NEUMANN U 47 fet i

Product overview

The NEUMANN U 47 fet i is the exact reproduction of Neumann's 1970s classic: a cardioid large-diaphragm studio microphone with the K 47 capsule of the legendary U 47, FET electronics and a large output transformer. Back by popular demand, it shaped the smooth and rich sound of the 70s.

Introduced in 1972 as a successor to the legendary U 47 tube microphone, the U 47 fet became a Neumann classic in its own right. After a long hiatus it is available again, meticulously reproduced from the same components: a true classic, yet far from outdated. It handles extreme sound pressure levels of up to 137 dB (147 dB with the pad) and has a dynamic range of 119 dB.

Key features

• Exact reproduction of the classic U 47 fet (1972-1986)
• Same K 47 large-diaphragm capsule and headgrille design as the legendary U 47
• FET electronics with a large output transformer
• Balanced sound with superb presence; cardioid pattern
• Low self-noise and enormous SPL capability: 137 dB, 147 dB with the -10 dB pad
• Switchable low cut (40 Hz to 140 Hz) and -10 dB pad on the rear
• -6 dB output switch next to the XLR socket for low-headroom vintage preamplifiers
• Unique one-sided swivel mount
• Delivered in a wooden box with certificate

The sound of the seventies

Smooth is the word that best describes the sonic ideal of the seventies, and the then new U 47 fet was very much part of that sound. It soon became a studio favourite, combining the refined sound balance of its tube predecessor with a new clarity and greater ease of use. Over the years top engineers discovered new applications for it in front of guitar cabinets and kick drums, and vocalists re-established it as a versatile vocal microphone.

Far from outdated

The U 47 fet uses the same K 47 capsule and headgrille design as the tube-operated U 47, which revolutionised the recording and broadcast industries from 1949 to 1960. For sonic continuity it also uses a similarly oversized output transformer, while its transistorised head amplifier is an advanced design: this vintage microphone has a dynamic range of 119 dB. The dual large-diaphragm capsule has a slight presence boost above 2 kHz.

Pad, low cut and output switch

Pad and low cut switches are on the rear of the microphone: the -10 dB pad allows very high sound pressure levels, and the low cut raises the lower cut-off frequency from 40 Hz to 140 Hz to reduce rumble, wind noise and the proximity effect. An additional switch next to the XLR socket attenuates the output by 6 dB, a handy feature with low-headroom vintage preamplifiers. The one-sided swivel mount (5/8"-27 thread with adapter) makes the microphone easy to position.

Applications

With its smooth top end and lush midrange the U 47 fet is an excellent microphone for bright and loud instruments such as brass and electric guitar. Its exceptionally clear and uncluttered low end makes it a great choice for upright bass and bass cabinets, and numerous top engineers consider it the ultimate microphone in front of the kick drum. At the same time it is an excellent vocal microphone for crooners and screamers alike, with a slight, unobtrusive boost in the upper mids for added presence in the mix.

In the box

• U 47 fet i microphone
• Wooden box
• Certificate
• Operating manual

NEUMANN U 47 fet i: frequently asked questions

Is the U 47 fet i a tube microphone?

No. It is the solid-state (FET) successor of the U 47 tube microphone, with the same K 47 capsule and a large output transformer. It runs on 48 V phantom power and draws only 0.5 mA.

Is the U 47 fet i the same as the original 1972 U 47 fet?

It is an exact reproduction of the classic U 47 fet (1972-1986), meticulously reproduced from the same components.

Can it be used on a kick drum?

Yes. It handles up to 137 dB SPL, 147 dB with the -10 dB pad, and its clear, uncluttered low end makes it a favourite in front of the kick drum and bass cabinets.

What is the -6 dB switch for?

It attenuates the output signal by 6 dB to avoid overloading the following microphone amplifier, which is useful with low-headroom vintage preamplifiers.

Where can I buy the NEUMANN U 47 fet i in India?

The NEUMANN U 47 fet i is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Kick drum

Engineers recording drums.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone in front of the kick drum, logo side towards it.
2. Switch on the -10 dB pad for very high levels.
3. Set the gain so no distortion occurs.
4. Record.

Tip: With the pad engaged the U 47 fet i handles up to 147 dB SPL.

Workflow 2: Bass cabinet and upright bass

Bass players and engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone in front of the cabinet or the instrument.
2. Leave the low cut off to keep the full low end.
3. Set the gain.
4. Record.

Tip: Its clear, uncluttered low end suits bass sources.

Workflow 3: Guitar cabinets and brass

Recording bright and loud sources.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone close to the speaker or the bell.
2. Use the pad for very loud sources.
3. Set the gain.
4. Record.

Tip: The smooth top end tames bright instruments.

Workflow 4: Vocals

Singers from crooners to screamers.

Connections

Setup

1. Face the logo side to the singer behind a pop screen.
2. Engage the low cut if the proximity effect builds up.
3. Set the gain with the loudest passage.
4. Record.

Tip: A slight boost in the upper mids gives presence in the mix.

Workflow 5: With a vintage preamplifier

Studios using low-headroom vintage preamps.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch the output switch next to the XLR socket to -6 dB.
2. Connect and switch on phantom power.
3. Set the preamp gain.
4. Record.

Tip: Any P48 supply delivering at least 0.5 mA per channel can be used.

Workflow 6: Location recording with battery power

Recording without mains power.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the microphone to the BS 48 i.
2. Fit a 9 V battery.
3. Connect the supply output to the recorder.
4. Record.

Tip: Cables up to about 300 m keep the frequency response.