Neumann SM2C Rare Tube Condenser Mic For Sale

€9,650

Neumann SM2C

AI Overview:

The vintage Neumann SM2C (introduced in 1957) is a, rare, high-end stereo tube condenser microphone, pioneering stereo recording with two rotatable KM56 small-diaphragm nickel capsules in one body. It is used for creating high-fidelity, detailed stereo images (XY or MS) on acoustic instruments, pianos, drum overheads, and orchestras.

Key Features and Uses:

• Design: It features two independently rotatable capsules, allowing for flexible stereo techniques (X-Y, M-S) by rotating the top capsule up to 270 degrees.

• Capsules & Sound: Uses two nickel-membrane capsules (similar to the KM56) which offer a bright, clear, and detailed sound, often described as having a pleasant high-frequency response.

• Polar Patterns: Each capsule can be set to omnidirectional, cardioid, or figure-8, with intermediate settings available, offering high versatility.

• Primary Applications: Highly regarded as a “room mic” or for overhead applications on orchestras, string ensembles, acoustic guitars, and pianos.

• Components: This is a tube microphone, requiring a specialized power supply (often the N52) and frequently using AC701 tubes, which contribute to its distinctive sound.

These microphones are considered rare and fragile, largely used in professional studios for classical or acoustic music needing precise, warm, and rich stereo imaging.

Quoting the seller directly:

“Offer of a refurbished vintage stereo tube microphone SM2c of the Neumann with original power supply, cables and aluminium case.
Both the microphone and the power supply were recently refurbished in November 2023 by tube specialist Peter Drefahl, managing director of drefahlaudio personally for over €1,000 euros.
Extensively restored and overhauled, so that the buyer can be sure that he is receiving a flawless product.
The set is in excellent condition and above all sounds excellent.
In attachment A2 [available by email on request] I am sending the price development of the Neumann SM 2 at the Reverb sales platform over the last 2 years. As of March 2024, this microphone is currently around €10,000. However, since my microphone here is not an “SM 2” but an “SM 2c”, the price is significantly higher for the following reason, which was confirmed to me by the company drefahlaudio.”

Quote from Peter Drefahl:

“The SM2c has an approx. 11dB higher headroom than the SM2 and the circuit is much more stable overall. So the SM 2c is definitely the better microphone compared to the SM 2.”
Pickup desired for safety reasons. Shipping is possible
Attention, important note for inexperienced users:
The quality of a tube cannot be judged after it has been switched on.
The tubes should always be allowed to warm up for 2-3 hours before recording, otherwise disturbing effects such as increased noise may occur.”

Shipping from Germany.

The pair of NOS AC701 valves are available for an additional €3,000 they are a matched pair checked by Drefahl and practically identical bias.

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