recordinghacks

Telefunken Elektroakustik U-47

Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

The Telefunken Elektroakustik U 47 is a recreation of the Neumann U 47. Both are dual-pattern, large-diaphragm tube condensers.

The capsule is a Thiersch M7, a center-terminated capsule whose diaphragm is glued to the backplate. Both Mylar and PVC-diaphragm M7 capsules are available.

A switch on the mic body allows selection of two polar patterns: Cardioid and Omnidirectional. (The U48 offered Cardioid and Figure-of-8 patterns.)

The transformer is described as a BV8. Its origins are unknown.

The tube is a modern recreation of the Telefunken VF-14M, called the VF-14K. It is a plug-and-play replacement for the original, and can be used without circuit or socket modifications in a VF-14M microphone. According to Telefunken Elektroakustik, their VF-14K is made by retrofitting a NOS glass tube into the VF-14’s metal jacket, and matching the VF-14 pinout. A frequency-response graph comparing the VF-14K to a VF-14M in a vintage U47 shows less than 1.5dB of variation from 70Hz–24kHz; the VF-14K has slightly more LF output below 70Hz.

How does the Telefunken Elektroakustik U47 differ from the company’s U47M?

We see two differences:

1. The U47M includes a “modern,” low-profile power supply. The U47 includes a vintage-style power supply.
2. The U47M uses an EF-14 tube, whereas the U47 uses Telefunken Elektroakustik’s reproduction of the VF-14 metal tube, called the VF-14K.

Like its vintage namesake, this U47 ships configured for 200Ω, but can be modified to operate at 50Ω.

The U47 ships in a padded wooden storage case with a vintage-style PSU, cables, and elastic shockmount in a locking suitcase.

Permalink: Telefunken Elektroakustik U47

Specifications

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (12 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz) Cardioid (12 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diameter n/a	200 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 138 dB Self-noise: 24.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
624g (22.01oz)	248mm (9.76'')	57mm (2.24'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Includes tube power supply

Did we get anything wrong on this page? Please let us know!