/ Multi Pattern

Neumann U47 Studio Microphone

The Neumann U47 is a valve condenser studio microphone introduced in 1949 that laid the foundation for the modern studio microphone and established what became known as the Neumann sound.

Neumann U47 Studio Microphone Details

The Neumann U47 is a large diaphragm valve condenser microphone that was revolutionary in both technical design and sonic performance. It was the first microphone to feature electrically switchable polar patterns, allowing selection between cardioid and omnidirectional operation without changing capsule heads.

The microphone employs a classic valve circuit with transformer balanced output and was engineered to deliver exceptionally low noise performance by the standards of its era. Central to its design is the dual diaphragm M7 condenser capsule, later replaced by the K47, integrated directly into the microphone housing.

The Neumann U47 combined advanced capsule design, innovative electronics, and a compact form factor that defined the template for all subsequent professional studio microphones. Production of the original U47 continued until 1965, after which it remained one of the most sought after microphones in recording history.

Neumann U47 Studio Microphone Heritage

1949 to late 1950s

designated as Neumann U47 long body

Valve condenser microphone using the VF14 vacuum tube with transformer balanced output and electrically switchable cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns. Early units employed the M7 dual diaphragm condenser capsule.

Introduced in 1949, the Neumann U47 was the first microphone developed by Neumann after the Second World War. It represented a complete departure from pre war designs and marked the birth of the modern studio microphone. Its electrically switchable polar patterns and integrated capsule design were unprecedented and quickly established the U47 as a reference microphone in professional recording studios.
Late 1950s to 1965

designated as Neumann U47 short body

Revised mechanical housing shortened by approximately 23 mm. Capsule transitioned from the original M7 to the K47, using polyester diaphragms for improved long term stability. Circuit topology remained fundamentally unchanged.

Towards the end of the 1950s, the Neumann U47 underwent minor physical refinements, including a shorter body and changes to the head basket finish. The transition from the M7 to the K47 capsule improved long term durability while maintaining similar acoustic behaviour. These later U47 microphones remained in production until 1965.
Introduced 1957

designated as Neumann U48

Variant of the U47 using similar valve and transformer architecture but offering switchable cardioid and figure of eight polar patterns, with slightly lower polarisation voltage.

The Neumann U48 was introduced in 1957 as a pattern variant of the U47. Although often mistaken for a U47, the U48 became historically significant in its own right and was extensively used in professional studios. Many famous recordings attributed to the U47 were in fact made using a U48.
1972 onwards

designated as Neumann U47 fet, Neumann M147

Transition from valve based electronics to solid state FET amplification in the U47 fet. Later models such as the M147 reintroduced valve operation using newly developed tube circuits while retaining similar acoustic design principles.

After the VF14 valve became unavailable, Neumann introduced the U47 fet in 1972 as a solid state successor. This was followed by later microphones such as the M147, which sought to preserve aspects of the U47’s acoustic character using modern valve circuitry. These models reflect the continued influence of the original U47 design on Neumann’s microphone development.