Neumann U47 FET Demo & Review

[@Jhatjr]

You have some of the best review music I've ever heard, sounds like hot chocolate by a campfire. Please keep em coming!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! Having a great time practising writing for all of the videos. :)

[@citizenway]

Totally agree.

[@Buzzrocketmedia]

THE best gear review channel. Period.

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much. :)

[@zooesque]

Really great quality demo and very nice musicianship too. Cheers!

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much!

[@IntrepidFox94]

Your reviews are in a class of their own. And this song should definitely appear on your "Best Review Songs" compilation.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@keomo]

Better than the reviews are your tracks, Alec!! Thanks for sharing your talent and knowledge!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you Kevin!!

[@andrewrice9383]

Love the demo song, feels like I’m riding with my hand out the window in the 90s on a country road

[@alecbrits]

Love that description! :)

[@Espresso101]

Wow, this was a great demonstration. Not usually a big fan of using the same mic for everything, even for demonstration purposes but I was taken aback at the results as you were. As far as your comments on female vocals, I've always heard that the Elam 251/C12 are the go-to. This was well put together and I enjoyed listening to your analysis. Automatically subscribed a min into your video.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!! Oh man, I am a HUGE fan of the C12 I would absolutely love to have a pair!

[@julienchizat8057]

It's beautiful Alec! Your song is amazing like often. A huge hug when the backing vocals come in. Record that on a studer A80 and take it out everywhere :)

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much Julien! :)

[@robertopistolesi2735]

Really nice harmonies Alec. When it opens it reminds me a bit of Crosby Stills Nash and Young, but still with its own originality.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! That’s a huge compliment.

This are some of the best videos on youtube. Please keep on the great work!!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

@@alecbrits Really industrial level sound.

[@bdmax17]

I've just discovered your channel and I'm so glad I have! Such amazing quality in all aspects and your music is absolutely fantastic which helps significantly to judging the quality of equipment. I want a U47 so that I can sound like Alec Brits :D

[@alecbrits]

Hey Ben! :) thank you so much for the kind words!

[@robertnute1402]

Came here for the review, came back again and again for that song! Just wonderful.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much Robert! :)

[@CalMakesNoise]

Amazing! These just get better and better. Inspiring stuff!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you my man!!

[@miguelpessanha]

Great song and great way to demonstrate the mic

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :D

[@citizenway]

Yer a gem dude. Thx!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! :)

[@applehillstudios]

Thanks so much for this review! Very helpful. Great job on the song - loved it! This helped me make the decision to buy a U47 FET. Greatly appreciated!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you very much! :) it’s a great unit. 👌🏽 congratulations on your purchase.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

U47fet isfather of all cms in the world.

[@applehillstudios]

@@HarvinderSingh-yy8th Loving mine!

[@APEX.ULTRA.]

please do a review on the neumann U87. great vocals btw saw your demo for the earthworks sv33 and was surprised by how great you are

[@alecbrits]

Will do. :) thanks!

[@eduardoandreoli3118]

Congratulations man, your reviews are amazing, keep going!!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you Eduardo!! :)

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Father and mother of all mics on the world.

[@alecbrits]

It’s a great mic! :)

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

@@alecbrits No doubt.

[@benjameek]

Amazing music! and such a luscious sound with that mic

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much Benja! :) it’s a great mic for sure!

[@raskmusic303]

bravo great video! wow I listen to the demonstrations on repeat it's so beautiful!😍👏 All the best!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!! :D

[@peterm3964]

Beautiful review . Great original sounds .

[@alecbrits]

Thanks! :)

[@klauth_Yksyn]

Great video, Thank you for such a great demo... This was very insightful.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! :) will keep working on more!

[@DavidChampoux]

Sounds GREAT!!!

[@alecbrits]

Thanks David!

[@andreas7278]

The demonstration part sold me. :-) I wonder why you don't have more subscribers yet, such a wonderful overall presentation. Good insights (from real use and experience) combined with a charming presentation. The thing I wonder now ... did you choose not using a pop filter for your voice recording because the microphone already has such a pleasing representation (reducing harshness) or do you feel like you just don't need a pop filter in general in your studio due to the stable environment and knowing that is simply works out perfectly fine for your voice?

