What Is the Holy Grail of Microphones?
The holy grail of microphones is usually the Neumann U 47, a tube condenser made from 1949 to 1965 that Neumann itself calls the foundation of the "Neumann sound." Its successor, the 1960 U 67, is the one Neumann says many engineers call a "desert island" microphone.
| Mic | Years | Tube | Can you buy one new? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neumann U 47 | 1949 to 1965 | Telefunken VF 14 | No, vintage only |
| Neumann U 67 | From 1960, now reissued | EF86 | Yes, Neumann reissue |
Neumann says U 47 production had to be discontinued in 1965, and its VF 14 was a special-request Telefunken tube, so every working original is now vintage. Its M7 capsule was replaced by the K 47 late in the 1950s.
Neumann describes the U 67 as the first microphone with the K 67 capsule and the first designed for close miking, with a switchable low cut and pad. Its reissue is built to the original specifications.
Affordable 47 and 67 clones
Clones that copy the capsule let you try both designs for a fraction of the price.
Warm Audio WA-47
$999
5751 tube, K47-style capsule, 3 main patterns plus 6 in between.
Warm Audio WA-67
$999
Tube, all-brass K67-style capsule, 3 patterns.
Warm Audio WA-47jr
$299
FET, no tube, same K47-style capsule as the WA-47.
Prices are Warm Audio's MSRPs at the time of writing , from the WA-47, WA-67, and WA-47jr pages.
For your first vocal mic, the room matters more than a grail clone. See the best microphone for recording vocals and the microphones for home recording hub.
Related questions
Can you still buy a Neumann U 67?
Yes. Neumann put the U 67 back into production, built to the original specifications, and sells it as a set with the NU 67 V power supply.
Is the Neumann U 87 a holy grail mic?
It's the descendant rather than the grail. Neumann introduced the U 87 in 1967 as the follow-up to the U 67, with the same dual-diaphragm capsule design, and the U 87 Ai is still in production.
Are U 47 clones worth it for a home studio?
They're a way to try the 47 design at a fraction of the price, but a clone in an untreated room won't sound like a classic record. Treat the room before spending $1,000 on a mic.
More answers: Home recording FAQ