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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
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.
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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.
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Setup and maintenance
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Testing involved placing mics close together to avoid performance variation, acknowledging potential sound coloration due to reflections.
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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.
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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.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
27.02.2011 - In this Video Fred shows the studio in LA where they produced the golden cobra album. "Neumann U47 is mic of choice" - Fred Durst 0:58 in the Video.
Britney Spears used the Neumann U47 microphone to record her first album, with a pop filter to reject plosives and unwanted sounds, ensuring clean results in a well-treated studio in Sweden. This information is supported by a post from PRINCESSE POP 👑✨ on Threads.
Used for the vocals on Volume 3, as mentioned in this April 15, 2015 Electronic Musician interview.
Deschanel usually sings into a Neumann U47. “I have done a number of mic shoot-outs to see what we liked best,” she says. “But we don’t always universally stick to [the U47]; I love an RCA 77, too.”
On this project, [producer Pierre] de Reeder placed U47s for Deschanel and Ward; both also went to Neve 1073 mic pre’s, and Deschanel’s vocal took a small amount of 1176 compression. “Nothing’s heavily compressed,” de Reeder points out. “It’s just barely rocking the needle and making sure everything’s in control.”
All of the other inputs went through preamps in Sound Factory’s custom API console, then straight to a Studer A827 24-track tape machine.
Joe Jonas is seen using a Neumann U47 microphone while recording for Rolling Stone, as documented in a photo provided by Starstyleman.
In a 2012 studio session video posted by Blaqueground on YouTube, Mariah Carey is seen using a Neumann U47 microphone while ad-libbing.
"But [songwriter and producer Glen] Ballard’s latest project, an acoustic re-recording of Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill required techniques a bit more delicate. Ballard’s collaboration with Ms. Ironic on the original was both artists’ biggest commercial success, and they commemorated the albums’ 10th anniversary by revisiting the songs unplugged.
The acoustic instruments were captured at Westlake Audio Studios (where Ballard once jammed on the synth of Michael Jackson’s Bad) with his cherished standbys — a vintage [AKG] D12, and a trio of Neumann mics — a 49, 47, and 67. These went through outboard Neve 1073 preamp, a classic Neve BCM-10 'sidecar' console."
"For vocals, Jimmy Buffett has an amazing Neumann U47 and it's George's mic of choice. George has his own U47, but he prefers this one.”
In the photo, John Coltrane is seen with a Neumann U47 microphone, highlighting its use in his recording sessions.
For the vocal recording, Malcolm lent McAloon his Neumann U47 and left him to get on with it. “I don’t like judging my singing,” says Paddy, “which means I sing too many takes. It’s the thing that actually puts me off pushing the red button on a recording machine — the fact that I’m gonna have to judge my singing.”
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.
Community setups
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