The Neumann U-47 FET Bon Scott Edition is a strictly limited tribute to one of rock’s most electrifying voices. Created in partnership with the Bon Scott Estate, it honors the AC/DC frontman and the microphone that captured his raw, unmistakable delivery on some of the band’s most influential early recordings. Based on the current-production U 47 fet reissue, the Neumann U-47 FET Bon Scott Edition pairs the studio classic’s proven sound with a bold visual identity and a premium collector’s presentation, limited to just 300 units worldwide.
The Microphone Behind Let There Be Rock
In the 1970s, producers Harry Vanda and George Young needed a microphone that could keep pace with Bon Scott’s explosive vocal style – powerful, gritty and full of attitude. Their choice was the Neumann U 47 fet. Its K 47 large-diaphragm capsule delivered a smooth, rich midrange with a subtle presence boost around 2–5 kHz, letting Scott’s voice cut straight through the wall of Malcolm and Angus Young’s Marshall amplifiers without losing its edge. As Vanda recalls, the microphone let Bon’s voice sit best with the guitars, a sound that helped define a genre on albums including Let There Be Rock.
From Tube Legend to Modern FET Classic
Introduced in 1972 as the solid-state successor to the tube-based original U 47, the U 47 fet quickly became the go-to choice for loud, demanding sources. Its FET design traded the tube’s silky warmth for exceptional headroom while keeping the tonal authority of the U 47 family intact. Back in continuous production since 2014, the U 47 fet remains a trusted studio workhorse today – equally at home on vocals, amplifiers and drums. The Neumann U-47 FET Bon Scott Edition preserves that legacy in full: identical in sound and performance to the standard reissue, with the same punch, clarity and character that made it a studio essential.
The Neumann U-47 FET Bon Scott Edition: A Collector’s Piece With Attitude
Visually, the edition distinguishes itself with a matte black finish, bold Bon Scott graphics, and the singer’s name and signature engraved on the microphone body. Each unit ships in an exclusive black wooden presentation box alongside a collector’s booklet featuring an interview with producer Harry Vanda, and every microphone is individually numbered – underscoring its rarity for collectors and working engineers alike.
Built for Power and Presence
Engineered for demanding recording environments, the Neumann U-47 FET Bon Scott Edition handles sound pressure levels up to 137 dB SPL, rising to 147 dB with the pad engaged – ideal for powerful, high-energy vocals, guitar and bass amplifiers, and kick drums and other high-impact sources. Its unmistakable midrange authority and generous headroom make it a natural choice whenever a recording needs to hit hard and still cut through the mix. In the spirit of supporting the music community, Neumann and the Bon Scott family will donate part of the proceeds from this edition to Support Act Australia, which assists artists and industry professionals in need.
Pricing and Availability
The Neumann U-47 FET Bon Scott Edition launches on July 9, 2026 – what would have been Bon Scott’s 80th birthday. With only 300 individually numbered units available worldwide (catalog number 399011), it is expected to sell out quickly; in the United States it will be sold exclusively through Sweetwater and Guitar Center. Neumann has not published a retail price; interested buyers should contact an authorized dealer or one of the two US retailers above. Full technical details are available on the official Neumann product page. For engineers exploring related studio gear, Best of High End also recently covered the Neumann V402 microphone preamplifier, another piece of Neumann’s professional recording lineup.
Key Specifications
- Type: Large-diaphragm condenser microphone, K 47 capsule, FET (solid-state) circuitry
- Directional pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency range: 20 Hz – 16 kHz
- Sensitivity: 8 mV/Pa (–42 dBV ± 1 dB)
- Maximum SPL: 137 dB SPL, 147 dB SPL with –10 dB pad engaged
- Dynamic range: 119 dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted): 76 dB
- Rated impedance: 150 ohms; rated load impedance: 1,000 ohms
- Connector: XLR 3F
- Dimensions / weight: 63 mm diameter, 160 mm length, 710 g
- Finish: Matte black with Bon Scott graphics and engraved signature
- Included accessories: exclusive black wooden presentation box, collector’s booklet with Harry Vanda interview, numbered certificate
- Limited edition: 300 units worldwide, individually numbered
- Catalog number: 399011
