FLASHBACK
VintageTelefunken U47 Microphone YEARS MANUFACTURED From about 1949-1965 the original product was made. It continues to be made today. BACKGROUND Few microphones are as iconic. The original models had a vacuum tube that would dry out, which was problematic but corrected after 1965. HOW IT WAS USED It was one of the original high-end microphones and used for all sorts of applications from vocals to classical recordings, where it captures a great low end and airy high end with switchable cardioid/omnidirectional patterns. INTERESTING FEATURES What makes the product so cool is that Neumann literally RAN OUT of the original tubes in the early ’60s (which were Telefunken tubes) and the mics suffered until Telefunken produced a suitable replacement vacuum tube to capture the “magic” of the original. MODERN EQUIVALENT Telefunken and Neumann make comparable mics today; expect to spend an arm and a leg! LESSONS LEARNED Where you place this mic makes all the difference and also the ability to record several instruments and situations with a single mic is still important to remember. Sometimes we use too many mics to get a sound that one GOOD one can capture. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Don Miggs is a singer/songwriter/producer and fronts the band miggs (Elm City/Capitol Records). His love affair with vintage instruments and gear only presents a problem when he’s awake. Find out more at miggsmusic.com. Don also hosts a radio show called the Fringe. Details at facebook.com/thefringeshow.
photo by Jensen West
56 FEBRUARY-MARCH 2014 PERFORMER MAGAZINE