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The Five Most Expensive Microphones in the World

Some musicians and recording engineers have developed a fascination for high technology, state of the art microphones because of the innovative technologies that are used to produce the highest quality in sound possible.

While most people don't really think about it, a microphone will either enhance the sound or detract from the purity and crispness.

There are also those who enjoy collecting vintage examples because of their significance and value in the market today. In our research of the most expensive microphones in the world today. We discovered that the most highly valued in the top 5 category is a mixture of brand new and vintage.

Here are the 5 highest priced microphones in the world for your consideration.

5. Sony C-800G PAC Microphone System with Power Supply - $9,990.00

The  Sony C-800G microphone is the fifth most expensive microphone for sale in the world today. Studio professionals regard it as one of the best microphones on the planet.

It provides excellent performance in film post production and studio recording sessions and is one of the top choices. It is mainly used for vocal recording, but it also works well for live performances.

What makes it so special is the design. It is made to generate the purest possible sound reproduction quality. It is designed with a dual large diaphragm that captures true vocal qualities and reproduces them.

The 6AU6 vacuum tube warms sound quality and a Peltier cooling system ensures thee optimum operating temperature. The predominant results from this outstanding design are the low distortion, low noise and high sensitivity.

It is available in omni directional or cardioid.

4. Telefunken Elektroakustik ELA M 251E Microphone - $10,995.00

The fourth highest priced microphone in the world today is the Telefunken Elektroakustik ELA M. This microphone is a replication of the vintage original from the 1940s and '50s era that became legendary because of their outstanding performance and longevity.

This reproduction is made to be a near exact likeness in build, design and performance as its predecessor.

You pay a higher price for a new vintage replica when a more modern microphone of similar performance specs would be far less expensive, but there's something about owning a Telefunken that excites microphone enthusiasts, even if it isn't the original.

3. Vintage Neumann U47 Microphone - $12,750 (used)

This vintage Neumann U47 microphone was originally released in 1947 for sale to the public. This specific product was made in the 1950s era and is being offered in a non-auction format. In the era of its production, this microphone was considered to be revolutionary in its design and performance quality.

The fidelity was enhanced by the new tube design which far superseded the quality of the earlier bottle design microphones. Users could switch polar patterns without changing capsules.

This microphone produced a lifelike tone that helped to establish its place in the history and development of audio and sound technology. The Neumann U47 is a highly collectible piece, but it's just as functional and can be used.

2. Vintage Neumann U67 Tube Condenser Microphone - $16,000

We're quickly coming to the most expensive microphone in the world, and in second place is the Neumann U 67 Tube Condenser Microphone. This special example is offered for sale from a vendor in Moscow, Russia.

It is one of the most desired microphones in its class. It is revered for its historical place in the evolution of the sound and audio industry. This is the model that replaced the U 47.

It was first released for sale in 1960 with a new and innovative multi-pattern tube condenser which added versatility. The microphone was used for vocals, drums and every type of acoustic instrument played.

It offers a warm tone in the high frequency range. This has become such a popular microphone that several different manufacturers still clone copies of it for sale to the public. It's a vintage microphone that holds its own in competition with more recent and modern versions.

1. Vintage Telefunken U47 Tube Microphone - $20,000

The most expensive microphone in the world today is an original Telefunken U 47 tube microphone. It is offered from a vendor in Moscow, Russian Federation.

This is one of the originally released products that hit the market in 1947. Although it was replaced by the superior performing U 67 in 1960, this mic bears significance as a highly prized collector's piece.

The vintage Telefunken U 47 has been gaining in value in the collector's market as an investment piece because it comes with all of its original components in working order, and the numbers of the examples available are increasing in rarity.

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Garrett Parker

Written by Garrett Parker

Garrett by trade is a personal finance freelance writer and journalist. With over 10 years experience he's covered businesses, CEOs, and investments. However he does like to take on other topics involving some of his personal interests like automobiles, future technologies, and anything else that could change the world.

Read more posts by Garrett Parker

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