I received a Stam Audio SA-47 a few days ago and been running some tests in my lab, I own an original 1960 Neumann U-47 microphone in pristine condition and have been able to compare it directly with it.
While I need to run further tests I can say that the SA-47 truly delivers the U47 sound, the harmonic distortion figure is there, which is something I did not find in my recent in-depth review of other clones such Warm Audio WA47 and Golden Age GAP47, here's the link of my past review (in italian):

Braingasm Lab - Microfoni da studio artigianali

Unlike the WA-47 which uses a K-47 capsule and the GAP 47 which uses (or seems to) a K-67 capsule (i like the way they went for their own sound) the SA-47 is equipped with a remarkable replica of the M7 capsule (D7 from Dany Bouchard), and like the GAP 47 it features a NOS Telefunken EF800 tube, but uses a BV8R output transformer made by AMI in the USA, to me the only (rather expensive) transformer choice that delivers the true 47 nuance.

I will perform more deep tests and post results if anybody is interested in, record some singers, shoot graphs and pictures in the next couple of weeks.
For now I can say I am quite impressed as a mic builder myself with the sound and build quality delivered for this price by Stam. Thumbs up!

Reseña para los miembros de Gearslutz hispano hablantes. Soy de Argentina y hace unos días tengo éste micrófono de Stam. Cómo explican en los comentarios anteriores, el micrófono viene muy bien presentado con una valija de viaje y por dentro en una caja de madera, junto con la fuente, cables, suspensión araña y un paraviento. El hardware en sí está muy bien terminado y se ve mejor en persona que en las fotos, la fuente no tiene el estilo vintage de la de la página, pero se la siente sólida. Todo el conjunto tiene un peso considerable. Yendo al sonido del micrófono, al otro día de tenerlo lo probé con una batería, detrás del baterista apuntando al redoblante y captaba un sonido balanceado, con detalles, con una presencia en medios altos y unos sorprendentes y controlados graves. Con este Mic y un Mic en el bombo, ya lograba un audio de batería terminado. Después lo probé en mí voz y tenía de nuevo, buenos graves, medios enfocados y un buen manejo de sibilancias. Lo seguiré probando en estos días, pero quería escribir ésta reseña porque el micrófono es bastante nuevo y quería dejar tranquilos a los que lo han reservado o están a punto de hacerlo. Baterías y voces es para lo que más lo quería y excede en esos apartados, seguramente debe brillar en muchas aplicaciones más. Ni hablar de la relación precio/calidad y más para los que en nuestros países es difícil y caro conseguir equipos de calidad. Altamente recomendables, gran trabajo Joshua y equipo.

I've been recording with the Stam Audio SA-47 for the past 3 weeks. I'd like to start by saying the built quality is outstanding. The sound, simply love it. One of the first applications tested was vocals, it was pleasant sounding and sat very well in the mix. I don't have experience with an actual Neumann U47. But I have recorded vocals with many other microphones, and some did very well, but the SA47 is my new main vocal microphone. This is based in the results. After recording vocals for so long you get used to what your microphones do in a mix and how to make it work. With the SA-47 I don't have to do much, it just works, and sounds musical with texture and presence.

I also placed the SA-47 in front of a Vox AC30 guitar amp. I'm impressed with the results as well. It is smooth, and the guitar's high mids sound very balanced. It was tested with an acoustic guitar as well and again liked it, and it paired very well with some other microphones for stereo image and room sound.

I am very happy with this microphone, it makes me want to record more. Now I'm looking at the SA-67 or SA-87 for the future.

I hope this helps anyone who is considering a SA-47.

Cheers!

I recieved my Stam SA-47 in the mail about a month ago, I wanted to put the mic through its paces before I gave my review...

I will admit I was excited to receive the mic after a longer wait than expected... But I did preorder the mic, so the discount I got was reflected in the extra bit of time I waited. I'm not the type of person to get hung up on waiting time, especially if the product is worth waiting for, so here is my take:

It is.

