The 8 Best Vintage Microphones | Musician Nerd
Updated on Mar 22, 2022
If you're interested in learning more about the best vintage microphones, you've come to the right place. If you're interested in acquiring these microphones or finding modern equivalents, you've come to the right place. With full disclosure, if you want originals, you're best off going to auction sites. We will point you to modern versions or collectors editions, but beyond that, you would have to reach out to our support team for acquisitions.
Vintage microphones are phenomenal. When it comes to technology, newer is usually better, but there is something about those old microphones that modern-day companies can't seem to do quite as well in the audio space. There's a reason many of the most popular microphones are decades old and that vintage microphones come with hefty price tags. Every company tries to copy them, but very few prevail.
Today we're going to tell you all about our favorite vintage microphones. I've had the pleasure to work with most of them on several occasions and some of their modern-day counterparts. Afterward, we'll dive a little deeper into vintage microphones and ask why? So stick around for the ride, and let's get into it.
The 8 Best Vintage Microphones
1. Neumann U 47
Kicking off at number one, the Neumann U47 is one of the most famous studio microphones in audio history, and Neumann's first microphone after World War Two. This vintage microphone initially used Telefunken's VF 14 tubes; however, after Telefunken ceased producing those tubes in 1957, the U 47 was reimagined as the U 47 FET (as seen below) in 1969.
(Modern) Neumann U 47 FET Collectors Edition Vintage Microphone
The Neumann U 47 FET offered a high SPL (Sound Pressure Level), making it a popular choice for instruments like the bass drum, brass, double bass, and guitar amps.
The original series was first demoed in 1947, with the first sale taking place in December of 1949. It used the M 7 capsule, modeled after Neumanns CMV 3 microphone from the 1920s. However, the materials used for the M 7 were not durable long-term, so they replaced it in 1958 with the K 47 capsule. This allowed them to keep that same acoustic design with better age resistance.
The Neumann U 47 influenced several of their future designs, such as the U 48 & U 67. The U 47 used cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns; however, the U 48 uses cardioid and figure-8. The U 48 was heavily used by The Beatles at the Abbey Road Studios. While the U 47 FET is not precisely the same, it's about as close as you'll get without spending tens of thousands of dollars on an original.
2. Telefunken ELA M 251
When it comes to vintage microphones, you will hear the name Telefunken quite a few times. They made a significant impact on the tube microphone space, developing the VF 14 tubes used by the Neumann U 47 and influencing microphones for decades to come. The company was founded through unconventional means; patent disputes between two companies led to unification in 1903, being renamed Telefunken in 1923.
Telefunken ELA M 251 Vintage Microphone
Telefunken originally built broadcast transmitters and radio sets; however, in 1928, they designed the legendary V-41 tube amplifier, the first high-fidelity amp. They continued down this path and, in World War Two, began supplying vacuum tubes, transmitters, and radio relay systems.
After the war, Telefunken built the Telefunken ELA M 251, in combination with the AKG CK12 capsule, going down in history as one of the greatest vintage microphones ever built. The vacuum tube creates a pure & rich tone with very low self-noise & outstanding durability for its time. They used a glass enclosure, so you would need very little maintenance done as long as you were using the proper voltage for the microphone.
Nowadays, you won't be so lucky to get your hands on one. Like the Neumann U 47, any opportunity for acquisition comes at the cost of tens of thousands. Telefunken does not have a reissue as Neumann does, but their other products are interesting. However, this microphone was built in combination with the CK12 capsule, so continue down to the AKG C12 to learn more and see the reissue there.
See Similar: TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik TF51
Check Price On Amazon3. AKG C12
Originally created in 1953, the AKG C12 was one of the first large-diaphragm condenser microphones from AKG. It was also marketed as a branding product for Telefunken as the Telefunken ELA M 251, which as you know used the AKG CK12 capsule.
(Modern) AKG C12VR Vintage Microphone
The AKG C12 was popular for its switchable directional properties, which is a feature carried into the modern version, the C12VR. What was popular about this was how even while switching polar patterns, the AKG C12 will maintain the same frequency response, making it a popular item in the studio.