[@alecbrits]

Thank you Andreas! :) Depends on the song really, I try to write with as few plosives as possible. This mic was quite kind on plosives, specially when stood a little further away. Most times I end up using a pop filter, but this time it worked out ok!

[@andreas7278]

@@alecbrits I am getting the U47 FET (huge upgrade for me), any specific pop filter and spider you would recommend me (good quality is more important than price)? I figure that someone like you probably has had the chance to try out quite a few different ones already, my personal experience is quite limited in that regard. My setup is not quite typical though, it will be mounted on a Humanscale monitor arm next to the camera.

[@alecbrits]

Hey Andreas! :) I recommend the Rycote shock mount, and the Rycote pop filter has been my favourite so far. I have not taken the U47’s arm off it to have it on a shock mount.

[@andreas7278]

@@alecbrits Are you referring to this one? mymic.rycote.com/products/invision-usm-vb/ It seems like a good fit for the microphone. Can it handle holding the microphone upside down? It's within the weight spec of the shock mount, but comes close to it.

[@citizenway]

Give it time. Fine wine needs time to age.

[@cuerdasoxidas]

Finally I watched it! soooo good my man

[@alecbrits]

Thank you my man!!

[@amplifier2]

Love your channel. And your music.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!

[@Japsem]

Beautiful Sound and Song.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you very much Rafael. :)

[@MixedByDotRob]

Every time I watch one of your gear demos I get so immersed in your music that I totally forget to pay attention to the gear ;-) You could have recorded with a 57 and it still would be great! Love the FET47 nevertheless :D

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much for the extremely kind words! :D

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Incredible stuff mate!! Love it, great track too.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you mate!!

[@michaelcaplin8969]

A little bit of Steely Dan flavour in that example tune, nice!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much Michael, that’s a big statement. :)

[@IamMagPie]

Loved the demo song

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :)

[@no_wrong_notes]

amazing review! Keep up the great work!

[@alecbrits]

Thanks Nick! :)

[@richardbailey511]

Great review sir Enjoyed immensely

[@alecbrits]

Thanks Richard! :)

[@arande3]

Best review song I’ve heard. The sound of your voice reminds me of warm sound by Zero 7. Not sure what microphone he used for that.

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much! :)

[@chrislink73]

nice review and your track was excellent as well.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :)

[@isaacgonzalezdiaz]

super bueno ¡. gracias y felicitaciones desde Chile ¡

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :)

[@OverdriveMusic]

Man. What a song! Sounds great too!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :) it’s a great mic 👌🏽

[@keefergreen7467]

Dude I just want to learn production and songwriting from you nuts !

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!

[@kev_nohl]

Tremendo video!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you Kevin! :)

[@davidkey6623]

Dude! All your videos are amazing. Love it! Did you get new atc monitors? Can’t fully tell but if you did. You should also review those, I love that you went from Barefoots to ATC’s. Great to insanely good speakers! Cheers!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much David! :) I have indeed taking the plunge to the ATC SCM45’s. I am gonna be talking about them when I do a studio tour video.

[@snippletrap]

Interesting harmony at 2:02. I think I prefer the smoothness of the Daking pres over these APIs.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! They are both great, in an ideal world, I would have a couple of each. :)

[@polyphoniki]

Very nice review! Thanks!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :)

[@yangjiyangji]

you make really good review.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :)

[@chinmeysway]

Cool song and demo

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! :)

[@millmoormichael6630]

I've been using a vintage fet 47 quite a bit on vocals, really great workhorse mic, just love it. Haven't used a real vintage U47 so don't know how that fares.

[@alecbrits]

The U47 fet is such a great all-rounder! A vintage U47 is another great all rounder. Love the sound of it a lot of sources outside of vocals.

[@white_turban_hombre]

Hi Alec, I LOVE this song - and as I try to track solo often, to get a similar sound/records, can I a peek at your workflow here: the order of tracking instruments does that matter for you? Do you start laying a full Acoustic Guitar Take to a click? Then add drums? Or drums (kick and snare) first? Then others around that? And does this mean that you arrange parts first all in your head, and then record...or do you first use 1 instrument as your main foundation, and arrange around it? I would be so grateful for your input on this. Thx man for all you do.

[@alecbrits]

Usually I have a drum machine or a drum loop to get things going, tracking to a click is always an experience that I enjoy least. Then it’s the lead harmony instrument, followed by drums, then bass, then lead vocals,then backing vocals, then electric guitar leads/textures and additional percussion and harmonic ear candy. :) hope this helps.

