Originally Posted by rob61 ➡️

I love my pair of MG UM-70S, but with all this discussion, I'm not sure which version I have. It is called the UM-70S P48.

Shortly after the fall of the Berlin wall, ads started to appear claiming the original Neumann plant, having been behind the iron curtain, was still operating as Microtech Gefell. The ads claimed they were still hand making M7 capsules, as used in the U-47, and now these mics could be purchased in the USA. It was called the Microtech Gefell UM-70S. They came in wooden boxes and included their own separate shock mounts. The only disappointing thing about these mics are the shock mounts. The bird cage design does not clasp the microphones tightly enough. There is a rubber pad inside that is supposed to grasp the mics, but it is not sticky enough and if you turn the mic upside down in it (as with a Blumlein setup), it will fall right out. However, I'm very pleased with everything else about these mics. The printing on the mics (with the MG logo and the company name) was simply silk screened on the metal casing, so it wears off with use. The actual mic model and serial number is engraved on the bottom of the mic where it accepts an XLR cable.

I asked to purchase a "matched pair". I got two with consecutive serial numbers, but I don't think the factory ever actually matched up mics by testing to be honest. However, I've used these as stereo pairs in both XY Coincident and Blumlein and they sound fantastic. I've also used them on singers, both male and female, with wonderful results. Each is patten selectable with omni, figure 8, and cardiod which you select by turning the ring at the bottom of the capsule.

I was always surprised that these didn't catch on more. I got my pair when they were first being marketing in the US. I have a vintage Telefunken U-47, and while I wouldn't say these sound the same, there is a certain quality about them that is reminiscent of the U-47 perhaps due to the capsule.

So, are my UM-70S P48 with a transformer or transformerless? Either way I'm happy. They are quiet, and sound great. I wouldn't change a thing about the mics, just maybe a better shock mount.

Originally Posted by TheHEavy ➡️

wow those are close in number to mine....
Nice pair. I'd love to have a stereo pair someday.

What do you mostly use yours for?
I use mine for vocals with a BAE 1073MPF
Do you know what year those are?