Inside the microphone was the AKG CK12 capsule along with General Electric's 6072 vacuum tube. The modern version, the C12VR, uses both of these same components, which is why it's one of my favorite microphones on the market right now.
The C12 was put back on the market in 1994 as the C12VR to sound as close to possible as the original. Using those same two inner components, the only changes they wanted to make were further enhancements. These include lower interference sensitivity, lower background noise, and added filter options. We discuss this further in our article about the best AKG microphones.
4. RCA 44-BX
When it comes to vintage microphones, the RCA lines are a bit older than the above options. Produced from 1932, for about two decases, the RCA 44-BX is one of the most legendary ribbon microphones in the world.
RCA 44-BX Vintage Microphone
The 44-BX is a high-fidelity figure-8 microphone popular in the recording and broadcast industries. The 2-inch long aluminum ribbon produced some of the finest sounds, making a mark on the future of ribbon microphones.
What's interesting is how flat the frequency response is, spanning from 50Hz to 15kHz, with a high frequency roll off. The RCA 44-BX is also quite prone to proximity effect, drastically increasing bass presence if you moved closer. With that in mind, they added jumpers for two high-pass filter positions.
The one thing about older ribbon microphones like the RCA BX-44 is that you would need an outstanding preamp to pull out the potential from this microphone. As I would generally advise with vintage microphones, a tube amp is desirable. Compared to others on the list, you can find the RCA 44-BX for less than ten thousand and a revised version under the AEA brand.
5. Neumann U67
The Neumann U 67 is another legendary vintage microphone inspired by their own U 47. It has been used by some of the most famous voices in history, including Ozzy, Soundgarden, and more. It uses a multiple polar pattern tube condenser that contributes to that gorgeous sound we've come to love from vintage mics, and they even have a modern version on the market today!
Neumann U 67 Collectors Edition Vintage Microphone
The Neumann U 67 was released in the 1960s to replace the U 47. A significant factor for this was the change in tube condensers as the VF 14's from Telefunken were discontinued. Along with replacing the tube, the U 67 was completely re-engineered from the ground up with a brand new capsule, the K67, and an amplifier and head basket design.
The K67 capsule has left one of the most prominent marks on microphone history, so the Neumann U 67 is the benchmark for high-end microphone standards. The Neumann U 67 defined the sound of the 1960s and the "Neumann Sound" for their brand. When released, this vintage microphone offered revolutionary technologies and made modern techniques such as "close miking" possible.
The reissue is sonically identical to the 1960's U 67. The capsule and electronic design have not changed, and the only significant improvements include the power supply, which helped meet modern-day's safety requirements while making it capable of utilizing premium-grade tubes. Because of how close the reissue is to the original, you could replace a vintage U 67 with the modern-day's power supply.
6. RCA 77-DX
The RCA 77-DX is a poly-directional ribbon microphone that's left it's mark in history, first introduced in 1954. It was such an iconic part of legendary broadcaster's tool kit such as Edward Murrow, David Letterman and Larry King.
RCA 77-DX Vintage Microphone
The RCA 77-DX has variable directionality, with a rotating back shutter controlled by a screwdriver-operated slot at the rear of the microphone. This allows for polar pattern switching, going from omnidirectional to cardioid to the signature ribbon figure-8. They even offer the ability to change the low-frequency roll-off.
While the 77-DX had an impact on the voice of broadcast, it was used by musical legends as well. Elvis, Sinatra and Cash are just three examples of historical artists to use this vintage microphone. In modern times, this RCA microphone is appealing for it's ability to record brass instruments as well as versatility in frequency response.
The positioning of the 77-DX can completely change how the microphone records frequencies, allowing you to boost lower or midrange frequencies as needed. The modern-day AEA R84 has similar sonic characteristics as the RCA 77-DX, although it's still different in many ways. If you're lucky, you may be able to get your hands on an original RCA 77-DX at auction.
