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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.
Source -
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.
Source -
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.
Source -
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 the year 2006, Chris Cornell recorded "You Know my Name" (Theme of the film James Bond 007 - Casino Royale) in a studio in Los Angeles using a condenser microphone Neumann U47
Source: https://www.mi6-hq.com/sections/articles/interview_david_arnold_cr3_ykmn
Gearslutz user "Lifted" claims that he worked in a studio that Kanye worked in during Late Registration, and says that he used a Neumann U-47, and a Neumann U-87.
I know Kanye recorded into U47 and U87 in a studio I worked at, God knows what records were those, cause it has been so long ago, I know it was Late Registration album
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Used for vocal overdubs on Dark Side of the Moon, as mentioned by recording engineer Alan Parsons in this March 9, 2012 Premier Guitar interview by Mitch Gallagher.
By the time we got around to overdubs, probably the only mic I actually had set up would be a [Neumann] U 47 so that we could do vocals. I might have stuck that on it, on occasion.
In this video interview from his home studio, you can see a Neumann U47 microphone in the background.
In his Instagram story, Luke Hemmings can be seen in the studio using a vintage Neumann U47 Tube Microphone. The clip was uploaded to his story on May 16th, 2017.
At around the 3min mark Annie discusses using the U47, while the video shows her using it in the performance.
A Neumann U47 is seen in the background multiple times, including at 1:05.
Mike Shinoda has confirmed the use of the Neumann U47 microphone by stating in a tweet, "I record on a U47 primarily."
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Mentioned by producer Bob Johnston in this Mix Online article.
I always used three microphones on Dylan, 'cause his head spun around so much. I used a big [Neumann] U47 on him, same as I used on Johnny Cash later. I would put a baffle over the top of his guitar because he played while he sang lead vocals. I didn't use any EQ on the band, just set the mics up right to make each instrument sound the best it could. I used some EQ on Dylan's voice.
Johnston stated the same in this Sound on Sound "Classic Tracks" interview about the recording of "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands".
"What I used on his vocals — and what I used on Johnny Cash, Patti Paige, 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. I put a baffle over the top of Dylan's guitar so he could play while he sang, and I also used some EQ on his voice, but I never tried to change his sound. All I did was change sounds in terms of the mechanics. Whatever Dylan did — from Highway 61 through Blonde On Blonde, John Wesley Harding, Nashville Skyline, Self Portrait and New Morning — happened because he himself had changed. I never knew what he was going to sound like and I never cared. He was growing.”
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Used for group vocals with The Beatles, as is visible in this photo.
Elliott Smith used the Neumann U47 microphone for vocal recordings during the creation of songs for "Figure 8" at Abbey Road Studios. Additionally, he employed it with a Leslie speaker and two Shure SM57 microphones positioned at 130 degrees for electric guitar recordings, as detailed on the elliottsmithob Tumblr blog.
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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