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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

What is the primary application of the Neumann U47 microphone?

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.

Does the Neumann U47 require phantom power to operate?

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.

What polar pattern options does the Neumann U47 offer?

The Neumann U47 features a multipattern design, allowing users to switch between cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns for versatile recording applications.

How does the Neumann U47's tube circuitry affect its sound?

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.

Is the Neumann U47 suitable for modern recording studios?

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.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Vintage Neumann U47 vs. New Telefunken U47 Mic Comparison

Video thumbnail for Vintage Neumann U47 vs. New Telefunken U47 Mic Comparison by Sweetwater

Vintage Neumann U47 vs. New Telefunken U47 Mic Comparison

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Warm Audio WA-47 vs. Vintage Neumann U47 MIC SHOOTOUT by RV_ Music

Warm Audio WA-47 vs. Vintage Neumann U47 MIC SHOOTOUT

RV_ Music

RV_ Music

Video thumbnail for Mic Comparison Audio Test  | Telefunken U47 | Neumann U47 | Neumann M149 by Carlos Rodgarman

Mic Comparison Audio Test | Telefunken U47 | Neumann U47 | Neumann M149

Carlos Rodgarman

Carlos Rodgarman

Video thumbnail for A Look At A Historic Pair Of Neumann U47 Microphones From Vintage King by Vintage King

A Look At A Historic Pair Of Neumann U47 Microphones From Vintage King

Vintage King

Vintage King

Video thumbnail for Vintage Neumann U47 vs Vintage Neumann U87 by ProfessorDan

Vintage Neumann U47 vs Vintage Neumann U87

ProfessorDan

ProfessorDan

Video thumbnail for Neumann U47 vs U87 by Christian Svedin

Neumann U47 vs U87

Christian Svedin

Christian Svedin

Video thumbnail for Unboxing  Telefunken U47 and Neumann U47 by Carlos Rodgarman

Unboxing Telefunken U47 and Neumann U47

Carlos Rodgarman

Carlos Rodgarman

Reviews

PROS

  • Unmatched, legendary sound quality

  • Superior to modern clones and replicas

  • Captures vocals with warmth and detail

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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

  • Testing involved placing mics close together to avoid performance variation, acknowledging potential sound coloration due to reflections.

    Source

User experience

  • Handling vintage U47s, valued between $20k-$30k, alongside clones highlights the risk and responsibility of working with high-value gear.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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

Mods and upgrades

  • A modification for the U87ai is suggested to run internally at 48v to achieve a sound closer to the original U87, potentially improving its vocal performance.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
danlaurens

Neumann U47 long body

i have two. probably the best mic in the world

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny Cash uses Neumann U47

Johnny Cash

Guitarist, Singer

The Highwaymen

...
Verified via Photo

While discussing the nuances of choosing vocals mikes in this R / E / P forum thread, producer J.J. Blair mentioned his use of the U47 on Cash.

I will choose a U47 typically for a male singer who has any texture in his voice, if it's not "airy." If I use my C12 or Manley Gold on those singers, I can't add compression without bringing out that throat texture in an unflattering way.

I'll name drop here, simply because you know these voices: I used a U47 on Johnny Cash, because it captures perfectly that granite resonance in his voice. On Rod Stewart, who has texture, but lets a lot of air pass through his throat, I used the C12 to capture that air. His texture was more crackle, where John was gravel.

While discussing recording Bob Dylan in this Mix Online interview, producer Bob Johnston also mentions using a U47 on Cash anecdotally.

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.

It was also mentioned by Johnston in this May 2010 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."

See how Chris Stapleton uses Neumann U47

Chris Stapleton

Singer, Guitarist

The Jompson Brothers

...
Verified via Vintage King Blog

Mentioned in this February 12, 2015 article from the Vintage King website.

2015 was a remarkable year for Vintage King clients involved in the music industry, as we had over 30 artists, producers and engineers we work with nominated for Grammy awards. While we all know how secretive sonic creators can be about their work process, we asked a few of our favorite studio workhorses to divulge the secrets of their Grammy-nominated vocal chains.