The mic comes in a nice case with all the normal accessories you'd want and need; cable, power, mount and foam guard. The microphone itself is in a beautiful wooden case. The mic is heavy and great looking, reeks of quality. I warmed up the tubes and started recording. First thing I thought of when I spoke and sung into it was "For No One" by The Beatles (It should be noted at this point I'm a Bealtes nut). It literally sounded just like those vocals to me, I've always thought that song was a good reflection of the u47 sound, since I'm sure the vocals were recorded with one (I have the book listing all the instruments/microphones/gear for rubber soul and revolver). It was that sound I've been looking for.

A little background is probably necessary: I've owned a vintage u87, numerous u47 clones including a very nice ADK TC47, Lauten Atlantis, Neumann TLM 102, and have used many mics over the years from friends, including almost all the standards (Shure SM7, 57, 58, Various ADK, AKG, Stellar CM5 and CM6, and many ribbons). This is my favorite yet. I haven't had the pleasure of using an original U47, but I finally don't care. That's the thing. I was always looking for a little bit more in a mic until I used this. That's not to say I don't need other colors and textures of mics around, it's simply to say that the vocal and acoustic guitar sound I was looking for, I've found. I've got a wonderful old Reslo ribbon mic I love, and I just purchased a Warbler 127 Flat which is amazing, but I feel confident I could throw almost anything in front of this mic and it would sound great. I really liked my vintage u87 but it lacked something that I couldn't describe. It checked all the boxes but didn't have any "magic". This mic, to me, has it.

I've recorded vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion, bass, electric guitar, and mandolin. Its the same result every time; sounds warm yet detailed with top end that is very musical and pleasing. What I had always liked about the u47's I've heard on record is how they seem to reach forever, meaning the bass has a depth that seems to be less shallow than other mics (if that makes any sense). Also, I felt the mic actually ADDED to the source, giving it a little extra energy or flattering it in some way. The SA-47 does both those things for me.

I only can listen to the original u47 through the recording I know it was used, so all I can say is this mic gives me the same feeling I get when listening to those songs, and that's all I can ask for.

I was thinking of giving Features a 4/5 simply because the mic doesn't have Figure 8, which I love, but at this price point it seems unfair, and in fact is probably even difficult to include Omni, which I will find many uses for.

The people at Stam Audio have been great and I'm absolutely willing to wait a little to get a product like the SA-47. I can't see myself ever selling it.


Now off to making music. Cheers

Great microphone!

Never used the original but always wanted that sound on the vocal recordings.
And the Stam Audio SA-47 don’t disappoint me, actually it sounds incredible good.
I runn it true a well known Neve 73 clone and it was a perfect fit for this microphone.

Had to wait some time after ordering it but it’s worth the wait if you’re in the market after the 47 sound.

Love this Microphone!

I have had it for a few months now and used it mostly to re-record vocals that were tracked on a Flea 47 through an Avalon pre.

I don't have a complex set up just a Sebatron vmp-2000eVU and a focusrite clarett 4pre, but I am getting great results and I am prefering this mic over the Flea 47 for my voice.

It comes with a sturdy carry case, very nice plush padded wooden box, a low noise high-quality power supply and a rugged mic clip. This mic has a beautiful vintage look and feel and every time I sing into it I am given (providing my performance is up to scratch) quality recordings.

I bought it with lead vocals in mind and so far I have found it to be incredibly useful for acoustic guitar, bass guitar, percussion and vocals (can't wait to stick it in front of a drum kit). It captures everything I put in front of it with clarity and detail, it has warmth and character in the bottom and is noticeably smooth and clear in the top end.

It blows anything within a similar price category (and many above) way out of the water, I highly recommend it.

I found my dealings with the staff at STAM AUDIO to be prompt and friendly and although there was a wait for the product, I was well informed about the process along the way. For the level of quality I have recieved this product was well worth the wait.

