Mini K47 Condenser Microphone

The Mini K47 captures the tone of a vintage microphone, with modern performance specifications.

"K47" refers to the capsule design. Our K47 capsule is modeled after the one in the most famous microphone of all time. It provides a full, balanced tone without any harshness or hype in the upper frequencies. It will record less sibilance and fewer mouth sounds on your next vocal track. It will add weight, body, and tone to high strings and electric guitars. It will reduce the jangle in strummed acoustic tracks.

We created a clean, transparent circuit design. It lets the sound of the capsule pass through without alteration. Self-noise and distortion performance are on par with microphones costing significantly more. The circuit incorporates the best tricks we’ve learned from modifying and upgrading other companies’ products.

Every Roswell microphone is subjected to a 24-hr "burn in" on our proprietary conditioning fixture, then tested extensively prior to shipping: polarity, noise, frequency response, sensitivity, and more. We perform an acoustic sweep test and listen to every microphone before it leaves our facility. 

The Mini K47 has a durable, heat treated finish. Each mic ships with our exclusive Cutaway shockmount, Roswell branded microfleece mic sock, and a flight case.

Recording drum overheads or other stereo applications? Click for matched stereo pairs of the Mini K47.

The Mini K47 is always in stock and ready for immediate shipping. Orders placed before noon (US Pacific time) nearly always ship on the same day.

Beginning in December, 2020, we are offering Custom Shop variations on the Mini K47. Select these options using the drop-down menus above.

Cosmetic Options

The standard production Mini K47 uses a black metallic sparkle finish. We have a limited number of blue metallic powdercoated mic bodies that can be selected as a cosmetic option. These microphones are fitted with an embossed brass logo badge.

Circuit Options

The standard Mini K47 circuit is optimized for high dynamic range. It works well on sources from vocals to drum overheads, from piano to loud electric guitar cabinets. This is the best option for most audio engineers. This is the circuit that has earned all the superlative reviews you've seen about this mic.

If you only ever intend to record quiet acoustic sources, such as acoustic guitar, strings, vocals, voiceover, or ensembles, we can replace the standard circuit with a high output, high sensitivity design. These "High Output" microphones will not work well on loud sources such as drum overheads, horns, or amplified instruments. But they will deliver superior results on very quiet sources.

The High Output Mini K47 is built to order; allow 3-4 business days for assembly, testing, and burn-in.

We have a collection of audio clips below. See also the growing collection of demo videos for the Mini K47.

Features

• True single-backplate 34mm K47 style capsule
• 3-micron diaphragm
• Ultra-clean transformerless circuit
• Imported, audiophile-grade polypropylene signal capacitors
• Heavy, solid steel body with durable powder-coated finish
• Exclusive Cutaway™ elastic shockmount

Benefits

• Natural, unhyped frequency response
• Enhanced articulation
• Solid, high-quality construction
• High sensitivity
• Low self-noise and very low distortion
• Modern performance with vintage tone

Component Details

The most unique thing about the Mini K47 is its capsule: a true 34mm K47 type capsule, modeled after the capsule in the most famous microphone of all time. We selected this capsule because it delivers a sound that is impossible to achieve with any other capsule design: beautiful midrange detail with a neutral, rather than a hyped, top end.

Most of the condenser microphones priced under $800 use the 2SK170 JFET, a low-cost, general purpose amplifier that can sound good when configured properly. But it usually used in circuits where its very high input capacitance (Ciss, 30pF) acts like a hardwired pad: it reduces the mic's sensitivity, which effectively raises the mic's noise floor. We prefer a JFET with a much lower input capacitance. We bias each one individually within the microphone's circuit, to ensure the highest possible gain without distortion.

The input coupling cap is the first component most aftermarket "modders" would change, because so many condenser mics use a low-grade ceramic or generic polyester box film type in this critical position. For the Mini K47, we use a polystyrene part. Styrene capacitors are generally considered to be the most neutrally voiced, cleanest sounding capacitors.

The main signal capacitors in this circuit are polypropylene film types, imported from Germany.

This combination of components delivers a sonic profile that is much more musical and balanced than anything in its price category.

Frequency Response