so close to each other, I was able to pick the 49, simply as a voice over I own the 49, and it is my go to mic, I even like it more than the mkh 416.
Your videos are great sir and u have always helped me before pulling the trigger on a purchase thanks again for the videos have a great rest of your day sir, keep being great
I'm glad you find the videos helpful. I appreciate the kind words!
@Podcastage yes sir we all appreciate you sir 🙏🏼
For better or worse, the U87 just sounds like reality. The TLM and lots of other mics are great, and they sound like recordings; I can hear the microphone in-between the sound source and me. That's how I think about the choice. Do you want your raw audio to feel like the source itself, or do you want it to sound like a crafted and creative recording of the thing; I think both are really valuable. For me I preferred the U87 on everything except for the acoustic guitar and the vocals with music. The 49 gave the acoustic a sweet flavor, I felt I was listening to a purposeful recording that was crafted by the mic choice. For the dry vocals I liked the u87, but when the audio was mixed in I much preferred the tone and cut through of the TLM49.
well put! exactly why I use the U87
@@richpence Well said. I use it by default for that very reason. I usually end up mixing my work and a U87 vocal is so easily mixed.
I think this is probably because we are so used to listen to U87 recordings, because it is the "default mic".
@ Re my comment, most recordings I hear are not the U87. C12, Sony 800, U67 are more common. The U87 is an easy sound to like. Well balanced both tonally and dynamically, it is an easy sound to alter in any way I wish in post. The U47 has much more character and I will use it or the C12a on singing I don’t anticipate modifying a lot if it sounds right for the singer. Those have a built-in sound.
@ I know exactly what you mean and I agree. Another good example is that a snare, or a president speaking, or I think all the vocals on MJ’s Thriller, may sound odd if it Isn’t on an SM57. You can almost guarantee that mic is somewhere on 90% of music.
In every test I chose the U87... Listening with a great monitoring setup and especially in electric guitar comparision definitely the U87 is terrificly smooth and natural... M49 sounds like picking the sound from a boundary :/ Thanks for the video now I understand the prcie difference more...
On the spoken words test I don't ear difference.
While on the music test I prefer B because is less crip and a bit tone down.
I have a TLM49 and at least for my voice 3k stixks out like a sore thumb. if you EQ the bottom end, it becomes harsh to the point of burning your ears.
doesn't take compression well without becoming harsh.
So even though I own a TLM49, I use a AT4047 for everything.
Need to try a u87 soon at some point.
welcome back my friend
I was able to pick them in the blind A/B pretty easily, but the 3x acoustic guitar mix @8:00 is most telling, imho. The 49 sounds very fast and nice, however the 87 conveys a more human, musical character. The TLM sounds mechanical and dry where the U87 is already closer to sounding "like a record" if only because we've heard it on 1,000s of records lol.
U87 by a fraction. Slightly more crisp. Either way you couldn't go wrong. Great video mate.
I think at least for your voice the TLM49 objectively is better. More good. flattering. More warm. More balanced mids. Pleasant-er. Nicer.
Tlm49 sounds more sweet and musical to my ears.
Great video, Bandrew! Much preferred the sibilance presentation on the 87, and the way you described the 49 as being a bit "gritty" up there is a great way to put it. All in all I agree, both sound awesome, but I also CAN hear why one of them is twice the price of the other, pedigree aside.
Oh i love this versus format. Hell yeah
I preferred the nuemann on spoken word . But that nuemann on acoustic guitar ! Incredible
I disagree, by mile preferred that neumann on spoken word and the neumann on acoustic.
@@cristopherjohansson1323 hahahahhahaha
You guys are both crazy… The Neumann definitely takes the cake here.
@@AllDayTrue I’m very upset by these disagreements !!
@@AllDayTrue Are you even listening? The Neumann sounds like shit compared! I hope you're not listening on laptop speakers.
Lets do a tlm 49 vs tlm 103 since they are more similarly priced.
It’s done already.
Paused at 2:00... My guess is that Mic B is the U87, and I liked that one a tiny tiny bit more (through bt earbuds via youtube)
Oh yay, I made a very expensive preference.
