Neumann U47 fet Bon Scott Edition

The Neumann U 47 FET Bon Scott Edition brings together two icons from recording history: the legendary U 47 FET and Bon Scott, the original frontman of AC/DC and one of the most recognizable voices in hard rock. This limited-edition model combines the sound and technology of the current Neumann U 47 fet with a matte black finish, Bon Scott graphics, and his name and signature on the microphone housing. Only 300 units will be produced worldwide. Every U 47 fet Bon Scott Edition is not only a professional-grade large-diaphragm condenser microphone but also a unique collector’s item. The microphone comes in a black wooden presentation case with a special Bon Scott booklet and a microphone certificate.

The voice behind the early AC/DC sound
Bon Scott was the frontman of AC/DC during the period when the band was developing its signature sound. His raw voice, sharp timing, and distinctive delivery are inextricably linked to albums such as *High Voltage*, *Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap*, *Powerage*, and *Highway to Hell*. On February 19, 1980, Scott died in London at the age of 33, but his influence on rock vocals and hard rock endures. Capturing that voice in the studio required a microphone that could handle Bon Scott’s power while also providing enough definition to give his vocals a clear presence among the guitars of Malcolm and Angus Young. Producers Harry Vanda and George Young chose the Neumann U 47 FET for this purpose. The microphone became a key element in the studio sound of AC/DC’s early recordings, including *Let There Be Rock*.

From Tube Microphone to FET Technology
The U 47 FET was introduced in 1972 as the transistor-based successor to the original U 47 tube microphone. Rock music was getting louder, guitar amplifiers were being cranked up even higher, and engineers needed a studio microphone that could handle high sound pressure levels without losing the character of a classic Neumann. By replacing the tube electronics with a FET circuit, the U 47 fet gained more headroom and a fast response to transients. The strong midrange reproduction associated with the U 47 name remained an important part of its sonic character. Since 2014, Neumann has been producing the U 47 fet again according to the original specifications. The Bon Scott Edition is technically identical to this current model.

K 47 capsule with distinctive midrange presence
At the heart of the Neumann U 47 FET Bon Scott Edition lies the K 47 large-diaphragm capsule. This capsule shares its design heritage with the original U 47 and delivers a full midrange response with a slight emphasis on presence in the range from 2 to 5 kHz. As a result, vocals, guitars, and other important sources remain clearly audible in a full mix. The frequency range of 20 Hz to 16 kHz also makes the U 47 FET suitable for sources with a lot of low end. Bass amplifiers, acoustic bass, and kick drums are captured with weight and definition. At the same time, the microphone responds quickly enough to preserve attack and percussive details. The U 47 FET delivers a dynamic range of 119 dB.

[[READMORE]]

High sound pressure levels are no problem
One of the features that has earned the U 47 FET its reputation in professional studios is its high maximum sound pressure level. Without attenuation, the microphone handles up to 137 dB SPL. With the -10 dB pad engaged, this increases to 147 dB SPL. This makes the Neumann U 47 FET Bon Scott Edition suitable for powerful rock vocals, as well as for miking guitar and bass amplifiers and kick drums. High-energy sources can be recorded up close without the microphone quickly reaching its technical limits. The fast FET electronics preserve the dynamics and transients of the recording.

Low-cut and additional output attenuation
The switches for the pad and the low-cut filter are located on the rear of the U 47 fet. The 140 Hz low-cut filter helps reduce low-frequency noise and can be used to limit the proximity effect during close-up recordings. When recording acoustic instruments, the filter can also help preserve headroom for bass and kick drum in the mix. In addition to the -10 dB pad, the microphone features a separate -6 dB output attenuation at the XLR connector. This function reduces the output signal to the microphone preamp and is particularly useful with vintage preamps or other inputs with limited headroom.

A professional studio microphone and collector’s item
Technically, the Bon Scott Edition delivers the same performance as the standard Neumann U 47 FET. The difference lies in the design and presentation. The matte black microphone housing features Bon Scott graphics, his name, and his signature. Neumann delivers the microphone in a black wooden presentation case with a special booklet containing an interview with producer Harry Vanda. Production is limited to 300 units worldwide. This makes the Neumann U 47 FET Bon Scott Edition a rare variant of a studio microphone that has been used for decades for vocals, guitar amps, bass amps, and kick drums. The microphone is handcrafted in Germany. A portion of the proceeds from this edition will be donated to Support Act Australia, an organization that supports artists and professionals in the music industry.

Neumann U 47 FET Bon Scott Edition features:

• Limited-edition Bon Scott version of the Neumann U 47 FET
• Limited to 300 units worldwide
• based on the current U 47 fet reissue
• technically identical to the standard U 47 fet
• K 47 large-diaphragm capsule
• cardioid polar pattern
• FET electronics with high headroom
• dynamic range of 119 dB
• Maximum sound pressure level of 137 dB SPL
• Maximum sound pressure level of 147 dB SPL with -10 dB pad
• 140 Hz low-cut filter
• separate -6 dB output attenuation
• Suitable for vocals, guitar amps, bass amps, and kick drums
• matte black microphone housing
• Bon Scott graphics, name, and signature on the housing
• single-sided swivel microphone mount
• black wooden presentation case
• Special Bon Scott booklet featuring an interview with Harry Vanda
• Handcrafted in Germany

Neumann U 47 FET Bon Scott Edition specifications:

• large-diaphragm condenser microphone
• pressure gradient transducer
• capsule: Neumann K 47
• polar pattern: cardioid
• frequency response: 20 Hz – 16 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kOhm: 8 mV/Pa / -42 dBV ±1 dB
• nominal impedance: 150 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: 1 kOhm
• A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio: 76 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio (CCIR): 69 dB
• A-weighted self-noise: 18 dB-A
• Intrinsic noise (CCIR): 25 dB
• Maximum sound pressure level: 137 dB SPL (with attenuation: 147 dB SPL)
• Low-cut filter: 140 Hz
• Power supply: 48 V phantom power ±4 V
• Diameter: 6.3 cm, length: 16 cm
• Weight: 710 grams
• Manufacturer part number: 399011

Included:

1x Neumann U 47 FET Bon Scott Edition
1x black wooden presentation case
1x Bon Scott booklet
1x microphone certificate
1x safety instructions
1x Quick Guide