Sweetwater®

24 month financing on over 90 top brands. Learn more »
(800) 222-4700
  • Español: (800) 222-4701
Cart

Neumann U 87 Ai (Nickel)

Item ID: U87Ai

Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with 3 Switchable Polar Patterns

Special Order, But We Can Get It Fast

Because of our great relationship with Neumann, we can usually get this special order item to you within a week or two. Please note that special orders are non-returnable and non-cancelable. Order online or call for more information.

Note: While most of the items we sell ship for free, this item does not qualify for free shipping due to special circumstances.

Get More Value From Sweetwater

Many Payment Options Available
Limited Time Offer

24 Months Interest Free Financing!

On purchase of Neumann products made with your Sweetwater Card from now through May 31, 2013.
Click here for details

From Our Research Team:

A Well-Deserved Reputation as the Best!

Arguably the best known and most widely used studio microphone in the world (for good reason), the easy-to-recognize U 87 is a classic! A distinctive design and legendary Neumann sound make this mic a must-have for pro studios. The U 87 is known for its unique frequency and transient response characteristics which deliver a smooth natural sound with a variety of source material.



Applications
The U 87 Ai condenser microphone is a large diaphragm microphone with three polar patterns and a unique frequency and transient response characteristic. Users recognize the microphone immediately by its distinctive design. It is a good choice for most general purpose applications in studios, for broadcasting, film and television.

The U 87 Ai is used as a main microphone for orchestra recordings, as a spot mic for single instruments, and extensively as a vocal microphone for all types of music and speech.

Acoustic features
The U 87 Ai is addressed from the front, marked with the Neumann logo. The frequency response of the cardioid and figure-8 directional characteristics are very flat for frontal sound incidence, even in the upper frequency range. The microphone can be used very close to a sound source without the sound becoming unnaturally harsh. By means of a highpass filter interferences through subsonic and low frequencies are reduced remarkebly.

Polar patterns
The dual-diaphragm capsule is elastically mounted and protected by a large headgrille. A switch below the headgrille selects the three directional patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8. A window above this switch shows the symbol of the selected characteristic.

Electrical features
The letter A in the name indicates a more recent generation, as compared to the U 87 i microphones that were built from 1967 to 1986. Modifications apply to the electronic components of the microphone only; the capsule remained unchanged.

The present-day circuitry increases the operational headroom of the U 87 Ai by supplying the bias voltages for the capsule through a reduced resistance. The result is a higher sensitivity of 10dB for identical sound pressure levels, and an improved S/N ratio of 3dB.

Filter and attenuation
A switch located at the rear attenuates the sensitivity by 10dB. When this switch is activated, the microphone accepts sound pressure levels up to 127dB (equivalent to a sound pressure of 45 Pa) without distortion. An additional switch at the rear allows to change the microphone's cutoff frequency. This reduces low frequency interference directly at the input of the microphone amplifier.

This setting also compensates for the unavoidable bass boost that occurs with all pressure gradient transducers when they are used at close distance (proximity effect). The cardioid characteristic maintains a smooth frequency response at a distance of 30 to 40 cm, the figure-8 characteristic even at a distance of 15 to 20 cm.

Neumann U 87 Ai Features:
  • Variable large diaphragm microphone
  • Pressure-gradient transducer with double membrane capsule
  • The studio microphone classic
  • Three directional characteristics: omni, cardioid, figure-8
  • Switchable low frequency roll-off
  • Switchable 10dB pre-attenuation
  • Ideal as main and as support microphone in the most differing recording situations

Specification Detail
Microphone Type Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8
Diaphragm Size 1" (25.4mm)
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 117dB SPL (0.5% THD) - Cardioid; 127dB SPL w/10dB Preattenuation
Output Impedance 200 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio 82dB (A weighted) - Cardioid; 79dB (A weighted) - Omni; 80dB (A weighted) - Figure-8
Self Noise 12dB (A weighted) - Cardioid; 15dB (A weighted) - Omni; 14dB (A weighted) - Figure-8
Low Cut Filter Yes
Pads -10dB
Color Nickel
Connector XLR
Weight 1.1 lbs.
Included Accessories Wooden box
Manufacturer Part Number 007022

U 87 Ai (Nickel) Image Gallery

Can We Help?

Sweetwater's friendly and knowledgeable Sales Engineers are regarded as the most experienced and educated professionals in the music industry, with extensive music backgrounds and intense training on the latest products and technologies. As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, they are available to provide personalized advice any time you need it.
Call toll-free (800) 222-4700 or E-mail us
What Does "Special Order" Mean?
A special-order product is one that we don't normally keep in stock. We order it from the manufacturer as soon as you order from us. We have great relationships with all the manufacturers we carry, so we can get your special order to you as fast as or faster than anyone else. Remember that special orders are non-returnable and non-cancelable, so make sure the item is right for you. A Sweetwater Sales Engineer can help you decide - call (800) 222-4700 for assistance!

Recommended Accessories

Without a doubt Sweetwater has become my " go to" place for all my musical needs. EXCELLENT JOB GUY'S! Very fast delivery.


Brandy, Upper Sandusky, OH

Reviews

based on 3 reviews

An amazing microphone

by Aaron Fry from Sacramento,CA
December 2, 2012
Music Background: Music composer
I had a cheaper mic that was still a very good mic around the $500 range. There is no comparison. This mic sounds just perfect. It doesn't pick up back ground noises like other mics, it's like it has ... read more [+]it's own built in noise gate. Every other mic I've ever used sound too hissy on the high ends. This mic has such a perfect EQ spectrum. Through an SSL channel strip it just sounds unbelievable! I've always wanted this mic but price wise couldn't pull the trigger. I finally did and you certainly get what you pay for! - Thanks Paul Allen for your continued support ! close [-]

Neumann lives up to its legendary name.

by Grant Johnson from Houston, Tx USA
April 8, 2013
Music Background: Pro Musician, Recording Engineer
I wouldn't say that I was "blown away" by the sound of this microphone. Be that as it may... It is an awesome piece of gear. A very accurate reproduction of the source sound. Isn't that the idea? Ther... read more [+]e is a reason why it is the standard for serious studios. close [-]

Clear to a fault!

by Bill from Chesterfield, Mi
March 13, 2009
Music Background: Recording Engineer, Producer, Studio Owner, Musican
This is an excellent mic for singers who have more than complete control of their voice. It is also excellent for acoustic instrument recording. However, it is so clear that it will make an average si... read more [+]nger sound worse than they are and you can get better mics (like a used Oktava MK-319) for much less and sound better in these cases. Certainly it is the top of the line mic when recording top of the line musicians and singers but it is too perfect for average performers. close [-]

painted by a master

by mark obrien from Boston, MA
October 1, 2004
Music Background:
Like a fine, classic painting, this mic has been copied, even forged especially lately. The magic of this baby is in the details. My voice-overs never sound better than through a U-87 and I've be... read more [+]en recorded through them all. I love my C-1 for the project studio and we use it for production plenty but it aint a Neuman. Of course it also costs 10 times less. When I see this baby in the booth I always get a little more excited. close [-]

Also popular

See Also: Condenser Mics , Neumann , Neumann Condenser Microphones , Neumann Condenser Microphones

Sweetwater Sound Inc.
5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Get Directions »

Toll Free (800) 222-4700
Español (800) 222-4701
Local (260) 432-8176
Fax (260) 432-1758
E-mail us

Phone & Retail Store Hours:
9–9 Monday–Thursday
9–8 Friday
9–7 Saturday
(All hours listed are Eastern Time.)

© 2013 Sweetwater Sound Inc. All rights reserved. Please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Links | Press Releases