Preferred the U87 by a lot. That extra money shows itself in the smoothness alone. That transformer does wonders. Sure, the 149 sounds more exciting, but also quite a bit harsher. I bet the 149 would sound better if it didn’t have that weird cut in the treble. The frequency curve of the u87 can’t really be beat as an all around mic. Like buttah
I was always wondering who would win the vocal race between these two microphones, now there is a classic compedant u87ai.
7:50 How we supposed to focus on the mic difference if the performance is straight 🔥🔥🔥
It's almost like performance is more important than gear
@@fredoverflow Wish I learned this earlier, and that the gear bug never bit me again.
My guess: Mic B has a little hollow spot in the sound likely the TLM49, also has a TOUCH more really high end (like over 10k). The mics are VERY close in sound and that difference isn't enough to worry about in just about any application. If you dont need polar patterns or pad/filter the TLM will get you that Neumann sound for half the price of the 87.
The 87 has very slightly less sibilance to my ears. The low mids are slightly clearer, if that makes sense. But its sooo minimal I could only hear it on my m50x's. The 87, even though I am not a fan, is worth the money, but so is the 49 in reality.. If I had the money I'd go for an 87, just because its a workhorse that'll last a century based upon how every studio in the world has at least one.
The apparent size differences of the Neumann microphones made me wonder:
In general, are microphone handles mostly empty/air? Or is there vital stuff in there?
Wow! That 49 sounds so good!
I think with a little eq you can make them indistinguishable from each other.
Thank🙏you for helping me save about $2,000! 🎉
Keep up the great work man! 🤘
1:58 Mic A is the TLM49… Mic B is the U87… ?
On the guitars, I completely agree with you. 49 for acoustic and 87 for electric. For singing, I could go either way. For spoken word, I preferred the 49. That's my two cents. So I only have another 169,998 more cents to go for the 49 and 359,998 to go for the 87. I'm not quitting my day job!
Just on spoken voice I guessed wrong but it was because I thought you had the M 149 rather than the TLM 49 haha. The second mic sounded drier and more neutral which I tend to assume is the more expensive one. So I got it right but with the wrong models!
Double "Hello Neumann" video! Today is a good day❤
I have a pretty nice audio set up with a dac/integrated amp/PSB Imagine mini speakers. The set up MSRP is around $2000 (not to flex) and I can't hear much of a difference in the A/B test.
At first impression I thought B is U87 ( preferred for tor voice in this comparison).
Really cool electric guitar part and chord progression sir!
A very slight difference.
I think Microphone B is warm and more suitable for voice-over than Microphone A.
Thanks for another great VS’s vid. To continue the study it would be nice to A/B both mics in a mix. Which one needed less processing ? Which one held its sound when tossed into the muck and mire of a cluttered mix ? I have checked out cheaper mics that sounded pretty good alone but once they get in context there were problems. As far as the shootout went my ear consistently picked the 87. It sounded more intimate and inviting somehow. Super close though. I’m sure I would happy with either one. I own and use Neumann 47fet, U67 , M49v and a pair of 170s . (The 170s are my most used. Not the sexiest but they do the job and sound fantastic)
Honestly, because transformerless has a clearer sound reproduction, it gave itself away in the blind test. Nevertheless, both sound great on everything. It's rare when eq'ing isn't in the equation of mixing, simultaneously they sound great dry. The price difference and switching patterns/fixed cardioid, it absolutely depends if those options are desired. Tone and character are incredibly close, other than the additional clarity of the TLM49 which honestly could work as a desert island mic.
After youtube's compression , 87 is still clearer and more detailed. The resolution is better on 87, decays are longer and feels spacious due to good treble registry. 49 feels dark , less detailed , veiled compared to the 87, air frequencies were not there. It was like they chopped of 20% of the sound in the 49.
Watching this video on Nostalgia Audio Camelot with Lancelot + RoseTechnics RT5000, so in this configuration 87 is a clear winner by far
The U87 high-end is just a little smoother. Both are really close, though.
