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Average Price: $16,111

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$100

$401+

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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 Will Oldham uses Neumann U47

Will Oldham

Singer, Guitarist

Silver Jews

...
Verified via Photo

Used for vocals on Superwolves, as stated by Daniel Schlett in this May 21, 2021 Mix article.

“The first day or two was just those guys capturing songs, some acoustic and mellow and some of them with Matt’s electric guitar,” Schlett recalls. He captured Oldham’s vocal with a vintage Neumann U47 into a Neve 1070 mic preamp. Sweeney’s guitar amp was miked up with a U67 into an ADL 670 or UREI Silver 1176 compressor/limiter.

“The ADL 670 would have been used on the vocal. Will’s vocal is the only thing I put through a Neve pre,” Schlett says. “Everything else went through the pre’s in our API Legacy console.

See how Michael Bublé uses Neumann U47

Michael Bublé

Singer

ArtistsCAN

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Humberto Gatica, who produced Bublé's "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You" and "Stardust", states that "with Michael I use a vintage tube Neumann U47".

Al Schmitt, who produced It's Time, Special Delivery, Christmas, Nobody But Me and Love, stated in this July 15, 2015 interview that he also used a valve-based U47 with Bublé:

The U47 – that’s the one I used on Bublé, Paul McCartney and so many others. (...) For Diana Krall and Paul McCartney (and others) I used a Neumann Tube U47 into Neve Preamp and then into a Fairchild compressor. That, to me, is the ultimate.

Lastly, a valve-based U47 can be seen throughout various "Studio Clip" videos on Bublé's official YouTube channel. Its label can be seen up close in this video for Bublé's cover of Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You". The label reads "M7 Capsule Nov2006", offering that it contains the M7 capsule typically associated with vintage Neumann U47s.

See how Adam Lambert uses Neumann U47

Adam Lambert

Singer, Composer

Queen

...
Verified via EW.com

Adam is seen here recording at Capitol Studios in 2009 recording his debut album. For vocals he is using a Neumann u47 and Telefunken ELAM 251.

See how Ron Carter uses Neumann U47

Ron Carter

Bassist

Artists United Against Apartheid

...
Verified via EMusician

Used on A Tribe Called Quest's "Verses from the Abstract", as stated by recording engineer Bob Power in this October 2, 2011 Electronic Musician interview.

The Low End Theory is noted for introducing people to the connection between hip-hop and jazz. Legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter played on the song “Verses from the Abstract”; what was it like to work with him?

Let's start with an engineering tip: If the musicians are good and studio-savvy, always ask them what they do and what sounds best on their instrument. They know how they sound best, and if you do that, they'll play better and make you look very good as a recordist.

I said, “Ron, this is how I'm going to record you; is that okay?” I was going to compress him a little with my old Neve 2254E, but he said, “no compression.” So I just put my old Neumann U47 on him, and he loved it and sounded great.

This was restated by Power in a more detailed account for Electronic Musician Presents the Recording Secrets Behind 50 Great Albums (2012).

Do you remember what you used to record guest bassist Ron Carter on “Verses from the Abstract”?

Yes, very well. It was a very funny evening when we recorded him; Tip, Ali, and I were all slightly terrified. At times, Ron can seem like a very prickly fellow, so, because of his stature, I made sure to converse with him in the booth both about how I was planning to record him and to see what he was comfortable with. I ended up using a Neumann tube U 47 and took his pickup direct, as well. I'm pretty sure I used some stand-alone Neve mic pres that were in an outboard track and then balanced them on faders on the 4064 G console, bussing the combined signals to one tape track. I had planned on using a Neve 2254e compressor/limiter on him—a piece I was very familiar with. But when I asked him if he was comfortable with that, I got the quickest and most resolute "No" I've ever heard.

See how Alan Moulder uses Neumann U47

Alan Moulder

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Tapeworm

...
Verified via The Polymath Perspective

"We’ve been using Neumann U47s and Shure SM57s – the usual mics – and it seems to work pretty well."

