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Telefunken U47 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with Switchable Cardioid/Omnidirectional Polar Pattern and NG Power Supply
$9,995.00

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Telefunken U47 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
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The Classic Telefunken Tube Mic!

Few microphones are as iconic as Telefunken's U47 tube condenser microphone. This vintage-style tube studio microphone gives you the smooth and sweet sound that made the classic crooners of the 1950s come to life all around the world. In addition to vocals, the U47 is a long-time favorite for classical recordings, where its robust low-frequent handling, airy high end, and switchable cardioid/omnidirectional pattern make it ideal for Decca tree stereo mic arrangements. However you use it, you're going to be glad you asked your Sweetwater Sales Engineer about the Telefunken U47 tube condenser microphone.

Telefunken U47 Tube Condenser Microphone at a Glance:
  • A classic studio workhorse condenser for vocals, amps, and instruments alike
  • Dual pickup pattern modes provide you with ideal recording options
  • Old-school engineering and modern electronics deliver timeless U47 tone
A classic studio workhorse condenser for vocals, amps, and instruments alike

Whether you're recording the soulful crooning of a baritone vocalist or the open and airy sound of a chamber string quartet, the Telefunken U47 will provide you with the commanding midrange, extended low end, and glassy highs that have made this microphone a household name since 1946. From the loudest drums to the subtlest strains of nylon-string guitar, the U47 captures all of the beauty of any source you throw at it in exquisite detail. No matter which tube microphones you've recorded with, until you get your hands on a genuine U47, you'll never know what all the fuss is about.

Dual pickup pattern modes provide you with ideal recording options

One of the things that made the original U47 such a smash hit in the first place was its switchable polar pattern. Loaded with a dual-diaphragm capsule, the Telefunken U47 condenser microphone lets you choose from either cardioid or omnidirectional polar patterns. In addition to shaping the pickup area, these patterns also subtly change the sound of your mic, giving you the ability to fine tune your tone to best match your source.

Old-school engineering and modern electronics deliver timeless U47 tone

Technology has changed quite a bit since the Telefunken U47 first hit the street, and the original M7 capsule, as well as the military surplus VF-14M tubes that formed the heart of the U47 are long gone. But Telefunken has remained steadfastly committed to providing that classic U47 sound. That's why they developed amazing new components, ranging from the plug-and-play VF-14K vacuum tube to the BV8 output transformer. Hold them up side-by-side and you'll be hard pressed to tell a vintage U47 from a modern one. Plug them in and all you'll hear is pure amazing tube-microphone tone.

Telefunken U47 Tube Condenser Microphone Features:
  • Telefunken's classic large-diaphragm tube studio condenser microphone updated for modern recording
  • Classic smooth midrange, robust bass, and airy treble make this a real go-to microphone for any source
  • Based on the microphones used on countless vocal and classical recordings from the 1950s and on
  • Dual-sided M7 capsule provides you with both cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns
  • VF14K metal tube and BV8 output transformer provide smooth sound and tons of headroom
  • Locking Case, NG Style power supply, shockmount, and wooden box included
Get the sound of a classic tube condenser microphone with a real Telefunken U47 from Sweetwater!

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Tech 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
  • Color: Silver
  • Connector: XLR
  • Weight: 1.375 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: SYTM-009

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

It is flustered by nothing

I've been using the Telefunken U47 for about a month and I'm getting a handle on why it has such a high reputation. It's not that it is the best microphone for all purposes. It's not a terribly modern sounding device. It's dynamics and noise floor are just above average.

The reason it is so well known is that there is nothing that sounds bad on it. The mic yawns at shrill sounds. It can tame sibilance with its eyes closed. It daydreams while handling wide dynamics. The thing doodles while conveying with authority deep instruments.

While it has a slight high-end rolloff, the sound has an effortless or silky sound I've not heard in other mics (the rolloff is easily EQ'd up, as desired). And it's capsule/tube combo produces that wonderful and addictive harmonic structure that adds magic to about any source.

This U47 more than any other of the dozen LCDs in my locker is the most foolproof mic I've ever used. It is so interesting that it was one the first widely distributed condenser mics almost 80 years ago and still outpaces so many others in these characteristics.

I noticed that the U47 sound benefits from being paired well with a good preamp. For most uses, I find that a transformer pre adds a little something. No wonder many recordings are made with the 1073, for example, though I find that a modern preamp by Portico or Great River adds the same enhancement, but with more detail. On the other hand, going double-tube with mic and preamp (The REDD.47 pre in my case) sucks a little life out of the sound, perhaps by applying too many harmonics. Apollo's Unison preamps also work well. For male voices and voiceovers, I find the Helios pre, with its transformer emphasis in the lower register, works even better than my other hardware units.
Music background: TV producer, audio engineer, song writer, and sometime bass player
Rated 5/5

Outstanding microphone

I own 2 of these plus a e251
These work amazingly for vocals, over heads for drums and acoustic guitars.
Love them,use them everyday.
Music background: Artist, producer.
Rated 5/5

Outstanding microphone

I own 2 of these plus a e251
These work amazingly for vocals, over heads for drums and acoustic guitars.
Love them,use them everyday.
Music background: Artist, producer.
Rated 5/5

Buenísimo un clásico

Este micrófono es una belleza totalmente un clásico
Music background: Composer
Rated 5/5

A classic reborn

I was always looking for a great vintage U47. Buying vintage mics is always a gamble for me, as you can never truly know what you're getting. My Sales Engineer Josh Estock has become a trusted resource for my studio, so I was happy to get his opinion on if there were any exceptional versions of the classic U47 sound out there. It seems I wasn't the only one asking, as he was quick to tell me that after extensive listening at Sweetwater, comparing new U47 clones to a beautifully maintained original U47, the Telefunken was clearly the closest match. It took months to wait for one, but it really was worth it. Beautiful, classic sound, with none of that super bright sheen that most reissue mics have these days. Many of my clients have sung into classic 47's for decades, and its very telling when they don't say a word about the sound of this new mic. To them, its a U47, and that's all they ask for. Sold!
Music background: Producer/Engineer/Mixer
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