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Neumann U87 Ai/SETZ - Microphone with EA87 Elastic Suspension Mount (Nickel)
The Neumann U 87 AiSZ kit includes a Neumann U 87 Ai microphone and EA87 elastic mount. The EA87 provides optimum protection from noise due to shock and handling noise. The large diaphragm condenser microphone is designed for general instrument and vocal recording or broadcast applications. The original capsule design remains unchanged and features a shock mounted dual diaphragm with 3 directional polar patterns. Omni-directional, cardioid and figure eight patterns are accessible with a switch located below the head-grille. There is a 10dB attenuation switch allowing the microphone to handle sound pressure levels up to 127dB, suitable for spot miking instruments high in transient response such as percussion, drums and brass. Modifications to the output electronics provide higher sensitivity of 10dB and an improved signal-to-noise ratio of 3dB.
- Three Polar Patterns
- The U 87 AI features three switchable polar patterns. Omni-directional, cardioid, and figure eight patterns provide the flexibility needed in any recording scenario.
- 10dB Pad Switch
- 10dB attenuation switch enables the microphone to handle sound pressure levels up to 127dB.
- Low Cut Roll-Off Switch
- A low cut roll off switch eliminates hum, rumble and low frequency noise.
- Advanced Output Circuitry
- Although the microphone features the original capsule, the U 87 AI features improved output electronics that provide higher sensitivity and improved signal-to-noise ratio.
| Transducer | (Pressure Gradient) Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Omni-directional and Figure-8 |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Dynamic Range (Typical) | 115 dB (A-Weighted) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio |
82 dB (A-Weighted) Cardioid 79 dB (A-Weighted) Omni-directional 80 dB (A-Weighted) Figure-8 |
| Maximum Input Sound Level | 117 dB @ 1kHz, 0.5% THD (127 dB with Pad) |
| Power Requirements | Phantom 48v (+/-4v) |
| Output Impedance | 200 Ohms |
| Output Connectors | XLR-3M Type |
| Pad | Yes, -10 dB Preattenuation |
| Low Frequency Roll-Off | Yes, Switchable - To Reduce Proximity Effect |
| Dimensions | 8 x 2.24" (200 x 56mm) LxDdiameter |
| Weight | 17.64 oz. (500 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 2 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
Reviewed by 2 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-2
Pros
- Quiet
- Sensitive
- Switchable patterns
Cons
- Low-cut too severe
- Low freq handling noise
Best Uses
- Narration
- Room ambience
- Vocals
- Wind instruments
Comments about Neumann U87 Ai/SETZ - Microphone with EA87 Elastic Suspension Mount (Nickel):
If you can afford one of these you probably do not need to read a review to say why you should have one! It is simply a great studio microphone. There are few situations in which this would be a bad choice, and for voice recording it is a de facto standard. It is not perfect, though, no microphone is, but it sounds warm and big with Neumann’s classic “presence boost. I have used a U87 alongside many others throughout my 30 year career and it has never disappointed me, even when it was not the “best” choice. This "ai" model is a winner.
The only reason I give it 4 instead of 5 stars is because it is so sensitive to mounting vibrations. Any physical vibration to the microphone is translated into a nasty 47hz tone, like a drum, with a very slight higher harmonic. This is a problem with many of the older Neumann models and was carried through to the U87. Some more recent Neumann’s are improved in this regard, and I had hoped they included those improvements into this newer version of the classic. They did not. Anyway, the 47hz tone is low enough to be filtered out most of the time and is completely absent when using an omni pattern. The EA87 elastic suspension helps a little. I have not heard the higher harmonic tone (370hz?) unless I tap directly on the mic body. Take steps to reduce floor vibrations through the mic stand!
The other thing I do not like is the U87’s low frequency roll-off. It is so severe that it removes all the lovely warmth you pay dearly for. The microphone sounds great when “flat”, but rumble and breath pops can be a problem. You MUST use a pop filter for vocal work, or you may find that a big pop will distort the electronics.
Speaking of electronics, they are what were upgraded from the original U87 design. I like the upgrade! It is cleaner sounding to me (the old ones sometimes were just a wee bit “fuzzy”), and definitely quieter. In fact, this microphone puts out a very hot signal, way more than the original model and more than most of my other microphones. I wouldn’t use this to record tom toms, the way we used to do with the original model.
For voice work, this sets the standard by which all others are judged.
Pros
- Quiet
Cons
- Still great
Best Uses
- Professional
Comments about Neumann U87 Ai/SETZ - Microphone with EA87 Elastic Suspension Mount (Nickel):
its the best i use.great warmthness,really.
- Primary use:
- Business
Displaying reviews 1-2
Cables
-
- Original: $15.99
- Save: $1.60
- Price: $14.39
Accessory Packages
- Price: $57.95
Pop Filters
-
- Original: $22.95
- Save: $2.29
- Price: $20.66
Stands & Support
- Price: $17.65
Wind Protection
- Price: $46.95
What's in the Box
- EA 87 Elastic Shock Mount
- Wooden Jeweler's Case
- XLR Cable
- 1 Year Warranty
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