While Chris Stapleton may be a new face for many music fans, producer Dave Cobb (Sturgill Simpson/Jason Isbell) and engineer Vance Powell (Jack White / JEFF the Brotherhood) are no strangers to creating amazing records. When deciding what gear to use during the recording of Stapleton's Grammy-nominated album, Traveller, Cobb asked Powell to select what would be used in the vocal chain.

The end results saw Vance opting to use a vintage U47 and running them through vintage Neve 1073 and an Esoteric Audio Research 660 for compression/limiting. The vocals were all cut live with the rest of the band playing in the same room at RCA Victor Studios. The only exceptions were two albums tracks that were recorded outside the front of The Castle studio, thus the sound of passing cars and crickets.

See how Eminem uses Neumann U47

Eminem

Singer, Rapper

D12

...
Verified via Tapeop

"That's Jeff Bass playing guitar on 'Lose Yourself'. I mixed that — I was there from the beginning. We were on the set for the movie [8 Mile] when Marshall did his vocal. He would come in on his lunch break, which was usually 15 minutes long. The vocal that ended up being the final vocal was the first take. He tried to sing it a few other times, but just couldn't beat it because he had some kind of other energy. He was making them wait — he came in and said, 'Okay I gotta do this real quick.' He did it real fast and laid some doubles on it like he usually did. You can hear it's in one of those vox boxes in a trailer — the floor is kind of hollow. But the emotion he put into that particular performance was awesome — we were all like, 'Oh my God!' That guy is super talented, brilliant.

(...) The vocal chain was always an Avalon preamp, Neve 33609 compressor and a Sony C800G tube mic. Earlier with Marshall I used the Neve 1073 preamp and a [Neumann] U47."

— Steve King, sound engineer and writer for the 8 Mile soundtrack

See how Ryan Adams uses Neumann U47

Ryan Adams

Singer, Guitarist

Whiskeytown

...
Verified via Photo

Mentioned in a comment on this Instagram post by Benmont Tench.

jonregen @benmonttench Tell Ryan I bought John Porter’s U47 that he recorded Love Is Hell on!

See how Elvis Presley uses Neumann U47

Elvis Presley

Guitarist, Singer

The Blue Moon Boys

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this ca. 1960 photo of Presley. The article "A Brief History of the U-47" from the George Neumann archives, transcribed in this 2010 page from voice actor Thom Wilkins' website, also mentions Presley's use of the mic.

In the past, superstars such as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, Miles Davis and David Bowie used the U 47 repeatedly during the course of their careers. This mic remains a top favorite even today, and is used in numerous contemporary productions.

See how Justin Bieber uses Neumann U47

Justin Bieber

Singer, Composer

Young Artists for Haiti

...
Verified via YouTube

In the new YouTube Series JUSTIN BIEBER: SEASONS S1 • E2. You can see Justin in the booth working on his new album with the Neumann U47, it can be seen at 4:00 in this video.

See how Stevie Wonder uses Neumann U47

Stevie Wonder

Singer, Drummer

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this photo of Wonder.

See how Michael Jackson uses Neumann U47

Michael Jackson

Singer, Composer

The Jackson 5

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this ca. 1987 photo of Jackson.

See how Jónsi uses Neumann U47

Jónsi

Singer, Guitarist

Sigur Rós

...
Verified via Emusician

"Jónsi’s layered vocals are a Sigur Rós trademark, and they’re not arrived at easily. He typically sings through a Neumann U47..."

See how Adrian Utley uses Neumann U47

Adrian Utley

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Portishead

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see the U47 around 0:18 min mark in the attached video.

See how Jon Bellion uses Neumann U47

Jon Bellion

Singer, Rapper

...
Verified via YouTube

In this behind the scenes video of the making of guillotine, Jon Bellion starts singing his ideas for the first verse of the song into this microphone around 8:11.

See how Jared Followill uses Neumann U47

Jared Followill

Bassist

Kings of Leon

...
Verified via Photo

Used on the bass for "Sex on Fire", stated by Only by the Night producer Jacques King in this December 2008 Sound on Sound interview.

