United Studio Technologies have announced the upcoming launch of a new valve microphone that offers a modern take on not one, but two Neumann classics. The UT Twin 48 is built around a NOS EF86 pentode valve, and offers two modes of operation that mimic the behaviour of both the U47 and U48.
The UT Twin 48's capsule has been meticulously designed to match the specs of those used in the original mics.The UT Twin 48 features a custom-made United UT K48 capsule, a unit that has been meticulously crafted to match the single-backplate, dual-diaphragm design found in the iconic mics. It’s complemented by a UT-BV8 transformer, a US-made component that has been wound to the original Braunbuch specifications and employs nickel-alloy laminations and a copper Faraday shield to maximise signal integrity and noise rejection.
Equal attention has been paid to the design of the power supply, which is built from premium components and promises clean, maintenance-free operation.
The company say that the UT Twin 48’s operating modes go beyond polar pattern selection, and are designed to replicate the different ways in which the U47 and U48 created their cardioid pattern. As well as resulting in a slightly different pattern, the two methods also introduced subtle tonal differences between the two models. In addition to offering a cardioid pattern, each mode also features a second pattern choice — 47 Mode has an omni option, while 48 Mode can be set to figure-of-eight. Here’s what United Studio Technologies have to say about how the two cardioid modes work:
- 47 Cardioid: De-couples the rear diaphragm in a process known as True Cardioid, for a louder sound with more background and top-end detail, as well as improved sensitivity.
- 48 Cardioid: Polarises the rear diaphragm with the same voltage as the backplate for a more tightly closed-in, warmer, intimate tone and a slightly lower sensitivity.
As for sound, United Studio Technologies say that the mic offers a clear, articulate and open sound character along with low noise and a high dynamic range. As well as providing a great option for capturing vocals, the UT Twin 48 is said to perform equally well on the likes of strings and horns.
Each UT Twin 48 comes supplied in a vintage-inspired briefcase along with a shockmount and power supply.
Pricing & Availability
The UT Twin 48 is available to order now, priced at $1499€1999. Shipping is expected to commence in Q1 2025.
