Mic Archive
Neumann USM 69 i
Photo: Neumann, from its catalog, p. 26.

Neumann

Neumann USM 69 i

Stereo condenser: two large-diaphragm dual-diaphragm capsules stacked one above the other, each with its own amplifier and five-position pattern switch; the upper one rotates through 270° for XY, MS and Blumlein

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni / wide cardioid / cardioid / hypercardioid / figure-8
Sensitivity
−37.7 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
13 dB(A)
Max SPL
132 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual, p. 8. Free field, IEC 60268-4, tolerance ± 2 dB ("measured in free-field conditions (IEC 60268-4), tolerance ±2 dB", printed under the graphs). Distance not stated; system not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the manual, p. 9. Free field (as the responses). Each curve is drawn on one side only (125 Hz to 1 kHz left, 2 to 16 kHz right); the pattern is taken as symmetric. System not stated.

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All specs

From the manual
Capsuletwo large-diaphragm dual-diaphragm capsules, gold-coated polyester film membranes, one above the other. "two completely separate condenser elements with gold-coated polyester film membranes, mounted one above the other"; "two separate dual diaphragm condenser capsules, mounted vertically" (catalogue p. 27).p. 2
Sensitivity−37.7 dBV/Pa (13 mV/Pa), 1 kHz into 1 kohm rated load; pattern not stated. Stated as 13 mV/Pa; converted: 20·log10(0.013) = -37.7.p. 10
Self-noise13 dB(A), IEC 60268-1, A-weighting IEC 61672-1, RMS. "13 dB-A".
Self-noise (CCIR 468)24 dB, CCIR 468-3, quasi peak
Max SPL132 dB SPL, less than 0.5% THD. "THD of microphone amplifier at an input voltage equivalent to the capsule output at the specified SPL." No pad.
Signal-to-noise ratio81 dB, re 94 dB SPL, A-weighted; also 70 dB, re 94 dB SPL, CCIR 468-3
Output impedance150 ohm, rated impedance
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, rated load impedance
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz
Poweringphantom P48, 48 V ± 4 V (IEC 61938)
Current draw1.4 mA, both systems. "2 x 0.7 mA".
Switchespattern, system I (yellow, lower): omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-8; pattern, system II (red, upper): omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-8. "two flush-mounted rotary directional pattern selectors".p. 3
ConnectorXLR-5 male. Matching connector "XLR 5 F".p. 10
Weight510 g
Dimensions48 × 293 mm. "Diameter 30 + 48 mm", "Length 293 mm": the head is 48 mm across, the body 30 mm; here head diameter × length.
Finishsatin nickel (USM 69 i) or dark matt (USM 69 i mt)p. 4
Max. output voltage3 dBup. 10
RotationUpper capsule rotates through 270° against the lower; colour marks on the lower grille show the pick-up anglep. 2
Subsonic filterActive filter in each amplifier blocks subaudio signals ahead of the output transformers (not switchable)p. 3
Fail-safeIf the dc converter fails, both systems keep working in cardioid with about 3 dB less sensitivityp. 4
Cable lengthUp to 300 m; longer cables raise the top of the response
Cat. No.USM 69 i (nickel) 006974; USM 69 i mt (black) 006976
WindscreenWS 69 foam windscreen: 20 dB wind noise attenuation, 3 dB at 15 kHzp. 13
From the catalog
Use (Neumann)Vocal and instrumental ensembles, drum overheads, grand piano and harp, stereo solo instruments; radio drama and audio books; two patterns on one mono source, or its own backupp. 27

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Neumann, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on neumann.comRecording Hacks

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