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Average Price: $3,983

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$100

$401+

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High-end

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Description

Immerse yourself in the golden era of recording with the FLEA 47 condenser microphone, a faithful homage to the legendary U 47. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this mic brings the coveted vintage sound into the modern studio without breaking the bank. Whether capturing the nuanced dynamics of a lead vocal or the delicate timbre of acoustic instruments, the FLEA 47 elevates your recording with its rich, warm tonality. Perfect for audiophiles seeking that classic sound, this microphone stands as a bridge between the past's sonic excellence and today's technological advancements.

Key Features:

  • Custom house-made components for an authentic vintage sound
  • Multiple configurations available, allowing for customization to suit individual recording needs
  • Ideal for lead vocals with a significant bass boost from the proximity effect
  • Also excels in capturing acoustic instruments with exceptional clarity
  • Offers the iconic tone of the '50s and '60s recordings at a fraction of the cost

Product specs

Brand FLEA Microphones
Model 47 Switchable Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Finish Nickel
Year 2010s
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Tube
Microphone Type Large-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern Multipattern
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What type of microphone is the FLEA 47?

The FLEA 47 is a large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone known for its rich, vintage sound, making it ideal for professional studio recordings.

What polar patterns does the FLEA 47 offer?

The FLEA 47 features multiple polar patterns, allowing users to switch between cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8, providing versatility for different recording scenarios.

Is the FLEA 47 suitable for vocal recording?

Yes, the FLEA 47 is highly regarded for vocal recording due to its warm, full-bodied sound and excellent detail, closely emulating the classic U47 microphone.

What is the primary application of the FLEA 47 microphone?

The FLEA 47 is primarily used in professional studio environments for recording vocals and a variety of instruments, thanks to its superior sound quality and versatile polar patterns.

What kind of electronics does the FLEA 47 use?

The FLEA 47 utilizes analog tube electronics, contributing to its vintage sound character and warmth, desirable in many recording applications.

TubeTestsShow

TubeTestsShow

Tube Tests Show Ep.26 "Telefunken U47, FLEA 47 and Vintage U47"

Video thumbnail for Tube Tests Show Ep.26 "Telefunken U47, FLEA 47 and Vintage U47" by TubeTestsShow

Tube Tests Show Ep.26 "Telefunken U47, FLEA 47 and Vintage U47"

TubeTestsShow

TubeTestsShow

Video thumbnail for Flea 47 vs. Vintage Neumann U47 Microphone Shootout | Vintage King by Vintage King

Flea 47 vs. Vintage Neumann U47 Microphone Shootout | Vintage King

Vintage King

Vintage King

Video thumbnail for Vintage Neumann U47 vs Flea 47 Tube Microphones | Retrosonic Pro Audio by Retrosonic Pro Audio

Vintage Neumann U47 vs Flea 47 Tube Microphones | Retrosonic Pro Audio

Retrosonic Pro Audio

Retrosonic Pro Audio

Video thumbnail for Flea 47 Vintage vs Stam Audio SA-47 | Shootout by Seawell Studios

Flea 47 Vintage vs Stam Audio SA-47 | Shootout

Seawell Studios

Seawell Studios

Video thumbnail for Flea 47 | Unboxing & Review Powered by You by Audio Test Kitchen

Flea 47 | Unboxing & Review Powered by You

Audio Test Kitchen

Audio Test Kitchen

Video thumbnail for Mic Shootout: FLEA 47 vs Neumann U87 vs Sontronics ARIA vs AEA R84A vs Neumann TLM 102 by repmusic

Mic Shootout: FLEA 47 vs Neumann U87 vs Sontronics ARIA vs AEA R84A vs Neumann TLM 102

repmusic

repmusic

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers a warm, full sound, enhancing recordings

  • Replicates the coveted Neumann 47 vintage sound affordably

  • Versatile; excels with female vocals and ballads

  • Favored over other high-end models like Sony's 1960s C37A

  • Adjustable sound characteristics via EQ for brightness

CONS

  • High price point may be prohibitive for some

  • Sound can be perceived as too warm or dark without EQ adjustments

  • Lacks the Thiersch M7 capsule, considered by some as superior

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about FLEA 47.

Setup and maintenance

  • It's noted that tying the shield/ground to the XLR body at the mic end, but disconnecting from pin 1, can reduce noise in some condenser mics but not tube mics like the FLEA 47.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing an imitation EF12 tube with a real one significantly enhances the FLEA 47's sound quality, according to an owner's experience.

    Source

Other

  • Cellphone interference can cause intermittent noise issues with the FLEA 47, especially if located near a transmitter, as experienced by an owner living 200ft from one.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users claim the FLEA 47 sounds better than vintage U47s, highlighting its reliability without the "old mic shenanigans."