This microphone is legit! The Stam SA-47 exceeded my expectations. I have owned a Peluso 47LE and that sounded alright and was out of phase when I received it (Thumbs down!). The Peluso doesn't compare to the Stam. The Stam has a solid build and high-end D7 capsule hand made by Dany Bouchard in Canada and is professionally skinned with DuPont Mylar. The Microphone comes with a Telefunken-Siemens NOS EF800 tube and AMI BVR8 Output transformer. I have also compared this mic to a vintage U47 and to be honest I would be just as happy with the SA47. I would look at a vintage U47 as an investment more than a tool. I also like knowing where the mic has been vs who knows what a vintage mic has gone through and what components have and haven't been replaced in the last 50+ years. This mic sounds really damn good!

I own several mics in the under-$500 range, but wanted to take a step up in quality and was willing to spend more for something better.

I spent a lot of time reading reviews and carefully listening to shootouts. After awhile, I finally purchased a Golden Audio GA-47 that was significantly more expensive than my existing mics.

To test the mic, I made simultaneous recordings of several mics at once, so virtually identical conditions. I found that just switching back and forth between the separate tracks was a distraction, so I creating tracks with alternating short clips cut from those recordings. I compared two mics at a time, then created a new track comparing the "winner" with another mic.
I included the GA-47 in this test, and unfortunately it sounded "dull" and "dark" to my ears. YMMV. I sent it back for a refund . . . .

Then, I ordered the SA-47.
When it arrived, I ran it though the same test with my existing mics. I also compared it with the previous recording of the GA-47 I had returned. In comparison, the SA-47 sounded better. To put it into words, it was "richer" and more "distinct" -- it was a keeper.

However, from a customer-experience perspective, there was a problem. It took 5 months after I ordered it for me to receive the mic. Delivery promises were made but never kept. In the 5th month of waiting, I was so concerned that it might be a scam I asked for a refund. But the Stam folks said I was near the top of the shipments' list, and I'd be getting the mic soon. I decided to give it a couple more weeks, and the mic finally arrived.

I don't know if this fulfillment situation has improved or not . . . but the SA-47 was worth the wait and the worry -- I'm very happy with it.

Just received my Stam Audio SA-47 a week ago. Very impressed with it. I have a good Mic collection here at Wishbone Studios in Muscle Shoals. I've got a 1969 Neumann U87 and a 1975 Neumann U87. Fred Cameron rebuilt both capsules and modded them.
I also have a Neumann U87 Fred Cameron tube mod that I bought from Fred in the late 90s. This SA47 sounds like $$$. I've used it on a raspy male vocalist and a soft Dolly Parton/LeeAnn Womack type voice and it sounds amazing on both. I may never take this Mic off the stand.
Way to go Stam Audio for making a great Mic for a great price.

I have this mic for almost 5 months and now I’m sure to say that this mic is simply amazing, i love how it sounds especially on vocals. I already sold a Neumann u87ai because after the SA47 arrived it was almost all the time keep inside of its box.

I’ve had the SA47 for about 6 months now and I am very impressed with the quality of the build.

I’ve mainly been using it on drums. As a mono OH, in the knee position and as a room mic. It’s got really great hi end clarity without being too harsh like most modern day condenser microphones. The SA47 sounds great through every pre I’ve tried it through so far. My favorite pairing is through a Coil Audio CA-70 tube pre amp.

I’ve used real U47s before but not often enough to give a valid comparison.

All I know is I’m very happy to have this in the locker! I can’t wait to find more uses for it. Very excited to try it out on vocals.

Stam does have their delays and confusion. In my experience persistence with them helps a lot. They are sifting through tons of emails and trying to make tons of units with a small team. They might not have their **** together with the management side of things but they don’t mess around with their build quality. I am a Stam fan for life. Have an 1176 ADG and two 1073eqs on the way. This stuff is well worth the wait!

I have been really really pleased with my SA47. I have had just about every other 47 clone out there, and I routinely use a vintage 47 at a studio that I work in frequently. I have been able to punch in on vocals recorded with that mic, in my home studio using the SA47, and the punches are essentially undetectable. Have also recorded acoustic guitar, fiddle and dobro tracks with it, and been very happy with the sound and how the tracks sit in a mix. I’m using either a Heritage Audio or Aurora 500 series pre.
This is my second Stam purchase, I also have an SA4000+ which I also love.
Ordered an SA67- looking forward to that.

