About Neumann
Neumann (officially Georg Neumann GmbH) is a German manufacturer of professional audio equipment, best known for its world-renowned studio microphones. Founded in 1928 in Berlin by engineer Georg Neumann, the company has become one of the most respected names in recording, broadcasting, film production, and music studios. Today, Neumann also produces studio monitors, headphones, and professional audio interfaces, and has been part of the Sennheiser Group since 1991.
Overview
- Full name: Georg Neumann GmbH
- Founded: 1928
- Founder: Georg Neumann
- Headquarters: Berlin, Germany
- Parent company: Sennheiser Group (since 1991)
- Industry: Professional audio equipment
- Products: Studio microphones, monitor speakers, headphones, audio interfaces, accessories
- Website: Neumann
Foundation (1928–1945)
Georg Neumann established the company in Berlin with the goal of advancing microphone technology. One of the company’s earliest breakthroughs was the CMV 3, often nicknamed the “Neumann Bottle,” which became one of the first commercially successful condenser microphones. Besides microphones, the company also developed disc-cutting lathes for vinyl mastering and even rechargeable battery technologies.1
Post-war Expansion
After World War II, Neumann rebuilt its operations and introduced microphones that would become industry standards. During the 1950s and 1960s, the company released several legendary models used in professional recording studios around the world.
These microphones became famous for their clarity, low noise, natural sound, and durability, helping define the sound of countless albums, films, and broadcasts.2
Acquisition by Sennheiser
In 1991, Neumann became part of the Sennheiser Group. While manufacturing was moved to a modern clean-room facility in Wedemark, Germany, the company’s headquarters, research, development, marketing, and service operations remained in Berlin.
The acquisition allowed Neumann to expand beyond microphones into monitoring speakers, headphones, and complete professional recording solutions while maintaining its premium reputation.3
Studio Microphones
Neumann is most famous for its condenser microphones, widely regarded as reference standards in professional audio.
Notable microphone series include:
- U 47 – One of the most iconic microphones ever produced.
- M 49 – Classic tube condenser microphone.
- U 67 – Vintage studio standard.
- U 87 Ai – Perhaps the world’s best-known professional studio microphone.
- TLM 103 – Popular entry-level professional condenser microphone.
- TLM 102
- KM Series – Small-diaphragm condenser microphones.
- KMS Series – Premium live vocal microphones.
- BCM Series – Broadcast microphones.
These microphones are widely used for vocals, orchestras, podcasts, film dialogue, radio broadcasting, and instrument recording.
Studio Monitors
In 2010, Neumann entered the studio monitor market by building upon the legacy of the German loudspeaker brand Klein + Hummel.
Popular models include:
- KH 80 DSP
- KH 120 II
- KH 150
- KH 310
- KH 420
These monitors are designed for professional mixing, mastering, and broadcast environments.
Professional Headphones
Neumann expanded into headphones in 2019 with products designed for studio monitoring.
Popular models include:
- NDH 20 (closed-back)
- NDH 30 (open-back)
These headphones are intended to provide a sound signature closely matching Neumann studio monitors.
Audio Interfaces
In 2023, Neumann introduced the MT 48, a high-end USB audio interface developed in collaboration with Merging Technologies. It is designed for professional recording, monitoring, and production workflows.4
Engineering Philosophy
Neumann emphasizes:
- Extremely accurate sound reproduction
- Low self-noise
- High sensitivity
- Precision manufacturing
- Long product lifespan
- Extensive quality control
- Repairability, with service available for most microphones made since World War II using original parts where possible
The company is known for hand assembly and rigorous testing, particularly of its microphone capsules.
Famous Products
Some of Neumann’s most influential microphones include:
| Model | Introduced | Notability |
|---|---|---|
| CMV 3 | 1928 | First commercial condenser microphone |
| U 47 | 1949 | Classic vocal and orchestral microphone |
| M 49 | 1951 | Variable-pattern tube microphone |
| M 50 | 1951 | Famous for orchestral “Decca Tree” recordings |
| U 67 | 1960 | Studio standard for vocals and instruments |
| U 87 | 1967 | One of the most widely used studio microphones |
| TLM 103 | 1997 | Affordable professional large-diaphragm condenser |
Industries Served
Neumann products are used in:
- Recording studios
- Music production
- Radio broadcasting
- Television
- Film production
- Podcasting
- Live sound
- Voice-over
- Classical music recording
- Audio mastering
Reputation
Neumann is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier professional audio brands. Its microphones are frequently found in major recording studios, broadcast facilities, and film production houses, and many engineers consider models such as the U 87 to be reference standards for studio recording. The brand is recognized for consistent manufacturing quality, long-term reliability, and technical innovation.5
Legacy
Over nearly a century, Neumann has played a major role in the evolution of recording technology. Many of its microphones have become industry icons, used on countless albums, films, television productions, and radio broadcasts. By expanding from microphones into studio monitors, headphones, and audio interfaces, the company now offers an integrated professional audio ecosystem while continuing to build on the engineering principles established by its founder in 1928.
