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Average Price: $16,111
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Description
Discover the legendary Neumann U47, a game-changer in the world of tube microphones. Introduced in 1947, this transcendent microphone has not only stood the test of time but has constantly been seen as a benchmark in recording studios worldwide. Its groundbreaking design set a new standard in fidelity, surpassing the performance of the earlier "bottle" microphones. But it's not just the technical prowess that sets the Neumann U47 apart. This microphone is renowned for its captivating, larger-than-life tone that sends a shiver down the spine of both professional engineers and casual listeners. With the U47, your recordings will never be the same.
Key Features:
- Revolutionary tube microphone design
- Superior fidelity over earlier "bottle" microphones
- Switchable polar patterns without needing to change capsules
- Produces a larger-than-life tone
- Lauded by professional engineers and casual listeners alike
Product specs
| Brand | Neumann |
| Model | U 47 |
| Finish | Nickel |
| Year | 1950s |
| Made In | Germany |
| Categories | Microphones |
| Electronics | Analog, Tube |
| Microphone Type | Large-Diaphragm Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Multipattern |
| Wired/Wireless | Wired |
FAQs
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What is the primary application of the Neumann U47 microphone?
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The Neumann U47 is widely regarded as a classic vocal microphone, known for its warm and rich sound. It is also highly effective for recording acoustic instruments, making it a versatile choice for studio applications.
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Does the Neumann U47 require phantom power to operate?
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The original Neumann U47 is a tube microphone and does not require phantom power. Instead, it uses an external power supply to operate its tube circuitry.
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What polar pattern options does the Neumann U47 offer?
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The Neumann U47 features a multipattern design, allowing users to switch between cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns for versatile recording applications.
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How does the Neumann U47's tube circuitry affect its sound?
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The tube circuitry in the Neumann U47 contributes to its warm, smooth, and full-bodied sound, which has made it a favored choice for vocal recordings and a staple in professional studios.
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Is the Neumann U47 suitable for modern recording studios?
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Yes, the Neumann U47 remains a highly sought-after microphone for modern studios due to its legendary sound quality and versatility, particularly in capturing vocals and acoustic instruments.
Videos
Sweetwater
Vintage Neumann U47 vs. New Telefunken U47 Mic Comparison
Vintage Neumann U47 vs. New Telefunken U47 Mic Comparison
Sweetwater
Warm Audio WA-47 vs. Vintage Neumann U47 MIC SHOOTOUT
RV_ Music
Mic Comparison Audio Test | Telefunken U47 | Neumann U47 | Neumann M149
Carlos Rodgarman
A Look At A Historic Pair Of Neumann U47 Microphones From Vintage King
Vintage King
Vintage Neumann U47 vs Vintage Neumann U87
ProfessorDan
Neumann U47 vs U87
Christian Svedin
Unboxing Telefunken U47 and Neumann U47
Carlos Rodgarman
Reviews
PROS
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Unmatched, legendary sound quality
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Superior to modern clones and replicas
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Captures vocals with warmth and detail
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Favored by iconic musicians across generations
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Neumann U47.
Comparisons
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Vintage U47s and clones vary significantly, each offering a unique sound profile, leading to subjective preference based on taste rather than inherent superiority.
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The U47fet is described as warmer and richer than the U87, with users noting its underrated performance on vocals despite its reputation as a kick/bass mic.
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Some users prefer the brighter, mid-forward tonality of Neumann's U67/U87 for most vocalists, contrasting with the darker vocal sound of the U47fet.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The U47 excels at naturally fitting into mixes without extensive EQ or compression adjustments, a challenge for many clone microphones.
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The U47's versatility is demonstrated in a diverse recording setup, capturing double bass, vocals, jazz drums, and piano with consistent quality.
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It's observed that the U47fet can soften "s" sounds in vocals, which may be beneficial in some recording contexts but could also be perceived as mushy.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Testing involved placing mics close together to avoid performance variation, acknowledging potential sound coloration due to reflections.
Source
User experience
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Handling vintage U47s, valued between $20k-$30k, alongside clones highlights the risk and responsibility of working with high-value gear.
Source
Features and functionality
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The U47fet is noted for its handling of low-end sources like piano and bass, making it suitable for applications requiring robust low-frequency capture.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In a photograph capturing Josey Scott, the original singer of Saliva, he can be clearly observed utilizing a Neumann U47 microphone, substantiating the usage of this particular studio recording gear. This evidence is sourced from an image that showcases Scott in close proximity to the microphone.
Used for vocals on XOXO, as stated by engineer Nick Tveitbakk in this October 28, 2020 Mix Online interview.
Acoustic guitars were miked with an AKG C414EB and a Coles 4038 side by side, and vocals went into Neumann U47 and Shure SM7 mics, also side by side, to provide a range of textures. Acoustic guitars were miked with an AKG C414EB and a Coles 4038 side by side, and vocals went into Neumann U47 and Shure SM7 mics, also side by side, to provide a range of textures. “We’re always going for keeper vocals, so the option is there,” Tveitbakk says.
In the video "Flockaveli TV - Episode 4 (Waka Flocka in the Studio with Yo Gotti)" on YouTube, Waka Flocka Flame is visibly seen using a Neumann U47 microphone at the 1:32 mark.
