United Studio Technologies UT Twin48 Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone

United Studio Technologies UT Twin48 Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone

Combining two legendary and highly sought-after mics into one package, the UT Twin48 from United Studio Technologies combines two selectable circuit modes based on the U47 and U48 mics. By switching between the 47 and 48 modes, you get access to two cardioid patterns (active or true cardioid), as well as omni and figure-8.

The microphone itself is designed to deliver a truly authentic vintage sound thanks to its premium components, including a true NOS EF86 pentode vacuum tube, a custom-wound US-made high-nickel transformer, and a 24kt gold-sputtered 6-micron PET film diaphragm within a custom-designed K48-style capsule. Meticulous efforts have been taken to minimize any noise or interference. The body itself is stylish and exceptionally durable, made from solid milled brass with nickel electroplating. Furthermore, the external power supply is built to offer the best possible electrical performance for this tube mic, further reducing noise and EMI. The UT Twin87 includes an external power supply, a premium Sommer Octave 7-pin XLR cable, a shockmount, and a vintage-style briefcase.

Twin Mode Operation

The classic 47- and 48-style mics, each derived their cardioid operation in very different ways, producing subtle tone differences and a slightly different polar pattern. For the first time ever, the UT Twin48 delivers both options in a single microphone. Mode 47 offers both 47 Cardioid and omni patterns, while mode 48 offers 48 Cardioid and figure-8 (bidirectional). Each cardioid mode delivers a different tonal flavor and performance:

• 47 Cardioid: decouples the rear diaphragm in a process known as True Cardioid, for a louder sound with improved sensitivity with more background and top-end detail
• 48 Cardioid: polarizes the rear diaphragm with the same voltage as the backplate, also known as Active cardioid, for a more tightly closed in, warmer, intimate tone that is slightly lower in sensitivity

Custom United UT K48 Capsule

The UT K48 capsule is a custom-made, historically correct single-backplate / dual-diaphragm capsule. The capsule is skinned in a laboratory cleanroom environment and 24kt gold-sputtered on 6-micron Mylar. It’s been optimized for 60V operation, and tuned to the exacting specifications of the original to match its ancestors’ historically smooth sound while avoiding any resonances or overly bright and sibilant sounds that can be found in many other reproductions.

Custom UT-BV8 Transformer

The custom-wound, US-made, UT-BV8 transformer is wound to the original Braunbuch specifications and set to the same laminations historically used on the original parts. Careful measurements were made from a golden specimen of the original German transformer. United used all high-nickel alloy laminations and employed a copper Faraday shield for reduced radio frequency interference (RFI).

High-Performance Power Supply

A tube mic is only as good as its power supply, so United Studio Technologies developed a fully discrete power supply with individually isolated discrete rails for filament, B+, and polarization voltages. They used a custom, US-made discrete regulator by Sparkos Laboratories for the filament voltage, and fully discrete Zener diode regulation for the high voltage rails, for clean, maintenance-free operation, ensuring you will never need to calibrate your PSU.

Custom US-made PRP resistors and long-life, high-quality electrolytic capacitors are used throughout, selected to be a very robust traditional linear frame-mounted power supply transformer. In an effort to eliminate as much noise as possible, no IC package regulators, generic parts, or cheaper switched-mode power transformers were used in the UT Twin48. The power supply also features both an inline EMI/RFI AC input filter and a selectable RF filter on the audio output, which can be engaged from the convenience of the power supply front panel.

Premium Components Throughout

United spared no expense on premium and custom-made components: audiophile grade polystyrene, tantalum, and film capacitors; and audiophile grade, US-made PRP thin-film resistors. United Studio Technologies have gone the extra mile to reduce noise and RFI and ensure that the UT Twin48 provides a boutique-quality sound that’s built to last.

Features:

• Based on Classic U47 and U48 Mics
• Switchable 47 and 48 Modes
• True or Active Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8
• Custom UT K48 Capsule
• 24kt Gold-Sputtered Mylar Diaphragm
• EF86 Pentode Vacuum Tube
• Custom-Wound High-Nickel Transformer
• High-Performance Power Supply
• Nickel Electroplated & Solid Brass Body
• Includes PSU, Cable, Shockmount & Case

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Microphone Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid / Figure-8 / Omnidirectional
• Element Type: Condenser
• Sound Field: Mono
• Diaphragm: 0.2 mil / 6 µm
• Orientation: Side Address
• Controls: Mode, Polar Pattern
• Circuitry: Tube (EF86)

Performance

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Maximum SPL: 137 dB (at 0.5% THD)
• Equivalent Noise Level: 11 dB (A-Weighted)

Connectivity

• Analog Output:
  • 1x XLR 7-Pin Male (on Mic, Locking)
  • 1x XLR 3-Pin Male (on Power Supply)
• Inputs: 1x XLR 7-Pin Female (Locking, on Power Supply)
• Cable Length: 19.7' / 6 m

Power

• Power Sources: External PSU
• Operating Voltage: 60 V (Power Supply Unit)
• AC Input Power (PSU): User Selectable:
  • 100 to 120 VAC, 60 Hz
  • 220 to 240 VAC, 50 Hz

Physical

• Color: Brass
• Dimensions (Microphone): : 2.5" H: 10" / : 6.3 cm H: 25.4 cm
• Dimensions (Power Supply): H: 3.25" x W: 7.5" x L: 7" / H: 8.26 cm x W: 19.1 cm x L: 17.8 cm