Neumann U67 Re-Issue – the legend returns, now as a pair
The re-issue of the Neumann U67 marks a landmark moment in sound recording: one of the most sought-after microphones in history, out of production for decades, rebuilt to the original 1960s specifications. This listing offers a pair of U67 Re-Issue microphones – a rare opportunity to record in true stereo with one of the most revered studio tube microphones ever made.
A universal studio microphone suited to virtually every application, the U67 pairs a smooth, refined top end with a subtle tube shimmer that flatters vocals beautifully. An essentially linear response across three polar patterns – omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-of-eight – makes the U67 equally at home on strings, woodwind, brass, piano, drums, acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar and upright bass. Introduced in 1960 as the successor to the U 47, the U67 became the quintessential studio workhorse of modern music’s formative years, and demand for that inimitably smooth character has never been higher.
Condition and provenance
This pair is offered in opened, never-used condition. Both microphones were purchased new in 2023 for a live classical recording and were set aside unused when the production moved to vintage 1940s ribbon microphones, having been kept in storage since. One microphone and one power supply were removed from their sealed bags, and the original protective bag for that microphone and the matching power supply is no longer present. A small area of corrosion is visible on the handle of one power supply. The microphones themselves are unused.
True to the original
Where others have tried to imitate the U67, Neumann returned to the archived documentation, and the re-issue is sonically identical to the U67 built between 1960 and 1971, using the same capsule and electronic design. Key parts such as the BV 12 output transformer are meticulously reproduced from the original drawings, while EF86 tubes are carefully selected for optimal characteristics and lowest noise in a dedicated measurement facility. The NU67 V power supply has been redesigned to meet today’s strict safety requirements and to accommodate the slightly higher filament current of modern premium-grade tubes, and remains fully compatible with older U67 microphones.
Return of a legend
Following the eminent U 47 was no small task, yet the U67 was swiftly adopted as the new studio standard, offering clear advantages over the outgoing model. Three selectable polar patterns and advanced tube circuitry – including low-cut and pad switches – equipped the U67 for almost any recording task. That versatility endures: to this day, many leading engineers would name the U67 their “desert island” microphone for sheer flexibility and unmatched sound.
The pinnacle of Neumann engineering
The U67 was the first microphone to carry the famous K 67 capsule, a design so closely associated with “the Neumann sound” that the same capsule continued into the U 87 A. Just as significant is the U67’s masterful tube circuit, which uses a clever pre-emphasis/de-emphasis scheme to minimise tube hiss. The U67 was also the first microphone designed with modern close-miking in mind: a switchable low-cut filter compensates for the proximity effect at short distances, while the pre-attenuation pad allows the U67 to handle sound pressure levels of up to 124 dB without distortion – and a good deal more for those who welcome a touch of “tube grit”. As timeless as the sound is the appearance: the cone-shaped body and tapered headgrille have become icons of the Neumann brand, a design later carried by the solid-state U 87 for more than fifty years.
U67 Re-Issue features
- Faithful reissue of the legendary Neumann U67
- Classic transformer-balanced tube circuit
- Built to original specifications using archived documentation
- K 67 capsule with three polar patterns – omni, cardioid and figure-of-eight
- Switchable low-cut filter and pre-attenuation pad
- NU67 V power supply automatically adapts to local mains voltage
- Handmade and hand-soldered in Germany
- Supplied in a vintage-style aluminium case, handmade in Germany
What’s included (pair)
- 2 × Neumann U67 Re-Issue microphone (K 67 capsule)
- 2 × Z 48 elastic suspension shockmount
- 2 × NU67 V power supply (with mains cable)
- 2 × UC 5 connection cable (7-pin)
- 2 × Neumann aluminium case
Technical specifications
Figures are quoted for the three polar patterns in the order omnidirectional / cardioid / figure-of-eight.
- Acoustic operating principle: Pressure-gradient transducer
- Polar patterns: Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-of-eight (switchable)
- Capsule: K 67 large dual-diaphragm
- Valve: EF86
- Output transformer: BV 12
- Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kΩ: 15 / 24 / 16 mV/Pa
- Rated impedance: 200 Ω
- Rated load impedance: 1 kΩ
- Equivalent noise level (CCIR): 32 / 28 / 31 dB
- Equivalent noise level (A-weighted): 21 / 17 / 20 dB-A
- Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR (re. 94 dB SPL): 62 / 66 / 63 dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (re. 94 dB SPL): 73 / 77 / 74 dB
- Maximum SPL (THD 0.5 %): 114 dB (cardioid)
- Maximum SPL (THD 0.5 %, with pre-attenuation): 124 dB
- Maximum output voltage: -9.8 dBu
- Power supply: NU67 V (auto-ranging mains)
- Connectors: Microphone 7-pin (special); power supply XLR-3F
- Weight: 560 g (per microphone)
- Diameter: 56 mm
- Length: 200 mm
- Finish: Satin nickel
- Condition: Opened – never used (see condition note); purchased 2023