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Neumann U 87 Ai Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone (Nickel)

BH #NEU87AI • MFR #U87AI
Neumann U 87 Ai Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Key Features
  • Studio Standard for Vocals & Instruments
  • Cardioid, Omni & Figure-8 Polar Patterns
  • Dual-Diaphragm Condenser Capsule
  • Low-Noise FET Circuit
A definitive legend for decades, the nickel Neumann U 87 Ai is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone offering the timeless and special sound that remains highly coveted for singers, voice-over artists, announcers, producers, and recording engineers to this day. By combining the same dual-diaphragm capsule design as the heralded U 67 with FET circuitry and a transformer-balanced output, the U 87 Ai retains the voicing that made the U 87 famous while ensuring low-noise performance and optimal signal purity.
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$3,500.00
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Neumann U 87 Ai Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2The Gold Standard
  • 3Omnipresent and Special
  • 4Classic Neumann Engineering
  • 5Versatile Applications
  • 6Features at a Glance

A definitive legend for decades, the nickel Neumann U 87 Ai is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone offering the timeless and special sound that remains highly coveted for singers, voice-over artists, announcers, producers, and recording engineers to this day. By combining the same dual-diaphragm capsule design as the heralded U 67 with FET circuitry and a transformer-balanced output, the U 87 Ai retains the voicing that made the U 87 famous while ensuring low-noise performance and optimal signal purity.

The U 87 Ai's dual-diaphragm capsule, which is elastically suspended, affords the selection of three polar patterns (omni, cardioid, and figure-8) to enhance versatility in the studio. Additionally, the mic provides a switchable -10 dB pad that allows it to capture SPLs up to 127 dB without distortion, and a low-cut filter for controlling buildup of low-frequency content. Whether it is used for broadcast, stage, or studio applications, the U 87 Ai presents the sought-after look, sound, and reputation of a true classic.

The Gold Standard
The Neumann U 87 Ai may be the best-known and most frequently used studio microphone the world over. Its smooth and refined sound is as iconic as its elegant exterior design. The U 87 Ai is the standard microphone for speech and vocals. Three polar patterns plus pad and low-cut options make it adaptable to a wide range of applications.
Omnipresent and Special
The Neumann U 87 Ai is a true legend. Introduced in 1967, it has shaped the sound of countless hit records for the past 50 years. And when those hits were announced on the radio, many a DJ sat before a U 87 Ai.

The U 87 Ai is the epitome of a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Its tapered body and iconic design have become part of the collective consciousness—this is what a studio microphone looks like. The same is true of its sound; the U 87 Ai represents studio quality and has become the gold standard by which other microphones are measured.

What sets the U 87 Ai apart is its special combination of linearity and character. Although its on-axis frequency response is remarkably flat, it does exert certain charisma, making the U 87 Ai both versatile and instantly recognizable.
Classic Neumann Engineering
Technically speaking, the U 87 Ai is a traditional design whose timeless formula has remained unchanged for decades. The U 87 Ai uses the same dual-diaphragm condenser capsule design as its predecessor, the no less legendary U 67 of the early 1960s. Its head amplifier, too, is based on the same design principles as its tube-driven predecessor, but the U 87 Ai realizes them by means of an FET circuit with a minimal signal path and a transformer-balanced output, ensuring maximum signal integrity and high common mode rejection.
Versatile Applications
The result is a studio microphone of unmatched clarity. Its natural sound and midrange presence make the U 87 Ai the ultimate vocal microphone, praised by singers and engineers alike as well as the prime choice for speech applications, such as voice-over, dubbing, and audio books. Due to its balanced response in each of its three directional patterns, the U 87 Ai is also a versatile microphone for anything from acoustic guitar to drums overheads. Due to its solid bass response and excellent midrange detail, it is often seen in front of bass and guitar cabinets. For classical recordings, the U 87 Ai is frequently used as a spot mic for soloists, e.g. cello. A stereo pair of U 87 Ai mics is the preferred choice of many engineers for recording piano in virtually any genre from pop and jazz to classical music.
Features at a Glance
  • The world’s most famous studio microphone
  • Classic sound, instantly recognizable and versatile
  • Balanced frequency response
  • Elastically suspended dual-diaphragm capsule
  • Omni, cardioid, and figure-8 polar patterns
  • Switchable low-cut filter and -10 dB pad
  • Low self-noise
  • XLR 3-pin output
  • 48V phantom powered
  • Includes wooden box (shockmount available separately)
UPC: 615104070226

