Seeking a vintage-flavour microphone

[The_BPP]

Essentially, I want something along the lines of a U47 (or C12), without paying those extortionate U47 prices.

At the top of my list is probably the Sontronics Aria, which, at £900, it looks the most affordable whilst still sounding classy (or so the reviews tell me).

However, are there any sub-£1500 mic's I should be considering?

I'd like to get a small list together, before investigating/auditioning further.

Thanks in advance!

[Sam Inglis]

It's perhaps worth mentioning that the U47 and the C12 are often thought to have contrasting rather than similar sounds -- the U47 has that classic Neumann mid-range fullness while the C12 is 'airy' and fairly bright. So there isn't only one 'vintage flavour'.

Unless you're committed to a valve mic for some reason, I'd certainly recommend trying a U87. Obviously it's not the same as a U47 but it does have the Neumann mid-range bite to it, and it will keep its value well. You could look into the Gefell UM70 (or whatever the current version is) for similar reasons.

If I wanted a C12-style mic I would look for a maker who uses Tim Campbell's excellent CT12 capsules, which are accurate recreations of the capsule used in that mic.

[John Willett]

...... You could look into the Gefell UM70 (or whatever the current version is) for similar reasons.

This is the UMT70S and the UK price is £1,074 +VAT (or £799 +VAT for the cardioid only MT71S).

These both use the Georg Neumann M7 capsule - there are a couple of valve mics that use this capsule as well - but the cardioid only version is £1,745 +VAT.

The original Neumann U47 used the M7 capsule.

[Exalted Wombat]

If you want to impress clients, the right label may be important, and the right label is still probably "Neumann".

If you want good recordings, do make sure you aren't just buying a look and a description in a brochure.

[The Elf]

Those kinds of mic are a tough act to match for budget prices, but if I was spending that kind of money a U87Ai would be top of my list. It is very versatile and still gets the 'I'm impressed' attention from clients, so you win both ways. I'd happily swap a U47 for a couple of U87s anyway...

If image is not the most important factor, then I still say that the MXL V6 is an incredible sounding mic for the money - a solid state ('silicon valve') mic in the character of the classic valves. Don't be put off by the badge or the price - *if* you can find one, that is!

[The_BPP]

It's perhaps worth mentioning that the U47 and the C12 are often thought to have contrasting rather than similar sounds -- the U47 has that classic Neumann mid-range fullness while the C12 is 'airy' and fairly bright. So there isn't only one 'vintage flavour'.

Thanks for pointing that out. I have heard demo's of the U47 on several occasions and it is that kind of sound I'm going for. Nothing too bright or "airy"... I have a cheaper Neumann TLM103 which does that.

[Sam Inglis]

In that case I think my first port of call would be the Gefell mics that use the M7 capsule. You could also perhaps look at the mics in the Brauner range, and as mentioned, a U87 is never a bad buy.

[John Willett]

In that case I think my first port of call would be the Gefell mics that use the M7 capsule.

And you can borrow one to try before you buy as there are demo ones in the UK to enable you to do this (and I think the other top brands also can do this).

You could also perhaps look at the mics in the Brauner range

Yes, these are also well respected.

and as mentioned, a U87 is never a bad buy.

Agreed

[SimonZ]

What they said ^^ Gefell, best value out there.

[Jeraldo]

Just use some EQ?

One or two of these in a series should get you what you want:

Elysia

[niallharp]

Gefell um70s or UMT70s. Can't go wrong. Full bottom end, solid mids, clear high end.

[James Perrett]

Nothing too bright or "airy"...

Then you want an 87 rather than a 47. I haven't used a Gefell though - have you got one I could try next time we meet up Simon?

[SimonZ]

Hi James, yes, will bring UM70 and M930

[John Willett]

I haven't used a Gefell though - have you got one I could try next time we meet up Simon?

PM sent

[SimonZ]

Question for John W, I have a UM70s, definitely not the same as my UM70 and not a UMT.
I have found only a few vague references to this model online an the Gefell site has no record of it (last time I looked)
Do you know anything about it ?

Edit: Google found me a post you made at the other place that I had not seen before, 80V polarisation rather than 60V, interesting.

[John Willett]

Question for John W, I have a UM70s, definitely not the same as my UM70 and not a UMT.
I have found only a few vague references to this model online an the Gefell site has no record of it (last time I looked)
Do you know anything about it ?

Edit: Google found me a post you made at the other place that I had not seen before, 80V polarisation rather than 60V, interesting.

The UM70s is the old version with a transformer that is not made anymore - the UMT70S is basically the same but with a transformerless output.

Yes, Gefell tend to use an 80V polarisation voltage as it makes for better sensitivity and a better signal-to-noise (though the M221 has a 200V polarisation voltage).

If you need more info. I will have to ask Gefell specially.

OH - SOS compare the UM 70 and the UMT 70S HERE

[SimonZ]

Thanks John, but I meant the difference between a UM70 and a UM70s, no UMT70 here at all.

[John Willett]

Thanks John, but I meant the difference between a UM70 and a UM70s, no UMT70 here at all.

I think one had a removable head and the other had a fixed one.

[SimonZ]

Both are fixed head, the mystery deepens, I'll ask Gefell directly. Thanks anyway.

[John Willett]

Both are fixed head, the mystery deepens, I'll ask Gefell directly. Thanks anyway.

No need to ask Gefell - I now have the definitive answer (I asked them yesterday and they answered this morning) .....

UM 70 (ie: MV 695 / M 70) - transformer mic. with a removable head - polarisation voltage = 60V
UM 70S - as above, but with a fixed head - polarisation voltage = 80V
UMT 70S - transformerless mic. with a fixed head - polarisation voltage = 80V

You will notice that the UM 70 S and UMT 70 S have a higher polarisation voltage than the UM 70 S.

The data sheets for all these microphones are downloadable from the UK distributor's website HERE (Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find them).

[SimonZ]

Thanks very much for taking the trouble John.
There must also be a fixed head UM70 version in between the MV695/M70 combo and the UM70s.
Because I have one, presumably that is 60V polarised.
I'll take a look at the data sheets when they are up.
Cheers

[John Willett]

Thanks very much for taking the trouble John.
There must also be a fixed head UM70 version in between the MV695/M70 combo and the UM70s.
Because I have one, presumably that is 60V polarised.
I'll take a look at the data sheets when they are up.
Cheers

The data sheets are all up and live now.

I don't think there was a fixed head UM70, but I'm not sure how the head was removed.

[Jeraldo]

However, are there any sub-£1500 mic's I should be considering?

I'd like to get a small list together, before investigating/auditioning further.

Not mentioned here is the excellent Shure KSM 32, a cardioid mid size diaphragm, see Hugh's review in SOS. I've used it, and it's a very well balanced and smooth sounding microphone, with lots of detail from a not very bright sounding microphone.

Edit: Forgot to mention it looks awesome in charcoal grey, and the parts - like the capsule(!) - are easily field replaceable for very attractive prices. It has a big low end, but does not have the (sometimes very annoying) mid forward sound of the Neumanns. In fact, it has a somewhat soft presentation, while retaining details.