Wunder Audio CM7 G Suprema (pre-order item)

Paul McCartney's choice: the Modern Vintage 47, the pinnacle of vacuum tube microphones

The Suprema CM7 G (Glass Tube Switchable) is the latest evolution of the CM7-GTS, faithful to the vintage U47 while featuring modern upgrades. By designing the cardioid mode switching relay inside the microphone rather than outside the grille, it achieves a smoother, fuller-bodied sound. While the CM7 GS's polar pattern switch is located on the PSU, the actual switch point in the circuit is directly below the capsule compartment. The polar pattern switch features eight different polar patterns found in the vintage M49, but not in the original 47, combining these into one.


Grille
The head grille, faithful to the specifications of vintage microphones, employs three different gauge grill meshes (large mesh on the outside, medium mesh on the inside, and fine mesh sandwiched in between). This interacts acoustically with the capsule and has electronic properties similar to a Faraday cage. These properly implemented vintage mesh gauges, unlike readily available metric gauges, play a crucial role in preserving the legendary sound of the U47.

●M7 Capsule
The M7 capsule's diaphragm is stretched and glued to the rim, much like a snare drum head is stretched to the rim, rather than screwed to the back plate. Wunder Audio's back plates are made of brass and precision-milled by hand in Switzerland to a 1-micron tolerance, achieving an original rim height of 15/10,000 inches (1 micron = 0.0000393701 inches). Many other modern capsules are CNC-machined and cannot meet this exacting specification. The original M7 capsule had a tolerance of up to 0.0002 inches, and this modern capsule upgrade is why new U47s from the 1950s sounded better than anything else. The CM7 S features three mounting isolation rims, faithful to the vintage M7 made in Berlin and superior to the only two Gefell M7 capsules in existence. Wunder Audio capsules are shipped to Germany, where they are stripped and gold-plated before being finished.

Capacitor
True audiophile grade is achieved through optimized passive components. While audiophile grade equipment is typically thought of as the last device in the recording chain, at Wunder Audio we believe it's most important to get the best from the first device in the recording chain: the microphone.

To hear the best recordings, you need to capture your source with minimal noise and distortion, accurately capturing every sonic nuance. Wunder Audio further enhanced this vintage-accurate microphone by utilizing the highest-quality capacitors available today: the Suprema Silver Gold Oil Capacitor. Importantly, tonally, the CM7 S's capacitors stand out for their wonderfully natural vocal quality and exceptional micro-dynamics. (Capacitance: 1uF; Dielectric: Polypropylene; Metallization: 99.99% Silver, 1% Gold; Silver Purity: ≥ 99.97% (typically ≤ 99%); Gold Purity: ≥ 99.97% (typically ≤ 99%). We're talking serious capacitors, on a level that's beyond comparison with other exotics. Providing a richer, thicker, more open, and more spacious impression, the Mundorf Silver Gold Oil Capacitor truly excels at expressing the breadth and depth of a bowling alley's image. There's a slight airiness in the top end that contributes to the sense of spaciousness and fine detail. This capacitor is extremely quiet, allowing you to see deep into the recording. The result is a more open spectrum, enhanced sound staging, increased air and clarity, and a modern-vintage sound without the impression of a lack of low-mid response. You get a tighter, sharper focus, less grain, and a more fluid sound.

Transformer
The transformer is a historical reproduction of the one used in the extremely rare early "Large Badge" U47 models. It features the same vintage mu-metal as the early Berlin U47 transformers and is wound in the original Brown Buch specification with NOS (New Old Stock) laminates.

The most significant difference between the first few hundred Large Badge U47s was the transformer bobbin, which was 1/8 inch larger than later U47 transformers. The CM7 Suprema transformer incorporates this larger bobbin. The CM7 S replaces the problematic PVC wire insulation with Teflon, ensuring 100% reliability. The original U47 transformers deteriorate over decades. The clear PVC coating used as insulation between the mu-metal lamination layers can be rubbed off by the transformer's mounting screws, causing the laminations to fuse together and resulting in changes in low and high frequencies. Additionally, PVC was used as insulation for the hook-up wires exiting the bobbin. This PVC can peel away from the wires, irreparably damaging the bobbin windings. The aging of the 30 components, including the transformer, in this 66-year-old vintage U47 microphone contributes to the undesirable sound often found in older microphones.

Power Supply
This new generation tube microphone power supply, developed exclusively by Wunder Audio, is an upgrade over the vintage tube microphone power supplies used in 1960s Neumann designs. Wunder Audio's upgrade provides clean, stable DC voltage to your microphone and 100% reliable shielding from incoming Wi-Fi and RF interference.

The CM7 S PSU features a two-pole neutral fuse, incorporating the same technology found in premium audio systems. The PSU can be connected to any voltage worldwide without the need for jumper voltage setting switches. Internally, a highly accurate 30-turn trim pot allows fine adjustment of all voltages. Many other power supply designs either lack voltage trim or use single-turn pots that are susceptible to drift. For the most reliable pattern switching, the CM7 S PSU utilizes military-spec Grayhill switches.

●Tube
The CM7 G Suprema is equipped with NOS (New Old Stock) Telefunken 800 series vacuum tubes, a modern glass tube derived from the VF14M used in the vintage U47, using the same system configuration but in a more microphonically-resistant package.

Box and Carrying Case
It is wrapped in velvet and hinged in a foam-lined, straight-grained oak box. The velvet-lined, thick-foam tweed case also securely houses the PSU, shock mount, and cables. The tweed carrying case is crafted from Fender tweed, a material often used in vintage guitar cases, enhancing the vintage-style CM7 S microphone. The CM7 S case also features a durable leather handle and a combination lock for secure storage.

■Product Features◎Equipped with Telefunken 800 series vacuum tubes◎Equipped with M7 capsule◎Comes with a dedicated tweed case◎Domestic warranty: 1 year from the date of purchase (vacuum tube warranty is 3 months)