See how James Brown uses Neumann U47

James Brown

Singer

James Brown & The Famous Flames

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag", as mentioned by recording engineer Ron Lenhoff in this June 2014 Sound on Sound interview.

"While I recorded Melvin Parker's drums with a tube [Neumann] U47 overhead and a kick mic, I also tracked James's vocals with a 47. The only time he ever did anything other than hand-hold the microphone was when he did overdubs. When he hand-held the microphone it was like he was on stage. It wasn't a studio performance; it was a stage performance. He had a great mic technique right from the very first time I met him, so we really didn't get the problem of his voice phasing in and out. We didn't always get everything the first take, but the first complete take that he was satisfied with. If he was happy with it, we'd have it on tape. I knew I had to work that way.

"We did add echo, but that was usually done on the session, and at that time it was 100 percent live echo. We'd use anything to give him an edge, and later on we did use echo plates. Both James and I preferred to always aim for as clean a sound as possible, with plenty of separation on the instruments.

See how Gary Louris uses Neumann U47

Gary Louris

Singer, Guitarist

Jayhawks

...
Verified via Mixonline

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.

See how Rod Stewart uses Neumann U47

Rod Stewart

Guitarist, Singer

Faces

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for vocals on Another Country, as stated by mix engineer Kevin Savigar in this February 2016 Sound on Sound interview.

“When we were at his house in LA I had a Neumann U67 for Rod, which I rent from LAFX. It’s an old vintage mic, which is in great shape, and which has been used on Rod’s voice for years. I also rented acoustic panels from LAFX, to control the room, which was a little live. They help to deaden the sound and also to give Rod a physical space to sing in. We kept the panels a little apart in front of him, because he likes to see me, which allows me to cue him in and give him feedback and things like that. I sat facing him, with a low table on which I have my laptop and the UAD Apollo Twin mic pre. Rod sings with Sony MDR-7506 headphones on. He likes them as they are crystal-clear and punchy.

“When we were in London I could not get a 67, so I used a U47 instead, which worked out great as well. His vocal mic goes straight into the Apollo Twin, and I used the UAD 610B tube preamp and EQ plug-in on him, which sounds nice, and some UAD 1176 with a very low threshold and not much compression at all, and UAD Helios 96 EQ to brighten his vocal sound up a bit. That was my entire input chain. Rod has a very loud voice, but also sings some passages very softly, so there’s quite a dynamic range in his vocal, and I needed the 1176 to keep that under control.

“It’s quite amazing really, because he had this nasty operation on his throat [in 2000, for thyroid cancer], with the scalpel coming within millimetres of his vocal cords. It was touch and go whether he could ever sing again. He had to completely retrain his muscles to get his voice back. But it’s now in great shape and he takes good care of it. He warms up extensively with a half-hour vocal exercise routine before he goes up to the microphone.”

See how Jimmy Buffett uses Neumann U47

Jimmy Buffett

Guitarist, Singer

The Pelicanaires

...
Verified via Mixonline

Mentioned in this June 1, 2008 Mix Online interview about George Strait's Troubador.

Troubadour, like its award-winning predecessor, It Just Comes Natural, was recorded in Key West, Fla., at Jimmy Buffett's Shrimp Boat Sound studio. (...) "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."

See how Adam Ant uses Neumann U47

Adam Ant

Singer

Adam and The Ants

...
Verified via Soundonsound

After the guide bass and rhythm guitar parts had been replaced — Adam Ant's Fender Telecaster being miked with a U87 microphone — his vocals were recorded last, with a combination of Neumann FET and valve U47s.

See how Steve Perry uses Neumann U47

Steve Perry

Singer, Music Producer

Journey

...
Verified via Tapeop

According to this interview with Steve Perry, he has an extensive home studio that includes "U47s"

See how Megan Thee Stallion uses Neumann U47

Megan Thee Stallion

Rapper

...
Verified

Megan Thee Stallion used the Neumann U47 while working on her album Good News, as detailed in the article "The Making of Megan Thee Stallion's Homemade Debut Album" on Reverb.

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.

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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

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