The Neumann U67
The "Sound of Tomorrow." Neumann's successor to the U47 — a tube mic so advanced its K67 capsule is still in production over 60 years later.
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Photo: Goldfinger / Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0
The End is the Beginning
In 1958, Georg Neumann GmbH received word that Telefunken would no longer manufacture the VF14 steel tube — the heart of the U47. Neumann placed their third and final order for a batch of tubes, and lead engineer Dr.-Ing. Gerhart Bore began to design the successor to a microphone still revered as one of the top vocal mics of all time.
A new look. A new sound. A new decade. The result was the U60, introduced in 1960 and later renamed the U67 to show continuity with the U47. It was born out of necessity — but it could hardly be improved upon. Its look and sound have been copied endlessly, but the original stands apart as a piece of immortal gear.
"The U67 is probably the best sounding all-around studio workhorse mic ever made. Super versatile, it sounds amazing on any source. Drum overheads, rock vocals, female vocals, and acoustic guitars are standouts but really there's nothing it can't handle well."
Ryan McGuire, President, Vintage KingNine Advances in One Microphone
Every element was a synthesis — each improvement relied on and enabled the others.
K67 dual capsule
Split backplate replacing single backplate. So advanced it is still produced and used in the U67 and U87 over 60 years later.
Mylar diaphragm
New material replacing PVC. More consistent, more durable, better frequency response.
Three polar patterns
Figure-eight added to omni and cardioid. The split backplate made accurate figure-eight possible.
EF86 miniature tube
Smaller glass vacuum tube replacing the large steel VF14. Allowed the slimmer, tapered body.
Tapered body
Patented design — tooled on new lathes. Head grille reduced capsule resonance from both directions.
Built-in pad protects the capsule. Internal bass rolloff filter negates proximity effect.
Brass tension ring
Diaphragm secured mechanically instead of glue. More reliable, more serviceable.
Tool-free body
Opens without screws for quick servicing during sessions. Same approach used on the ELA-M 251.
Angled grille housing
Replaced cylindrical grille. Further reduced diffraction and resonance around the capsule.
The K67 Capsule — Why the U67 Still Matters
The K67 was a dual-capsule, split-backplate design using Mylar diaphragms secured by a brass tension ring instead of glue. This was revolutionary in 1960 — it created an accurate figure-eight polar pattern, improved durability, and allowed the capsule to be serviced without destroying it.
So advanced was this design that Neumann still produces the K67 today. It powers both the modern U67 reissue and the U87 — the two most important large-diaphragm microphones in professional recording. Numerous manufacturers have tried to replicate the K67's sound; none have fully succeeded.
The body shape was equally groundbreaking. The tapered head grille reduced capsule resonance from both directions. Neumann patented the design — it remains one of the most recognizable silhouettes in audio.
- Diaphragm
- Dual, split backplate
- Material
- Mylar (not PVC)
- Tensioning
- Brass ring (not glue)
- Patterns
- Omni / Cardioid / Fig-8
- Tube
- EF86 miniature
- Pad
- -10 dB built-in
- Still in production
- Yes — since 1960
- Used in
- U67, U87, SM69
The U67 Family
From the original to its cousins, stereo versions, and the modern reissue.
~10,000 units produced. K67 capsule, EF86 tube, three polar patterns, -10 dB pad, bass rolloff. Tapered patented body. Originally named U60, renamed U67 to show lineage from the U47. Another 400 were made in 1992.
Tuchel connector. AC701(k) tube for European broadcast standards. Remotely switchable, continuously variable polar pattern (like the M49). Different tonal character from the U67 due to the Telefunken tube.
Sogie connector. AC701(k) tube. Same three-position pattern switch as the U67. Similar to M269 but with fixed pattern selection rather than continuous remote switching.
Two K67 capsules in a single body. Top capsule rotates 270 degrees. Nine polar patterns per capsule, selectable on PSU. Pair of AC701(k) tubes. FET version followed in 1970.
K67 capsule and EF86 tube, manufactured to original specs. Parts are interchangeable with vintage originals. The legend returns — in continuous production.
The U67 on Iconic Recordings
Countless examples, but a few should suffice.
Led Zeppelin I
Jimmy Page on acoustic guitar, John Bonham with the Glyn Johns drum technique. The U67 captured both.
"My Girl" — The Temptations
David Ruffin's vocal through a U67 at Studio A, Hitsville USA. One of Motown's defining sounds.
"Hey Jude" — The Beatles
Paul McCartney's lead vocal. The U67 was a staple at Abbey Road Studios throughout the 1960s.
"Highway Star" — Deep Purple
Ian Gillan's scorching vocal performance captured through the U67's three polar patterns.
Abbey Road Studios
The U67 became EMI's go-to large diaphragm mic after the U47, used across hundreds of sessions through the 1960s and 70s.
10,000 Units Built
By end of production in 1971, the U67 was the large diaphragm tube mic of choice for audio professionals worldwide.
Every U67 at Vintage King
The original, the reissue, and modern alternatives inspired by the K67 capsule.
Neumann U67 Reissue
Historically accurate replica. K67 capsule, EF86 tube, interchangeable parts with vintage originals. Includes Z 48 suspension, NU 67 V power supply, UC 5 cable, vintage-style case.
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Wunder Audio CM67 S
Classic warmth with Phillips EF86 tube and white porcelain ringed K67-style capsule. Upgraded long-term performance. Perfect for drums, acoustic guitar, electric guitar.
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Peluso P-67
Based on response charts from a new 1960s U67. Dual 34mm diaphragms, low-frequency rolloff, -10 dB pad, nine polar patterns. Accurate at a sensible price.
Shop at Vintage King →From the Vintage King Blog
U67 FAQ
What is the difference between the U67 and U87?
Is the 2018 reissue the same as the original?
What is the U67 best for?
U67 vs M269 vs M367 — what is the difference?
How much is a vintage U67 worth?
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