Telefunken U47 User manual

1Diamond Series

2TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 3Diamond Series
What’s In The Box
M 940H Power Supply
Designed and built in America, the M 940H Power Supply features traditional,
vintage-correct styling partnered with the improvements of modern component
technology and circuit board design. These units are built well over-specication
to ensure reliable, safe operation for decades. Each power supply is calibrated
to the specic microphone system it comes with. They are burned in as a full
system to ensure optimum performance and stable operation.
The M 940H is fully regulated to ensure consistent operation regardless of line
voltage variations or location. The M 940H features a traditional Tuchel cable
connector and vintage correct pinout. It is designed to mate with vintage U47
and U48 Tuchel cable connectors without modication and will properly power
VF14, VF14M, or VF14K vacuum tube-based ampliers.
M 840TH Cable
The M 840TH features traditional Tuchel connectors and is designed to mate
with original U47 and U48 microphones and NG power supplies. This cable is
made by Telefunken technicians in the USA using Sommer SC-Quad cable.
The OFC oxygen-free copper conductors provide excellent transmission with
high exibility. Superior interference rejection is provided by 100% shielding
with dense helical copper mesh screen plus additional metalized eece foil. 10
meters (32.8 feet) in length.
M 740 Shock Mount
Vintage-styled clasping elastic shockmount with durable metal cages designed
to t all U47 and U48 microphones.
FC40 Locking Flight Case
TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik’s microphone ight cases are designed with
delicate capsules, vacuum tubes and electronic components in mind. A unique
blend of seven Wisconsin hardwoods is utilized in the construction of the shell,
while the outside of the case is wrapped in 1000pt Cordura, the world’s nest
traveling ber. Dual combination locks and trim in nickel create an understated,
classic look. An embroidered TELEFUNKEN diamond logo on the inside lid, and
engraved logo plate complete the package.
WB40 Wooden Microphone Box
Custom-made solid oak box. Vintage styled with classic TELEFUNKEN Diamond
logo. Made in America.
For a complete list of additional accessories and replacement parts for Diamond
Series products, please visit http://t-funk.com/shop
Shop Webstore

4TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 5Diamond Series
Handling
Handle your microphone, cable, and power supply with the utmost care.
Remember that Diamond Series microphones are reverse engineered from
vintage models, so most mechanical parts are custom machined and not
cheaply or easily replaceable. If damage occurs or there is a change in
operation, please contact TELEFUNKEN directly at r[email protected].
Storage
When not in use, store your microphone in the included wooden box. It is not
recommended to leave your microphone on a stand. Not only will dust degrade
the response of the capsule over time, but this greatly increases the risk of a fall,
which could result in required mechanical repair or cosmetic damage.
Properly coil your tube microphone cable when storing. Kinks left in the cable
will expedite the deterioration of the conductors which will lead to shorts or
opens in crucial contacts, and ultimately failure.
Cleaning
To clean ngerprints and light grime from your microphone, wipe with a soft
cloth damp with an ammonia-based glass cleaner as soon as possible. We use
microber cloths, but any soft, lint-free cloth will do. Spray the cleaner onto the
cloth rst. Never spray any liquid directly onto your microphone.
To lubricate your threaded cable collar, apply a small amount of electronics
cleaner/lubricant (we use DeoxIT Gold) with a cotton swab. Do not spray the
lubricant directly into the cable connector.
Never attempt to clean your microphone capsule. This should only be
performed by a reputable, trusted professional. It is recommended to contact to
TELEFUNKEN to have this service performed.
If you have any questions regarding cleaning your microphone or having these
services performed by a TELEFUNKEN technician, please contact repairs@t-
funk.com.
Quick Start Guide
1. Thread the included shock mount on to a sturdy microphone stand. Double
check that the stand is stable and properly balanced; falls from microphone
stands can require costly repairs.
2. Set the microphone into the shock mount and fasten the latches.
3. Insert the cable into the base of the microphone and begin threading it on. If
you experience resistance, reverse the threading direction and make sure the
connector is inserted correctly.
4. Plug the other end of the microphone cable into the included power supply.
It is recommended that the power supply be at least 3 meters from the
microphone while recording. Make sure the cable is kept close to the stand and
ground to avoid tripping or knocking over the microphone.
5. Make sure the power supply is set to the correct mains voltage for your region
(115V or 230V). Plug the included power cable into the power supply, then into
mains power.
6. Connect a standard 3-pin microphone cable (not included) to the power
supply and then to your microphone preamplier input.
7. Turn on the power supply. Let the system warm up for 10 minutes before use.
Safety Warning
Vacuum tube microphones, their associated power supplies, and their cables
carry potentially harmful voltages. Make sure all connections are made before
powering on your microphone system. Do not open your microphone or power
supply while it’s connected to mains power and powered on. If for whatever
reason your Diamond Series microphone stops working, turn it o and contact
an authorized TELEFUNKEN repair center.

6TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 7Diamond Series
Diamond Series Overview
The Diamond Series features three primary microphone models that epitomize
vintage vacuum tube microphone technology, which characterize and color the
sounds of popular recorded music from the late 1940’s through today. These
three pillars of the vintage microphone world were selected to preserve their
legacy not only because of their extremely high delity sonic abilities, but also
because they exemplify the nearly gone culture of high quality manufacturing
and hand-made workmanship.
The Diamond Series is currently comprised of ve microphones; three main
models and two variants. They are the C12, ELA M 251E, ELA M 251T, U47
and U48. All of the parts for these microphones were reverse engineered
and recreated exactly to the originals in order to manufacture new models
and provide restoration parts for the vintage versions. The large majority of
the parts are custom tooled and machined in the USA, where TELEFUNKEN
Elektroakustik is located.
Every microphone is hand-built and assembled from the ground up and
tested in the TELEFUNKEN facility located in South Windsor, Connecticut.
Each microphone is individually wired point-to-point; no circuit boards to be
found here. Every plastic is riveted by hand, and each assembly is tapped
and screwed together by hand. Diamond Series microphones are produced in
smaller production runs to achieve the nest attention to detail.
The dream of TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik remains to preserve these iconic
microphones and their history, and to develop new microphone technology that
draws inspiration from them. TELEFUNKEN continues the tradition of producing
high delity recording instruments to benet the recording and performing world,
and to continue to characterize music for generations to come.
Vacuum Tube Information
TELEFUNKEN VF14K
TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik Diamond Series microphones feature vacuum
tubes specially selected to properly mate electronically and sonically with
each model. All tubes used are burned-in and tested for noise and gain prior
to installation in South Windsor, CT. TELEFUNKEN maintains a large stock
of vacuum tubes and replacements that have been tested specically for
microphone use and are available directly.
Please visit www.t-funk.com/shop/vacuum-tubes for more information.
Manufactured to be a direct “plug and play” retrot for an original VF14M
tube with no modications to circuit, cable or power supply required, the
TELEFUNKEN VF14K is employed in the TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik U47 and
U48 microphones.
After considerable research, TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik located a glass tube,
of obscure origin, originally manufactured for use in transoceanic telephone
transmission. This is not a Nuvistor tube, nor an EF86, both of which have
been previously used as substitutes for original VF14’s. This tube captures all
of the “magic”, “vibe” and “mojo” of the original tube, with the resulting sonic
characteristics being extremely close to the original VF14, with nearly identical
gain and distortion measurements.
The Telefunken VF14K has a 5-year manufacture’s warranty with TELEFUNKEN
Elektroakustik.
Shop Tubes

8TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 9Diamond Series
Soon after the U47, the U48 was also released. With its dening red polar
pattern logo, the U48 features Figure-8 instead of Omnidirectional as it’s
secondary polar pattern. The two microphone models are otherwise identical.
Both models are point to point wired with premium components including
precision metal lm resistors and polystyrene capacitors. Almost all metalwork
and mechanical parts are interchangeable with original examples and serve as
replacements in vintage restoration projects and repairs. Now in production
for two decades, this design has been honed and perfected and is the best
example of the U47 currently being manufactured.
U47 History
In production since 2004, the TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik recreation of the
U47 was developed fresh o the success of the re-release of the ELA M 251. As
with the 251, this microphone was designed to be as true to the original design
as possible. The Telefunken U47 utilizes signicant cosmetic elements of the
earliest iterations of the original “long body” design, including a nickel plated
headgrille and classic Telefunken Diamond badge, as well as the use of vintage-
correct Tuchel connectors and “NG” style power supply.
Electronically, the Telefunken U47 features a Mylar M7 capsule, the original
circuit with VF14K vacuum tube, and a BV8 transformer, as this combination
has been determined to provide the absolute best version of the classic mid-
forward frequency response associated with the U47. Originally M7 capsules
were tensioned with PVC, which is now known to crack and fail over time. With
longevity in mind, the non-historic change from PVC to Mylar was an easy
decision to make. Mylar is the industry standard tensioning material and can be
found in most other highly regarded capsule designs including the K47, K67,
and CK12. While TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik M7 capsules have always been
made in North America, as of 2022 they are now made in South Windsor by the
same small team that makes the CK12 capsule, which is found in the ELA M
251E and C12.
The major obstacle to releasing a microphone based on this classic design
is related to the tube selection. With virtually no VF14/VF14M’s available for
purchase and no exact replacement tube types known to exist, most settle
on modifying the circuit to accept dierent tubes; usually tubes that look like
VF14s but do not operate the same. Telefunken developed the VF14K to solve
this problem for new customers and old purists alike. The VF14K consists of
a NOS military grade glass vacuum tube and a passive circuit housed in an
enclosure designed to t the original VF14 tube socket. As there is no circuit
modication necessary, this is the best solution both for those with vintage
microphone models that need new tubes and those purchasing new U47 or U48
microphones with the intention of installing a NOS VF14. The Telefunken U47
operates on a single 105-volt line, same as the original design.

10 TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 11Diamond Series
U47 Technical Specications
Specication U47
Type Vacuum Tube Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid, Omnidirectional
Frequency Range 20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±3 dB
Power Source External Power Supply
Capsule TELEFUNKEN M7 – Center Terminated
Large Diaphragm
Tube TELEFUNKEN VF14K
Transformer TELEFUNKEN BV8
Sensitivity 24.5 mV/Pa, ±1 dB
THD at 1 kHz, 1 Pa (Amplier) < 0.3%
Output Impedance 200 Ω
Maximum SPL (for 1% THD) 127 dB
S/N Ratio 85 dBA
Self-Noise (Amplier) 9 dBA
Dimensions 240 mm L x 60 mm Dia
Weight 620 g
The U47’s authoritative mid-range and extended low frequency response have
made it the gold standard for microphones in professional recording studios
around the world. The U47 excels at capturing everything from vocals, drums,
and electric guitar to orchestral and chamber recordings with its uniquely
recognizable voicing. Our recreation is built true to the original design; with
point-to-point wiring of the exact circuit with near-identical metalwork, contacts,
cable connectors, and circuit components. It is an exceptional version that
delivers the famous high-delity tone and character that is synonymous with its
name.
M7 Capsule
VF14K Vacuum Tube
BV8 Transformer
Our M7 center-terminated, dual
diaphragm capsule mixes the
mechanical design of the earliest
German condensers with the later,
more stable tensioning material, Mylar.
The result is a very punchy response
with depth and clarity. Made in limited
quantity in South Windsor, CT.
Our direct drop-in replacement for the
extremely rare VF14/VF14M vacuum
tube consists of a NOS glass tube and
a passive circuit housed in a plug-
and-play casing. It provides excellent
tone and low noise operation without
needing to modify the original circuit
or tube socket.
This hefty, nickel alloy core
transformer is wound in America
to vintage specication. It perfectly
matches the VF14K-based amplier
and delivers a full and wide frequency
response with a brilliant tonality and
very low distortion.

