The Neumann Model U 47 multi-directional condenser microphone


The Neumann Model U 47 was the first post-war mic produced by Georg Neumann GmbH in West Berlin. It was designed around a World War II military radio tube with a capsule design from 1929. It became a bench mark mic in the early fifties, but was expensive at around $400. Engineers found out quickly that the sensitivity of the U 47 greatly enhanced the detail of their recordings.


The U 47 is a popular vocal mic. There were many U 47s and U 48s used for the Beatles recordings. George Martin wrote that it is his favorite microphone. U 47s are pictured in abundance in the Beatles recording studio photos. Their aggressive sound makes them an excellent choice for many rock applications. Drums, guitar amps, and brass instruments shine when sitting behind a U 47.












The following eleven images are from an eBay auction held in March, 2007. Here is the description as posted by the seller: Up for auction is a Neumann U 47 microphone in mint condition, which has been rebuilt by Blue Microphones in Latvia (Version EF 86). This is one of the very earliest U 47s that was salvaged from the radio stations in Georgia during the bombings in Russia. This mic is absolutely magnificent. The mic, power supply (the best supply Blue has built, which are no longer manufactured), ATA road case, and all accessories are in mint condition. The finish on the mic is flawless. As pictured below, the following are included in this auction: 1 Neumann U 47 (EF86) and Wood Jeweler’s Case, 1 Blue Power Supply, 1 Jan-Al ATA road case, 1 Power Cable and Mic Supply Cable, 1 Mic Shock Mount, and 1 Spec Sheet from the mic rebuild.









































 Download the Telefunken brochure for the Neumann U 47 and the 201M
 Download the Instructions for the Neumann U 47 and U 48
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