See Modern Version: AEA R84
Check Price On Amazon7. Coles 4038
The Coles 4038 is another vintage ribbon microphone built for broadcasting and studio recording released in 1961. The microphone was patented by the British Broadcasting Corporation under the name STC 4038. One thing it's really known for is the waffle iron appearance.
Old Coles 4038 Vintage Microphones
The reason BBC developed this vintage microphone was that they needed a robust & affordable microphone that was smaller than previous models. It was initially used exclusively by BBC for broadcasting but eventually made its way to the studios of Rock & Roll's most legendary artists.
The Coles 4038 was appealing for it's ability to record sounds "bigger than life", especially on the drums. The Beatles and Led Zeppelin utilized the Coles 4038 as overhead microphones in this regard. The flat frequency response has a range of 30Hz - 15kHz with an attenuated high frequency that reduces sibilance on vocals.
Ribbon microphones had a big impact on drum recordings, and the Coles 4038 is deemed by some as the be-all end-all. Just like the other vintage microphones on this list, it really left a mark on music history.
8. AKG C 414 EB
As we talked about before, AKG microphones have left a significant mark on the music industry, with their vintage microphones playing such a massive role in the audio space that they still sell reissues. The AKG C 414 EB is no different, now sold under two other C 414 sub-models, the XLII and XLS.
AKG C 414 XLII Vintage Microphone Equivalent
The C 414 EB, released in 1976, uses AKG's famous CK12 capsule, found in the Telefunken ELA M 251 and AKG C12, using solid-state amplifier circuitry. The EB model is the second generation of the C 414, offering a 3-way high-pass filter, upgraded attenuation pad with two options (-10dB and -20dB), with switches built into the microphone.
The C 414 EB offers 4 polar patterns, cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8 and hypercardioid. Unlike the way many modern microphones work, changing the polar pattern will affect the frequency response a little more directly, which has it's ups and downs.
The original CK12 capsule orignally used a brass tension ring, though was later replaced with nylon and a variation that required fewer parts. The modern versions are transformerless which makes them sound more clean and clear, however that bright sound from the original models is gorgeous.
See Modern Version: C414 XLII/XLS
Check Price On AmazonWhy Vintage Microphones?
You might be wondering, are vintage microphones better? This is a question many people ponder from time to time, so we thought it'd be best to walk through some of the pros and cons of using vintage microphones. One major factor in the quality of vintage microphones comes from the accessibility of microphones back in the day, or lack thereof. The concept of having a microphone in your own home was unheard of. When you look to purchase a vintage mic now, you'll be looking at spending thousands, sometimes over ten thousand USD on it.
Vintage Microphones Collection
That's not all, however. Vintage microphones have strong characteristics that offer smoother, more natural sound that a lot of people drool over. High-quality valve capacitor microphones can give off more mid-range clarity and warm lows, so a lot of older music has that deep & rich sound. This aspect is something that many modern-day copycats try to imitate, and some of them do. Neumann microphones still stand strong, so they're often found in professional studios, while others like the AKG remakes do a good job keeping true to their classic style.
There are also some solid contenders going strong in the ribbon microphones space that have that same classic feeling.
You have to consider the capabilities of modern microphones and ask yourself, makes this sound worse, or is it just different? With the changes in the music industry and advancements in technology, a higher range of frequencies is given more life, which is why modern microphones sound brighter. That doesn't make it a bad thing.
The advancement of audio recording is also an important factor, such as the compliments between these warm tube microphones and vinyl recordings vs. brighter modern-day vocalist mics and audio streaming. I'm a fan of the classic sound, but I still use modern microphones every day.
Conclusion
You should have a pretty good idea of the history behind vintage microphones. They're astounding, but isn't it interesting that these older pieces of audio equipment get better hype than modern-day microphones? When it came to microphones, they knew what they were doing. The sad part is they do come at a cost now, as back then, it wasn't common to have your own studio microphones at home.
Have you had the chance to use any of these vintage microphones? Have you used one that isn't on this list but maybe it should be? Tell us about your experience! We love using your feedback to offer better quality for our future audience.
Posted on Mar 17, 2022
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