TELEFUNKEN U47 Stereo Set

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN U47 Stereo Set is a frequency and gain matched pair of U47 tube microphones with a dual power supply: the faithful recreation of the classic German large-diaphragm tube microphone of the late 1940s, with BV8 transformers and M7-style capsules, supplied as two identical systems in one locking flight case.

The U47 is known for its authoritative midrange and extended low end, excelling on vocals, drums, electric guitar and orchestral and chamber recordings. In the Stereo Set, two hand-matched U47 microphones share one M 940HS dual power supply. With cardioid and omnidirectional on each microphone, the pair is ideal for a spaced omnidirectional pair in front of an orchestra or choir, a near-coincident cardioid pair on piano or acoustic ensembles, and a full-bodied stereo picture of a drum kit or a room.

Matched microphones	2x
Dual power supply	M 940HS
Sensitivity	24.5 mV/Pa
Max SPL (1% THD)	127 dB SPL

Key features

• Two U47 microphones, frequency and gain matched: capsules, tubes and transformers hand-selected and tested
• One M 940HS dual power supply powering both microphones
• 2 polar patterns on each microphone: cardioid, omnidirectional
• All the classic stereo techniques: XY, ORTF and spaced pair
• VF14K vacuum tube and BV8 output transformer in each microphone
• Point-to-point wired in the USA, true to the original design
• Complete stereo system in one FC40S locking flight case, with two cables, two shock mounts and two wooden boxes

Sound character

The U47 has a classic punchy, mid-forward sound with pleasing bite and a legendary extended low-frequency response. In omnidirectional it gives a natural sense of space and bass without proximity effect; in cardioid it gives focused pickup with the classic proximity effect. Matched in a pair, that weight and depth are identical on both channels, so large ensembles, pianos and drum kits sound full and balanced across the stereo image.

Matched for stereo

Every TELEFUNKEN tube microphone Stereo Set is built around two meticulously matched microphones. For the U47 Stereo Set, all critical components, including the capsules, tubes and transformers, are hand-selected and tested for matched gain and frequency response, so both microphones give identical responses for the most critical stereo recording. A balanced stereo image, a stable centre and pan positions that behave as expected follow directly from that matching, and the two microphones can also be used side by side as identical mono tools on a session.

Capsule, tube and transformer

Each microphone uses the M7 centre-terminated, dual-diaphragm capsule, which combines the mechanical design of the earliest German condensers with a modern, more stable tensioning material, made by hand in limited quantity in South Windsor, Connecticut. The VF14K is TELEFUNKEN's drop-in solution to the dwindling supply of the original tube: a new old stock military-grade glass tube and a passive circuit in a plug-and-play casing, with sonic characteristics extremely close to the original and a 5-year manufacturer's warranty. The BV8 is a hefty, nickel alloy core, twin-coil output transformer wound in America to vintage specification, with a 6.5:1 ratio, very low distortion and a wide, flat frequency response.

Patterns and stereo techniques

The pattern is selected on each microphone. Set both to omnidirectional for a spaced pair, the classic choice for orchestras, choirs and rooms, with natural low end and spaciousness. Set both to cardioid for an XY or ORTF pair, with more focus on the source and less room. The matched capsules, tubes and transformers keep both arrangements balanced and accurate.

Dual power supply, cables and mounts

The M 940HS dual power supply is American-made and powers both microphones at the same time. Like every TELEFUNKEN tube power supply, it is hand-built in Connecticut with premium components, calibrated to the specific microphone system it comes with and burned in with it as a complete unit. It uses vintage-correct locking connectors and pinout. Two M 840TH cables, made by TELEFUNKEN technicians in the USA with oxygen-free copper conductors and 100% shielding (a dense helical copper screen plus metallised foil), are 10 m long each, and two M 740 vintage-styled clasping elastic shock mounts with durable metal cages hold the microphones.

Flight case and build

The FC40S locking flight case is designed with delicate capsules, vacuum tubes and electronic components in mind. Its shell is made of a blend of seven hardwoods and wrapped in a durable travelling fabric, with dual combination locks and nickel trim, an embroidered TELEFUNKEN diamond logo inside the lid and an engraved logo plate (with matching serial number when applicable). It holds both microphones in their wooden boxes, the stereo power supply and both tube microphone cables. Every Diamond Series microphone is reverse engineered from the original design, hand built and point-to-point wired (no circuit boards) at the TELEFUNKEN facility in South Windsor, Connecticut, USA, in small production runs. Most metalwork and mechanical parts are custom tooled and machined in the USA, and every power supply is calibrated to the microphone system it comes with and burned in with it as a complete system. Each wooden microphone box is made in the USA of solid white oak with a satin lacquer and carries a metal name plate with the model and serial number.

What's in the set

• 2x matched TELEFUNKEN U47 microphones
• M 940HS dual tube microphone power supply
• Power cable for the power supply
• 2x M 840TH tube microphone cables, 10 m
• 2x M 740 shock mounts
• 2x WB40 wooden microphone boxes
• FC40S locking flight case

The VF14K tube carries a 5-year manufacturer's warranty; register each microphone at t-funk.com/warranty for TELEFUNKEN's limited warranty plan. Two standard 3-pin microphone cables from the power supply outputs to the preamps are not included.

TELEFUNKEN U47 Stereo Set: frequently asked questions

What does the Stereo Set include?