Neumann U 87 Ai Specs

Key Specs
Form Factor
Large Diaphragm Mic / Stand/Boom Mount
Element Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional
Frequency Range
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
Cardioid: 117 dB SPL (1 kHz, .5% THD)
Cardioid: 127 dB SPL (1 kHz, .5% THD, with Pad)
Microphone
Form Factor
Large Diaphragm Mic / Stand/Boom Mount
Intended Sound Sources
Vocals, Speech/Voice Over, Instrument
Sound Field
Mono
Operating Principle
Pressure Gradient
Element Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional
Pattern Selection
Switched (Adjustable on Mic)
High-Pass Filter
Yes
Tone Adjustment
None
Gain Adjustment
None
Indicators
None
Windscreen
None
Performance
Frequency Range
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
Cardioid: 117 dB SPL (1 kHz, .5% THD)
Cardioid: 127 dB SPL (1 kHz, .5% THD, with Pad)
Impedance
200 Ohms
Load Impedance
1000 Ohms
Sensitivity
Omnidirectional: 20 mV/Pa at 1 kHz into 1 Kilohms
Cardioid: 28 mV/Pa at 1 kHz into 1 Kilohms
Figure-8: 22 mV/Pa at 1 kHz into 1 Kilohms
Output Level
-6 dBu (Max)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Omnidirectional: 79 dB A-Weighted
Cardioid: 82 dB A-Weighted
Figure-8: 80 dB A-Weighted
Omnidirectional: 68 dB CCIR
Cardioid: 71 dB CCIR
Figure-8: 69 dB CCIR
Equivalent Noise Level
Omnidirectional: 15 dB A-Weighted
Cardioid: 12 dB A-Weighted
Figure-8: 14 dB A-Weighted
Omnidirectional: 26 dB CCIR
Cardioid: 23 dB CCIR
Figure-8: 25 dB CCIR
Connectivity
Headphone Connector
None
Power
Bus Power
None
Operating Voltage
48 V ± 4 V (Phantom Power)
Operating Current Consumption
0.8 mA
Physical
Color
Nickel
Mounting
Shockmount (with Optional Hardware)
Included Case
Hard Case
Included Filters
None
Dimensions
ø: 2.2 x L: 7.9" / ø: 5.6 x L: 20.1 cm
Weight
1.1 lb / 500 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.5 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
10.5 x 4.75 x 3.9"

Neumann U 87 Ai Reviews

Excellent

By Peter
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-19

An ultimate aspirational mic for me. I have compared this with a vintage u87. For vocals, the vintage U 87 has a slightly more noticeable presence. By presence, I mean that you feel like the microphone is a noctilux-level macro lens focusing in on the singer's articulation and bringing them up close to your ear. All that, but it doesn't sound like it's trying. The new U 87 Ai is almost the same as the old U 87, but a bit more neutral. Less emphasis of sounds like ch (as in, chess), and the specs say less noise. That's my two cents, at least! The U 87 Ai is an amazing sounding mic and lives up to its name. I'd agree with so many reviewers who say that it's just plain good on anything.

Very good

By Anonymous
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2008-04-10

It's great for a rich sound.

Expensive - but You're Worth It!

By Enrico Shaguerini
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2014-10-02

Many of us have been hypnotized by the endless sea of microphones that physically look like and sonically aspire to be like the U87. After wrestling with imitations for years, I finally learned an important lesson. SAVE UP and BUY THE REAL THING. You deserve to sound excellent! No matter what your gear is, I feel the most important aspect of recording is a GREAT MICROPHONE. I've used this microphone with inexpensive and top of the line mixers... Neve, Studer, Art TUBE MP's... Wow... Guess what? this mic sounds amazing through anything. From sensitive close proximity spoken word to the slap of moroccan goat skin drums to distorted guitar thru noisy tube amps to quiet, snooty booty cello solos, this mic captures ALL the magic. It captures something inexplicable. You can use it on anything! My only advice is keep it extremely clean, store it in a safe place. :) If you have a home studio, do yourself a grand favor. Get one. You won't be sorry - and you'll perform better as this microphone has a way of inspiring the best performances. Cheers Friends. David

Awesome microphone set

By CuriousMarc
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2013-07-01

One of the best (some would say the best...) microphone in the business, particularly for vocals and lower sound level instruments (acoustic guitar, flute, etc...). Extremely sensitive, very low noise. Picks up the tiniest detail. The switchable polar pattern, integrated low cut filter and 10 dB attenuation pad means you can use them for anything in any situation, couple of switches and you are done. Just did a simultaneous recording with my Schoeps on a flute and these sounded even better, if that was at all possible. More velvet and refinment in the mid tones. You could immediately tell why they are unsurpassed on voice. If you can afford it and don't mind how large they are, this is the quintessential studio mic you need in your arsenal.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

is 48v pre amp box? included for this item..thank ...

is 48v pre amp box? included for this item..thank you
Asked by: Ruben
This U 87 AI model does not. You might be thinking of the Neumann U 67 Tube microphone. That comes with an external power supply.
Answered by: Zack
Date published: 2023-09-12

Can you use it with out the shock mount

Can you use it with out the shock mount
Asked by: Abdallah
Yes, you can use the Neumann U 87 Ai MT Microphone without a shock mount. The shock mount is an optional accessory.
Answered by: Lisa
Date published: 2021-12-23
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