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Average Price: $10,419
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$401+
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Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Telefunken U47". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Telefunken U47, the epitome of vintage-style tube studio microphones. This iconic tool is characterized by its smooth, sweet sound that harkens back to the golden age of music in the 1950s. Whether you're recording soulful vocals or a classical ensemble, the U47 has got you covered. Its robust low-frequency handling, airy high end, and switchable cardioid/omnidirectional pattern make it a versatile workhorse for any studio environment.
The U47's dual-diaphragm capsule provides you with two polar patterns to choose from, offering the flexibility to match your source and recording environment. This feature not only shapes the pickup area but also subtly alters the sound of your mic, allowing you to fine-tune your tone to perfection.
Despite the changing times, Telefunken has remained committed to delivering that classic U47 sound. The company has developed new components, such as the plug-and-play VF-14K vacuum tube and the BV8 output transformer, that replicate the original's warmth and presence. Once you experience the Telefunken U47, you'll understand why its legendary status is well-deserved.
Key Features:
- Vintage-style tube studio microphone with a smooth and sweet sound
- Robust low-frequency handling and airy high end for capturing a wide range of sources
- Switchable cardioid/omnidirectional pattern for versatility
- Dual-diaphragm capsule allows for fine-tuning of tone
- Modern components, including the VF-14K vacuum tube and BV8 output transformer, deliver the timeless U47 tone
- Ideal for vocals, classical recordings and Decca tree stereo mic arrangements
- Based on the microphones used on countless vocal and classical recordings from the 1950s
- Comes with a locking case, NG Style power supply, shockmount, and wooden box for secure storage and transport
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Tube Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Omni |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 138dB |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms (50 ohms Switchable) |
| Tube | VF14K |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 1.375 lbs. |
FAQs
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What applications is the Telefunken U47 best suited for?
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The Telefunken U47 is ideal for vocals, electric guitar, and orchestral recordings due to its authoritative mid-range and extended low-end response. It's a versatile choice for various studio applications.
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What are the polar patterns available on the Telefunken U47?
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The Telefunken U47 features cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns, allowing flexibility in capturing sound from different directions based on recording needs.
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How does the VF14K tube in the Telefunken U47 affect its sound?
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The VF14K tube in the Telefunken U47 contributes to its warm and rich sound quality, making it a sought-after choice for capturing detailed and dynamic recordings.
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Is the Telefunken U47 suitable for high SPL recordings?
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Yes, the Telefunken U47 can handle a maximum SPL of 138dB, making it suitable for capturing loud sound sources without distortion.
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What type of connector does the Telefunken U47 use?
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The Telefunken U47 uses an XLR connector, which is standard for professional audio equipment, ensuring compatibility with most studio setups.
Videos
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Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sensitivity captures nuanced vocal details
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Requires minimal EQ and processing for standout vocals
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Natural, present tone enhances recordings
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Tames sibilance and handles wide dynamics effortlessly
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Produces a warm, silky sound with addictive harmonic structure
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Versatile across various music genres and recording configurations
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Pairs well with both modern and vintage preamps for enhanced sound quality
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Captures "bigger than life" sound, flattering to the voice
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Consistent, professional quality suitable for both male and female vocals
CONS
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Low end not as warm/full as vintage U47 models
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Slight high-end rolloff requires EQ adjustment for some applications
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Warm-up time of 30 minutes needed for optimal sound
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May require EQ tweaking for contemporary pop music, especially female vocals
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Telefunken U47.
Comparisons
Value and pricing
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Vintage Neumann U47 microphones can sell for over $10,000 due to their rarity and discontinued vacuum tube production since 1957.
Source
Features and functionality
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Shock mounts are crucial for U47 microphones to prevent floor vibrations from affecting sound quality.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 9 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Avril performed a couple of songs at a home concert in 2020 with the Telefunken U47 microphone.
In Fake Love Comeback show you can see a Telefunken U47 hanging from the book arm on Jungkook’s table
Zappa added "a new Telefunken | USA U47" to Utility Muffin Research Kitchen, as mentioned in this July 2007 Telefunken article.
Dweezil also took possession of a new Telefunken | USA U47. He added, “It’s amazing how same-model microphones have very distinct characteristics, because of the subtleties of the capsules and the choice and condition of the tubes. The new U47 is a very finely crafted mic which fits beautifully into the collection that Frank put together.”
Producer Brandon Lowry states in this Sound On Sound article: "She has a great voice in general, but it is at its most unique in the alto range, so we wanted her voice to be in that range, and the Telefunken U47 AE worked great for that."
Between 0:25-0:26, you can see the back of a Telefunken U47 microphone. You can visibly see the serial number plate. It could also be a vintage Neumann U47, on which the Telefunken is based on.
He says at 1:20 : "This is the microphone that I do it all in front of right here. The Telefunken." It is a U47 not a TF51 because it has the little window on the front that displays the selected pickup pattern.
And to solidify that this is in fact a Telefunken U47, Dom's producer Julian Cruz shows off the vocal chain for Acaí Bowl.
