Wunder Audio CM49 Suprema

Description

The
Wunder Audio CM49 S is very true to the vintage Neumann M49 and is an
outstanding microphone due to its unique characteristic of having the ability
of switching to three different directions; omni, cardioid and a figure eight
pattern. The CM49 S is a pressure-gradient microphone consisting of two equal
cardioid condenser capsule systems mounted back to back. Its directional
characteristic may be changed continuously by remote control, which permits an
easy adaptation to various acoustical environments and enabling it to cope with
almost any scenario likely to arise.

The
CM49 S has an incredibly rich and round tone that has the ability to make even
harsher sounds much more pleasant and warm. It is especially a great choice on
female vocals; our CM49 is the go-to mic for Alicia Keys. It has a smoother
high-frequency range with more warmth and less of that beautiful grit that our
CM7 is known for.

Grille The
CM49 S has a slanted grille to limit the effect of grille resonance on the
response. Because the grille is slanted and presents a continuously varying
profile to the capsule, there are fewer standing waves generated. This gives
the most natural sound obtainable my any microphone, very pure and pleasantly
warm. In every way, the Wunder Audio CM49 Suprema grille is true to vintage and
identical to the original M49. It has been used as historical replacement parts
on the vintage M49s.

The
size of the grille forms a larger-volume enclosure giving the capsule more
breathing room and contributing to its openness. It has a way of rendering the
female vocal with an immediacy and presence not found in any other design.

Tube Wunder
Audio CM49 S uses and original MSC2, which is our preferred tube and an upgrade
from the ultra-miniature AC701 that eventually replaced this fine tube in the
original M49s due to the demands of the German Broadcasting industry. The
original Telefunken GmbH German based company, which no longer exists, made a
high-end version of the MSC2, Wunder Audio has secured a supply of the this
version which was a superior grade and was originally designed for military
use.

Capsule The
CM49 Suprema uses the same M7 capsule as the CM7 Suprema, and yet because of
the completely different housing and the triode electronics, there are few
similarities in the sound of these microphones. Both mics are superb vocal
mics, though neither was designed for the purpose of close-miking, the CM49 S
and CM7 S really shine when placed close up with a loud source and creates a
very desirable proximity effect. We recognize that sound and we love it!

Connector The
Wunder Audio CM49 Suprema uses a M249 style seven-pin Tuchel connector,
introduced by Neumann in 1961, that screws on and holds tighter than a
eight-pin bayonet Tuchel connector, improving its performance with superior
EMI/RF rejection.

Capacitor We’ve
optimized our passive components to achieve a true audiophile performance.
While audiophile equipment is usually referred to at the end of the chain in
recording, we feel that it is most important that the first link in the
recording chain, the microphone, be the best attainable. To be able to listen
to the best possible recording, you must be able to record the source with
minimal amounts of noise and distortion and be able to accurately capture every
nuance of the sound. We’ve enhanced our true to vintage microphones by
utilizing the Suprema Silver Gold Oil capacitor which is the highest quality
capacitor available today. More importantly, sonically the CM49 S capacitor
stands out due to its wonderful natural singing and exceptional micro dynamic.
Capacitance: 1uF; Dielectric: Polypropylene Metallization 99.99% silver,
1% gold; Purity of silver: min. 99.97% typ. 99.99%; Purity of gold: min. 99.97%
typ. 99.99%”.

Sound:
At this level we are talking about a really serious capacitor, relative to
other exotic types. They are richer and better layered and they seem more open
and more spatial. Mundorf Silver Gold Oil really excels in image depth – call
it bowling alley depth! A slight hint of top-end air, this probably contributes
to the perceived spatiality and micro-detailing. These capacitors are so quiet
and really let you look very deep into the recording!
This
results in a modern-vintage sound where the spectrum opens up, adding emphasis
to the sound staging and creates a greater sense of air and transparency,
without the impression of a diminished mid and lower-end response. The outcome
is a less grainy and a much more fluid sound. The focus is tighter and sharper.

Power
Supply The
new generation tube Microphone PSU is proprietary to Wunder Audio and is an
upgrade from the vintage tube mic PSU’s used for the 1960’s era Neumann design.
Our upgrade gets a clean and stable DC voltage to the mic and shields the
influx of Wi-Fi and RF interference with 100 percent reliability.

We’ve
engineered our PSU to the equivalent of the technology incorporated in top tier
audiophile systems, using a duel-pole neutral-fusing design. The PSU can be
plugged into any voltage in the world without having to jumper a voltage
setting switch.

Inside,
we’ve incorporated extremely accurate 30 turn trim pots so we are able to
fine-tune all of the voltages. Most other power supply designs either do not
have a voltage trim or use a single turn pot, which is susceptible to drifting.

For
the most reliable pattern switching, the CM49 S PSU uses a military spec
Grayhill switch.

Box
and Carrying Case Your
Wunder Audio CM49 S is nestled in velvet and softly secured in place in a
foam-lined quarter sawn oak box that is clasped and hinged. This box then is
safely incased in a precision velvet-lined thick foam tweed case that also
holds your PSU, your improved one-piece newly designed yoke mount, and your
cables. The tweed carrying case is a work of art in itself; it uses the same
Fender tweed found in a vintage fender guitar case which amplifies the vintage
period of the vintage-style CM49 S microphone, and it is trimmed with top grain
leather and fine stitching. The CM49 S case has a strong leather handle and
combination lock to keep your mic secure. This case can be sold separately.

Upgrade
your Mic All
previous versions of the Wunder Audio microphones can be upgraded to the
Surprema.

Additional information