New 47’s
So what’s a vintage U47 sound like anyway? I haven’t the foggiest - never heard one in person. Even if I did, how would I know if it sounds like it did during the prime of it’s life? Talk to engineers at studios today possessing several of these classics, and they will talk about the “best sounding” U47 of their bunch. As a small studio owner, I don’t have the budget for multiple vintage U47’s. I also don’t have the luxury of a microphone not functioning properly or requiring repair that is worth more than my Hyundai. So for those of us that are looking for “that” sound (and who isn’t?), we bring you a shootout of 5 “New” 47’s.
We were able to test drive 5 of these microphones. Some of them claim to be exact recreations of classics. Another states it’s a refurbished classic. Others claim to be their own creation. As an working engineer, I could care less about the label, I need the sound. Let’s meet the contestants.
Lawson L47
Telefunken U47 rebuilt by Blue
Telefunken U47m VF14k tube/M7 capsule
Telefunken U47m EF14 tube/M7 capsule
Wunder Audio CM7
AKG C414B/XLS for a point of reference
Oktava MK219 w/premium modification by Joly @ OktavaMod included just for fun
The Capture
Each mic captured a separate performance. Performances were monitored for consistency. Signal path remained constant with the gain at a set level. RMS of each take has been matched using Digi’s gain plug.
Microphone
Mogami Quad Gold Cables
Neve 1073 DPA
Apogee Big Ben
Aurora Lynx Converters
ProTools | HD
The Test
We ran two tests, but have three listening options. Files for each test are in .zip files with 16-bit .wav’s. A text file within the .zip will reveal the microphones. In each test the takes were matched downwards for RMS and were recorded through the same preamp with identical boost on each pass.
1.) Male vocals accapella - Download Test 1
Straight vocal capture, cardioid, 12 inches back without pop stopper. The vocals are completely unprocessed. (Mic 1 has a slight distortion. This is our local tejano station blasting away. It didn’t effect the other mics.)
2.) Vocals in mix - Download Test 2
Same capture as acapella but placed in a mix. The first half of the vocal there is slight (1-2db) compression. The second half peaks as high as 7-8db of reduction. Compression added using McDSP CB4 La2A TDM. No EQ has been added. The entire mix is run through McDSP ML4000 ML1 TDM for a 2-channel limiter to raise levels.
3.) Vocals & acoustic guitar on one mic in cardioid -
Download Test 3
We hadn’t planned on doing this test, so not all the mics were used. But after packing everything up and listening back through, this test shows a different side of these mics. See the pics for the mic placement. No processing. Two mics were NOT used during this test.
Conclusion
All these microphones are bad ass. Of course we had our favorite. But it’s not about our favorite, its about yours. Use your ears. Enjoy the results.
Thanks!
Special thanks must be given to a few folks.
Allen @ Telefunken|USA
Matt Weaver for lending us his Lawson for an afternoon.
Mike @ Wunder Audio
Guitar Center Houston for the U47/Blue.
And our performer, J.D. Tate, for allowing us to mic him up and share in his fun. Have fun with your new mic J.D.!!