12 TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 13Diamond Series
U48 Technical Specications
The U48 is a historically accurate variant of the U47 that features Bidirectional
(or Figure-8) instead of Omnidirectional as its secondary polar pattern. It
is distinguished from the U47 by its red polar pattern switch graphic. The
Bidirectional capability can be very helpful in controlling ambient and non-direct
sound when recording ensembles or in less-than-ideal recording environments.
In Cardioid operation, the U47 and U48 are sonically identical and provide the
same remarkable tone, perfect for everything from vocals and piano to double
bass and percussion. Just like the U47, the U48 is built by hand in small batches
true to the original design.
Specication U48
Type Vacuum Tube Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid, Figure-8
Frequency Range 20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±3 dB
Power Source External Power Supply
Capsule TELEFUNKEN M7 – Center Terminated
Large Diaphragm
Tube TELEFUNKEN VF14K
Transformer TELEFUNKEN BV8
Sensitivity 24.5 mV/Pa, ±1 dB
THD at 1 kHz, 1 Pa (Amplier) < 0.3%
Output Impedance 200 Ω
Maximum SPL (for 1% THD) 127 dB
S/N Ratio 85 dBA
Self-Noise (Amplier) 9 dBA
Dimensions 240 mm L x 60 mm Dia
Weight 620 g
M7 Capsule
VF14K Vacuum Tube
BV8 Transformer
Our M7 center-terminated, dual diaphragm
capsule allows for Cardioid and Figure-8
operation in the U48. These capsules
provide a rich, clear tone and are made by
hand in South Windsor, CT.
The VF14K is our solution to the dwindling
supply of NOS VF14/VF14M vacuum tubes
originally found in this microphone design.
The VF14K consists of a NOS glass tube
and basic passive circuitry housed in a
plug-and-play casing. It provides correct
sonic and electronic operation with no
circuit, power supply, or tube socket
modication.
This twin coil design output transformer
is almost identical physically and
electronically to the original specication.
It provides a 6.5:1 ratio with low distortion
and a very wide and at frequency
response.

14 TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 15Diamond Series
Warranty
Repairs & Service
System Congurations
TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik warrants that any capsules and tubes used
in their microphones are free from defects in material and workmanship for
the period of ninety (90) days from the original date of purchase, and agree to
replace any capsule or tube which, under normal installation and use, disclose
such defect. This is provided that the complete microphone is delivered to
TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik intact for examination and provided that such
examination discloses, in the judgment of TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik, that
the tube or capsule is indeed defective. Upon replacement, TELEFUNKEN
Elektroakustik will provide an additional 90-day limited warranty on the new
capsule or tube.
This warranty does not extend to any capsule or tube which appears to have
been misused, altered, neglected, damaged, or stored in any manner that
adversely aects it, or used in violation of instructions furnished by us. This
limited warranty shall be void and of no further force or eect whatsoever if
the microphone is repaired or modied by any person other than an authorized
representative of TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik. This warranty shall not apply
to any defect, failure, or damage caused in whole or in part from attempts by
personnel other than TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik’s to open, repair, or service
the microphone; nor to damage to a unit which has been modied by persons
other than TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik personnel.
Please visit www.t-funk.com/warranty to register your microphone.
Repairs on new TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik microphones are covered under a
limited warranty plan and repair costs will be determined based upon the date of
purchase and the date in which the warranty was registered. Repairs & Service
covered under the warranty plan are done at no charge for labor, parts and
service.
Please visit www.t-funk.com/repairs for microphone repair information.
Every TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik tube microphone Stereo Set includes two
meticulously matched microphones and a dual power supply in a premium
ight case. The American-made power supply is capable of powering both
microphones at one time and the included carrying case easily holds both sets
of microphones, cables, and accessories. All critical components, including the
capsules, tubes and transformers, are hand-selected and tested for matched
gain and frequency response. These sets oer the user the knowledge and
comfort that the tools they are using will give identical responses for the most
critical stereo recording.
Stereo Sets
System U47 U48 U47 Stereo U48 Stereo
M 940H Power Supply X X
M 940HS Power Supply X X
M 840TH Cable X X 2X 2X
WB40 Wooden Box X X 2X 2X
M 740 Shock Mount X X 2X 2X
FC40 Flight Case X X
FC40S Flight Case X X
Warranty Registration
Microphone Repair Form

16 TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik