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Post by Martin John Butler on Mar 15, 2019 15:28:16 GMT -6
I've never seen one, so I imagine they're quite rare. Found this:
1928. Later that year, Neumann debuted the CMV3—the first mass-produced condenser mic.
The CMV designation referred to "Condensator Mikrofon Verstärker" (condenser microphone amplifier) and the number three probably indicates that two earlier prototype versions existed. Nicknamed the “Bottle mic,” the CMV3 had an omnidirectional M1 capsule with large, gold-sputtered colloidan (later switched to PVC) diaphragms and RE084 triode-based tube electronics.
In 1932, Neumann unveiled the CMV3A, featuring interchangeable capsule heads, including a cardioid version of the famed M7, which was later adapted for use in the U47.
Neumann had a worldwide distribution deal with Telefunken, so models for broadcasting use or export outside Germany had Telefunken logos. The only difference between "Neumann" and "Telefunken" models were the name badges (and model numbers in the case of the CMV3) that were applied just before the mics were boxed for shipment. This practice continued on through the late-1950s, when Neumann finally established its own distribution in North America.
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Post by georgetoledo on May 14, 2019 17:31:41 GMT -6
The “cmv3” appears to be a MWL MV750. Interesting pics!
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Post by timcampbell on May 14, 2019 18:36:44 GMT -6
True George. I was being a little too vague in my description. It seems MWL was an electronic repair shop that worked on Neumanns and at the end of the war produced some of their own mics and capsules. Oliver Archut liked these.
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Post by georgetoledo on May 14, 2019 18:53:31 GMT -6
Yeah, MWL was the predecessor to tab funkenwerk (the original) basically, established by the same owner as I understand it. Very cool stuff, not too many people have had one of those in their hand.
That time period was so pivotal in audio engineering...I find it some of the most fascinating stuff.
Do you remember what kind of tube it was running on, or any tech details that stood out? M7 or some sort of predecessor? Just curious.
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Post by timcampbell on May 15, 2019 8:30:04 GMT -6
The tube is listed as an RE 084. Being a big believer in if it ain't broke don't fix it I'll accept that. A very unique MWL omni capsule.
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Post by Ward on May 15, 2019 14:32:53 GMT -6
Astounding.
p.s. Gotham Audio was Neumann's American distribution network.
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Post by Martin John Butler on May 15, 2019 15:23:10 GMT -6
Used to love Gotham Audio. It was a destination. That’s where I bought all my gear back in the day.
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Post by georgetoledo on May 17, 2019 12:47:46 GMT -6
Really cool pic, thanks for sharing.
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Post by Guitar on May 19, 2019 14:53:18 GMT -6
I love how the old mics look kind of like DIY mics now.
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