Neumann
Neumann U47 FET
Best classic sound for professional studio recording.
Experience the legendary sound of the Neumann U47 FET Collectors Edition, a faithful reissue of a studio classic. Originally produced from 1969 to 1986, this solid-state condenser microphone excels at capturing bass-heavy instruments and loud amplifiers with remarkable clarity. It features the K 47 double large-diaphragm capsule and FET 80 circuit technology, delivering a wide dynamic range and a subtle presence boost. Ideal for demanding recording environments, it includes a switchable low-cut filter and a 10 dB pad for handling extreme sound pressure levels.
$3995.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
269
/ 3337
#269 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+687%
Above average
Acoustical operating principle
Pressure gradient transducer
/ Pressure gradient transducer
Who it's for
- Recording engineers seeking a vintage-inspired, authoritative sound for their tracks.
- Producers needing a robust and reliable microphone for high-volume instruments.
- Studio owners desiring a multi-purpose, high-quality microphone for diverse applications.
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious musicians or home studio enthusiasts with limited funds.
- Engineers preferring a more neutral or transparent microphone for their recordings.
- Studio engineers with limited space or specific, tight mic placement requirements.
Performance breakdown
SPL Handling
Effortlessly captures loud guitar cabinets and drums without a hint of distortion.
Low-End Definition
Delivers the tight, punchy bass response that defined countless classic studio records.
Transient Response
Fast and accurate, preserving the natural attack of complex acoustic instruments.
Build Quality
A robust, professional-grade chassis built to survive decades of heavy studio use.
Noise Floor
Quiet enough for modern digital recording while maintaining its vintage sonic character.
Versatility
Specialized for high-pressure sources rather than delicate, nuanced vocal work.
Key Specs
Acoustical operating principle
Pressure gradient transducer
Directional pattern
Cardioid
Frequency range
40 Hz - 16 kHz
Sensitivity
8 mV/Pa
Rated impedance
150 ohms
Rated load impedance
1 kohms
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted
18 dB-A
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%
137 dB
Features
- Faithful reissue of a legendary studio classic
- Handles extreme sound pressure levels up to 147 dB
- Captures bass-heavy instruments and loud amps with clarity
- Switchable low-cut filter for rumble reduction
- Includes premium wooden case and certificate
- Wide dynamic range with FET technology
- Cardioid polar pattern for focused pickup
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Neumann U47 FET for its exceptional sound quality and robust, iconic design. Users frequently highlight its ability to capture vocals and instruments with remarkable clarity, warmth, and a distinct vintage character, making it a studio workhorse. The microphone's build quality is universally lauded, reflecting its premium heritage and ensuring long term reliability. While a significant investment, its consistent performance and sonic excellence are often cited as justifying the cost, cementing its status as a top tier professional tool.
Know before you buy
The U47 FET is designed to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion, and its specific frequency response captures the low-end weight of bass instruments while maintaining clarity in the upper registers. Its FET 80 circuit technology ensures a fast transient response, which is essential for defining the punch of a kick drum.
Yes, it is an industry standard for that purpose. With a maximum SPL of 147 dB when the 10 dB pad is engaged, it can handle the high volume of guitar amplifiers without clipping or damaging the capsule.
The cardioid pattern is highly directional, meaning it focuses on the sound source directly in front of the mic while rejecting sound from the rear. This makes it an excellent choice for isolating instruments in a busy studio environment or reducing bleed from other sound sources.
The low-cut filter is useful for removing unwanted low-frequency rumble, such as floor vibrations or mechanical noise, that can muddy a mix. You can engage it to clean up the signal before it even reaches your preamp.
No, the U47 FET operates on standard 48V phantom power (P48). You can connect it directly to any professional audio interface or preamp with phantom power enabled via a standard 3-pin XLR cable.
This Collectors Edition is a faithful reissue built to the exact specifications of the original. It utilizes the same K 47 capsule and FET circuit design to ensure it delivers the same sonic character and performance that made the original a studio staple.
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