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For over half a century, the Neumann U47 has been hailed as one of the most iconic microphones in recording history. Now, Vintage King presents the world’s first faithful replica of the rare “large badge” U47 tube condenser microphone, capturing the sound, craftsmanship, and heritage of the original.
The Vintage King Large Badge U47 tube condenser microphone brings the early U47 back to life with precision-engineered components and a dedication to the details that made the original so revered.
The Neumann U47 has long been the go-to microphone for countless engineers, producers, and artists due to its warm, rich sound. The original "large badge" U47, produced between 1949 and 1950, stands out among vintage models for its unique combination of components.
These early models featured a large diamond-shaped badge with the logo and serial number engraved on the front of the mic, and used a different transformer, which was a carry-over from the earlier CMV-5 bottle mic, called the GN107.
Only a few hundred of these early U47s were ever made, making them some of the rarest and most highly coveted microphones ever produced. Revered by engineers and artists alike, the early "large badge" Neumann U47s offered a unique sonic signature that captured vocals and instruments with stunning presence and three-dimensionality.
The Vintage King Large Badge U47 revives these original features, making this microphone a true collector's dream for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Designed in collaboration with Andreas Grosser's Elektronik Service and based on original Neumann schematics, the Vintage King Large Badge U47 features a VF14ER tube, a Siegfried Thiersch Mylar M7 capsule, and a custom HAUFE GN107 transformer.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of the early U47 models is the large diamond-shaped badge. These emblems proudly displayed the Neumann logo and serial number, making them instantly recognizable in any studio. While later models moved to a smaller, black lacquer badge, the large nickel badge remains a hallmark of the early U47's prestige.
The original large badge remains a sought-after feature among collectors, marking these mics as rare pieces of audio history and further elevating the mystique of the U47's legacy in professional studios.
Vintage King has painstakingly recreated this iconic feature with the Large Badge U47, staying true to the microphone’s original design and honoring the legacy of these rare classics. The large badge not only adds historical accuracy but also exudes the timeless craftsmanship that made the U47 famous.
The heart of any microphone lies in its capsule, and the early "large badge" U47s M7 capsules featured a PVC membrane—a design that set it apart from the later K47 capsule, which used a Mylar diaphragm. Mylar offers superior durability and frequency response compared to PVC, which is prone to degradation over time.
With longevity in mind, we equipped the Vintage King Large Badge U47 with a glued-edge Mylar-skinned version of the early M7 backplate recreated by renowned capsule expert Siegfried Thiersch. Thiersch's capsule mirrors the sonic brilliance of the K47 while eliminating the degradation issues that plagued PVC, ensuring consistent, high-quality performance for years to come.
The U47’s sound was also shaped by the legendary VF14 tube, which has become nearly impossible to find due to its limited production. In collaboration with Andreas Grosser's Elektronik Service, one of the world’s foremost experts in vintage microphone restoration, Vintage King has equipped the Large Badge U47 with the VF14ER tube.
Designed as a replacement for the rare VF14 tube, the VF14ER is the result of Grosser's decades of expertise in microphone restoration and design. Grosser’s VF14ER perfectly replicates the tonal characteristics of the original VF14, delivering the rich lows, smooth mids, and velvety highs that the U47 is known for. This tube is an essential piece of the puzzle in recapturing the legendary sound of the early U47 microphones.
The early "large badge" U47 microphones were powered by the coveted GN107 transformer, which was responsible for delivering a full-bodied, warm tone that became the U47’s signature. A carryover from the earlier CMV-5 bottle mic, the GN107 was revolutionary for its time. Later U47s transitioned to the BV-08B transformer, resulting in a slightly different sound.
To maintain the sonic integrity of the original "large badge" U47s, Vintage King has custom-built a HAUFE GN107 transformer for their Large Badge U47. This ensures that the rich, vintage tone remains intact, bringing the depth and character of the early U47 models to modern recordings.
The Vintage King Large Badge U47 is more than just a microphone—it’s a tribute to one of the most revered pieces of recording history. By carefully recreating the look, feel, and sound of the original "large badge" U47, Vintage King has brought this rare and celebrated microphone back to life for a new generation of artists, engineers, and producers.
Whether you're recording vocals, instruments, or full ensembles, the Vintage King Large Badge U47 will deliver the same stunning results that made the U47 a legend in studios around the world.
Want to hear how the Vintage King Large Badge U47 microphone sounds? Check out our Hear The Gear blog for audio samples or watch our shootout below!
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