Since its original development in 1946, the ubiquitous TELEFUNKEN U 47 has been the microphone of choice for generations of recording professionals. The first condenser microphone to offer selectable polar patterns, the U 47 is instantly recognizable. From Frank Sinatra to the Beatles, the sonic performance of the U 47 is legendary as a vocal microphone. Huge presence, with an extended frequency response that is extraordinary on any signal source, the U 47 has been a classic sonic benchmark for over 60 years.
TELEFUNKEN | USA is proud to offer several variations on the original design. All microphones in the U 47 / U 48 series are constructed entirely by hand in our Connecticut, USA manufacturing facility. All versions are supplied with custom manufactured M7 diaphragms, BV8 output transformers, wooden microphone boxes, custom flight cases, and fully transferable warranties.
The original manufacturers chose the TELEFUNKEN VF14 vacuum tube for use in the U 47 in 1946. Unfortunately, manufacturing of the VF14 ceased in 1939, and these tubes are impossible to source in quantity today. Beginning in 1962, Neumann offered a Nuvistor replacement kit for the VF14, which, while it was fully functional, produced a sonic response that was not as desirable as that of the original VF14 and required minor modification to the original circuit.
TELEFUNKEN |USA has gone to great lengths to offer comparable substitutes for
the VF14 that preserve the original sonic response. Our custom made VF14k vacuum tube, utilized in the U47AE, is made to directly replace the original VF14 in the U47 circuit. It offers equal sonic performance to the VF14, and fits into the original tube socket with no modifications required to the original circuit.
The TELEFUNKEN EF14 was a lower voltage, but physically identical, vacuum tube, manufactured at the same time as the VF14. When properly powered, via a customized power supply, it offers sonic response that is comparable to the VF14. While still in short supply, TELEFUNKEN | USA has been fortunate to obtain limited quantities of the EF14, which makes it feasible to utilize the EF14 in the U 47M microphone.
| Type | Condenser Pressure Gradient |
| Capsule | M7 - dual sided gold sputtered center terminated |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz / 20kHz |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid and Omni |
| Sensitivity | approx 1.2 mvolts per dyne / cm sq |
| Impedance | 200 ohms stock / 50 ohms switchable |
| SPL | 138 dB |
| Non Linear Distortion | less than or equal to 0.5% at 100 dyne / cm sq |
| Equivalent Noise | 24dB (a-weighted) |
| Tube Type | Telefunken EF14 metal tube |
| Power | Dedicated Power Supply |
| Weight | 22oz (624g) |
| Size | 9 3/4" (248mm) length x 2 1/4" (57mm) diameter |
| Extras | Modern Power Supply, Shock Mount, Wooden Box |
