Neumann M 269 Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone #9059 (Vintage)

This exceptionally rare microphone is fully serviced and in museum quality condition!

The Neumann M 269 retains all the revered qualities of the legendary U67 but with a lower noise floor and a more open, airy top end—an exceptional trait for lead vocals, lending them a smooth, natural presence. At the same time, its versatility makes it an outstanding choice for nearly any instrument, enhancing recordings with remarkable clarity and depth. Additionally, unlike the U67, its capsule pattern selector is located on the power supply rather than the microphone itself, allowing for convenient remote polar pattern adjustments.

Debuting in 1962, the M 269 was born out of Neumann's ingenuity to cater to the German broadcast market. To adhere to requirements on the supply voltage, Neumann implemented key modifications to the foundational U67 design:

• Tube Replacement: The original EF86 tube in the U67 was exchanged for an AC701 (aka AC701k) triode vacuum tube, aligning with the broadcast voltage specifications.
• Pattern Selection Innovation: The conventional "Omni" and "Figure 8" positions on the pattern selection switch were replaced with a remote-control feature labeled 'F.' This innovation allows for the remote control of the microphone's pickup pattern through the switch on the power supply, offering continuously-variable pattern selection.
• RF Shielding Enhancement: The M 269 incorporated RF shielding into the plug for improved performance.

The microphone features two Cardioid modes: one selected directly on the mic, and another accessed by setting the mic switch to 'F' and the PSU switch to Cardioid. The mic-switch "Cardioid" mode disconnects the rear diaphragm of the K67 capsule, reducing the mic's voltage requirement and allowing compatibility with a PSU intended for Neumann's "miniature" microphones. This Cardioid mode exhibits a 4dB higher sensitivity than the remote-selected Cardioid mode.

The K67 capsule, introduced specifically for the U67 just two years prior, marked a milestone as Neumann's first dual backplate capsule. Unlike its predecessor, the K47 capsule, which employed a single shared backplate, the dual backplates of the K67 facilitated independent tuning of the two diaphragms before their integration into a unified capsule.

Featuring a special circuit within the amplifier, the M 269 uniquely attenuates all frequencies below 30Hz, while faithfully reproducing frequencies above 40Hz linearly. For those seeking an extended low-frequency response, the microphone amplifier's capabilities can be expanded to below 20Hz by adjusting the jumper "S-2" within the amplifier itself.

Manufactured from 1962 to 1973, the Neumann M 269 remains an enduring testament to precision engineering and technological innovation in the realm of professional audio equipment.

FEATURES:

• Vintage Telefunken AC701 low noise tube
• Neumann K870/67 capsule
• New Telefunken USA power supply with new Gotham GAC7 mic cable and connectors
• Neumann shock mount
• Neumann wood mic case (not original to microphone)