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Description

The Neumann SM 69 is a distinguished choice for professionals seeking top-notch audio capture in studio settings. A dual large-diaphragm condenser microphone, the SM 69 is renowned for its variable stereo width capabilities, offering unmatched flexibility for stereo recordings. With its ability to deliver high-fidelity sound, this microphone is ideal for capturing the nuances of both vocal and instrumental performances.

Designed for demanding recording environments, the SM 69 boasts a classic transformer-coupled output stage, ensuring a warm and natural sound character. Its dual capsule design allows for independent polar pattern selection, enabling users to choose from omni, cardioid, figure-8, and more, making it versatile enough for a wide array of recording applications. This microphone is particularly suited for orchestral recording, ambient sound capture, and any scenario where stereo imaging is crucial.

With a reputation for durability and excellence, the SM 69 is a staple in many professional studios around the world. Its robust construction and precision-engineered components contribute to its longevity, making it a reliable asset for your recording arsenal. Whether you're capturing the subtle breath of a vocalist or the intricate harmonics of an acoustic guitar, the Neumann SM 69 delivers with clarity and precision.

Key Features:

  • Dual large-diaphragm condenser microphone
  • Variable stereo width capabilities
  • Independent polar pattern selection for each capsule
  • Transformer-coupled output stage for warm sound character
  • Suitable for a wide range of recording applications, including orchestral and ambient sounds
  • Renowned for its durability and precision engineering

Product specs

Brand Neumann
Model SM 69 fet Stereo Condenser Microphone
Finish Nickel
Year 1970s
Made In Germany
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Microphone Type Large-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern Multipattern
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the primary application of the Neumann SM 69 microphone?

The Neumann SM 69 is a stereo large-diaphragm condenser microphone ideal for studio recording applications, including capturing orchestras, choirs, and ambient room sound due to its multipattern capabilities.

What polar patterns are available on the Neumann SM 69?

The Neumann SM 69 offers multiple polar patterns, allowing for flexible recording configurations such as cardioid, omni, and figure-8, making it versatile for different recording environments and techniques.

How does the Neumann SM 69's sound signature compare to other microphones?

The Neumann SM 69 is known for its detailed and natural sound reproduction, with a smooth frequency response that captures the nuances of both vocals and instruments effectively.

Is the Neumann SM 69 microphone suitable for vocal recordings?

Yes, the Neumann SM 69 is well-suited for vocal recordings, offering clarity and detail with its large-diaphragm design and adjustable polar patterns to accommodate different vocal styles and studio settings.

Can the Neumann SM 69 be used for stereo recording?

Absolutely, the Neumann SM 69 is specifically designed for stereo recording applications, providing excellent spatial imaging and depth, ideal for capturing the ambiance of a performance space.

Anthony Scott

Anthony Scott

Neumann SM69 fet stereo condenser mic cleaning & maintenance

Video thumbnail for Neumann SM69 fet stereo condenser mic cleaning & maintenance by Anthony Scott

Neumann SM69 fet stereo condenser mic cleaning & maintenance

Anthony Scott

Anthony Scott

Video thumbnail for Audio Developments AD147 Mixing Console & 1975 Neumann SM69 FET Stereo Condenser Microphone by Soviet Guitar Effects

Audio Developments AD147 Mixing Console & 1975 Neumann SM69 FET Stereo Condenser Microphone

Soviet Guitar Effects

Soviet Guitar Effects

Video thumbnail for Neumann SM 69 | Best stereo microphone ever made!? by Christian Svedin

Neumann SM 69 | Best stereo microphone ever made!?

Christian Svedin

Christian Svedin

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Neumann SM 69.

Comparisons

  • The Neumann SM69 is compared to Townsend Sphere L22, with the L22 praised for its versatility but noted to lack the unique character of vintage mics like the SM69.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Townsend Sphere L22, similar to the Neumann SM69, offers emulations with pattern selection and proximity effect adjustments, providing flexibility not found in traditional mics.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner of the Neumann SM69 and other vintage mics found the Sphere L22 models, including U87, very accurate and capable of being used interchangeably with original mics.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Neumann SM69 is noted for its utility in stereo recording, a feature that is also highlighted in the Sphere L22, making it suitable for varied recording scenarios.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Concerns are raised about the longevity of software-dependent microphones, suggesting that while they offer versatility, they might not be supported long-term like traditional models.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Tom Waits uses Neumann SM 69

Tom Waits

Singer, Guitarist

Roy Orbison And Friends

...
Verified via Audiotechnology

Used as a room mic for Mule Variations, as stated by producer Jacquire King in this interview from issue 9 of Audio Technology Magazine.

"Prairie Sun has three separate buildings. There’s Studio A, which has a Trident TSM desk, Studio B with a Neve Custom 80 desk from the early ‘70s that came from Pete Townshend’s Eel Pie Studios and that has 1073-style EQ and mic pre modules. Then there’s a converted barn that contains three live rooms. We only used Studio B and the converted barn, which had a huge room that we used as an echo chamber, a medium-sized room of 35ft by 20ft, and a small room of 12ft by 15ft and a 15ft high ceiling – that was called the Waits Room, because Tom likes to record in there a lot. There is no acoustic treatment, just a concrete floor, and big double doors that open right into the driveway by which you enter the ranch. Almost all of Tom’s parts, including the vocals, were recorded in that room. In all, 90% of the recording took place in the barn, which is about 50 yards from the control room, so we needed to have a good communication set-up. We had about 20 Neve 1073/1272-style outboard mic preamps in the barn, so that the mic signal could bridge the 50 yards and come into the desk at line level. (...) Room mics for the drums were a pair of Neumann U87s and a pair of Neumann 582s, and often we’d open the doors from the live area into the echo chamber and put a Shure SM69 there. Another room mic that we used in the medium-sized room was the Neumann 582.

The reason for all the room mics is that Waits is not a fan of digital reverbs or delays. In some cases plate or spring reverbs were used, but preference was always given to the natural ambience of the room mics, which included the method of sending a signal back to the speakers in the live room and re-recording them."

See how Dan Palmer uses Neumann SM 69

Dan Palmer

Guitarist

Zebrahead

...
Verified via Instagram

In the comments of this Instagram post, Palmer states that the microphone used to record the audio for the post was an SM 69.

Album Usage

The Neumann SM 69 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Neumann SM 69, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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