The rebirth of the Neumann U67
The Neumann U67 is the successor of the Neumann U47. But professionals have quickly adopted it as the new standard: the essential studio equipment. By the way, it offers many more advantages than its predecessor.
The microphone has three selectable polar patterns and advanced tube circuitry. It also incorporates low-cut and pad switches. Its design makes it a very versatile microphone with a sound quality ratio unmatched to date.
A short history of the U67’s comeback
The Neumann U67 is the first microphone to be equipped with the famous K67 capsule. Since its introduction, the capsule has given Neumann microphones their characteristic sound. By the way, the successor to the U67, the U87, also incorporates this feature.
The tube system of the microphone is equally masterful. It features an intelligent system to minimize tube hiss. The Neumann U67 was one of the first condenser microphone to deal with modern recording techniques such as close miking (with the famous proximity effect).
While its low-cut filter compensates for the proximity effect that occurs at short recording distances. Thanks to its pre-attenuation, the Neumann U67 can handle pressure levels up to 124 dB without distortion.
Its exterior appearance, as well as its sound and technical designs, are just as timeless. The cone-shaped body and the tapered grille have even become the hallmark of the Neumann brand.
The same elegant design will be found in the majority of Neumann microphones for the next 50 years. In terms of finish, we cannot fail to point out that the microphone is entirely hand-made and hand-soldered.
Neumann microphone applications
The Neumann U67 is a universal microphone suitable for almost any application. Its technical characteristics make it an outstanding vocal microphone. But it also proves itself for all kinds of instruments.
These include strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, drums and more. It also produces an exceptional sound with the acoustic and electric guitar, bass and upright bass.
Who does the Neumann U67 serve?
The Neumann U67 is an excellent option for male and female singers. Thanks to its power, the microphone is specially designed for voice pickup.
By the way, it offers a beautiful, balanced and complete sound. Moreover, the Neumann U67 has an incredible frequency response.
It’s an excellent option for anyone with a thirst for sound control. It does an exceptional job of picking up voice, and can be used for most sources without suffering from inferior sound quality.
Features of the U67
The Neumann U67 is a condenser microphone with a tube. This means that it is much less robust than dynamic microphones. However, it has the advantage of frequency response.
The microphone has a large diaphragm, which enables it to pick up low frequencies perfectly. The Neumann U67 also has a well thought-out electronic circuit in its body.
The microphone’s main function is to boost the output signal, which is why an external power supply is required. Apart from this, the microphone is very sensitive to variations in sound pressure.
When the omnidirectional directivity is activated, the Neumann U67 has a sensitivity of 15 mV/Pal. For the cardioid directivity it is 24 mV/Pal, while for the figure of eight it is 16 mV/Pal.
The microphone has a total of three types of directivity:
- Omnidirectional directivity : The microphone picks up sound at 360°. In other words, the microphone delivers the same electrical voltage if a sound wave hits it in front, behind or to the sides.
- A cardioid directivity: The microphone has a blind spot behind it. In other words, it will deliver a very low voltage if a sound wave hits it from behind.
- And bidirectional directivity: the Neumann U67 has a total of two blind spots on the sides.
The Neumann U67 is equipped with a high pass filter, a 10dB attenuator and an external power supply.
Technical specifications:
- Directivity: omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8
- Frequency response: 20 Hz — 20 kHz
- Sensitivity to 1 kHz en 1 kOhm : 15/24/16 mV/Pa1
- Nominal impedance : 200 ohms
- Equivalent noise level CCIR2 : 32/28/31 dB1
- Signal to noise ratio : CCIR2 (rel. 94 dB SPL) 62/66/63 dB1)
- Maximum SPL for a THD of 0,5 % 114 dB (cardioid)
- Maximum SPL for a THD of 0,5 % with pre-attenuation 3/124 dB
- Maximum output voltage: -9,8 dBu
- Power supply : NU 67 V
- Corresponding connectors Microphone: spec. 7pin
- Power: XLR 3 F
- Weight: 560 g
- Dimensions : 56 mm diameter/200 mm in length
- Package weight: 7,21 kg
By the way, you can also see on this link By the way, you can also see on this link other complete tests of pro or studio microphones.
The sound quality of the tube microphone
The Neumann U67 is known worldwide for its sound quality and versatility. It is a tube microphone with a large diaphragm. Its special features give it an unprecedented sound quality.
Without fail, it’s the best studio microphone of all time for a voice recording.
By the way, this is the reason why Neumann decided to make a new production based on the original data. Whether in a professional recording studio or in the home studio, the sound quality produced leaves us speechless.
With this microphone, you won’t get a hint of breathlessness even with the preamp turned up (provided you have a high-end one of course).
The sound produced is nicely warm, with lots of dynamics.
