Hey everyone,

It looks like a Neumann U47 reissue might be just around the corner!

In the center of the photo Neumann recently posted on their socials there appears to be a U47 that has a black 7-pin Tuchel connector like the one used on the new M49V or the U67 reissue. That connector was never used on the original U47, which had an 8-pin Tuchel bayonet connector of the same color as the microphone’s body.

Could this be a hint at an upcoming U47 reissue with modern updates?

What do you all think?

Would be interesting for sure. Is there any other indication that this might be in the works?

I believe something is on the corner.

Seems likely.

msrp guesses? 10k? 12?

I thought Klaus has said repeatedly that due to the unavailability of the VF14 (or anything remotely similar) that it isn’t possible to recreate the soul of the U47 in the same way as say, the M49V.

Unless Klaus has consulted with some manufacturing genius to reinvent the VF14…

from my first hand experience 6s6b doesn’t sound like ac701 as well

Yes, Klaus has stated that a U47 reissue by the company that created it in the first place would not be credible with any other tube but a genuine VF14 reissue, due to the fact that the tube has such enormous impact on the overall sound of the mic.

Once the tube issue has been properly addressed, the mic can be reissued with confidence.

Curiouser and curiouser…

That sounds like the VF14 issue has been addressed. Looking forward to know more about it!

I heard some "glass" rumours

Sometimes I wonder if all that chatter is just market manipulation. There’s always a bevy of ideas about why an old product is impractical/unprofitable/impossible to replicate and sell. How better to get the market hyped for when you actually do hit phase three and reissue said product - “They said it was impossible, even the most knowledgeable and reputable people said so!” The fact is, anything is possible, and most anything can be made profitable. The only true barrier is finding someone in a position of power who’s willing to make the decision to do something because it would be awesome, at a time when most of these power wielding decision makers are much more likely to NOT do something because it won’t be as profitable for them, and they don’t want to wear a scarlet letter cause the opportunity cost.

Klaus is awesome, I’ve total respect for his work and his contributions in his field. But in the end commerce and art just do not reconcile cleanly.

I’ve wanted a proper u47 for decades, but never had much interest in the clone wars of the late 20th / early 21st centuries. If Neumann can make a proper reissue for a reasonable price I’d love to hear it. The 67 is a much more complex/costly widget to manufacture with a $6-7k price. I would hope the 47 would be $4-5k range, but my jaded ass would predict that greed will again prevail and it will be $8-10k.

That would be awesome, but I’m sure it’ll be close to $10k. The 67 is already, what? $7k? I checked, almost $8k. It’s just not realistic for anyone except the wealthy and big studios. Would be amazing to have new, faithful 47s in circulation either way, though. I’ve always dreamt of having one.

I'm wondering if you work for Neuman in some way seeking interest before you do an expensive new mic. But absolutely, a new Neumann U47 would be great! How is the rare tube issue going to be resolved? Make new ones I hope?

I sincerely hope and trust that this is not how Neumann introduces a new model.

I've mentioned once before the previous reissues were 4 years apart.

U47 fet - 2014
U67 reissue - 2018
M49V reissue - 2022

Its not unreasonable to assume a 2026 release of their last big legacy microphone reissue. I even recall a post where people spotted an M49V before it's announcement in a recorded performance. Whether it was intentional or not I'm not sure. Their Instagram teaser for the M49V was less subtle than this example posted above however.

Maybe it’s the new Virtual U47.
With the Virtual VF-14 phone App included!

The AI involved is amazing.
Even better than the 87 AI.
I tell ya!

Who/what is poctop in a possible vf14 equation?

And in an eventuality of a reissue, which vintage u47 would klaus or anyone else use for sonics comparison?

Aren't old 47s sort of all over the map soundwise? As with old 67s.

My guess (towards you Klaus) is that you already have a sample tube and/or prototype of the possible mic because....seems to me....that Neumann started paying much more attention to your opinions after the first runs of reissue 67s. Probably more efficient for them to have you somewhat in the loop now

Just as Neumann convincing replaced the AC701k with the 6s6b, to return the M49 to active status . . .

Perhaps it has identified a successful candidate to succeed the VF14m and thus offer us a change to own the NEW U47 (and U49, I hope)?

p.s. I'm sure I'm not the only one who prefers the M49V to the M49B

This demands a stronger answer!! :D

Can you describe the nature of the rumors and what was actually said, please?

I heard the possible NEW additional 47/48/49/50 Tube models are all in a Production Race to get made first.
But instead 51. *
Chris
*I kinda like all those Rode NT1 or Heiserman Colors. Maybe a Red or Pink version.
Klaus?

I think it was Philip Glass.
He didn’t say much though.
Minimal.
I’m
In fact I heard his First Word was…
“Mum”.
Chris
P.S. Rumors? Like Fleetwood Mac.

Helluva piano tuner.

Really? Even on vocals? I own the M49V and I find it difficult. A bit bright, even sibilant depending on some things.

I understand you are all waiting with Bated Breath. *
But don’t worry.

I just received my Certificate Of Sound Advice.
For the ultimate U47 Expertise.
(Sorry Klaus-that’s the way the Fortune Cookie
crumbled)

It’s actually on the “Up and Up”.
90 degrees already. (Now 91)

Chris
*Sorry. I should have used the “SpellChick” App on my phone.

Vintage m49 is my favourite mic - that is why I own 6 pieces. m49v I really wanted to like. but… totally agree - sounds different

could you (try to) quantify how similar your 6 mics behave (or is this not a relevant topic for your applications)?



[i've never used more than 4 of these mics at once but the 2 which i had rented seemed to perform quite differently than mine (which imo were relatively close), most noticeable in the hf range (in both cardioid and omni setting)]

I have 2x pairs, M49 without letter with K49 (probably exchanged for K49 in the past), 2x M49a remade to C in the past with K49. And one b with K49 and second with M7. Both pairs are alike I can use them together whatever way I want. M49b with K49 is slightly darker and the M7 is from some reason the best piece of M49 I have ever had, though I owned 3 others with M7 n the past and didn´t like them at all and sold them. All the M7s sounded nasal and middy and didn´t work with compression at all. But this one M7 piece sounds absolutely marvelous for voices. I don´t know why . All the other 4 pieces are interchangeable.

thx for the detailed response - much appreciated!

[i've sold my vintage tube mics except for one u-67 (which pairs quite well with re-issues btw) and replaced them with modern fet-mics - mainly for practical reasons: i can't be bothered to schlepp different power supplies to outside recordings, and the deviation/differences between modern mics seems to be quite small]