Do you want to buy a good microphone for your recording studio? Why not opt for the Neumann U47 FET? The track record of this large diaphragm condenser microphone is well established. The Pretenders, Metallica, Dire Straits, Kate Bush… all these great artists created masterpieces with this legendary mic .
To the delight of fans of warm, vintage sound, the U47 FET is making its comeback. The Neumann brand offers a reissue of the original U47 FET . It remains to be seen whether the sound quality of this new U47 FET from Neumann is as good as the original created in the 70s. Here are the test results of this iconic microphone.
History of the Neumann brand and the return of the U47 FET
The Neumann company no longer needs to be introduced in the field of studio microphone design . This German brand has stood out thanks to the innovations it has brought. Among others:
- In 1946: Neumann U47, the very first large diaphragm microphone with switchable polar pattern ( cardioid polar and omnidirectional )
- In 1966: Neumann KM84, the first phantom-powered microphone
- In 1993: Neumann TLM170, the first transformerless microphone
- In 2003: Neumann Solution-D, the first digital microphone
Note that Neumann has only re-released two of their legendary microphones: the Neumann U67 condenser mic and the Neumann U47 FET. The original of the latter was first released in 1969. And its production ceased in 1986.
28 years after the last edition of the original, in 2014, Neumann offers the U47 “ Collectors Edition ”.
Explanation : According to the company's press release, this reissue of the U47 is linked to the fact that this microphone played a big role in recording studios in the 70s. And this return will undoubtedly delight lovers classic microphones .
The brand designed this new model based on the original manufacturing documents and diagrams. This means that U47 FET microphones with the “Collectors Edition” label benefit from the same components as the original.
However, Neumann did not fail to add a little touch of modernity to the new U47 FET. This is what we will detail for you in the next part.
The original Neumann U47 FET vs the new Neumann U47: what is the difference?
As noted above, the Neumann company has not created a “new version” of the original U47 FET. Instead, she started producing them again to please fans of this vintage microphone . Thus, the “Collectors Edition” have the same parts as the original.
Their body design, color, and shape are identical with one exception. In fact, the directivity below the gate is reversed for the new Neumann U47 FETs. Furthermore, the section of their support adapter is slightly smaller than the original models.
Inside the new U47 FET, every part has been reproduced to resemble the original . However, there are a few small details that differentiate the two models.
We can note for example that the capsule of the series produced from 2014 benefits from nylon protection . Additionally, the slide travel of the new switches is shorter. Another small detail: the cable clamp wheel is made of plastic for the new U47 FET (metal for the original).
As for the technical characteristics , there are no notable modifications. Just like the first examples, the new U47 FET has a large diaphragm . This allows it to adapt to a wide range of applications.
Like the original, the new Neumann U47 FET also features a fixed cardioid pattern . Which means this mic is designed to pick up sounds in front of it . It attenuates sound sources coming from the sides and rejects those located behind the microphone.
The U47 FET features FET 80 circuit technology just like the famous Neumann U87 Ai . Furthermore, it is also equipped with a k47 double membrane capsule to replace the M7 used in the first Neumann U47.
Performance-wise, the original U47 FET was particularly interesting for demanding instruments like bass drums or guitar amps. Indeed, its major advantage lay in its ability to cope with high sound pressure levels . In particular, it could absorb up to 147 dB when the 10 dB pad is activated.
And unsurprisingly, the updated version of the U47 FET comes with the same capabilities as the original . Which seems completely logical given that the brand referred to the diagrams of the original to design the new U47 FET.
Neumann U47 FET Microphone Overview
The Neumann U47 FET comes in a beautiful wooden box. The microphone is perfectly protected in a firm sponge. It is a large diaphragm condenser microphone like the famous Telefunken U47 microphone and the Neumann TLM 193.
Please note that the microphone is accompanied by its instructions for use, which is supplemented by an individual certificate numbered and signed by the president of Neumann GmbH.
On the back of the U47 FET, you can find a minus 10 dB pad . This allows you to easily deal with high sound pressure levels . Here, you can also see a low-cut filter to eliminate unwanted low frequencies.
On the bottom of the mic, next to the output connector, there is also another small minus 6 dB pad . This will be useful to prevent overloading the preamp (also consult our articles on testing microphone preamps , in order to choose the best one for your studio).
