New mic closest to U47?

  • Thread starter Thread starter adclark
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adclark

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Of course I cannot afford a used U47 at this time. Of course I don't have the "room" and "Pre's" that the old Capitol, Columbia, and Abbey Road studios had and have. Obviously, I don't have the talent of Sinatra, Bennent, and The Beatles. That Said, what is a close "modern" version? The Neumann M147sounds interesting (still expensive)..How about any of the Chinese tube mics (ADK, Studio projects). Please give advise. I would like to purchase a tube mic that I will use forever (even if I can eventually afford a real U47). Please, don't throw out mic names (example: hey...I really like my Studio Projects B1...great value...etc..). I would like to hear from people who have actually used a a real U47 and have real world comparisons. I currently use an ADK A-51 and i'm quite impressed for the money. I'm sure many $200 chineses mics have positive charactoristics.
 
The Audio Technica 4047 is supposed to be fashioned after the U-47 FET models, and shares some characteristics in common with it.
 
I've got a Lawson L47 FET... and while it doesn't have the tube body, it shares the same capsule as the L47 MP. I've never used a U47 but this mic is obviously a notch above any of the sub $500 mics I've used and might be worth a listening. Check out lawsonmicrophones.com
 
Good news and bad news- There are mics that cost less than a U47 that sound about the same, or at least damn good. Bad news- they aren't cheap either. Lawson L47 MKII and Soundelux U99 are in that ballpark. They are also $2000+ mics. If you are looking for a sub $500 mic that sounds like a U47, you're in for a long search. I've used a U47, but never been lucky enough to own one.
The Lawson's on my long term wish list.-Richie
 
well one thing is that any one that has actually used a lot of U47's (Me being one of those people) can tell you that no two U47's sound the same because they have all changed so much over time. That said I have never heard a $200 chinese mic that has even come close to any 47 I have ever used. Good news is that I have actually worked with some singers where a modest priced Shure KSM32 has beat out the U47.
 
I have been on one session that had a U47fet being used, and it was as a kik drum mic. I've used a few U67's and spent several years with a matched pair of U87a's.And what was said was so true and is true of any older gear, they all sound different. For many reasons. My 64 Strat sounded different than my other 64 Strat which sounded different than the 62 Strat etc etc...

I think the AT4047 is mic you could live with for many years. It is certainly one that when you can upgrade you're not going to feel like you have to sell it.

The ADK TT is a tube mic with 9 patterns. It sounds really good for all acoustic instruments and great on a lot of vocalists. Its one that you should try out.

The Shure KSM44, though not a tube mic is very even in response and is very very versatile. If you have colorful pres and outboard, this mic will allow that sound through while retaining all its detail and clarity. Also another mic that you can keep.

For the higher end mics, Soundelux are built like tanks. And they sound GREAT. Do they sound like a U47? Probably some U47 somewhere.
 
i'm going to assume (and pray) that the last post was sarcasm when you said they were selling for $200. Because they're actually about $5k. Though still signifigantly cheaper than a vintage U47.
 
tsl92802 said:
i'm going to assume (and pray) that the last post was sarcasm when you said they were selling for $200. Because they're actually about $5k. Though still signifigantly cheaper than a vintage U47.
Click to expand...

Yes, the sarcasm was intended :) I have seen them for about $4000+ , they look like a spectacular copy of the U47...........seems a pretty good deal if they are as close as they say......There is a real U47 on soundbroker right now for $8500.....drool!!
 
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