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the FLEA 47 for its consistent performance in studio environments, often comparing its sound favorably against other high-end microphones.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite its high price, the FLEA 47 is considered worth the investment for its superior sound quality and durability compared to vintage alternatives.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Flea 47

soundonsound.com

The Flea 47 stands as a remarkable tribute to the legendary Neumann U47, delivering a classy and versatile sound that impresses in various recording settings. Its construction reflects a meticulous commitment to authenticity, using high-quality components that echo the original design. However, at a high price point, it may be out of reach for many musicians. While the mic excels in warmth and clarity, some users may find its off-axis response in omni mode less than ideal. Despite its hefty investment, for those seeking a modern take on a classic, the Flea 47 is a compelling option that offers impressive performance without the maintenance headaches of vintage models.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Damon Albarn uses FLEA 47

Damon Albarn

Singer, Guitarist

Gorillaz

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for Albarn's vocals on Gorillaz's "Charger", as mentioned by recording engineer Stephen Sedgwick in this July 2017 Sound on Sound interview about the production of Humanz.

“I recorded Damon’s rough vocals with a Neumann KMS105 condenser, which sounds pretty good and doesn’t pick up a lot of sound from the room, so it works great if there are other people around and he quickly wants to lay down some ideas. But when it came to recording his final vocal takes I used the Flea 47, which is a really great-sounding Neumann U47 clone. I usually recorded it via a Chandler LTD1 mic pre, and then either a Distressor or a Tube-Tech CL1B compressor."

See how Yannis Philippakis uses FLEA 47

Yannis Philippakis

Singer, Guitarist

Foals

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Having no real constraints on their studio time, Brett Shaw and Yannis Philippakis chose to set up a circle of mics in the live room at 123 to try out different vocal sounds. "Yannis sort of insisted on finishing all of the music before we got into the vocals," says Shaw. "I set up usually six microphones in a circle and he could just sort of skip between any of them at any point. You can just record a bit and see what it sounds like."

The circle of microphones generally comprised a Shure SM7, Neumann U67, Flea 47, an Altec 633A 'salt shaker', an AEA R44CX ribbon and a Yamaha NS10 speaker cone used as a mic. "On the slower songs and warmer vocals, the Flea 47 sounded great. He'd get up close to that and it'd give it a big, deep dimension."

See how Damiano David uses FLEA 47

Damiano David

Singer

Måneskin

...
Verified via YouTube

to not get confused,there's a giant logo on this u47style mic that ain't neumann,nor telefunken. It is in fact a FLEA (FLEA Microphones U47 - E80F2010 , probably F7 or modified capsule) due to the font and the initials that can be seen at 0:38 of this official music video. Seems like the mic was used for him and Tyla , besides the huge difference in the mix (Tyla has more evident top end , and this looks like it was done right with the surgical operations of resonance suppression on fabfilter pro Q3 , as shown in the video)

See how Steve Perry uses FLEA 47

Steve Perry

Singer, Music Producer

Journey

...
Verified via Tapeop

According to this interview with Steve Perry, he has an extensive home studio that includes "FLEA 47s"

See how Rita Ora uses FLEA 47

Rita Ora

Singer

Band Aid 30

...
Verified via Twitter

Rita Ora confirmed her use of the FLEA 47 microphone by posting a photo on her official Twitter account, captioning it, "It’s got groove it’s got meaning these things they call birthdays. 🎂"

See how Aaron Sterling uses FLEA 47

Aaron Sterling

Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 8:14 in the YouTube video titled "At Home with Aaron Sterling (Drummer - John Mayer, Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Harry Styles)" by Lauten Audio, Aaron Sterling is seen showing a FLEA 47 microphone as part of his primary drum kit.

S

Samuel T. Herring

Singer

Future Islands

...
Verified via Vintage King Blog

Sam is very unique and dynamic singer. I consider him a crooner in a rock band. For a vocal mic, after a shootout, we settled on a FLEA 47. I've had original U47s (along with a multitude of higher-end clones) come through the studio over the years, but when a friend brought over his FLEA 47 for us to try, it felt like I found the Holy Grail. I’m not sure if it has to do with this one being serial number 7, but it’s just a phenomenal-sounding mic. It gives you everything the U47 does, but with a pinch of “modern.” I rented it for the first session then quickly realized I had to buy it for the rest of the record.

See how Neeraj Khajanchi uses FLEA 47

Neeraj Khajanchi

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified via Twitter

Neeraj Khajanchi uses the FLEA 47 microphone, a meticulously crafted replica of the classic U47. This microphone features the F7 capsule, a replica of the original M7 capsule, and utilizes TELEFUNKEN EF12 or E80F tubes, known for their longevity and sound quality. The FLEA 47 is versatile, suitable for various recording applications, and is constructed with a nickel-plated duraluminium body. The microphone set includes a wooden box, cable, shock mount, and power supply. Neeraj recently mentioned on Twitter that he used this microphone during a recording session, highlighting its continued relevance in his studio work.

See how Popcaan uses FLEA 47

Popcaan

Singer, Composer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for Popcaan's vocals on Gorillaz's "Saturnz Barz", as mentioned by recording engineer Stephen Sedgwick in this July 2017 Sound on Sound interview about the production of Humanz.

“I also used the Flea 47 on all the other male vocalists that I recorded. I even took the mic with me to Jamaica to record Popcaan, but for the male vocals I recorded at Mission Sounds I used a Wunder CM7, which also is a 47 clone."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use FLEA 47, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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charlesd

Gear IQ 45

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