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Average Price: $10,397
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$100
$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
Djavan uses the Telefunken U47 microphone to capture the sound of his acoustic guitar, as evidenced in a photo from Cultura UOL, while he simultaneously sings into a Shure SM58 or Beyerdynamic microphone.
In this Instagram post, Ella Langley can be seen recording vocals for her track Dandelion using a Telefunken U47 microphone.
The post is captioned:
Dandelion is out tonight!! 🌼
The best co-producers: Miranda Lambert & Ben West
Irene is seen recording studio vocals for "Queendom" with the Telefunken U47 Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone during this YouTube video.
On this interview with Jake Gosling back in 2012 about producing Ed Sheeran's "+", he mentions that he got himself a Telefunken U47.
"I did a lot of the guitars using a pair of SE 4400as. The main vocals pretty much were all done on the SE Z3300a, but I've just got a new Telefunken U47, which is lovely.”
Used for vocals on Mosquitos, as stated by co-producer Joe Chiccarelli in this November 20, 2020 Mix Online interview.
“I would say maybe half the record was made from something that Stan started by himself, and about 60 percent of all of the tracks were recorded in Stan’s studio,” Chiccarelli says. “I believe we rented a Telefunken U47 for Stan’s voice. Stan’s vocal would also have been through a Neve 1073 preamp into an LA2A compressor."
Luke Temple used a Telefunken U47 on his debut album, "Blast Off Through the Wicker," according to a 2017 interview with Premier Guitar.
Producer Al Schmitt mentions Martin's use of a Telefunken U47 in this Sound on Sound interview about the recording of Bob Dylan's Shadows in the Night.
“I used Capitol’s Neumann U47 on Bob’s vocals. It’s the very same microphone that was used on Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole. It’s a great–sounding microphone. Fortunately, because I work a lot at Capitol, I get to use it frequently, and I’ve had it on Paul McCartney and on Diana Krall and others."
Despite Schmitt's mention of Neumann, Sinatra's U47 is famous for bearing the Telefunken brand.
In this TapeOp interview, sound engineer Steve King stated he ran Franklin through a U47 for "What Now My Love" off of Frank Sinatra's Duets. It was an anecdote King made while discussing the recording of Eminem's "Lose Yourself".
Earlier with Marshall I used the Neve 1073 preamp and a U47. I recorded Aretha Franklin for the Frank Sinatra Duets record with the Neve, and I made sure to run Frank's voice through all my stuff just for karma!
Given that Duets was recorded at Capitol Studios, this U47 was most likely a Telefunken version.
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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