Two frequency and gain matched U47 microphones, one M 940HS dual power supply, two M 840TH 10 m cables, two M 740 shock mounts and two WB40 wooden boxes in an FC40S locking flight case.

Which stereo techniques can I use?

With cardioid, omnidirectional on each microphone, the pair covers XY, ORTF and spaced pair.

Does the Stereo Set need phantom power?

No. Both microphones are powered by the included M 940HS dual power supply. Connect each XLR output of the power supply to a mic preamp with a standard 3-pin microphone cable.

Can I use just one microphone from the set?

Yes. Each microphone is a complete, identical system, so either can be used on its own as a mono microphone.

Is the U47 available as a single microphone?

Yes, the TELEFUNKEN U47 is listed as a separate product at Shivansh Electronics.

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN U47 Stereo Set in India?

The TELEFUNKEN U47 Stereo Set is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: XY coincident pair

Acoustic guitar, piano and small ensembles recorded with a precise, mono-compatible stereo image.

Connections

Connect	To
2x U47 microphones	M 940HS dual power supply via two M 840TH cables
M 940HS XLR outputs	Two mic preamp / audio interface inputs (standard 3‑pin XLR cables)
M 940HS power cable	Mains power, 115 V or 230 V as set

Setup

1. Fit both U47 microphones in their M 740 shock mounts on a stereo bar, capsules as close together as possible and angled apart.
2. Set both microphones to cardioid on their pattern switches.
3. Connect both cables to the M 940HS, switch on and allow 10 minutes of warm-up.
4. Match gain on both channels, pan hard left and right and record.

Tip: Coincident capsules avoid timing differences between the channels, so the pair sums cleanly to mono.

Workflow 2: ORTF drum overheads

Drum kits recorded as a balanced stereo picture of cymbals, toms and the whole kit.

Connections

Connect	To
2x U47 microphones	M 940HS dual power supply via two M 840TH cables
M 940HS XLR outputs	Two mic preamp / audio interface inputs (standard 3‑pin XLR cables)
M 940HS power cable	Mains power, 115 V or 230 V as set

Setup

1. Mount the pair above the kit in the standard ORTF near-coincident arrangement, centred on the snare.
2. Set both microphones to cardioid on their pattern switches.
3. Connect both cables to the M 940HS, switch on and allow 10 minutes of warm-up.
4. Set gain on the loudest cymbal crashes (the U47 handles up to 127 dB SPL), match both channels and record.

Tip: Measure from the snare to each capsule so both are the same distance away and the snare sits in the centre.

Workflow 3: Spaced omnidirectional pair

Orchestras, chamber groups and choirs in good-sounding halls and churches.

Connections

Connect	To
2x U47 microphones	M 940HS dual power supply via two M 840TH cables
M 940HS XLR outputs	Two mic preamp / audio interface inputs (standard 3‑pin XLR cables)
M 940HS power cable	Mains power, 115 V or 230 V as set

Setup

1. Place the two microphones on tall stands in front of the ensemble, spaced apart and facing the performers.
2. Set both microphones to omnidirectional on their pattern switches.
3. Connect both cables to the M 940HS, switch on and allow 10 minutes of warm-up.
4. Match gain on both channels on the loudest passages and record.

Tip: Omnidirectional gives a natural sense of space and bass without proximity effect.

Workflow 4: Grand piano in stereo

Grand piano that needs depth, weight and a wide, even image.

Connections

Connect	To
2x U47 microphones	M 940HS dual power supply via two M 840TH cables
M 940HS XLR outputs	Two mic preamp / audio interface inputs (standard 3‑pin XLR cables)
M 940HS power cable	Mains power, 115 V or 230 V as set

Setup

1. Position the pair over the strings with the lid open, one towards the bass strings and one towards the treble.
2. Use cardioid for a close, direct sound or omnidirectional for a more open sound.
3. Connect both cables to the M 940HS, switch on and allow 10 minutes of warm-up.
4. Match gain on both channels on the loudest passages and record.

Workflow 5: Choir and vocal groups

Choirs, gospel groups and vocal ensembles recorded with a full, balanced sound.

Connections

Connect	To
2x U47 microphones	M 940HS dual power supply via two M 840TH cables
M 940HS XLR outputs	Two mic preamp / audio interface inputs (standard 3‑pin XLR cables)
M 940HS power cable	Mains power, 115 V or 230 V as set

Setup

1. Raise the pair above and in front of the choir so every section is covered evenly.
2. Choose omnidirectional for a spaced pair with room sound, or cardioid for a near-coincident pair with more focus.
3. Connect both cables to the M 940HS, switch on and allow 10 minutes of warm-up.
4. Set gain on the loudest passages, match both channels and record.

Workflow 6: Drum room and live room ambience

A deep, weighty room sound behind close drum or band microphones.

Connections

Connect	To
2x U47 microphones	M 940HS dual power supply via two M 840TH cables
M 940HS XLR outputs	Two mic preamp / audio interface inputs (standard 3‑pin XLR cables)
M 940HS power cable	Mains power, 115 V or 230 V as set

Setup

1. Place the two microphones a few metres in front of the kit or band, spaced apart.
2. Set both microphones to omnidirectional on their pattern switches.
3. Connect both cables to the M 940HS, switch on and allow 10 minutes of warm-up.
4. Set gain on the loudest hits and blend the room pair under the close microphones.

Tip: Place the power supply at least 3 m from the microphones while recording.