"I like the Sennheiser 409 on amps. For a different sound I like a ribbon mic. Acoustic guitar recordings are tough. If you can have a nice big mic further back from the instrument that's usually the best. Further back means no booming. Lately I've enjoyed a U47 or C37A with a 1066 preamp."
"At the same time, Crow's acoustic guitar parts were recorded either with a U47, an AKG C12 or a Sennheiser 421, while electric guitars largely made use of a Fender Tweed amp." -via Sound on Sound
In the interview, Janus say "I record a lot of vocals, so the lovely U47 clone made by my friend is always in use."
Used for vocals (starting with Strange Days), as stated by engineer Bruce Botnick across Doors-related literature.
December 2003 - "Classic Tracks: The Doors 'Strange Days'", Sound on Sound
While Telefunken U47s were employed to record both Robby Krieger's guitar and Ray Manzarek's electric organ, the piano-bass was DI'd. Tried and trusted, this was Bruce Botnick's miking technique for assorted setups with a wide variety of artists. (...) Jim Morrison's vocals were captured with a U47, and although Botnick didn't use a pop shield during the Strange Days sessions — "I still don't like using them," he says, "I can hear them" — this would become a necessity a few years later when a drunken Morrison risked getting moisture on the capsule. At that point, Botnick would resort to making filters out of ladies' stockings glued over wire frames, "and when they were fresh Jim would get stoned off of the glue!
"Still, he was great, and for the most part he was one of the easiest people I've ever had to record. He had a big, full sound — his idol was Frank Sinatra, and he always had those legendary crooners in his soul, even though he could go from crooning to screaming in a flash. He was like [Peruvian singer] Yma Sumac, with a four-octave range. I could set up his mic and just brush him lightly with compression in order to grab it when he screamed, but otherwise he was right there. He gave full value to every note. He was a controlled singer, like Sinatra and like Elvis. He loved Elvis, and he was a good student."
2006 - Perception liner notes for Strange Days (transcribed in The Doors FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Kings of Acid Rock by Rich Weidman (2011))
In the liner notes for Strange Days in the Perception Box Set, Doors engineer Bruce Botnik related the story of how he chose a Telefunken U47 microphone for Morrison: "The significance of the U47 wasn't lost on him, since he was a big fan of Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. The first time Jim stepped up in front of the microphone, he immediately recognized it from Sinatra's Swingin' Session album cover and was flattered to be sonically linked to one of his idols!
October 9, 2007 - "Opening the Doors", Electronic Musician
What did you use for Jim Morrison’s vocals?
A Neumann U47 — which has pretty much always been my favorite vocal mic. And yes, for Strange Days, we didn’t use any pop filters. I hate them, because I can hear them. Jim was very controlled, so a light compression when he screamed into the mic was all it took to keep him sounding even. In those days, it was very common to have technical recording information on the back of the albums. They would list, “Trumpets: U47” and the like. So I would listen to the records, hear those sounds, and, then when I got back to the studio, I’d try out the mics. I’d say to myself, “Wow, it does have that sound character. That’s cool. I’m going to use it!”
Album Usage
The Telefunken U47 has been featured on the following albums:
Dandelion
Ella Langley (2026)
CHI LO SA
Cristiano Malgioglio (2025)
CHROMAKOPIA
Tyler, The Creator (2024)
Certain Limitations
Luke Temple (2024)
Ordinary World
Billie Joe Armstrong (2022)
Queendom - The 6th Mini Album
Red Velvet (2021)
folklore: the long pond studio sessions (from the Disney+ special) [deluxe edition]
Taylor Swift (2020)
folklore
Taylor Swift (2020)
Açaí Bowl
Dominic Fike (2019)
Let's Be Frank
Trisha Yearwood (2019)
Play Wooden Child
Nodding God (2019)
Rarities
Joe Williams (2018)
In Full Swing
Seth MacFarlane (2017)
Turn Up The Quiet
Diana Krall (2017)
The Serenity of Suffering
Korn (2016)
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar (2015)
These Walls
Kendrick Lamar (2015)
Alright
Kendrick Lamar (2015)
Shadows in the Night
Bob Dylan & Robert Zimmerman (2015)
Trouble Will Find Me
The National (2013)
Love In The Future (Expanded Edition)
John Legend (2013)
Time of the Season / She's Not There
The Zombies (2013)
Music Is Better Than Words
Seth MacFarlane (2011)
Congratulations
MGMT (2010)
Sleep Through The Static
Jack Johnson (2008)
Time of the Season
The Zombies (2007)
Icky Thump
The White Stripes & Jack White & Jack White (2007)
Are You Gonna Go My Way
Lenny Kravitz (1993)
Pablo Honey
Radiohead (1993)
Mosquitos
Stan Ridgway (1989)
Williams, Joe: Nothin' But the Blues
Joe Williams (1983)
Foreign Affairs (Remastered)
Tom Waits (1977)
Ramones (40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition; 2016 Remaster)
Ramones (1976)
Strange Days
The Doors (1967)
Unforgettable
Nat King Cole (1954)
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 Telefunken U47, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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