"With regards to 'Sex On Fire', the bass was recorded with a DI and a Neumann U47 on the SVT cabinet, close but not right up to the speaker. The microphone on the bass is usually at its upper range of ability, and because the U47 is a tube microphone you get a little bit of tube squash, with the harmonics nearly going into distortion. A lot of times in rock & roll, the bass is really clean and you have to fuzz it up. Both the DI and the 47 went through a Neve 1081 preamp and then an [Teletronix] LA2A compressor, plus an old Dbx 160 on the DI. I also used a very old subharmonic synthesizer, the Dbx Disco Boombox, on the DI. Jared plays a lot of melodic stuff very high up the neck of his bass, and to be able to keep the weight of the track I synthesized some additional low end."

Album Usage

The Neumann U47 has been featured on the following albums:

Neumann U47 as heard on A Catalogue of Jazz: Miles Davis by Miles Davis (2026)

A Catalogue of Jazz: Miles Davis

Miles Davis (2026)

Neumann U47 as heard on Desiderium by Somnuri (2023)

Desiderium

Somnuri (2023)

Neumann U47 as heard on About Damn Time (Purple Disco Machine Remix) by Purple Disco Machine & Lizzo (2022)

About Damn Time (Purple Disco Machine Remix)

Purple Disco Machine & Lizzo (2022)

Neumann U47 as heard on Special by Lizzo (2022)

Special

Lizzo (2022)

Neumann U47 as heard on Inside Friend (feat. John Mayer) by John Mayer & Leon Bridges (2020)

Inside Friend (feat. John Mayer)

John Mayer & Leon Bridges (2020)

Neumann U47 as heard on Xoxo by Jayhawks (2020)

Xoxo

Jayhawks (2020)

Neumann U47 as heard on Wonderbloom by Becca Stevens (2020)

Wonderbloom

Becca Stevens (2020)

Neumann U47 as heard on Changes by Justin Bieber (2020)

Changes

Justin Bieber (2020)

Neumann U47 as heard on Good News by Megan Thee Stallion (2020)

Good News

Megan Thee Stallion (2020)

Neumann U47 as heard on The Beatles by The Beatles (2018)

The Beatles

The Beatles (2018)

Neumann U47 as heard on Dos en Uno by Steve Jordan (2017)

Dos en Uno

Steve Jordan (2017)

Neumann U47 as heard on Lighthouse by David Crosby (2016)

Lighthouse

David Crosby (2016)

Neumann U47 as heard on Montage Of Heck: The Home Recordings by Kurt Cobain (2015)

Montage Of Heck: The Home Recordings

Kurt Cobain (2015)

Neumann U47 as heard on Brown Sugar by The Rolling Stones (2015)

Brown Sugar

The Rolling Stones (2015)

Neumann U47 as heard on Bitch (Extended Version) by The Rolling Stones (2015)

Bitch (Extended Version)

The Rolling Stones (2015)

Neumann U47 as heard on Wild Horses (Acoustic Version) by The Rolling Stones (2015)

Wild Horses (Acoustic Version)

The Rolling Stones (2015)

Neumann U47 as heard on Another Country by Rod Stewart (2015)

Another Country

Rod Stewart (2015)

Neumann U47 as heard on Traveller by Chris Stapleton (2015)

Traveller

Chris Stapleton (2015)

Neumann U47 as heard on Spotify Sessions by Adam Lambert (2015)

Spotify Sessions

Adam Lambert (2015)

Neumann U47 as heard on Matador by Gaz Coombes (2015)

Matador

Gaz Coombes (2015)

Neumann U47 as heard on Popular Problems by Leonard Cohen (2014)

Popular Problems

Leonard Cohen (2014)

Neumann U47 as heard on 40 Acres and a Mule by Superwolf (2013)

40 Acres and a Mule

Superwolf (2013)

Neumann U47 as heard on Volume 3 by She & Him (2013)

Volume 3

She & Him (2013)

Neumann U47 as heard on Gold Cobra by Limp Bizkit (2011)

Gold Cobra

Limp Bizkit (2011)

