The return of the Neumann M 50 in its new form as the M 50 V is a significant moment for audio professionals. Known for its influence on classical recording and film scoring, the original M 50 shaped the way large ensembles were captured when it first appeared in 1951. Now, Neumann has brought it back with careful attention to detail, preserving its legendary sound while improving its reliability for today's studio workflows.
What’s the Same
The M 50 V stays true to the unique design that made the original so respected. It features a small-diaphragm capsule mounted inside a 40 mm acrylic sphere, a setup that creates a smooth, even response in the diffuse field with natural directionality at higher frequencies. The internal tube circuitry mirrors the final historic version and includes the original BV11 output transformer. This ensures the familiar sonic character that engineers rely on for Decca Tree setups and other critical recording arrays remains unchanged. Built from archived documentation, the M 50 V is a faithful continuation of the microphone that became a benchmark for orchestral capture.
What’s Different
While the overall sound and structure remain consistent with the original, Neumann made a few subtle improvements that bring the M 50 V up to modern standards. The capsule now uses a titanium diaphragm instead of nickel or aluminum. This change increases durability without affecting the acoustic performance. The microphone also includes a connector from the historical M 250 broadcast version, which helps guard against interference from mobile phones and Wi-Fi signals. Another update is the NM V power supply, which automatically adjusts to the correct mains voltage wherever the microphone is used.
The yoke mount has also been upgraded to include internal elastic suspension. This small change helps reduce unwanted noise from vibration or rumble, which is especially useful in orchestral and ambient room mic applications. For studios purchasing multiple units, Neumann hand-selects and matches microphones for consistent frequency response and sensitivity. These matched microphones may not have consecutive serial numbers due to the detailed testing involved.
Designed for Critical Applications
The M 50 V is built for professionals who work in environments where detail, accuracy, and room capture are essential. Its pure omnidirectional pattern and original tube circuit make it ideal for complex sessions such as classical orchestras, film score productions, or immersive ambient recording. It captures space and nuance in a way few other microphones can, offering a sound that has remained a reference point for decades.
For those comparing it with the M 150, the difference lies in the internal design. The M 150 shares a similar capsule but uses a modern transformerless circuit. The M 50 V, by contrast, uses a classic tube circuit with a transformer output, maintaining a fully vintage signal path. This makes it a strong choice for those seeking traditional character without compromise.
The decision to bring the M 50 back in this updated form reflects the ongoing need for tools that combine trusted design with dependable performance. The M 50 V is crafted for engineers who value precision, character, and long-term consistency in their most demanding work.
Neumann will be at this years NAMM show at booth 18810