Neumann U47 Fet Bon Scott Edition is a limited-edition condenser microphone that celebrates the “high voltage” rock voice of Bon Scott.
A Piece of Rock History
The U 47 fet Bon Scott Edition celebrates the legacy of the legendary AC/DC frontman and one of the most iconic rock singers ever. The Neumann U 47 fet was the primary instrument used to immortalize Bon’s vocals on groundbreaking classics like Let There Be Rock.
In recording Bon Scott, the U 47 fet was more than a tool. It was the essential filter through which Scott’s distinct voice became a permanent part of rock history.
Harry Vanda, who produced the early AC/DC masterpieces together with George Young, recalls that this wasn’t accidental: “Ultimately, the U 47 fet was settled upon as the right mic for Bon because it allowed his voice to both sit best with the guitars of Malcolm and Angus but also portray the sonic character we were looking for in the songs.”
From Tube to FET
To understand why the U 47 fet was the choice for Bon Scott, one must understand its lineage. Its predecessor, the original U 47 tube microphone, shaped the sound of jazz and pop in the 1950s and 60s. However, by the early 1970s, as rock music became louder and more aggressive, recording engineers were looking for a studio microphone that could handle a belted vocal or cranked guitar amp with ease.
In 1972, Neumann introduced the FET (Field Effect Transistor) version. By replacing the vacuum tube with solid-state technology, Neumann created a microphone that could withstand immense sound pressure levels. While the original tube U 47 was prized for its “silky” warmth, the FET version was celebrated for its headroom.
Neumann’s legendary K 47 capsule provided a smooth, rich mid-range with a subtle presence boost around 2–5 kHz. This mid-range push allowed Bon’s lyrics to cut through the massive wall of Angus and Malcolm Young’s Marshall amplifiers. The result was a recording that felt both dangerously loud and remarkably intimate, capturing the sound that defined the Bon Scott era.
Today, the Neumann U 47 fet remains a staple in rock recordings globally, often cited by engineers who want to replicate that specific “Australian High-Voltage” sound. For Bon Scott, this microphone was the perfect conduit for his spirit – tough, reliable, and capable of handling a massive amount of power.
The U 47 fet Bon Scott Edition is a faithful reissue of Neumann’s legendary studio microphone, originally produced from 1972 to 1986. Compared to the standard model, the Bon Scott Edition comes in a matte black finish and adds iconic graphics as well as Bon Scott’s name and signature on the mic housing. The accompanying booklet features an interview with Harry Vanda, who produced early AC/DC albums alongside George Young.
Part of the proceeds will be donated to Support Act Australia Charity.
Technically Speaking
The U 47 fet Bon Scott Edition uses the same K 47 large diaphragm condenser capsule and the same headgrille design as its tube operated predecessor, the legendary U 47, which revolutionized studio recording in the 1950s and 60s. For sonic continuity, the U 47 fet uses a similarly oversized output transformer. Otherwise, its transistorized head amplifier is an amazingly advanced design and a testament to Neumann’s state of the art engineering. This “vintage” microphone has a dynamic range of 119 dB!
The U 47 fet can handle extreme SPLs of up to 137 dB, and even 147 dB with the –10 dB pad switch engaged. This, along with its smooth top end and lush midrange, makes the U 47 fet an excellent microphone for loud singers. It is also often used in front of guitar and bass amplifiers and even kick drums.
The U 47 fet comes with a unique one-sided swivel mount, which makes it easy to position. Pad and low cut switches are accessible on the rear of the microphone. An additional switch next to the XLR socket allows for attenuating the output signal by 6 dB, which is a handy feature in conjunction with low-headroom vintage preamplifiers.
In The Box:
- Neumann U47 Fet Bon Scott Edition microphone
- Microphone sertificate
- Bon Scott Edition brochure
