JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.
Stock up on studio essentials before your next session. Explore top selling gear from the best brands.
Checkout using your account
This form is protected by reCAPTCHA - the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Checkout as a new customer
Creating an account has many benefits:
Few microphones are as iconic and revered as the Neumann U 47. From the early days of recording to modern studios, the U 47 has been a trusted tool for capturing vocals and instruments with exceptional warmth, detail, and character.
Among the rarest of these are the early “large badge” models, known for their unique design and sonic signature. The Vintage King Large Badge U47 tube microphone is a masterful re-creation of those coveted early models.
In the weeks since the mic has been announced, we’ve had a lot of folks asking, “How does it sound?” So, we asked Vintage King’s Bryan Reilly to test out the Large Badge U47 while recording a song in his studio.
Keep scrolling to check out sound samples of drums, guitars, vocals, and more recorded by the Vintage King Large Badge U47. But first, let’s talk about what makes those early “large badge” U 47s so special in the first place.
First released in 1949, the Neumann U 47 quickly became a studio essential for its rich, full-bodied sound. Early models, known as "large badge" U 47s, featured a unique diamond-shaped badge and internal components like the GN107 transformer and PVC M7 capsule, which gave them a distinct tone.
Only a few hundred of these early models were made, making them highly sought after for their rarity and sonic character. Vintage King’s Large Badge U47 re-creates this iconic microphone, preserving the design and sound that defined countless classic recordings.
Vintage King's Large Badge U47 is the first faithful re-creation of the rare early Neumann U47. Built in Germany with top-quality components, it replicates the look and sound of the original, including its distinctive diamond-shaped badge.
The Large Badge U47 uses a glued-edge Mylar-skinned version of the early M7 backplate recreated by renowned capsule expert Siegfried Thiersch. Thiersch's capsule mirrors the sonic traits of the early M7 while eliminating the degradation issues that plagued PVC.
Powered by a VF14ER tube designed by Andreas Grosser, the Large Badge U47 provides the same tonal characteristics that made the U47 a studio legend—rich lows, detailed mids, and a smooth, velvety high-end.
The custom HAUFE GN107 transformer in the Vintage King U47 mirrors the original, delivering the rich, full-bodied sound that set the early U 47s apart from later versions.
For this "Hear The Gear" session, engineer and producer Bryan Reilly recorded a variety of instruments using the Vintage King Large Badge U47 in cardioid position through a Neve 1073LB preamp with no EQ or compression. All tracks were recorded in the live room of Bryan’s Scramble Shack Studios unless otherwise noted.
In addition to the “Raw Mix,” Bryan also provided a classic “Gained Up” version of the track, as well as a fully mixed version to hear how well the Large Badge U47 takes to EQ, compression, and effects.
Bryan recorded the drums with the Large Badge U47 placed about 4 feet in front of the kit, pointed toward the kick, snare, and hat. The capsule sat roughly 1 foot above the top of the kick drum. Using a vintage Gretsch kick drum with slight dampening, a Ludwig Acolyte snare with a bandana on top, and vintage hi-hats, the Large Badge U47 captured the full-bodied punch of the kick while maintaining clarity in the snare and cymbals. The rich low end and smooth top end of the microphone shine through on this track, giving the drums presence and weight.
For the auxiliary percussion tracks, Bryan stood about 1 foot away from the mic while recording the shaker, and about 6 feet away while recording the tambourine. The Large Badge U47 picked up every detail, from the high-end transients of the shaker to the subtle decay of the tambourine in the live room.
For bass, Bryan used a 1978 Fender American P Bass through an SWR Head and a 1970 Ampeg 8x10 flatback cabinet. The tone knob on the bass was rolled down slightly, and the Large Badge U47 was placed 2-3 feet away from the cabinet, pointed toward the center of the speakers. The result is a tight, punchy low end with a roundness and depth that fills the mix, perfectly highlighting the bass's powerful tone.
An Epiphone Casino through a 1965 Ampeg Gemini was used to track electric guitars, with the Large Badge U47 positioned slightly off-center of the speaker, about 1.5 feet away. The natural reverb and tremolo from the amp come through beautifully, while the microphone’s rich midrange adds extra dimension and character to the track.
Bryan recorded a 1964 Martin 00-28c with the Large Badge U47 positioned about a foot away, aimed just above the sound hole where the neck meets the body. The Large Badge U47’s balanced frequency response captures the warmth of the nylon strings and the subtle resonances of the body with incredible clarity.
Speaking of stringed instruments, Bryan layered in a Gibson Lore F Style mandolin for this track, recorded with the Large Badge U47 about a foot from the bridge. The microphone captures the crisp attack and rich harmonic detail of the mandolin, offering a natural, lifelike sound with plenty of articulation.
Mike Leslie recorded lead vocals in the live room, adjusting his distance to the mic throughout the performance. For softer sections, he moved closer, and for louder parts, he backed up to about 2 feet away. The Large Badge U47 handled the dynamics beautifully, offering a clear, present sound that captured every nuance of his voice.
Olivia Dear recorded her vocals in the vocal booth, about 8 inches away from the Large Badge U47. The microphone’s smooth, natural response captured the warmth and emotion of her performance with remarkable depth and clarity.
The Vintage King Large Badge U47 tube condenser microphone offers a stunning re-creation of one of the most sought-after microphones in history. With its carefully sourced components, including the Siegfried Thiersch Mylar M7 capsule, VF14ER tube, and HAUFE GN107 transformer, this microphone delivers the rich, detailed sound that made the original U47 legendary. Whether recording drums, vocals, guitars, or bass, the Vintage King Large Badge U47 offers a timeless sound that will elevate any recording.
Be sure to check out the sound samples above to hear the Vintage King Large Badge U47 in action, and watch our new shootout below. You'll hear the Vintage King Large Badge U47 go head-to-head with a vintage Neumann Large Badge U47 on vocals, bass, guitar, saxophone, and drums.
* Required Fields
exclamation-circle
