Product ReviewsNeumann U 87 Ai Wired Condenser Microphone

One Of The Best Out There

I own numerous great microphones, which include the powerful Blue Bottle. I will continue to use all my collection of microphones, as many of them serve different purposes and have unique characteristics that fit different situations. Even so, I would consider the U87 an extra special microphone because it has a sound of its own. After using it for the first time, I can now understand why many consider it a must have in the studio even when they have other great microphones.

It has strong highs that are kept in check by a strong midrange that is warm and pleasantly "boomy". It is also a loud microphone with low self noise, allowing recording engineers to capture voices and instruments without bringing in any unpleasant sounds.

For those who love who defend good sounding inexpensive microphones out there, buying the U87 is not a mistake if someone can afford one. And if someone owns other great expensive microphones, they will not go wrong buying a U87 because it has a great sound of its own.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: leftoverstf

Vintage Neumann U87 - a studio must have!

Well, anyone reading this is going to be familiar with THE studio vocal standard mic - the Neumann U87.

This particular example is an early 70s model, with the 22 V battery compartment still intact. What makes this mic unique is that it was apparently (according the the sticker on the body) re-built by the late Stephen Paul. There may have been some modifications done, although it has been difficult to track this down given the mic's age.

A second 'feature' of this particular mic is that it was used for years by Alan Alda to record those PBS specials -- how cool is that?

OK, so enough about the history... how does it SOUND?

I am using this mic with a D.A.V. BG-1 preamp into my Lynx Aurora converters and then into Cubase 4. I am mostly using it to record acoustic guitar -- a Martin 000 and also a Breedlove Focus 12 string. Well, I am quickly becoming a convert to using this beauty over my prized Neumann KM-56 and KM-254 mics. The sound is balanced but also nice and crisp. It sounds like a high resolution recording. I was also surprised that it captures the nuances of my fingerstyle playing and also gets the attacks quite well. I had always thought that a SDC would be much better at handling string attack, but not so. The U87 simply gives a beautiful sonic rendering of the acoustic guitar.

If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up!Read full review...

Are You Kidding Me?

This is the professional’s choice and with good reason. No studio can claim to be a pro studio without one. It’s the preferred mic of NPR and the sound is legendary. As you might expect, it has become my go-to mic in my studio.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: cathedralguitar

Best microphone

Amazing high quality classic microphone for recording voice or any instrument. Output is more than twice the output of other microphones. It is not lightweight. The heavy parts make its high quality sound.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: gearorphanage

Microphone of the Highest Quality and Audio Standards

This microphone is made of the highest quality. The sound is absolutely unbeatable for voiceovers. Very natural, neutral, and clear in the midrange. It has a reputation for being the best for a reason. Yes, you can buy wonderful microphones for cheaper, but none of them are a Neumann U87. Neumann uses the best materials and craftsmanship out there. If you are looking to record primarily vocals and like the magic of tubes I would also recommended the Neumann M149 and if you are on a budget the Miktek CV4 is quite good. The Neumann U87ai will do anything however. It's great on any instrument and is probably the accurate microphone for realistic voiceover work. It just sounds polished and EQ's nicely. I use a Neumann Pop Screen and a Neumann Wind Cap on it usually to reduce noise as it is very sensitive. Must have for a quality home or professional studio. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: sweetwatersound

A must have Mic!

I did a ton of research before buying this great mic. Initially, I was thinking of getting a Neumann TLM 103 because people on the Internet were bragging about how good it is. The good side about TLM 103 is its price. I've never thought about spending a ridiculous amount of money on a mic knowing that I am not going to use it to make any money from it. But, hey, guess what, I have ended up loving this Neumann U87ai. I've been using Shure beta 87ai for while and always thought it's a very good mic. Now, with this Neumann U87ai in hand, I am not going to use any other mics. I don't know how to explain it in words. Everything about this mic is just PERFECT!Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: goldwingmusicman

Pricey but very NICE!

This U87 was delivered in great shape obviously having been taken care of. The sound is smooth, detailed and present going through an API A2D. An amazing go-to mic for acoustic guitar, vocals and piano, it is my new workhorse. They are expensive, especially new, but deals can be found. My U87 was made in 2002 and the quality is, I am told, comparable to the new iterations. Mic quality is very subjective, true, but I can hear why the U87 has been so ubiquitous is the recording world. Wonderful mic!Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: sonnyblack2000

Neumann U87 ai

It has a reputation, because it is that good. Takes any vocal and places it at a higher level. Clarity, warmth, presence, yep. If you could only buy 1 piece of gear and you’re doing vocals, forget everything else and get this microphone. Run through any interface with a daw, and you’ll see the difference. It’s expensive, yep, but it’s an investment. Been doing more serious recording over the past 2 years, now I want to go back and re-record all the prior vocals.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: proaudiostar

Great mic forVO

This is an excellent mix for any VO and ADR needs. I use on vocals quite a bit too but this mic is the right tool for the job when it comes to vocals not one size fits all. Make sure your buying because this is the right tool not because everyone says it’s the best mic. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: wing_and_sons

New U87Ai is a great mic

Great sounding mic. We use the U87Ai in our studio primarily for female vocals, but the mic is good on anything, really. Old U87's seem more preferred but I wouldn't hesitate buying another U87Ai. Newer models like these are great, too, and I'm glad I didn't buy into the "stuff from the good old days is better" opinions as these Neumann mics are very consistent and are individually tested. See "How It's Made" Microphones on web videos to see one of these made.Read full review...