United Studio Technologies has announced the UT Twin48 studio microphone, placing two classic Neumann-based tube microphone designs of the late 1940s and 1950s into a single enclosure ‘for audio engineers and producers seeking massive tube sound and multiple tonal /pickup-pattern options in a single package’.
The UT Twin48’s two operating modes beyond just polar pattern selection as the classic 47 and 48 mics each derived their cardioid operation in different ways, producing subtle tone differences as well as a slightly different polar pattern. The UT Twin48 delivers both options in a single microphone.
The UT Twin48 47 Mode offers both 47 Cardioid and Omni patterns, while 48 Mode offers 48 Cardioid and Figure-of-8. The 47 Cardioi Mode: de-couples the rear diaphragm (termed ‘ True Cardioid’) for a higher level output with improved sensitivity, and more background and top-end detail. The 48 Mode cardioid, meanwile, polarises the rear diaphragm with the same voltage as the backplate for a warmer, intimate tone with lower in sensitivity. The UT Twin48 also includes Omni and Figure-of-8 polar patterns, further expanding its creative potential.
At the heart of the UT Twin48 lies a select NOS (New Old Stock) EF86 pentode glass vacuum tube, the last living descendent of the originals’ tube. It delivers a bold, rich sound, due to the pentode’s harmonic profile being much different than modern dual-triode tubes.
The UT Twin48 features the custom United UT K48 capsule, crafted to match the single backplate/dual diaphragm design of Neumann’s original with historical accuracy. Skinned in a laboratory clean-room environment and 24k gold-sputtered on 6µ Mylar, this capsule ensures a smooth, resonance-free sound that’s free of excessive brightness or sibilance. Complementing the capsule is the UT-BV8 transformer, a US-made marvel wound to original Braunbuch specifications with high-nickel alloy laminations and a copper Faraday shield, ensuring optimal signal integrity and noise rejection.
The UT Twin48’s discrete power unit features US-made components, discrete Zener diode regulation and robust EMI/RFI filters to ensure clean, maintenance-free operation. The the Sommer Octave 7 conductor cable is optimised for the Twin48, further underscoring United’s dedication to superior audio. Audiophile grade polystyrene, tantalum and film capacitors, and audiophile grade, US-made PRP thin-film resistors complete the circuitry.
Also included is a ‘vintage-inspired’ case, custom-fit to house the UT Twin48 and all included accessories.
Key features:
- ● Faithful reproduction of both 47-style and 48-style German tube microphones.
- ● Mode selections reconfigure entire circuit to the original specifications,
- ● Cardioid modes with subtle differences, along with 47 Omni and 48 Figure-of-8.
- ● Custom 24k gold sputtered dual diaphragm/dual backplate K48 capsule.
- ● Custom wound, American-made transformer.
- ● High-performance power supply, shockmount and case
The United Studio Technologies UT Twin48 will be available for pre-order beginning January 16, 2025 and is expected to ship in Q1 2025.
