Telefunken U48 Tube Stereo Set Condenser Microphone

The TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik U48 Stereo Set is a matched pairing of two of the famous U48 tube condenser microphones. The largest difference between the modern versions and what was available in 1958 is that the sets from 1958 were not "matched." Now they are! Each component is matched for sonic characteristics. The M7 capsules are hand selected and tested for consistent behavior in TELEFUNKEN's Connecticut laboratory, along with matched custom BV8 output transformers, VF14K tubes as well as the more mundane resistors and capacitors. Additionally, a special serial number group has been created for the modern version of the "Studio Set" making these a very rare set of birds which are not only unbelievably useful, but also rare and collectible.10 years after the development of the ubiquitous U47, the U48 was released with one variation to the U47; it had "bidirectional" (figure 8) capability. The bidirectional capability can be very useful in more "ambient" recording environments where the engineer recording the sound does not want to hear as much of the room ambience as might be recorded with an omnidirectional or cardioid pick-up pattern.According to the book Recording The Beatles, the U48 was one of George Martin's favorite microphones when actually "recording The Beatles." Utilizing the same M7 capsule, BV8 output transformer and VF14K vacuum tube as TELEFUNKEN's historic reissue of the U47, the U48s authoritative mid-range and extended low-end response make the microphone an excellent tool for recording vocals and acoustic instruments, both near and far.