Omnidirectional directivity
The Neumann U67 has an omnidirectional directivity. Regardless of the position of the recorded sound source, the microphone will be equally sensitive in all modes. One of the main advantages of this directivity is the absence of proximity effect.
The microphone isn’t very sensitive to plosives. However, once this directivity is activated, the microphone will be very sensitive to the ambience of the room in which it is placed.
Compared to other sources, it is quite impossible to isolate an instrument. If you play several instruments at the same time, they will all be recorded at the same time.
This kind of directivity is most common in a lavalier microphone. In recording studios, these are not the most common.
But with a good quality acoustic room, there are many applications such as overhead use.
It is also possible to use it on drums, or delicate instruments like violin or piano. By selecting this directional pattern, you can be sure that the Neumann U67 will deliver a very natural sound.
Bidirectional directivity
This directivity is usually found in a ribbon microphone. It works as a pressure gradient sensor.
This figure-of-eight directivity measures the pressure between the front and back of the capsule. This means that the microphone is sensitive to sound sources in front of and behind the microphone.
This feature is primarily used to pick up sound from a room while controlling the sound sources. A microphone with bidirectional directivity picks up only the sound sources in front and behind it.
It is mainly used to give air and space to recordings that use an amp. This type of microphone is used for recording two singers simultaneously or for mid/side recording.
Cardioid directivity
Once switched on, its polar diagram takes the shape of a heart ( that’ s why it’s named). This is the microphone most commonly used in studios (professional or home studio). It is only sensitive to sound coming from the front.
This makes it easy to isolate the sound sources. And they are less subject to feedback. Regarding the use, it will serve more for recording a directional sound source. We can quote for example the recording of the voice of a singer, the snare drums, guitar amp…
The proximity effect of the Legendary Microphone
The proximity effect mainly affects bidirectional and cardioid directivities. In other words, the closer the sound source is to the microphone, the more pronounced the bass will be. In this case, the resulting sound will be warmer, more intimate and with much more character.
This is one of the most appreciated features of the Neumann U67.
Apart from that, with the Neumann U67, you can be reassured: it handles any feedback effect very well.
By the way, discover our guide on the Coles 4038 microphone. This article offers a complete test of the Coles 4038 microphone.
Electrical signal
It relies on the principle of transduction. That is to say that a sound source will cause an acoustic wave, which in turn will create an electrical signal.
The stronger the vibration, the higher the voltage of the electrical signal. With the Neumann response curve, you don’t have to worry about distortions.
My point of view
The Neumann is highly sought after for its sound quality. It offers a choice of three polar patterns and has a state-of-the-art tube circuit. It also has built-in low-cut and attenuated switches.
With its characteristics, the Neumann U67 deserves its title of legend. This also makes it a must-have piece of recording equipment. Among other microphones of its kind, the Neumann U67 remains the best.
The microphone is suitable for almost all mixing consoles and preamplifiers. However, it requires a special power supply. Therefore, a traditional +48v phantom power supply from the preamp will not work.
You’ll really need more! A dedicated external power supply.
This power supply is always included with the purchase of the microphone. Sound engineers all over the world know this! No tube microphone without an external power supply.
Sound recording with Neumann U67
The sound it produces doesn’t really need any special treatment in post-production.
The recording fits naturally and perfectly into any mix. It offers a warm and smooth sound to compensate for today’s cold and digital sounds.
With the Neumann U67, the sound never becomes shrill, regardless of the sound source, even at high frequencies.
Versatile, it can be an omnidirectional, bidirectional, and cardioid directivity microphone with a simple switch change.
On stage, in the studio, for singing, for podcasting or broadcasting, the Neumann U67 will perform its task to perfection. You’ll be amazed. With a worldwide reputation, it is one of the best microphones of all time.
If you choose the Neumann U67, you will see the quality of your recordings improve significantly.
Its overall sound is wonderfully rich. It is the ideal material to record anything you can imagine. But, it is best suited for large professional studios, especially given its exorbitant price.
However, if you are considering buying one, it will be an excellent investment in the long run. All you need is a pop filter or a windscreen to control background noise, unwanted noise and static.
Then, just plug it in and listen to the magic happen.
Our Global Review
Global Sound Quality
Quality / Price ratio
Overall Score
Our opinion on the Neumann U67
The smooth, limey, inimitable sound of the Neumann U67 remains highly sought after by professionals and amateurs alike throughout the world. It is a legendary tube microphone that has been imitated many times, but never equaled. Whether used as a vocal or instrument microphone, the Neumann U67 is made to showcase your talent, especially with its outstanding audio quality. A studio reference! Bravo Neumann!
Neumann U67 Demo
Special offer from Neumann 🔥