Hello Neumann! 😂Thanks again for a great comparison video...
Personally, I really loved the sound of the TLM49 overall. With the exception of the guitar solos and perhaps the vocal.
The guitar solos really punched through the mix with the U87. Vocals I could go either way depending on the style of music.
On your voice, I really do prefer the U87 - the vocal has wonderful clarity without nasality & harshness. Smooth is the term you used and I think it's appropriate.
But the TLM49 has a bit of warmth I really like. Again, thanks for a great comparison.
I prefer TLM49. I feel more air on TLM. But both are natural enough no complain at all. I can't realize which microphone is if I hear not exact same source.
Yay, versun series!
Can you do a review of the 3U audio mics, such as GZ47 Fet with K47 capsule? Thanks!
At first I was seduced by the extra HF sizzle but then thought, that sounds like LDC characteristics, so then I thought the less bright mic might be the 87. If it was (first and foremost) my money and my project and my recording, it would be the 49 because it's so close. Otherwise I'd hire an 87. Really interesting back to back comparison!
Came here from your short where you compared A and B but didn’t give the answer. I liked B better. I had a suspicion it was the u87.
I honestly could not tell the difference in sound! The TLM 49 seems like a sleeper being that everyone focuses on the TLM 103 or u87.
I believe the TLM49 would be great for those who want the Neumann sound for specifically home studio purposes; with it being a cardioid only mic, it seems perfect for vocals. For bands, professional studios, instruments, etc., the u87 would make more sense.
You're good at quirky chord progressions. You should make some quirky chord grunge 😁👍
TLM49 Squad in the house.
I love some of the weird chord progressions you come up with.
I liked B on all test in the second set of examples and that is simply because the bass was better. Maybe its just my ears but I loved bass and highs better in the 49
I thought the A was the U87, while I have the TLM 49, but it's the A that I prefer, I was wrong on this one
The U87ai sounded more full and natural, while the 49 could cut through a mix slightly more efficiently pre-EQ because of the top end. That said the 49 sounds a bit less natural bc of that slightly hyped top end, but it's so subtle that it certainly doesn't sound cheap the way many modern "affordable" condensers boost those frequencies. My pick is the 87 but neither is a bad choice at all.
The 49 has a tiny bit more bite to it but the two mics are so close this is only noticeable on some words or parts of them. This is somewhat more apparent on the guitar demos but still it's rather slight. $2000 more is a lot of cash for a tiny bit smoother sound of the 87 if that happens to be your preference but you do get the multiple patterns so that's something I suppose.
Mic placement, the room, and the performance would all account for much bigger differences in sound than the mics themselves. I think you would find more of a difference comparing a vintage 87i than between these two mics.
A - TLM49, B - U87; my guess because A sounds a bit sharper, with more sibilances, B is smoother and not so sharp. So, let see if I'm right :)
hmmm now I want (need?) to know how the TLM49 compares to the LCT440...
Quite different! Most of Lewitt mics have pronounced upper frequencies. It depends on the purpose for which you choose to use the mic. TLM49 will be significantly superior than LCT 440 for vocals including voiceovers. If you are seeking cheaper option, then Shure KSM32 is an alternative to TLM49. Lewit mics aren’t bad, some are awesome. If you are looking for TLM49 sound, LCT 440 is really different. Universal Audio SC-1 is also interesting Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone, which can provide TLM49/U87 style sound with Hemisphere plugin. But my opinion was only from voiceover perspective.
You can also check UA Bock 187, which is probably the most closes to U87, but lower price.
So if you were using a 1073 preamp, would you go with the u87ai or the tlm49?
I have a 1073 as well as both of these mics. IMO, they both serve a purpose. The 87ai, is more natural/neutral and accurate to source sounding. While the 49 has what I would consider a more "enhanced" bass/mid response with a perceived slightly added "grit". As far as respective purposes go while running them through a 73 for recording vocals only, I would say I use the 87 to obtain an organic, smooth and dare I say "polished" sounding vocal take, I use the 49 to obtain an analog, hefty and "warm" (please forgive me, I promise that's not an often used word in my regular vernacular} sounding vocal. For example, about 2 years back I was working with a female singer who utilized a very breathy, jazzy, lounge-esque style of singing. She mostly sang in head voice and falsetto, think thin and smokey. All vocals were recorded through the u87ai into the neve 1073. Isolated, the vocals sounded "ready for radio" but once the instruments were unmuted, the vocals could not compete. They sounded too "delicate" in the dense mix and arrangement consisting of 808's, synths, drums, vocal stabs and electric guitars. I must've attempted 15 different vocal mixes using 100 different approaches but nothing i did was adding "impact" to the overall vocal sound. The results were way over-engineered soft sounding jazz vocals over heavy electro pop. Then I remembered a random indie-jazz session I got hired for back in 2011 for a singer with a very similar vocal style, The main mic that studio was using was the 49 going into what I think was either a Focusrite Red 1 or a Focusrite ISA pre and at that time i had zero experience with that mic and then I remembered how full sounding with extremely low effort the vocals were sounding. We just recorded a single centered lead on the verses with a doubled chorus and 2 part harmony and the vocals sat right on top of the mix beautifully. So with that in mind, I jumped right on ebay to pick up a used 49 in a last ditch effort to retrack the vocals to save this song, found one in excellent condition for $800, got it, called the singer back in, retracked all the vocals with the 49, removed 60% of the processing plugins that were on there, adjusted the eq and the song was sonically exactly where we wanted it to be. Bottom line is both mics sound fantastic through the 73. They're both full of detail and both have their "color" and purpose/vibe. Sorry for the long winded reply, I really hope this helps!
@@funfactproducer7479 We generally record in hip-hop, rap and UK drill style, very rarely we record with instruments, but the emphasis is on hip-hop.
@@arveles.production the 49 is great for rap/drill. I always break it out for those sessions where I need that raw and in your face yet articulate vocal sound. Especially when paired with the 1073. But if I’m cutting rap vocals for a more commercial pop-trap oriented song, I’m using the 87 all day.
I switched to Russian N evaton microphones, it is interesting to compare the Neumann and Nevaton line. For example, Neumann 87 and Nevaton 416.
The two were almost indistinguishable, but the 49 had ever so slightly more warmth and bottom than the 87. Also, while I never use figure 8 or omni polar patterns, I do prefer it when my mics have an hp filter on them for a bit more flexibility.
Finally, I really enjoyed the musical riff. If you put a strong backbeat on it, and cleaned up the vocal a bit, you might be on to something there! 😳
Damn! I actually chose B each time. And I actually think you sound great on the TLM 49. That is interesting. So apparently....based on this video...the TLM 49 seems to be a smidge brighter than the U87. I would have thought it would be the other way around. Either way both sound great on you though
@@Dracomies I think it’s a mix of the less dominant lowend, the less exaggerated mid boost, and I hear a bit more extension into the air compared to the 87.
Wow this is good info! I swear you are the walking Frequency Response! Good to know! :D
Without the Mic A and Mic B, i would struggle to tell them apart, but I do think I like the Mic B audio slightly more. B just has a slightly more pleasant warm sound to me, but just barely in my opinion. I think B might be U87.
Edit: for the vocals and acoustic, I prefered the TLM49.
Both are cool, no need to compare🎉
On studio monitors, on both the acoustic and electric guitars, it seems like the U87 sounded fuller in the lows than the TLM49. But the TLM49 sounds overall better on your voice.
Which, for music, you obviously want to capture lows for certain voices, but a lot of the time those lows fight with other things in the mix and generally get high-pass filtered out anyway.
@@r4x2 Yep, true. Was thinking the same thing. Still might go with the TLM49 on guitars (esp acoustic) since you'll high pass that anyway most likely.
I use a 49 for VO and absolutely love it. I don’t like the u87ai. At all. Way overpriced and overhyped. I could tell immediately which was which in your vocal A/B. Thanks for the thorough comparison!
