DiY U47fet Ideas?

[Deadly Mix]

I built many 47fets with M7,although Neumann never did that,it works very well both for vocals and instruments too. Other option is K47 original...

I'd want to build a U47 if I were to shell out for an original capsule. For the U47fet (and this being my first build), I think a Thiersch M7 would be sufficient, unless somebody else knows of any K47 capsules as good or better.

Assuming the Thiersch M7 is my default option, does anyone know of an accurate body and basket? I think that would help me match any resonant/acoustic influence on the sound; as opposed to using a cheap LDC for donor body or whatever.

What about output transformer?

Any particular PCB I should check out? I assume most will match the original circuit and I could then just follow any number of pictures and guides as to what and where to populate the board.

 

[MicMaven]

I would start by comparing your cheapest low-grade LDC with something along the lines of a U87 or better

That is a bit of a serious challenge, considering what is in MY "microphone locker!"

This is what I am considering messing with (see attached photos) as I wonder what each might do to the sound, as well as whether it provides proper shielding. I have this vague notion it would be acoustically, but not electrically, good to use a large kitchen strainer, or maybe a large tee strainer, which might allow a more transparent sound, with, perhaps, less than adequate shielding.

Or course, I really don't know ... I am just thinking aloud as I muddle along.

Happy trails to all. James

(Edit - forgot images early this morning ... or was it late last night...?)

 

[garp]

Just finished the igs baby 47fet kit and it's a killer with Arienne flat 47 in it ! It's a no brainer kit (i mounted the hi Z section with teflon pins in case of noise) and the TLM 103 form factor makes it super easy to place even in tight situations. The mic is super versatile has great lows and no sibilance, and sounds as good as the U47 fet clones i made before ! I will probably build another one as soon as my banker calmed down.

 

[MicMaven]

If you don't care about aesthetics, you can build a faraday cage as large as you want with basic chicken wire etc..., just be sure to connect the cage to ground.
-d

Yes.... you get the picture! Thanks for playing along. I will let you know how it turns out ... if it turns out well. James

 

[lightningbefore]

Just finished the igs baby 47fet kit and it's a killer

Hi @garp, curious—what is this kit? I've been searching on here but coming up empty.
EDIT: nvm, finally found it — apologies!

 

[Deadly Mix]

What kit from IGS? Only kit I found, when I just Googled it, was "RM47fet" kit from some other company. I looked into it and it makes some big claims about their RK47 & M7 capsules, caps, tubes, and transformers, but the price tag makes me very skeptical. Still, if I can't find better options, it might be worth it to buy and just upgrade the transformer, capsule, and (if necessary) tube.

IGS would be worth checking out definitely. I'd probably still upgrade parts, since you compared it to other clones (as opposed to being anything like the real thing), but its still worth looking into.

 

[lightningbefore]

@Deadly Mix my apologies, I shoulda posted the link to the thread I eventually found for others to share! https://groupdiy.com/threads/u47xfet-pcb-from-utm-igs.82882/

and it leads to this kit
https://utmindustry.com/utm47lb/
(requires other separate purchases too, mostly linked in that initial post)

In about an hour I had everything sourced and on its way to me. Let me know if I can help, this seems fun!

 

[Deadly Mix]

@Deadly Mix my apologies, I shoulda posted the link to the thread I eventually found for others to share! https://groupdiy.com/threads/u47xfet-pcb-from-utm-igs.82882/

and it leads to this kit
https://utmindustry.com/utm47lb/
(requires other separate purchases too, mostly linked in that initial post)

In about an hour I had everything sourced and on its way to me. Let me know if I can help, this seems fun!

I want a 47fet body, but I like that it leaves it to you to buy the important stuff instead of making you buy some garbage clone TF and capsule. I wonder if it'll fit in a 47fet replica body or if it has to be that TLM103 body. I want the body to be the same in order to match resonance and make it quickly identifiable when I record clients.

 

[lightningbefore]

Yeah that makes sense, I am wondering the same. I actually also have a 47FET body I haven't used yet and will test to see if it fits or if it requires one of the TLM103 clone bodies and can let you know.

 

[garp]

In case of, i made both

 

[lightningbefore]

@garp hell yeah! The UTM 47LB PCB fit in the bigger body for you? And if so, any noticeable difference in sound?

 

[k brown]

@Deadly Mix my apologies, I shoulda posted the link to the thread I eventually found for others to share! https://groupdiy.com/threads/u47xfet-pcb-from-utm-igs.82882/

and it leads to this kit
https://utmindustry.com/utm47lb/
(requires other separate purchases too, mostly linked in that initial post)

In about an hour I had everything sourced and on its way to me. Let me know if I can help, this seems fun!

Interesting/confusing that the PCB says IGS on it but "IGS" isn't seen on the website.

 

[garp]

The big body is fitted with vamisound's pcb and the TLM body with the 47lb

 

[neowalla]

Milan from VAMI sound has 47 pcb kit for through hole components (https://vamisound.com/kits/v47f/). You can now get the good body replica @ ali express. Traffo from Moby (https://www.mobytransformers.com/), or UTM/Igor. Capsule, Ari should come soon with her authentic K47. That ought to make a good mic.

Indeed it does. I just finished mine an hour ago. I used the UTM 0547F trafo and Arienne's K47. Phenomenal sounding.

 

[Deadly Mix]

In case anyone was wondering, I still haven't gotten around to it.
First, the CAPI compressors were taking significantly longer than expected > Has a session booked and noticed all the missed calls > Decided to forward calls to my cell and answer it myself > Magically my excess down-time disappeared. Haven't gotten to spend an hour with my family, let alone work on any projects ever since.

I've had need of a U47fet countless times, but haven't had any time to to build it.