Neumann U 47

What?? No opinion on the legendary U47? The Neumann tube microphone, the sound revolution that date ... 1947 and so well done!
So the U47 Tube Condenser with two positions Cardio and Omni. There is also the U48 which is the same with these two positions: cardio and Figure 8. Lamps original Telefunken (I do not know the reference).
There are two versiosn: body along with a very long body and the "not" long body as in the photo.

OVERALL OPINION

I'm not an expert on microphones specs, I will speak simply of its use. Micro essentiellemnt dedicated to the voice (see the Beatles), very deep, color is also amazing that the success of 147. In short it's beautiful, and with a good preamp (Neve kind to me not the fart) is even more beautiful! The advantage is that I'm not torturing my vocal track for U47 mix it so it works with the fire of God! SNR? OK this pressure with a record yourself when Etienne Daho, but no problems with singers with big voices, including opera (baritone, mezzo). I have a slight preference for the deep voices and male on the mic but it works everywhere. The heat lamp is all (compare U47 and an AKG 414 = day and night). This microphone is also very formidable speak, taken cello, violin, viola, piano on a couple.
But ... Avoid on amps, it is not enough cash, at a pinch the floor tom with a drummer too nag.

Seen on ebay for € 3500 each. But this is not a museum piece, it is a reference, we do not suspect the number of compounds whose voices have gone through a U47.

I have this wonderful micro recent years (bought second hand in mint condition).
I used mainly for singing.

OVERALL OPINION

I was lucky to get a model in perfect condition (the first owner who was a friend). A single failure (and impeccable customer service and expensive Neumann) repaired in a few days (changing the capsule).
The sound is outstanding: soft, detailed, clear and intimate. No real complaint, if not the low output level. We need a good preamp. On an Avalon, it's ugly (I think the U47 and Avalon do not together). On a Universal Audio or Manley is amazing. No doubt "" the best vocal mic, with the Manley Gold, whose sound is near.