July ninth marks what would have been Bon Scott’s eightieth birthday.
For therefore many people, Bon wasn’t only a nice rock singer. He was a kind of once-in-a-lifetime voices that made rock and roll really feel harmful, humorous, rebellious, and utterly alive. He had that unimaginable means to sound like he was proper there within the room with you — grinning, sneering, telling a narrative, and someway making each line really feel prefer it may solely have come from him.
I first heard AC/DC after I was a wee younger lad, and it completely knocked me sideways. This was not well mannered music. It was not making an attempt to be intelligent within the conventional sense. It was direct, highly effective, cheeky, and lively. It had swing, groove, angle, and people large Malcolm and Angus Younger guitars that appeared to punch straight via the audio system.
Not lengthy after discovering them, I managed to sneak into an AC/DC present with a good friend’s older brother. I used to be far too younger to be there, however in fact that made it all of the extra thrilling. This was throughout the Freeway to Hell period, the ultimate album Bon made with AC/DC, and it was my first correct rock and roll expertise.
It was unbelievable.
There are some moments that stick with you without end, and that was certainly one of them. The sound, the vitality, the sheer drive of the band — it made an enormous impression on me. As a younger guitar participant and music fan, AC/DC have been a gateway into understanding what rock and roll may actually be. It didn’t have to be sophisticated to be sensible. It wanted really feel, conviction, tone, and songs that you can always remember.
One of many first AC/DC songs I ever discovered was “T.N.T.” That E, G, A riff is likely one of the nice joys of being a younger guitar participant. Then got here “Complete Lotta Rosie,” “Let There Be Rock,” “Freeway to Hell,” and all of these unimaginable songs that make you need to flip the amp up, stand slightly wider, and play with full abandon.
So after I noticed that Neumann had created a U 47 fet Bon Scott Version, it felt like a really becoming tribute.
Seeing The Mic For The First Time
A couple of weeks in the past, I used to be lucky sufficient to go to the Neumann manufacturing facility. We filmed a full manufacturing facility tour, and whereas we have been there, I noticed this microphone sitting on a stand. It instantly caught my eye.
It was unmistakably a U 47 fet, however it seemed totally different. Matte black end, Bon Scott’s signature, and a silhouette of Bon on the microphone physique. I requested them what was happening, and so they informed me they have been making a particular restricted version to rejoice Bon Scott’s eightieth birthday.
I used to be genuinely excited.
Neumann is a kind of firms with a rare historical past. Their microphones have captured a few of the most vital recordings ever made. So to see them honour one of many nice rock vocalists of all time on this manner felt actually particular. I don’t consider it merely as a collector’s piece. I consider it as a celebration of a voice, a interval of music, and a sound that influenced generations.
When the mic arrived, I virtually didn’t need to open the field. It is available in a lovely black wood presentation case with a certificates and booklet, and it instantly appears like one thing that has been made with care and respect. Then you definitely see the microphone itself: the black physique, the Bon Scott graphics, the signature, the silhouette. It appears to be like completely superb.
However in fact, beneath all of that, it’s nonetheless a U 47 fet.
And that’s the vital half.
The Microphone Behind Bon Scott’s Voice
Bon Scott famously recorded via a Neumann U 47 fet, and that microphone turned a significant a part of the recorded sound of his voice on basic AC/DC albums.
The U 47 fet was not only a random selection. Bon needed to sit inside one of many best guitar bands ever recorded. Malcolm and Angus Younger created an unlimited wall of rhythm and lead guitars, and the vocal wanted to chop via with out sounding separated from the band. Bon’s voice had grit, humour, chunk, and character, however it additionally needed to reside in the midst of all that vitality.
Harry Vanda, who produced the early AC/DC albums with George Younger, defined it superbly. The U 47 fet was chosen as a result of it allowed Bon’s voice to sit down with Malcolm and Angus’s guitars whereas nonetheless preserving the character they have been on the lookout for within the songs.
That makes full sense while you hearken to these data. Bon’s vocal by no means feels pasted on high. It’s proper there with the guitars. It’s a part of the engine.
From Tube To FET
To know why the U 47 fet labored so effectively for Bon, it helps to know the place it got here from.
The unique Neumann U 47 tube microphone is likely one of the most well-known microphones ever made. It helped outline the sound of numerous jazz, pop, and vocal recordings within the Fifties and 60s. It has that stunning weight, heat, and authority that engineers nonetheless discuss with reverence.
