Neumann U 67 Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone #8311 (Vintage)

The Neumann U 67 origins begin in the late 1950s when Neumann was looking to create a successor for its flagship microphone, the U 47. The famous VF14 tube, which helped make that magical U 47 sound, was being withdrawn from production by Telefunken, and this scenario was the catalyst for the creation of an all-new microphone. Like so many other designs, it was born out of necessity, but unlike other designs, it could hardly be improved upon. Its look and its sound have been copied endlessly, but the original stands apart as a piece of immortal gear.

THE EVOLUTION OF A LEGEND

Technological advances had made several improvements possible: Mylar was used for the capsule membrane, (instead of the original PVC), being held in tension by a brass ring instead of glue. The K67 capsule was so technologically advanced that it is still produced over 50 years later. The K67 is employed in both the modern U 67 and U 87 microphone. An internal cutoff filter and external pad switch were added to help counteract the proximity effect. A new dual-capsule created an accurate figure-of-eight pickup pattern. The smaller EF86 tube allowed for a slimmer body, and most importantly the overall shape of the microphone changed.

Gone was the tubular body of the U47; in its place was a shape that has since become iconic: a tapered head grille (to help reduce capsule resonance), and a tapered body shell (made possible by advances in metal lathe technology). The shape was so unique that Neumann patented the design of the mic. Having three polar positions made the U 67 very versatile, and to top it all off, the mic was designed to be opened up without the use of tools - the bell housing unscrewed, releasing the body shell and the removable head assembly. All in all, the U 67 was a dramatic step forward in microphone technology and design for the new decade of the 1960s.

AN INSTANT CLASSIC

Following their previous practice with the U 47, Neumann originally named their new microphone the U-60, since it was created in 1960. This was later changed to the U 67, to show continuity with its parent microphone, the U 47. And by the year 1967, the predecessor was no longer manufactured, and the successor reigned supreme as the large diaphragm tube mic of choice for audio professionals worldwide; a condenser mic that can be used on almost any instrument or vocalist with outstanding results.

The U 67 was a huge success, with about 10,000 of them made from 1960 to 1971. By the time the decade ended and the U 67 ceased production, it had become the large diaphragm tube mic of choice for audio professionals worldwide. It can be found everywhere: Led Zeppelin's self-titled debut with Jimmy Page on acoustic guitar and John Bonham with the Glyn Johns mic technique, David Ruffin on "My Girl," Paul McCartney on "Hey Jude," and Ian Gillan on "Highway Star." All superb instruments and voices heard through a superb microphone - the U 67.

FEATURES:

• Large diaphragm tube condenser microphone built around Neumann's legendary K67 capsule
• Mylar capsule membrane held in tension by a brass ring
• EF86 miniature pentode vacuum tube
• Cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight polar patterns
• Cutoff filter and -10 dB pad switch to negate proximity effect
• Iconic design featuring tapered head grille and body shell

Learn more about the history of the Neumann U 67.