The nickel, Neumann U 87 Ai Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone (Studio Set) Kit from B&H adds a Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel. This modern channel strip brings the classic Rupert Neve sound to your U 87 Ai mic, offering a transformer-gain, class-A microphone preamplifier, a "best-of-the-classics" inductor EQ section, a tone-packed diode bridge compressor, the power of variable Silk saturation, a custom transformer output stage, and twice the operating voltage of vintage designs.
A definitive legend for decades, the nickel Neumann U 87 Ai Studio Set 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 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.
- 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 color-matched shockmount and wooden box
The Shelford Channel Transformer Gain Mic Preamp, Inductor EQ, and Diode Bridge Compressor from Rupert Neve Designs is the evolution of the original technologies of his classic console modules like the 1073, 1064, 1081, and 2254. The Shelford Channel has been refined for the 21st century studio and can be used as a front-end channel for controlling audio signals in studio applications and more.
Featuring a single XLR mic input with 48V phantom, a single XLR line input and XLR outputs, the Shelford Channel is built with a 1/4" line input and a thru connector. Side-chain TS send and return, and two link connectors, are also provided. Outstanding features include the inductor EQ section, the tone-packed Diode bridge compressor, the analog power of variable Silk saturation, and a dual-tap transformer output stage with twice the operating voltage of vintage designs that allows the full driving of the Channel without clipping standard converters.
With richly colored tonal options for making bold statements with your music and precisely engineered detented controls for recall, the vintage-inspired Shelford Channel maintains the soul of Rupert's Neve's classic designs with new levels of versatility.