search

NEWS

RICHARD HAWLEY AND THE U47

2009.09.03

Pulp guitarist Richard Hawley has used the Telefunken Elektroakustik U47 exclusively to record vocals for his new solo album 'Truelove's Gutter',  set to be released on Mute on 21st September. Recorded in Hawley's hometown of Sheffield at Yellow Arch studios, Truelove's Gutter is a testament to his intoxicating song writing talents with eight new classic compositions.'

Arrangements on Truelove's Gutter occasionally feature some truly uncommon instrumentation, such as the megabass waterphone and crystal baschet. "I use a load of odd sounds on this album that are not heard on many other records," says Richard. "The sounds in my head on a lot of the tracks - I didn't even know what they were called!" Eccentric instruments notwithstanding, the lush but minimal production provides a haunting backdrop to Hawley's unique voice and allows him plenty of space for some outstandingly beautiful guitar solos. "I wanted it to be a listening experience from start to finish, where you couldn't just pause it and go off and watch Coronation Street or whatever," explains Hawley. "Sonically, it flows. It's not jumping all over the place. It just has a mood that goes through the whole thing."

Since its original development in 1946, the TELEFUNKEN U 47 has been the microphone of choice for generations of recording professionals. The first condenser microphone to offer selectable polar patterns (cardioid and omni), the original U-47 also featured the famous M7 capsule which had been developed in 1928 by Georg Neumann. To this capsule was added an amplifier built from military surplus VF-14 tubes (they had been used in field and aircraft radios), and BV8 output transformer. The combination of these components created a sonic quality that was absolutely unheard of in the English speaking world of the mid-1940s when darker sounding, less detailed ribbon microphones were the standard. The introduction of the U-47 brought a new level of fidelity to the audio world, and is still considered to be one of the finest microphones ever produced.
Upon first glance of the new U-47 from TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik, it's easy to see the "family resemblance." The large, chrome head grille houses our newly manufactured M7 capsule. Its matte nickel finished body houses a new BV8 output transformer and our new VF-14k vacuum tube; a "plug and play" replacement for the rare VF-14M tubes found in the original. The classic "TELEFUNKEN" diamond logo proudly adorns the front of the body tube. All of these accoutrements show that this microphone means business.

Whether you're recording a symphony, a "crooner," or any facet of modern music, you'll find a great tool in the U-47. Its authoritative mid-range and extended low-end response dance from your ears . . . much as a vintage wine dances from the palate. Everything, from vocals to the loudest of guitar sounds, full on orchestral recording, beautiful backing vocal arrangements, or a chamber ensemble will benefit wildly from the rich and vibrant tone of this stunning microphone.

Find out why engineers, producers, and artists all over the globe have made the new U-47 from TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik their go-to microphone. Contact Unity Audio Ltd.

"Unity Audio gave us 4 or 5 Telefunken mics to try, and the Telefunken U47 won by a mile. It was the first time I ever heard my voice sounding the way it actually is. Incredible presence, warmth and monumental detail. Also, the service from Kevin at Unity Audio was above and beyond the call of duty."

Richard Hawley