[@frandesalvo2450]

Great review with a great song, really impressed with all the tasks you thru to the U47fet, I am a Beatles fan and lover and was wondering if the U47 fet will get me in the ballpark of the Beatles vocal sound, any thoughts on that? I have a D4 tube preamp to add to the chain! @Alec Brits

[@alecbrits]

Hi Fran! Thank you so much. The Beatles vocal sound to me is a huge combination of elements. The U48’s that they used, the EMI RED or TG consoles played a huge part. The fact that the recording medium was done on tape and of course the songs themselves. I think that the closest I have heard to a version of a Beatles style vocal was a Flea U48 into a Chandler TG Channel, into a chandler RS124 compressor. Recorded to an 8 track quarter inch. The weird thing was that the writer had an extremely Beatles forward bias to his writing as well. So all of that combined had elements of the Beatles. At the end of the day it will always sound different because none of us are one of the 4 chaps singing on the records in Abbey Road. As a general rule, I absolutely love the older school Mic’s like U47,U48,M49 on vocals. Paired with a stunning transformer balanced mic pre you can’t go wrong really. :) I hope this massive ramble helped!

[@TheThortoy]

Really like your sound

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!

[@ghana1823]

Where can hear this tune? I’m the most picky Vocalist Musician writer, but I really like this tune. ❤

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much! :) working on releasing material in the future.

[@rivalswithourheroes6432]

Incredible demo and insightful review! Thank you so much! I am currently on the market for a workhorse condenser, though mostly for male and female vocal recording. If you could only choose between the U47 FET and the U87ai, which one would you choose?

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much! I think I would end up going for the U87 for the added ability to be able to change pickup patterns. :)

[@namoneeco]

How long does it take you to write these songs? They're phenomenal

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much Neeco. :) each video takes around 4 days to make.

[@subtonic24]

Hey Alec! Would you recommend this mic as an end game mic for a home studio that primarily records vocals (rap, pop/EDM, singer-songwriter, R&B), and occasional acoustic guitar plus auxiliary percussion? I'm not completely sold on the sound of a U87 AI but I do like the sound of a U47. Also, have you tried the U47 FET with the Neve 88RLB? If so, how does it sound? That is the preamp I use in my studio so I'm curious! And last question, do you think inserting tubes into the recording chain could get this to possibly sound closer to the tube U47? My Warm EQP-WA pultec clone adds some subtle tube saturation to my recording chain.

[@alecbrits]

Hey Subtonic24! I would say it’s a good combination mic with the 87ai. I know that the 87 can be a little spikey sounding, but it’s sometimes perfect for a more dark sounding source. The 47fet is a wicked mic, I really miss having it around here. I primarily used it with API mic Pre’s and the Neumann mic pre, but after testing the 88RLB I would imagine it to be an amazing companion to that mic Pre. The 1073LB will also add more thickness and low midrange punch, which on certain sources be an absolute winner. If you have the chance to get one to demo in your rig, or in store with the mic pre’s you are thinking, then that would always be the best option. We all have different tastes, so it’s hard to give advice without knowing what you prefer. As for the valve in the chain, that’s purely for taste, I think that the circuit of the U47 is vastly different in every way from the U47 FET, from the capsule to the amplification. So simply adding a valve based piece of outboard won’t capture all of that, but it will add a great colour. Hope this helps!

[@subtonic24]

@@alecbrits Thank you very much for the response Alec, I really do appreciate it. It helped a lot actually! Yea something about that upper midrange on the U87ai doesn't sit right with me. I'd rather have a smooth mic, even if it's on the darker/warmer side, and just boost top end with a pultec style EQ to taste instead of having a brighter but peakier mic. I need to talk to my Sweetwater rep and see if I can get one to demo. Thank you again Alec, and great review!

[@KingNailerzONeill]

What did you think of the U47 compared to the TLM 107. The song you done on the TLM 107 was awesome. nice work here too

[@alecbrits]

Thanks for the kind words! :) they are quite different beasts really. The U47 has one polar pattern and it feels quite tight on that cardiod polar pattern. The tlm107 has more options in terms of polar patterns. The TLM107 was also quieter and in terms of self noise, and perhaps a little more open in the top end. It’s hard to compare them really as they are very different, it all comes down to what it is you are looking to do with them really. :)

[@KingNailerzONeill]

@@alecbrits Thanks man I ended up getting the TLM107. I have a tlm 103 but it lacks the top end the tlm107 has. It's a great mic for the price. Thanks for the videos. The song you done with the TLM 107 made me get it.

