Microtech Gefell UM 57: An $8000 Reissue Of A Classic Tube Condenser
An aspirational high-end vintage-style tube mic.
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Microtech Gefell UM 57: An $8000 Reissue Of A Classic Tube Condenser · Source: Microtech Gefell
The Microtech Gefell UM 57 is a modern reissue of the classic UM 57 tube condenser for unparalleled studio recording quality of vocals and instruments.
If you haven’t heard of Gefell, it’s a small German town closely adjacent to the north-west border of Czechia. As Neumann’s original factory was damaged during the Allied bombing raids of WWII, the operation moved to Gefell, only to see this part of the country, known as Thuringia, fall under Soviet control after the war. While Neumann later returned to Berlin, establishing Georg Neumann GmbH in an Allied-controlled sector, the state-owned company left behind became known as Microtech Gefell.
Microtech Gefell UM 57
The UM 57 reissue has been constructed with the original M7 capsule design, also used by the iconic Neumann U47, with gold-plated PVC diaphragms. This prestigious tube microphone carries that legacy-defining sound into the modern era, with an EF 86 pentode vacuum tube in the preamp unit, selected specifically for its sonic character and low-noise properties.
Like most vintage-style tube mics, the UN 57 power supply regulates the microphone’s voltage and allows you to switch between polar pickup patterns from cardioid to omnidirectional and figure-8. Luckily, it’s a switching power supply, so you can use it in regions with the North American or European voltage standards.
The power supply connects to the UM 57 with a sturdy 7-pin connector, while the XLR output runs directly into your preamp, channel strip, or processing chain. The microphone’s body, as well as the power supply unit, has a hammered metal finish that gives the UM 57 a vintage industrial aesthetic, and it’s built to last a lifetime, of course.
In use, the UM 57 has a dynamic range of 104 dB, a max SPL of 120 dB, a 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz transmission range, and a nominal impedance rating of 200 ohms. Overall, the UM 57 is designed to become the flagship of your studio, ideal for tracking vocals on the next Adele record, and is approaching the price range of the modern Telefunken U47.
Pricing and Availability:
The Microtech Gefell UM 57 is currently available for pre-order. Get it at Thomann.*
More about the Microtech Gefell UM 57:
- Official Product Page
- Browse Microtech Gefell at Thomann*
- Read more about Microtech Gefell on Gearnews
*Note: This article contains affiliate links and widgets that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you purchase something through these links, we receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
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