U47 Drop Mod
Can some of the U47 clones i.e Wunder Audio, Peluso, Lawson etc, actually replicate the sound of an original U47? I have done some searching on the tin.
Hello Slutz, I have learnt a lot from this website, I'm a member since a couple of years and read the forums all the time. I don't use to post here though, but right now I need your advices and opinions, especially if came from experienced people. Thank you very much in advance First of all, I live in Brazil, where import taxes make me feel depressed (80% over the original price + shipping) Inevitably I'm in love with Neumann U47's sound and its closest sounding clones are asking for US$5000 or more, some much more. However, the samples I have listened of the FLEA 47 also get 'there' in my opinion, and this is a little less pricey than a Wagner or a Wunder. I don't think that Pelusos achieve the same level. I have found out my own tastes just listening, many times 'blind', to recordings as well as shootouts and samples.
A LOT of them. So I guess I know what is the sound that I want, for a mic to be used mainly on my wife's voice. She is a professional soprano singer, with a wide vocal range, working in as many music genres and styles as you can imagine.
U47 Drop Mod
I also do produce other kind of recordings, from pop and rock to classical and avant-garde electroacoustic music. Because of taxes here, currency, etc., I would need to save money for too much time even for a FLEA 47, as I'd have to pay almost twice its price. I found this 'whole kit' on their site though, which is selling for US$1300 or so. This kit comes without the power supply, electronics and cable connectors. I guess it does include the transformer. Sadly the DIY kit is sold out, as it would have been a better option for my budget. It must be cheaper and faster however to learn how to mount these things than saving for the mic already assembled, isn't it?
I have read that the capsule is the most important thing on a microphone's sound. I also know that the valve, transformer, grille and capacitors will make a huge difference. Considering that the mic I want doesn't need to look necessarily like an original U47 (the most important part for me is its sound), I'm even considering to buy a cheap chinese tube mic and mod it. So: - Do you think it will work for me, at least to some acceptable point, if I buy an Apex 460 and modify it replacing the capsule for a FLEA K47 (F47) or M7 (F7), the capacitors for good ones and so? - Some people say the stock transformer on this mic is pretty decent (I could swap it later for a better one). Will it make a big difference for my sonic intentions not having a BV08 but still a 'good' one like the stock tranny? - Do I need to make too many modifications on the electronics and power supply for using an EF12 or UF14?
(hmm, maybe they won't fit into the Apex 460's body?) - Any thoughts on better capsule/tubes for that middy sound with punchy proximity effect? I'm looking mainly to K47 and M7 (much probably by FLEA) and EF12-EF14-UF14 tubes.
Will I end up spending too much effort and likely the same money than just grabbing the FLEA (kit or assembled)? Ahhh, my friends, sorry for the long explanation and too many questions.
I swear I used the search button, A LOT. Now I will be very grateful to those helping me to decide which way to choose and I hope this thread to become helpful to other slutz as well.there is no element of the Apex 460 that corresponds to the construction or performance of a U47-type mic.This is true. Not a good idea at all. The STC2000 suggested by Sean seems like a much better option for the body (little space for working though) and your mention of the AMI kit was very helpful, their transformer seems like a good one too. I also found this cheap kit: The CM-47 sounds marvelous and is very well priced, but it still does not get exactly 'there' in the sense of the sonic signature that original 47's and the more expensive clones have. This little difference must be about the capsule skinned by Thiersch, isn't it?
I guess I would spend much less and get a Stellar CM-6 instead for a similar sound, even not being the same capsule than the CM-47. I'm trying to get the FLEA F7 capsule and to learn some about tweaking a circuit for using it together with an EF12 tube.
This combination seems like the killer one to my ears, but there are still the other little variables. By the way, does anybody know where I can find a Power Supply Unit that will work with an EF12? It's easy to find for the EF14 and EF86, but I'm not sure they will work with the EF12, if I need a different one or if I can made subtle, easy modifications on it for achieving this. The CM-47 sounds marvelous and is very well priced, but it still does not get exactly 'there' in the sense of the sonic signature that original 47's and the more expensive clones have. This little difference must be about the capsule skinned by Thiersch, isn't it? Bryan - 80% import taxes? That's rough.
The 460 is not the best candidate for a U47 style mod due to it's size and headbasket. A Nady 1080 (or other Chinese clone of the same body size) is a better choice. It's a very inexpensive alternative and being in Rio, maybe a better choice for you while you save up for the real deal.
You can check out the Oktavamod.com mod for this mic. It's excellent. Michael Joly makes a phenomenal alternative to spending $12k+. I shot it out against Capitol's Records best, including these clips of it against their venerable U48 that's been used on virtually a host of records you've heard and known. As soon as I left the studio, I immediately ordered one of my own. The difference between it and a well maintained U47/48 just wasn't worth $11,500 to me.
(The clips are a U48 instead of U47, and I used the Neve 88R pre's.) You can check out the clips here. If you decide to have someone else do the mods for you, check them out well before ordering. There's lots of info - both good and bad - floating around.
Best of luck. Once you get that sound, you'll be glad you did the searching for it.
I didn't need that kind of advice since I'm not a child obsessed with hyped objects and I have a pair of ears telling me what I'm after.the 'wink' emoticon implies humor.I certainly wasn't casting any 'child-like' comparisons on you.but I can tell you I've had a number of associates who have spent many thousands looking for the 'holy 47 grail' only to re-sell and buy again.seems to be one of the more elusive quests around these parts.I wish you well in your particular quest. PS.I used to live in Santiago, Chile, so I'm more than familiar with those excessive duties and tariffs in much of S. Well, we all know that the 'holy grail' does not exist without a 'holy talent' in front of it, but I have one right at home, hehe. I'm not saying the music I produce sucks because I don't have a good U47 replica, I have great material indeed, but now I want to give that step ahead, without burning money that I don't have.
By the way, Chilean custom duties are like 25% only, the rest is profit. Now, in Brazil, is the freakin' high duties, the sipping AND the profit. It's sad for us gear slutz. By the way, Chilean custom duties are like 25% only, the rest is profit. Now, in Brazil, is the freakin' high duties, the sipping AND the profit. Thank you Bill, I know that Joly does a good work as well as others in this forum. I'm starting to think however that some capsules are critically more or less suited than others for what I'm after.
And I know the FLEA and the Neumann both work. This text on Wunder's website is very interesting in this regard As I'm sure you know, you'll find U47's with both M7's and K47 caps. I'm not 100% sure I agree with the wunder's 100% conclusive assessment as to which is better, and also about their judgement that the Gefell M7 is inferior, BUT, I will say that if you want another incredible mic that works very well on female vox (sounds like your main application) as well as drum overs, guitars, etc., you might want to check out the Gefell UM70. I had a client desperately looking for a mic for his wife (money not too much of an object), and once hearing the UM70/M71S, he hunted one down in Germany and bought it. It works better for her than a U47, and the only other mic that comes close for her is an M49. You need to be right up on that mic for vocals, but it is wonderful with it's M7 capsule.
Not as thick as a 47/48, but wonderful in it's own right. And significantly cheaper.
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