[@isaax961]

Hi Alec, could you please do a video where you compare FET and Tube mics? I still have no idea the tube models are so much more expensive.

[@alecbrits]

Oh ya! That’s a great idea. Tube mics require A LOT more circuitry and components. Usually they have an additional power supply that also houses top components. All of these things are made by hand most of the time, and the hourly cost of hiring a skilled, experience worker is where most of the cost sits.

[@josefk5659]

I am considering purchasing this mic and using it in a similar way (ie: everywhere and overdubbing). Are you happy with it as an all-around mic?

[@alecbrits]

It was an incredible all rounder for the duration of the review period. :) I cannot wait to get a pair in future.

[@josefk5659]

@@alecbrits thank you

[@QuiethouseRecording]

Its amazing to me you don't have 10000000000 subs. All your reviews are great and the music is as well. The mic is so dark and punchy.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! I absolutely loved having the U47 in, I already miss using it daily.

[@JMLRecording]

no pop filter and sounds great?? Superb.

[@alecbrits]

It’s a great mic for sure! :) thanks Joshua!

[@klick2destruct]

Hi! Cool song! I was wondering what verb you choose for your vocals? Like a 1s Room or something?

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! 2.19 second Large room. Valhalla Room verb. :)

[@peterpeper4837]

Great review. What do you think about the Neumann headphones, any good for mixing or only for tracking?

[@alecbrits]

Thank you Peter! :) I’ve not used them much for mixing, I think I’m just very used to mixing on speakers. What I can say is the EQ and performance choices I’m making with the headphones are translating well onto the monitors every time.

[@peterpeper4837]

@@alecbrits Thank you for replying. For closed type headphones that speaks volumes about the quality of Neumann headphones.

[@kazpermusic]

I tried this mic at AES and was very impressed by it. I wonder how it would sound with a tube mic preamp/channel strip.

[@alecbrits]

They are great mics. :)

[@simondedeney]

Thanks for this. Will you be reviewing the U67 anytime soon? Thanks.

[@alecbrits]

Yes! It is on the list. :)

[@simondedeney]

@@alecbrits brilliant. Can’t wait. Thanks.

[@JimboJones99]

Would this mic be suited for male rock vocals? .. or is there a better mic in this price range (or cheaper)

[@alecbrits]

I think it would be pretty solid for sure. Sometimes I find I prefer the SM7 or sometimes a Beta58 in certain situations. :)

[@dannon2010]

This makes me miss the Ramones.

[@alecbrits]

Not sure what that means, but I like the Ramones!

[@spiderstudios5599]

Dude reminds of Steve Milller

[@alecbrits]

Thanks Spider Studios. :)

[@ryanshook8284]

New ATC??? Sir!

[@alecbrits]

Trying them out!!!

[@sbroadbentphoto]

You are selling me on a mic I can't afford! now i need to find the best and closest clone

[@alecbrits]

Hahaha, its so hard to send them back after the review is done!

[@sbroadbentphoto]

@@alecbrits found and bought a second hand Beeznees Elly FET for AUD$850 which is in the FET47 style. Sounds very smooth too.

[@alecbrits]

@@sbroadbentphoto I have heard great things about the Beeznees microphones. :)

[@COZYFORREAL]

Nice song

[@alecbrits]

Thanks! :)

[@janovefjeld]

would you recommend these on an upright piano, ive seen on your other video you use the earthwork small condenser mic on the piano,, im looking for mics, and can't decide witch mic to go for:)

[@alecbrits]

I think that it you had the U47 fet with a pair of small condensers. It would make a stunning mono mic. Maybe behind the piano too. :)

[@rectape]

It really shines on your voice. Did you engaged the high pass on the mic?

[@alecbrits]

I did indeed! :)

[@darrylweller6143]

Is this mic worth the price? The 87 was such a disappointment. There are other manufacturers that do a clone of the 47, bock, wunder, heiserman that are a lot less.

