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The Neumann U 87 Ai is a large-diaphragm multipattern condenser microphone, the current version of the studio standard U 87. It offers three polar patterns (omni, cardioid, figure-8), a 10 dB pad and a low-frequency rolloff, and it handles up to 127 dB SPL without distortion. Its warm, balanced character makes it a default vocal mic and a general-purpose workhorse for orchestras, spot miking, broadcast and film. Rivals like the AKG C414 and Audio-Technica AT4050 cost far less and offer more patterns or pads, but few match the U 87's reputation and resale strength.
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Lowest price we've seen: $6,499.00 on Nov 12 at musicstore.com. Tracked across 13 stores since Nov 12.
Engineers and owners consistently praise the U 87 Ai as a dependable vocal and all-purpose mic with a familiar, flattering sound. Criticism centers on its cost and on the fact that cheaper rivals cover similar ground.
The Neumann U 87 Ai is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a dual-diaphragm capsule. A switch below the headgrille selects one of three polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid or figure-8. A window above the switch shows the selected pattern. The microphone is addressed from the front, marked with the Neumann logo.
It is used as a vocal microphone for music and speech, as a main microphone for orchestra recordings, and as a spot mic for single instruments. It is used in studios, broadcasting, film and television. This offering is a factory-matched stereo pair of two U 87 Ai microphones with EA 87 suspension mounts in a mic briefcase, in a black finish.
The Ai version keeps the original capsule and has updated electronics. The circuitry supplies the capsule bias voltages through a reduced resistance. This gives 10 dB higher sensitivity for the same sound pressure level and a 3 dB better signal-to-noise ratio. A second rear switch lowers the low-frequency response to reduce hum, rumble and proximity effect. The cardioid pattern keeps a smooth response at 30 to 40 cm, and the figure-8 pattern at 15 to 20 cm.