In terms of design, the Neumann U47 FET microphone benefits from a high-end finish. Note that the “Collectors Edition” series microphones are only available in satin nickel. On the other hand, the original came in nickel and matte black finishes.
The integrated support provides the microphone with great stability. Its thread adapter is 5/8''. But a standard 3/8'' and 1/2'' thread adapter is also included in the box.
If you are interested in the weight of the Neumann U47 FET, you should know that this mic weighs 710g. Furthermore, it measures 160 mm high and 160 mm long.
Neumann U47 FET: a versatile studio microphone
When you think of the U47 FET, you immediately think of vocal recording. Which is normal, since it is a large diaphragm microphone . A priori, it is a microphone for singing . But that doesn't stop you from using it for your podcast or even your YouTube videos.
That said, if you are looking for a practical microphone for gaming , you will certainly find what you are looking for with the Rode NT USB or the Blue Yeti X.
Be aware, however, that the U47 FET is not designed just for voice. It is a very versatile microphone just like the king of studio microphones: the Neumann U87 Ai.
In addition to recording vocals, the U47 FET is useful for recording acoustic instruments . You can use it in particular for instruments rich in bass (the bass drum for example).
Furthermore, do not hesitate to use this microphone for your stereo sound recording . Since this is a condenser mic with a cardioid polar pattern , it would be perfect for Mid/Side recording.
Use the U47 FET as a Mid microphone : position it in front of your source (your guitar for example). Then, perpendicular to the latter, place another directivity microphone in figure 8 . For example, you can opt for the ribbon microphone .
Zoom on the sound quality of the Neumann U47 FET
This is probably the part you're looking forward to the most. Which is normal, since the quality of the sound produced by a microphone directly influences the result of your work. So, this will undoubtedly have an impact on your purchasing decision.
Please note that with the U47 FET “Collectors Edition”, the sound quality is there. You will not be disappointed if you are particularly a fan of vintage sound.
Whether for male or female vocals , the results are impressive. This microphone makes it easier to control the proximity effect thanks in particular to a high-cut filter. Simply activate the dedicated switch for this purpose to reduce the impact of low frequencies.
The Neumann U47 FET has a frequency response between 40 Hz and 16,000 Hz . Its nominal impedance is 150 ohms , compared to 1000 ohms for the nominal load impedance. This microphone offers a good signal-to-noise ratio. It thus offers a very low level of background noise.
The technical characteristics of the Neumann U47 FET
- Mic Type: Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
- Polar pattern: cardioid
- Frequency response: 40 Hz – 16 kHz
- Sensitivity at 1 kHz under 1 kOhm: 8 mV/Pa
- Nominal impedance: 150 Ohms
- Rated load impedance: 1 kOhm
- Equivalent sound level, according to CCIR: 25 dB
- Equivalent sound level, A-weighted: 18 dB-A
- CCIR signal-to-noise ratio: 69 dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio A: 76 dB
- SPL for THD < 0.5%: 137 dB
- SPL with pre-attenuation: 147 dB
- Maximum output voltage for THD < 0.5%: – 3.3 dBu
- Power supply type: 48 V phatom power supply
- Output connector: XLR
- Diameter: 63mm
- Length: 160mm
- Weight: 710g
Our Overall Opinion
Overall Sound Quality
Value for money
Global mark
Our opinion on the Neumann U47 FET microphone
Are you looking for a vintage and warm sound, characteristic of the 70s? If so, then I highly recommend the Neumann U47 FET. You will certainly be delighted to welcome this legendary microphone into your recording studio.
It cannot be denied that Neumann has still done a remarkable job reissuing the original U47 FET. This new model has in fact managed to retain all the character of the original. Not just in terms of looks, but also in terms of performance. Among other things, it is capable of withstanding high sound pressure levels. The major advantage of the original U47 FET.
To summarize our opinion on the Neumann U47 FET, here are the pluses and minuses:
Most :
- Natural and ultra-precise sound
- Impressive against high sound pressure levels
- Wide range of applications
The lessers :
The price of the U47 FET, however, remains a little expensive. But it's definitely worth buying since its performance is nothing like low-end condenser microphones.
Neumann U47 FET Demo
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