Neumann U47 as heard on Christmas by Michael Bublé (2011)

Christmas

Michael Bublé (2011)

Neumann U47 as heard on Duets II by Tony Bennett (2011)

Duets II

Tony Bennett (2011)

Neumann U47 as heard on Special Delivery by Michael Bublé (2010)

Special Delivery

Michael Bublé (2010)

Neumann U47 as heard on Flockaveli by Waka Flocka Flame (2010)

Flockaveli

Waka Flocka Flame (2010)

Neumann U47 as heard on Sex On Fire by Kings of Leon (2009)

Sex On Fire

Kings of Leon (2009)

Neumann U47 as heard on The Fall by Norah Jones (2009)

The Fall

Norah Jones (2009)

Neumann U47 as heard on Only By The Night by Kings of Leon (2008)

Only By The Night

Kings of Leon (2008)

Neumann U47 as heard on Icky Thump by The White Stripes & Jack White & Jack White (2007)

Icky Thump

The White Stripes & Jack White & Jack White (2007)

Neumann U47 as heard on Raising Sand by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (2007)

Raising Sand

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (2007)

Neumann U47 as heard on Continuum by John Mayer (2006)

Continuum

John Mayer (2006)

Neumann U47 as heard on Kickin' Out The Footlights... Again: Jones Sings Haggard, Haggard Sings Jones by Merle Haggard & George Jones (2006)

Kickin' Out The Footlights... Again: Jones Sings Haggard, Haggard Sings Jones

Merle Haggard & George Jones (2006)

Neumann U47 as heard on Ganging up on the Sun by Guster (2006)

Ganging up on the Sun

Guster (2006)

Neumann U47 as heard on Late Registration by Kanye West (2005)

Late Registration

Kanye West (2005)

Neumann U47 as heard on It's Time by Michael Bublé (2005)

It's Time

Michael Bublé (2005)

Neumann U47 as heard on Jagged Little Pill (Acoustic) by Alanis Morissette (2005)

Jagged Little Pill (Acoustic)

Alanis Morissette (2005)

Neumann U47 as heard on Love Is Hell by Ryan Adams (2004)

Love Is Hell

Ryan Adams (2004)

Neumann U47 as heard on Figure 8 by Elliott Smith (2000)

Figure 8

Elliott Smith (2000)

Neumann U47 as heard on Mama's Gun by Erykah Badu (2000)

Mama's Gun

Erykah Badu (2000)

Neumann U47 as heard on ...Baby One More Time (Digital Deluxe Version) by Britney Spears (1999)

...Baby One More Time (Digital Deluxe Version)

Britney Spears (1999)

Neumann U47 as heard on The Colour And The Shape by Foo Fighters (1997)

The Colour And The Shape

Foo Fighters (1997)

Neumann U47 as heard on Pop by U2 (1997)

Pop

U2 (1997)

Neumann U47 as heard on Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette (1995)

Jagged Little Pill

Alanis Morissette (1995)

Neumann U47 as heard on Achtung Baby (Deluxe Edition) by U2 (1991)

Achtung Baby (Deluxe Edition)

U2 (1991)

Neumann U47 as heard on The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd (1973)

The Dark Side of the Moon

Pink Floyd (1973)

Neumann U47 as heard on Papa's Got A Brand New Bag by James Brown & The Famous Flames (1965)

Papa's Got A Brand New Bag

James Brown & The Famous Flames (1965)

Neumann U47 as heard on Chet Is Back! by Chet Baker (1962)

Chet Is Back!

Chet Baker (1962)

Neumann U47 as heard on Walkin' (Remastered 2025) by Miles Davis (1957)

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.

AMS Neve 1073
AMS Neve 1073 Preamps & Channel Strips
13
Neumann U67
Neumann U67 Condenser Microphones
9
Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
8
Neumann U87
Neumann U87 Condenser Microphones
7
Coles Electroacoustics 4038
5
Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools DAW Software
5
AKG C 24
AKG C 24 Condenser Microphones
4
Shure SM7
Shure SM7 Dynamic Microphones
4

Community setups

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wanya7

wanya7

Gear IQ 1824

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