Andrew Chapman Creative’s DA67 Review: Does This Mic Bring U67 Vibes or Just Hype?

Andrew Chapman Creative kicks things off by laying down the real about U67 clones. Forget about finding a perfect one-to-one replica—he’s seen more variety in vintage U67s than in a crate of thrift store records. Microphones age, get dropped, and modded, so expecting a DA67 to be a carbon copy is like hoping your dollar slice tastes like New York’s finest.

Instead, Andrew tells us to focus on the DA67’s personality: does it smooth the top end, handle transients right, and thicken up when you push it? That’s the real sauce. He’s not here for spec sheet wars—he wants to know if this mic brings the vibe, the clarity, and the musicality that make a U67 special in the first place.

Andrew breaks down what makes the DA67 tick, and it’s all about that dual personality. On one side, this mic is a detail freak—capturing every nuance and subtlety in gentle performances like acoustic guitar or piano. He shares how, in a recent session, the DA67 on acoustic guitar needed almost zero post-work. That’s the dream for any home studio head: less time fixing, more time vibing.

But don’t get it twisted—this mic isn’t just for coffeehouse jams. Andrew points out that the DA67 can handle bright, transient-heavy guitars without turning them into ear fatigue. He uses a Guild OM-240E with zingy strings, and the DA67 makes it sound like a boutique axe. The transient response is controlled, the top end is open but never harsh, and the low-mids have that thickness you want when you lean in. That’s the kind of versatility that makes a mic a studio staple, not just a flavor-of-the-month toy.

When it comes to vocals, Andrew says the DA67 is a crowd-pleaser. It’s got that open, smooth top, tames sibilance, and doesn’t get nasal or boxy. Whether you’re whispering sweet nothings or belting with the band, this mic adapts. He’s all about how it thickens up when you push it—like a good preamp, but baked right into the mic’s DNA. That’s the kind of split personality I want in my locker: sweet when you need it, savage when you don’t.

Andrew gets deep into the nitty-gritty of how tube swaps affect the DA67’s sound. He admits it’s tough to put into words, but he hears more warmth, glow, and clarity with the vintage tube. The mids and upper mids get a little extra character, and he’s a fan. He’s quick to point out he’s not making a dime off these tubes—no affiliate links, no shilling, just honest ears.

He tackles the classic debate: do tubes really change a mic’s sound, or is it all snake oil? Andrew’s take is blunt—of course they do. Every component in the signal path leaves its mark, from capacitors to transformers. Frequency response charts only tell part of the story; it’s about the feel, the vibe, the way the mic reacts in the real world.

He draws a killer analogy: you can’t EQ an SM57 into a U87, no matter how fancy your plugins are. The DA67’s response to tube swaps proves that subtle changes can make a big difference, especially when you’re chasing a specific sound.

To drive it home, he gives you back-to-back audio samples—one with the stock tube, one with the NOS Telefunken. No tricks, just raw takes. If you’ve ever doubted the value of rolling tubes, this is your wake-up call.