Try Out Slate Digital ML-1
There is an intriguing alternative to both of them - UA Bock 187.
the biggest difference to me was the TLM49's sibilance, which isn't terrible, but seemed harsh compared to the amazing u87
Can you review the mxl cr89 pls
I own a TLM49, so I am certainly familiar with it's sonic character, and I have used 87's plenty of times, though never owned one. I could hear the difference each time, but to be more specific, I actually PREFERRED the TLM49 in your clips, especially on vocals. It's a liiiiittle brighter, and has a little more character (which you described as grit). Neumann claims the TLM49 is supposed to have a "tube emulation circuit", which I think is what we're hearing. It's very tailored to vocals. When solo'd, the U87's transformer output definitely gives it a slightly beefier bottom and smoother top. It's a very versatile mic obviously, because other than it having a great "forward" sound, it isn't particularly characterful, but obviously very easy to mix and manipulate. It was quite striking how close they really are, of course considering the price difference. In all honesty, the U87 retail price is way too high. Of course it has a couple extra features, but it's a great mic that should probably be about $2500. The TLM was probably only about 5-10% different, and not necessarily worse- in fact, you could say certain characteristics are better on certain situations. I've heard that running the TLM49 through a nice tube or transformer preamp is heavenly, and I'd love to get the chance to try that sometime. That would certainly give it a little more of that beefiness, but it would still have that clear open top end.
I actually like the TLM49 on spoken voice.
tlm49 sounds like there is no low end comparing o u87 on voice and the electric guitar, and I'm disappointed cause I really wanted to like tlm49
very, very close to my ears. TLM 49 for the price and look 🙂
I had a harder time telling these apart. I'm glad you didn't really pick a winner I don't feel cookie now ROFL.. Even if cheaper is really nice.
49 has more bump in full bass out of box.
Compare the 49 with u47 fet.
Would love to hear some of these mics in live jam session, with drummer....call it a One mic jam session, to see what these mics can produce in stand alone.
Really - so close, of course some want the u87 just because, but otherwise, save money!
Is Rode pressuring you to review the RodeCastor video? I'm assuming they sent one out to you. Their passing out all the big checks to all the other TH-camrs right now.
Nope. Didn't get one and didn't even know about it until it was public.
They both sound great...the TLM49 has a little less top as expected, being modeled after the M49. Having a U87ai and Flea 49...yet another (tube) clone of M49, the TLM49 doesn't sound anything like (I think) an M49 sounds like. The TLM49 sounds more akin to the TLM193 (also a fantastic mic and far more reasonably priced than an 87).
I won't stop commenting that, I still want the review of Golden Age Premier GA-8000!!!!
Loved the song!!
Best usb mics under $170?
Elgato Wave 3
Sennheiser Profile
So little in it, but I got them right both times. Gonna chalk that up to my amazing hearing and not the 50/50 chance 😂 Both great mics
The U87 sounds like the stuff dreams are made of.
I only wish they didn't cost more than my car.
They sound very similar.
Mic B in every test.
If i am spending $3800 tho i am getting a used vintage one.
On my airpods I can not tell them apart. They sound exactly the same to me
Thanks @Podcastage. Love your reviews. They have cost me tons of money...! :-) I hear no difference on my 500 EUR studio headsets. Disclaimer: I own both of the mics and I bought the TLM49 just for the vintage look. Still love it for that!!
HELOU NOIMANNN!!!!!!
For your voice U87
Mic B sounds warmer
Silent. 12 DB its silent😊. I wish you all the best.
So, I guess that the TLM49 is Mic A, U87 is Mic B - mainly because I like the warmer tone of the TLM49 and it felt warmer to me. Also, yes, I laugh every time you say 'Hello, Neumann!"
Yeah, not enough of a difference to choose. Both sound gorgeous. I guess if you have more space than money, get the TLM49, if you have more money than space, U87 🤷♂
Wow, I didn't think that I would say this but I totally preferred the sound of the 49. And at a hell of a cheaper price. Hmmm....
Yes, it’s better than TLM 103 etc. For U87 fans Universal Audio Bock 187 might be an alternative.