What is the difference between the U 87 Ai and the original U 87?

The Ai revision raises output and lowers noise compared with the original U 87, while keeping the same capsule design, three patterns, pad and rolloff.

What polar patterns does it offer?

Omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8, selected with a switch below the headgrille.

Can it handle loud sources?

Yes. The 10 dB pad lets it take sound pressure levels up to 127 dB without distortion.

What is in the Studio Set?

The microphone, a shock mount, a windscreen and a 25 ft. microphone cable.

Does it need phantom power?

Yes, it is a condenser microphone and requires 48 V phantom power from a preamp or interface.

Is it good for home recording?

It works at home, but its detail exposes untreated rooms, so acoustic treatment and a clean preamp matter.

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

Q: Where is the Neumann U 87 Ai Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Studio Microphone (Studio Set) cheapest?

At SCMS, for $3,000.00, 20% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Q: Where can I buy the Neumann U 87 Ai Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Studio Microphone (Studio Set)?

14 stores we checked sell it, including SCMS, ProAudioStar, Guitar Center, Vintage King Audio, Front End Audio.

Best price now

$3,000.00at SCMSChecked 2 h ago

20% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 13 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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What reviewers say

Engineers and owners treat the U 87 Ai as a dependable workhorse, praising its smooth, balanced sound on vocals and its build quality. Criticism centers on its cost and on the fact that it needs a good room and preamp to justify itself.

What people mention

SoundPraisedOwners describe a warm, balanced character that works on vocals, speech and instruments.
VersatilityPraisedReviewers like the three patterns and pad for handling many recording jobs.
BuildPraisedThe microphone is described as solid and durable for long studio use.
ValueCriticisedMany say it is expensive and hard to justify against cheaper large-diaphragm rivals.
Room sensitivityMixedSome note it exposes untreated rooms and weak preamps rather than flattering them.

About the Neumann U 87 Ai Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Studio Microphone (Studio Set)

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 capsule is elastically mounted and protected by a large headgrille.

The Ai version keeps the original capsule and has updated electronics. Lower-resistance bias voltage to the capsule gives 10 dB higher sensitivity and a 3 dB better signal-to-noise ratio. Two switches on the rear control a 10 dB attenuation pad and a low-frequency roll-off. The pad lets the microphone handle sound pressure levels up to 127 dB without distortion. The roll-off reduces low-frequency interference and compensates for proximity effect.

The microphone is addressed from the front, marked with the Neumann logo. The cardioid pattern keeps a smooth frequency response at 30 to 40 cm. The figure-8 pattern does so at 15 to 20 cm. It is used as a vocal microphone, as a main microphone for orchestra recordings and as a spot microphone for single instruments, in studio, broadcast, film and television work. This Studio Set comes with a shock mount, a windscreen and a 25 ft. microphone cable, in a nickel finish.

Transducer

Pressure gradient condenser

Polar patterns

Cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8

Frequency response

20 Hz - 20 kHz

Dynamic range

115 dB (A-weighted), typical

Signal-to-noise ratio

82 dB cardioid, 79 dB omnidirectional, 80 dB figure-8 (A-weighted)

Max input level

117 dB at 1 kHz, 0.5% THD (127 dB with pad)