However by the early Seventies, recording was altering. Rock music was getting louder. Singers have been belting more durable. Guitar amps have been being turned up. Engineers wanted microphones that would nonetheless sound wealthy and musical whereas dealing with a lot greater sound strain ranges.
That’s the place the U 47 fet got here in.
Launched as a solid-state model of the U 47 lineage, the U 47 fet changed the valve/tube circuit with a field-effect transistor design. That gave it great headroom and made it extremely helpful on loud sources. It may deal with aggressive vocals, guitar cupboards, bass amps, and kick drums whereas nonetheless retaining that basic Neumann midrange.
The U 47 tube microphone could be recognized for its silky heat, however the U 47 fet turned beloved for its energy, punch, and skill to take stage.
For Bon Scott, that was excellent.
His voice was not one thing you wished to melt an excessive amount of. You wished the character, the sting, the grin, the chunk. The U 47 fet captured that and allowed it to sit down proper in the midst of a few of the best rock tracks ever made.
Technically Talking
The U 47 fet Bon Scott Version is predicated on Neumann’s legendary U 47 fet, initially produced from 1972 to 1986. It makes use of the identical Okay 47 giant diaphragm condenser capsule and the identical headgrille design related to the basic U 47 lineage.
It additionally makes use of an outsized output transformer, which is a giant a part of the microphone’s sonic character. The transistorized head amplifier provides it large headroom and makes it extremely helpful on loud sources.
Among the key technical options embrace:
- Okay 47 giant diaphragm condenser capsule
- Cardioid polar sample
- Dynamic vary of 119 dB
- Most SPL of 137 dB
- Most SPL of 147 dB with the –10 dB pad engaged
- Easy high finish and wealthy midrange
- Low-cut filter and pad switches on the rear of the microphone
- Further –6 dB output attenuation swap close to the XLR socket
- One-sided swivel mount for simple positioning
- 48V phantom energy operation
- Glorious on loud vocals, guitar amps, bass amps, and kick drums
That final level is actually vital. This isn’t only a vocal mic. The U 47 fet has turn into a studio staple as a result of it really works on so many highly effective sources. It may possibly sit outdoors a kick drum, in entrance of a bass cupboard, on a roaring guitar amp, or in entrance of a singer with an enormous voice and nonetheless sound musical.
That’s the reason engineers find it irresistible.
The Bon Scott Version
For this restricted version, Neumann has created solely 300 items worldwide. The microphone is available in a matte black end with Bon Scott’s identify, signature, and iconic graphics on the physique. It additionally is available in an unique black wood field with a booklet that features an interview with Harry Vanda. A part of the proceeds shall be donated to Help Act Australia.
You may be taught extra in regards to the microphone on Neumann’s official web page right here: Neumann U 47 fet Bon Scott Version
It is usually accessible via Sweetwater right here: Neumann U 47 fet Bon Scott Version at Sweetwater
However truthfully, what strikes me most about this microphone just isn’t the limited-edition facet. It’s the connection to a second in music that meant a lot to me.
AC/DC have been a kind of bands that taught me one thing elementary: an important efficiency is the whole lot. You may discuss microphones, preamps, compressors, tape machines, consoles, and all the great instruments we love, however on the centre of these data is a band enjoying with really feel and a singer who was completely unmistakable.
Bon Scott had that uncommon factor. You heard one line and also you knew it was him.
Joyful Birthday, Bon
In fact, singing right into a U 47 fet just isn’t going to make anybody sound like Bon Scott. I’m definitely not anticipating any miracles after I sing into it! However there’s something great about utilizing a instrument that’s related to that historical past.
Microphones are fascinating as a result of they’re technical objects, however they’re additionally emotional objects. They’re the primary level of seize. They sit between the performer and the file. Within the case of Bon Scott, the U 47 fet was a part of the chain that helped protect one of many best rock voices ever.
That’s value celebrating.
Bon Scott’s affect on rock music is unimaginable to overstate. His voice, his humour, his swagger, and his songs proceed to encourage musicians, singers, producers, engineers, and followers everywhere in the world.
Joyful eightieth birthday, Bon.
Thanks for the music, the angle, the inspiration, and the rock and roll bliss.