[@alecbrits]

I think that there are two prices for any piece of kit, the initial price, and the price on re-sale. If the initial price is too high and the resale is bad, then the value in the mic is not worth it. If the initial price is high, and the resale is very strong, then the price is worth it. Most importantly, out of the variants you have described, which ones sound best the application you want to use them on? I personally love the Neumann FET47, some people may prefer a different manufacturers interpretation of the same mic. I hope this helps!

[@darrylweller6143]

@@alecbrits thanks so much for the feedback. That is a good point!, want it for mostly electric and acoustic guitars, some vocal, love your videos!

[@Screaming-Trees]

Love it. You reckon we could have a TLM 49 review? You get a Neumann k47 capsule at a pretty great price. You don't get the tube or the transformer but that's what preamps and compressors are for. Could run it through a tube preamp and something like a 1176 perhaps or a 1073 and a Retro Sta or La2a etc to make up for the lack of tubes/transformers in the microphone. Looks like a really interesting microphone at that price point anyway. Thanks again mate. Really appreciate what you're doing. Kind of hard making decisions about gear during the pandemic if you know what I mean. Cheers.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! I would love to review the TLM 49. Might do that later this year, I think the next couple videos will be more workflow and tutorial based. :)

[@JaeBTundra1]

It's a great mic my man

[@Screaming-Trees]

@@JaeBTundra1 I have a U67 reissue. I went that route. But the TLM49 really impressed me recently. Seems that a lot of people out there are enamored by the clones of these classic Neumann microphones but my impression is that they typically miss the mark completely. The frequency response is usually a smiley curve whereas the classics were always mid forward a little. I think also the easiest way to tell perhaps is to record a track and look at the finished product. A direct comparison out of context is usually deceiving and doesn't tell you all that much. Other than whether the microphone fits a particular voice out of any context.

[@JaeBTundra1]

@@Screaming-Trees how's the U67 reissued one?

[@carbybaby5929]

What song is it that you are using as a demo. It's amazing.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! :) it’s one of my own. I write a new tune for every microphone and pre-amp review.

[@carbybaby5929]

@@alecbrits may you please release it. i want it on my playlist lol

[@Balverine]

Never used the neumann v402 again? Is it bad?

[@alecbrits]

It was incredible. But it was a pre-production unit, so I had to send it back. Really enjoyed it!

[@gabsauvage]

You know what i (and a lot of people) will ask

[@alecbrits]

I don’t! Do ask ask away. :)

[@gabsauvage]

@@alecbrits RELEASE YOUR TRACKS ON SPOTIFY

[@alecbrits]

Hahaha!! :) soooooon!!!

[@darrylweller6143]

What kind of female vocal? Soft voice or a power house?

[@alecbrits]

Both! One was softer and the other was Full and punchy!

[@darrylweller6143]

Thinking of getting one, thanks

[@Screaming-Trees]

Hey Alec. How would you like the 47 Fet compared to the U67 reissue for your own vocals? The K47 capsule typically wins me over every time but the new reissue 67 is a formidable choice. I have the 67 reissue but the allure of the 47 capsule is a rather loud and seductive siren song if you know what I mean.

[@alecbrits]

I look at them as two totally separate beasts really. I’ll be getting a pair of the FET47’s in the future. :) they are both great, but I feel like the versatility of the U67 usually wins in most cases, it’s so forgiving. If I had to sell one to get the other, I’ll never settle on the choice. I hope that makes sense!

[@Screaming-Trees]

@@alecbrits Gotcha. I think so. If I am reading correctly between the lines, one needs both :). Cheers.

[@alecbrits]

You got it!

[@chickenlickin3820]

Where are you from Alec can't quite get your accent?

[@alecbrits]

I’m from South Africa. :) but I live in the UK now.

[@chickenlickin3820]

@@alecbrits i never would have guessed, your channel is great btw.

[@alecbrits]

@@chickenlickin3820 I’ve been here for a while! :) thank you so much!

[@andymacc]

Your thoughts on the M147 ?

[@alecbrits]

I have not tried one yet! :)

[@andymacc]

TLM103 ?

[@alecbrits]

Have not tried it either. :) it’s on the list.

[@TheWalrus835]

Autotune? Really?

[@alecbrits]

Yup! :) I ain’t perfect.

[@TheWalrus835]

@@alecbrits i like imperfection.