Angelina Jordan using a Neumaan U47 microphone for a Linkedin ad
In the article "André Bratten Studio" by NNNN, the Neumann U47 microphone is visible in the studio setup, confirming its use by André Bratten.
IZI uses the Neumann U47 microphone for its ability to produce shiny highs and balanced rap recordings, as shown in the video "Izi - SANTA BANDANA (64 Bars) | Red Bull 64 Bars" by Esse on YouTube.
Used for vocals on XOXO, as stated by engineer Nick Tveitbakk in this October 28, 2020 Mix Online interview.
Acoustic guitars were miked with an AKG C414EB and a Coles 4038 side by side, and vocals went into Neumann U47 and Shure SM7 mics, also side by side, to provide a range of textures. Acoustic guitars were miked with an AKG C414EB and a Coles 4038 side by side, and vocals went into Neumann U47 and Shure SM7 mics, also side by side, to provide a range of textures. “We’re always going for keeper vocals, so the option is there,” Tveitbakk says.
Mentioned by sound engineer Bob Johnston in this Sound on Sound "Classic Tracks" interview about the recording of Bob Dylan's "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands".
"What I used on his vocals — and what I used on Johnny Cash, Patti Paige [sic], Marty Robbins and many others — was a [Neumann] U47 microphone with a power pack,” Johnston explains. "It was the old one and nothing was better."
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Used for the vocals on "Prisms of Glass", as is visible in this and this February 23, 2014 Instagram post.
In the studio today with @nitejewel and @fperdomo
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Used for as an ambient drum mic for In Human Form, as can be seen in this December 5, 2012 Instagram post by Grandfather and in this photo from this October 30, 2013 Tumblr post by Sangiacomo.
Used for vocals on Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording), as stated by recording engineer Derik Lee in this September 2016 Sound On Sound interview.
“Moving to another room for the vocal recordings was a bit of a challenge for me. In order to keep things streamlined, I did a submix in Pro Tools of the band recordings to stereo, which helped us move more quickly when we recorded the vocals. Avatar Studio C has a Neve VR desk, and I again used that on all microphones, I didn’t even think twice. All principal vocals also went through a hardware compressor, either an LA-2A or 1176. I used mainly Neumann U67 mics on the principal singers, and Avatar’s custom-built A67. There was one U47, which I used on Daveed Diggs [Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson], because his voices sounded rather harsh on a 67. I like to record vocals with the 47, but singers sometimes swapped places during the sessions, if they wanted to be in a sightline with another singer, and I wanted to give Tim a consistent sound on each singer, so it was easier to have all 67s.
Album Usage
The Neumann U47 has been featured on the following albums:
A Catalogue of Jazz: Miles Davis
Miles Davis (2026)
Desiderium
Somnuri (2023)
About Damn Time (Purple Disco Machine Remix)
Purple Disco Machine & Lizzo (2022)
Special
Lizzo (2022)
Inside Friend (feat. John Mayer)
John Mayer & Leon Bridges (2020)
Xoxo
Jayhawks (2020)
Wonderbloom
Becca Stevens (2020)
Changes
Justin Bieber (2020)
Good News
Megan Thee Stallion (2020)
The Beatles
The Beatles (2018)
Dos en Uno
Steve Jordan (2017)
Lighthouse
David Crosby (2016)
Montage Of Heck: The Home Recordings
Kurt Cobain (2015)
Brown Sugar
The Rolling Stones (2015)
Bitch (Extended Version)
The Rolling Stones (2015)
Wild Horses (Acoustic Version)
The Rolling Stones (2015)
Another Country
Rod Stewart (2015)
Traveller
Chris Stapleton (2015)
Spotify Sessions
Adam Lambert (2015)
Matador
Gaz Coombes (2015)
Popular Problems
Leonard Cohen (2014)
40 Acres and a Mule
Superwolf (2013)
Volume 3
She & Him (2013)
Gold Cobra
Limp Bizkit (2011)
Christmas
Michael Bublé (2011)
Duets II
Tony Bennett (2011)
Special Delivery
Michael Bublé (2010)
Flockaveli
Waka Flocka Flame (2010)
Sex On Fire
Kings of Leon (2009)
The Fall
Norah Jones (2009)
Only By The Night
Kings of Leon (2008)
Icky Thump
The White Stripes & Jack White & Jack White (2007)
Raising Sand
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (2007)
Continuum
John Mayer (2006)
Kickin' Out The Footlights... Again: Jones Sings Haggard, Haggard Sings Jones
Merle Haggard & George Jones (2006)
Ganging up on the Sun
Guster (2006)
Late Registration
Kanye West (2005)
It's Time
Michael Bublé (2005)
Jagged Little Pill (Acoustic)
Alanis Morissette (2005)
Love Is Hell
Ryan Adams (2004)
Figure 8
Elliott Smith (2000)
Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu (2000)
...Baby One More Time (Digital Deluxe Version)
Britney Spears (1999)
The Colour And The Shape
Foo Fighters (1997)
Pop
U2 (1997)
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette (1995)
Achtung Baby (Deluxe Edition)
U2 (1991)
The Dark Side of the Moon
Pink Floyd (1973)
Papa's Got A Brand New Bag
James Brown & The Famous Flames (1965)
Chet Is Back!
Chet Baker (1962)
Walkin' (Remastered 2025)
Miles Davis (1957)
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 Neumann U47, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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