Microtech Gefell UMT 70S is an active large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone built around the original Georg Neumann M7 capsule — the same capsule that defined the sound of the Neumann U47, U48, and M49. The M7 capsule in the UMT 70S uses PVC (polyvinyl chloride) as the membrane material — identical technology to the original 1928 design, not the polymer used in the M9 capsules of the M930 family. A transformerless discrete FET amplifier provides a sensitivity of 22 mV/Pa, self-noise of 12 dBA, and a maximum SPL of 140 dB. The cylindrical steel body with a steel mesh grille echoes the aesthetic and mechanical tradition of historical Gefell microphones. Hand-built in Gefell, Germany. The satin nickel finish matches the rest of the Gefell accessory line in this color.
M7 capsule — PVC membrane and the Neumann legacy
Georg Neumann designed the M7 capsule at the Gefell facility, where the company has operated continuously since 1928. The PVC membrane is technically demanding to manufacture, but delivers the distinctive openness, natural high-frequency character, and three-dimensional quality that historical Neumann microphones were associated with for decades. The UMT 70S is one of only a handful of microphones in current production using an authentic M7 capsule with a PVC membrane — the same material originally used in the U47, U48, and M49. The transformerless FET output delivers low self-noise while preserving the capsule's character; unlike tube microphones, it requires no dedicated power supply and operates directly from 48V phantom power. The cardioid polar pattern is fixed — there is no pattern selector switch. The body and mesh grille maintain the historical Gefell aesthetic with modern manufacturing precision.
Applications and position in the Gefell line
The UMT 70S is the first choice for vocals requiring the warm, natural, historically significant M7 character without the variability and complexity of a tube circuit — particularly for classical vocals, jazz, folk, and spoken word. It excels on acoustic instruments, particularly piano and classical guitar, where the M7 capsule's openness and naturalness offer a distinct advantage over the M9 character (M930). Matched UMT 70S pairs in ORTF or X-Y configuration deliver coherent, natural stereo imaging for chamber and choral recording. Combined with the Rycote INV 7HG MK III suspension (which accepts the P110 INV 7 pop screen), the microphone operates discreetly in broadcast and television studio environments. Available in factory-matched stereo pairs. Hand-built and individually measured in Germany.
KEY FEATURES
- Active large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone with original Neumann M7 capsule
- M7 capsule: PVC membrane — same technology as U47, U48, M49; manufactured exclusively by Gefell
- Transformerless discrete FET amplifier — low noise without a tube power supply
- Sensitivity: 22 mV/Pa
- Self-noise: 12 dBA
- Maximum SPL: 140 dB at THD below 0.5%
- Frequency response: 40 Hz – 18 kHz
- Fixed cardioid polar pattern (no pattern selector)
- Cylindrical steel body with steel mesh grille — historical Gefell aesthetic
- Power: 48V phantom — direct operation without a dedicated power supply
- Compatible with Rycote INV 7HG MK III suspension and P110 INV 7 pop screen
- Available in factory-matched stereo pairs
- Finish: satin nickel
- Hand-built and individually measured in Germany
- Included: microphone, MH 93.1 clip, wooden case
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Acoustic operating principle: condenser, transformerless, FET
- Polar pattern: cardioid (fixed)
- Capsule: M7, single-sided gold-sputtered PVC membrane
- Frequency response: 40 Hz – 18 kHz
- Sensitivity: 22 mV/Pa (-33 dB re. 1V/Pa)
- Self-noise: 12 dBA (IEC 651)
- Maximum SPL: 140 dB at THD below 0.5%
- Output impedance: 50 ohms
- Recommended load impedance: 1,000 ohms minimum
- Power: 48V phantom (IEC 268-15)
- Dimensions: approximately 160 mm (L) x 50 mm (diameter)
- Weight: approximately 330 g
- Finish: satin nickel (alternative: dark bronze)
- Included: UMT 70S microphone, MH 93.1 clip, wooden case
