Neumann MT 48 : Hands-on With the Interface of the Future

April 5, 2023 / by admin / in Reviews

Neumann have announced the launch of their first ever audio interface, the MT 48. Based on the Merging Anubis (a result of Merging Technologies joining the Sennheiser Group), the device adds USB and ADAT connectivity to the acclaimed design, features a new user interface and boasts some impressive specifications that Neumann say set a new benchmark in audio quality.

The MT 48’s greatest strength is its crystal-clear input stage. According to Neumann, their mics are capable of capturing up to 131 dB(A) dynamic range, which heretofore has been limited by interfaces that provide a maximum range of 123 dB(A). Thanks to Merging Technologies’ state-of-the-art A/D converters, the MT 48 provides up to 136 dB(A) of dynamic range (believe it or not, that extra 13 decibels gives you more than four times the range of other interfaces). Additionally, the dual mic preamps offer extreme clarity with up to 78 dB of gain and vanishingly low 0.0003% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)—perfect for low-output ribbon and broadcast-style dynamic mics that need plenty of clean gain.

neumann mt 48 usb audio interface
NEUMANN’S MT 48 AUDIO INTERFACE

I/O

The MT 48 is equipped with four analogue inputs, with the first two channels accepting either microphone or line-level inputs via a pair of XLR/TRS combo sockets, and the remaining two capable of being used as either line-level or instrument inputs via two front panel quarter-inch TRS sockets. Four analogue line-level outputs are provided on the device’s rear panel, with the first pair employing XLR connectors and the second available on quarter-inch TRS sockets.

There are then two headphone outputs on the front panel, each of which utilises a powerful amplifier and features an ultra-low output impedance that the company say will happily drive any headphones to their peak performance. In terms of digital connectivity, a pair of Toslink connectors offer either ADAT or S/PDIF I/O, and an RJ45 socket provides AES67 I/O.

Another pair of quarter-inch TRS sockets are also present, and can be configured to serve as MIDI inputs and outputs, or GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) sockets which can be used for tasks such as connecting a footswitch or providing remote control of recording light indicators.

neumann mt 48 input and output
MT 48 – INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

UI & DSP

An intuitive touchscreen interface provides control over all of the device’s key parameters, offering direct access to settings such as monitor mix levels and pan positions, with independent mixers provided for each of the interface’s stereo outputs. A Remote Control application and browser-based Web Control facility are also available, allowing the device to be controlled remotely from a computer or tablet if required.

tiny 1
REMOTE CONTROL OF MT 48

The MT 48 also boasts a range of onboard DSP effects, including EQ, dynamics processors and reverb, with Neumann’s Dual Output Technology allowing users to record pre- and post-effects signals simultaneously.

neumann mt 48 usb audio interface
NEUMANN’S DUAL OUTPUT TECHNOLOGY

More about the Neumann MT-48:

Key Specs

Microphone Inputs

  • Gain Range: +78 dB in 0.5 or 0.1 dB steps
  • Dynamic Range: 136 dB-A
  • Equivalent Input Noise (150 Ohm): -128 dBu-A
  • Pad: 12 or 24 dB
  • THD+N (Preamp & A-D) at 1 kHz, 0 dBFS: < -110 dB (0.0003%)

Line Inputs 1/2

  • Gain Range: +66 dB
  • Dynamic Range: 138.5 dB-A
  • THD+N (Preamp & A-D) at 1 kHz, 0 dBFS: < -105 dB (0.0006%)
  • Maximum Input Level: +24dBu

Line/Instrument Inputs 3/4

  • Gain Range: +66 dB
  • Dynamic Range: 135 dB-A
  • THD+N (Preamp & A-D) at 1 kHz, 0 dBFS: < -105 dB (0.0003%)
  • Maximum Input Level: +18dBu

Line/Monitor Outputs

  • Dynamic Range: 123 dB-A
  • THD+N (Preamp & A-D) at 1 kHz, 0 dBFS: < -105 dB (0.0003%)
  • Maximum Output Level: +24dBu

Learn more at https://www.neumann.com/en-en/products/audiointerfaces/mt-48

On the front panel, the MT-48 has two independent headphones outs and a pair of line/instrument inputs for easy access. In addition, connectivity on the rear panel includes ADAT / S/PDIF Optical I/O, Ethernet, and GPIO / MIDI I/O.

What’s more, there are two separate USB-C ports for power and data transfer respectively. Overall, the MT-48 offers versatility with a compact design and built-in mic stand mount. Meanwhile, you’re surely getting what you’re paying for as far as audio quality goes.

Pricing and availability:

The MT-48 is now available for pre-order from the pro audio.

Buy now at https://www.theproaudio.com/product/neumann-mt-48-usb-c-audio-interface

Neumann’s CEO Ralf Oehl adds:

As a legendary microphone manufacturer, Neumann has always been synonymous with excellence in recording technology. Over the past decade, we have shown that Neumann can bring the same uncompromising quality to loudspeakers and Headphones. The MT 48 completes the ideal signal chain: Finally, you can have Neumann quality throughout, from the sound source to your ear.

For more information on this groundbreaking product, please visit the Neumann website.

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