Nothing short of amazing. A pleasure to use. Brings out a musical quality in our singers we have not heard before. Compared this to a Flea 47 - same ballpark. Could not be happier with this investment. Thanks Stam for another great product.

Cost has always been our guiding factor - we need the best quality for the lowest price, and this product, we feel, is setting the bar quite high for similar microphones. We finally have a sound that we always wanted - but for a very reasonable price.

One note - we did notice that the phase was inverted when the mic arrived. We became aware of this issue from another reviewer, checked it out and they were correct in their assessment. Not sure where the issue occurred in the circuit but our tech was able to fix the polarity flip. Will update when we have more specific info.

Thanks!

Analog Rock Machine Studio
Honolulu, HI

I have been really impressed by my new SA47.

It is a fantastic sounding microphone. I have used vintage 47s and this microphone certainly doesn't disappoint. It is just wonderful on vocals

Great value.

Cheers

Wiz

Let me start by saying that this microphone is an excellent recreation of the original Neumann U47! You can go to Stam Audio's website and read all about the premium, hand picked components used in the process of creating this masterpiece, but most importantly, I can assure you that Josh has got the sound of this microphone just right!

Throughout the years, I have used a hefty amount of Neuamann microphones, so I am well aware of the feel of the original U47. We all know that just comparing a frequency diagrams will do no good, because there are quite a few more variables that affect the sound of a microphone. So, in order for me to properly evaluate the SA-47, I rented a U47 for a whole week and ran multiple recordings through both microphones simultaneously.

I've went through days of recording male and female vocals, acoustic guitar and drums... What can I say, the bottom end is spot on matched - very round and warm, especially shining on the male vocals and the kick drum! The top end, on the other hand, was silky smooth, where the SA-47 was a tiny bit more open than the original U47, but still in the same exact ballpark. Aging electronics will do that...

The craftsmanship of the SA-47 is excellent! Both microphones weighed roughly the same and no expense was spared when creating the body of the SA-47. The traveling case is okay, but the storage wooden box is beautiful. The PSU is sturdy and heavy with ruby like power on light, giving it a great vintage look!

The price is a steal for what you are getting! Buy this microphone, before Josh raises the price to 10 grand !!! All jokes aside, there's a reason why ALL of Stam Audio's work is heavily sought after and the waiting times are very long!

Thank you Josh and Stam Audio team, you've got another classic precisely captured!

Got the sa47 couple of weeks ago.
In my view one of the best sounding mic s ever made.
The tone is so rich/full and kind of 3d, warm and Allover delicious.
Don’t think and get it !!!

Awesome job of josh!

Btw : the shipping didn’t take long time. In a couple of weeks I had my sa47 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

I recently got my SA-47. I've scrolled down to the bottom of this list of 5 star reviews, and I have to agree. I can't imagine anyone would be disappointed with the sound, build, component quality or price of this microphone. The only downside is you'll have to wait for it.

It's got that "high dollar, as good as any studio" sound. This is a microphone I'll be willing to my descendants.

I received my pair of SA-47s a couple months ago. Having some time to really put them through their paces I can gleefully say that initial smile has not let my face. This microphone is stunning, the depth and character of this microphone is on par with mics that cost 3x-5x more. It's a real achievement for stam audio and you feel the hours of dedication and craftsman ship in the build quality.

I have many other stam microphones (pair of 67s, 87, 47fet, c800) and everything I get from them blows me away. I am so happy I invested in Stam early on, it has exceeded my expectations in terms of quality every single time.

If you are looking for that classic beautiful u47 and have a chance to get your hands on a SA-47, do it! You will not regret it.

As always, amazing work Josh and the whole Stam team, you have done it again and I'm excited for many more orders and purchases. Thank you!!

A+++