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| Neumann (microphone manufacturer) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Neumann |
| Type | Privately held |
| Founded | 1928 |
| Founder | Georg Neumann |
| Headquarters | Berlin |
| Products | Microphones, studio monitors, preamps |
| Parent | Sennheiser (since 1991) |
Neumann (microphone manufacturer) is a German company renowned for designing and producing professional studio microphones, condenser microphones, and related audio equipment. Founded in Berlin, Neumann established a reputation through landmark products that influenced recording studios, broadcast facilities, and live sound across Europe and North America. The company’s microphones have been used on notable recordings, in film production, and within major broadcasting institutions.
Georg Neumann founded the company in 1928 in Berlin, contemporaneous with engineers and companies such as RCA, Telefunken, Siemens, AEG, and inventors like Edward Neumann (note: different individuals) who worked in early audio. During the 1930s Neumann collaborated with acoustic researchers from institutions like the Technische Universität Berlin and the Fraunhofer Society, while the company’s work paralleled innovations from Bell Labs, Western Electric, and researchers associated with Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. World War II and its aftermath affected Berlin-based manufacturers including Bosch and Siemens, and Neumann navigated postwar rebuilding similar to contemporaries such as Grundig and Telefunken. In the 1950s Neumann’s development of the U 47 placed it among landmark products alongside microphones from Shure, AKG, and Electro-Voice, while recording studios like Abbey Road Studios, Capitol Studios, and Sun Studio became environments where Neumann equipment was adopted. Expansion, product milestones, and corporate movements in the 1970s and 1980s brought Neumann into contact with firms like Mackie, Yamaha Corporation, and broadcast entities such as the BBC and Deutsche Grammophon. In 1991 Neumann joined the Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG group, aligning with companies such as Beyerdynamic and Bose Corporation in the global pro audio market. The company’s later decades saw integration with digital workflows from companies like Avid Technology, Apple Inc., and Steinberg Media Technologies.
Neumann’s catalog includes classic studio microphones such as the U 47, U 48, U 67, and U 87, iconic alongside models from Shure like the SM57 and SM58, and from AKG such as the C414. The KH series studio monitors are used in reference monitoring comparable to products by Genelec and Yamaha Pro Audio. Neumann’s small-diaphragm condenser models sit alongside offerings from DPA Microphones and Sennheiser; ribbon and dynamic models are contrasted with designs by Royer Labs and Electro-Voice. Accessories and modern products integrate with interfaces and preamps from Universal Audio, API, Neve (company), and digital conversion ecosystems by Focusrite and RME. Limited editions and revitalized models reference historical examples held in collections at institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution and Deutsches Museum.
Neumann pioneered condenser capsule design and polar pattern switchable microphones, innovations that influenced researchers at Bell Labs and engineers at Western Electric. The K 47 and K 49 capsule families informed microphone design practiced at Beyer, AKG, and Telefunken. Neumann’s introduction of transformer-coupled circuitry and switchable polar patterns paralleled developments from RCA Victor and GE research labs. In later decades Neumann developed transistor-based circuitry and active electronics reminiscent of advancements at Solid State Logic and Neve Electronics. Integration with digital signal processing and clocking standards associated with AES and MADI reflects interaction with standards bodies like the Audio Engineering Society and companies such as Avid Technology.
Neumann maintains manufacturing and R&D rooted in Germany, linking to regional industrial traditions exemplified by firms like Siemens, Bosch, and BASF. Design collaborations reflect influences from industrial designers who have worked with Braun and engineers trained at universities like the Technische Universität Berlin and RWTH Aachen University. Quality control and acoustic testing utilize measurement equipment and practices akin to laboratories at Fraunhofer Society and calibrations aligned with standards from DIN and IEC. Neumann’s production techniques intersect with suppliers and component makers including companies similar to Murrelektronik and WAGO for connectors, and boutique capsule manufacturing comparable to specialist workshops serving DPA Microphones and Royer Labs.
Neumann microphones have been used on recordings by artists and producers associated with studios such as Abbey Road Studios, Capitol Studios, AIR Studios, and by engineers who worked with artists like The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, David Bowie, and Beyoncé. Film soundtracks recorded at facilities like Pinewood Studios and Twickenham Film Studios have employed Neumann microphones alongside postproduction houses such as Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound. Broadcasting institutions including the BBC, ARD (broadcaster), and NPR have specified Neumann microphones for speech and music applications. Endorsements and long-term use link Neumann to producers and engineers like George Martin, Phil Spector, Al Schmitt, Chris Lord-Alge, and Tony Visconti.
Since 1991 Neumann has been part of the Sennheiser Group, aligning corporate strategy with audio companies such as Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, and sister entities within pro audio supply chains like Lewitt Audio and Meyer Sound. The corporate grouping interacts with distribution partners and retailers like Guitar Center, Thomann, and professional dealers serving broadcasters such as CBC/Radio-Canada. Neumann’s corporate governance follows German corporate norms similar to Siemens AG and BASF SE, and it engages with international standards organizations including the Audio Engineering Society and the International Electrotechnical Commission.
Neumann’s contributions have been recognized by industry awards and honors similar to those conferred by the Grammy Awards (technical category), the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences technical commendations, and accolades from trade shows like NAMM and IBC (conference). Historical models appear in museum collections at the British Library Sound Archive, Smithsonian Institution, and the Deutsches Museum, reflecting recognition by cultural institutions including UNESCO in preserving audio heritage.
Category:Audio equipment manufacturers of Germany