I want to be a little careful about what I write about the NU-47FET until the production model arrives, what I have is a prototype which Martin Kantola kindly loans me until I get the real one.
I want to make it very clear that Martin is an old friend of mine and that my opinion about anything Martin builds is highly biased - simply because I know he is a perfectionist when it comes to gear design and I have the utmost respect for the man.
I actually contacted Martin wondering if he could build a custom tube mic for me. I had a refurbished M7 laying around, good experience with TAB-Funkenwerk transformers and I was toying with the idea of using my M7, finding a good tube, a matching transformer from TAB and have Martin make something nice out of it.
He replied with "Wanna try a solid state mic ?" Had it been someone else the discussion would have ended right there. But knowing Martin I got curious. I like solid state mics for two reasons: 1. they are fast to setup, no psu hassle and warm-up time 2. No need to worry about the condition of the tube and if I ever will find a replacement for it. I´m not a fan for one reason - I had yet to hear a fantastic sounding one.
Martin told me he completely did re-think solid state microphone design and ended up with a unique circuit unlike any other fet mic. The goal beeing a mic that brings very desireable musical and sonic qualities to the table that will make you totally forget about whether it´s a tube design or not. I think he succeeded with that, there´s nothing "fet" about the way it sounds.
I got two prototypes to try out, one with a K47 capsule and one with a completely different capsule which is essentially flat in its response with no presence boost or excessive resonance. I gave some feedback and am now anxiously awaiting the arrival of the final production model.
The sound is fullbodied and smooth with fantastic detail and dimension. It has all the great qualities of a truly great mic with none of the headaches of owning a vintage classic. When considering this mic, lay aside all prejudice you might have about solid-state mics, many ears have been fooled to think there´s a tube in there.
I hope Martin doesn´t kill me for writing this, I´ll be back with more (and sound files) once the production model arrives.