Vintage King Large Badge U47 Tube Condenser Microphone with Case

Product Description

The Vintage King Large Badge U47 tube condenser microphone is the world's first replica of the rare "large badge" Neumann U47 tube mics made from 1949 to 1950. Featuring the iconic large nickel badge and painstakingly sourced components, the Vintage King Large Badge U47 faithfully recreates the look and sound of the earliest U47 microphones. The first couple hundred U47s ever produced differed from the later models in two key ways; they featured a distinctive large diamond-shaped badge and the mic used a different transformer which was a carry over from the earlier CMV-5 bottle mic, called the GN107.

These early examples of the legendary U47 tube mics are the most highly coveted 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 was designed in collaboration with Andreas Grosser's Elektronik Service and based on original Neumann schematics. This U47 features a VF14ER tube developed by Andreas Grosser, a Siegfried Thiersch Mylar M7 capsule, and a custom HAUFE GN107 transformer. The package comes complete with a custom Calton hardshell case with a red velvet interior.

Meticulously handmade in Germany, this microphone represents the pinnacle of precision German engineering!

CLASSIC LARGE NICKEL BADGE

The earliest Neumann U47 microphones featured a distinctive "large badge" on the front of the body. This nickel diamond-shaped emblem, which displayed the Neumann logo and serial number, became a hallmark of these early models. However, fewer than several hundred U47's were made with this large badge before it was replaced by the more common version we all know using the BV-08 transformer and sporting a smaller sculpted badge. The Vintage King Large Badge U47 pays homage to this iconic detail by proudly featuring its own large nickel diamond-shaped badge, a nod to the early Neumann U47s. It not only captures the spirit of those models but also celebrates the craftsmanship and history that have made the U47 a legend in the world of professional audio.

SIEGFRIED THIERSCH MYLAR M7 CAPSULE

The early Neumann U47 "large badge" models were equipped with M7 capsules featuring a PVC membrane, a design that set it apart from the later K47 capsule, using a Mylar diaphragm. The transition by Neumann to Mylar from PVC was prophetic, as PVC membranes later proved prone to aging issues—losing tension, developing cracks, and falling out of spec easily 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 traits of the early M7 while eliminating the degradation issues that plagued PVC, ensuring consistent, maintenance free performance for years to come.

VF14ER TUBE DEVELOPED BY ANDREAS GROSSER

The original Neumann U47s were famously equipped with the VF14 tube, a crucial component that played a major role in shaping the microphone's signature sound. However, due to the limited production and eventual discontinuation of the VF14, these tubes have become almost impossible to find. Andreas Grosser's VF14ER tube delivers a thoughtfully engineered solution for those seeking to capture the iconic sound of the original Neumann U47 microphone. Built with acute attention to detail, the VF14ER replicates the tonal characteristics that made the U47 a studio legend—rich lows, detailed mids, and a smooth, velvety high end.

CUSTOM HAUFE GN107 TRANSFORMER

The early "large badge" Neumann U47 microphones used the GN107 transformer, a carry over from the earlier CMV-5 bottle mic which in its time was a revolutionary design. In contrast, the later "small badge" models featured the BV-08 transformer, which, while still highly regarded, offered a slightly different tonal character. For the Vintage King Large Badge U47, a custom HAUFE GN107 transformer has been meticulously crafted to be an exact replica of the original. This ensures that the rich, vintage tone of the early U47s is faithfully preserved, providing the same depth and sonic detail that defined countless classic recordings.

HOW DOES THE VINTAGE KING LARGE BADGE U47 SOUND?

The Vintage King Large Badge U47 delivers all of the sonic traits that made the original U47s legendary, but with a distinct presence of its own. Compared to vintage "small badge" U47s, our Large Badge U47 adds extra color and richness in the low-mid range, giving instruments and vocals more weight and presence. Its especially clear upper-mid range really makes vocals come alive in the mix. Watch below to hear how the Vintage King Large Badge U47 compares to a vintage Large Badge mic.