Neumann U 87 Ai Set Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Matte Black Reviews

For years, my friend used to tell me that the U87 was overrated and I've seen similar reviews on all the gear forums. I live in Hawaii, so it's really hard to test out new gear without having to at least pay for shipping fees. However, I recently scored a GREAT demo deal on Sweetwater for a U87 and figured I should decide for myself. So I did a mic shoot out with the U87 vs Flea 47 vs Flea 251. I told myself I would return the U87 if didn't sound better than what I already had. So I had that same friend take a listen and in a blind test he ended picking the U87 over the 47 and 251 without knowing which was which. We both felt like it had the best balance of clarity and presence. The 47 has a great vintage tube sound which I love on lead vocal, but it's kind of a one trick pony. For versatility, the U87 works much better. The key to making the U87 sound good is to pair it with a great preamp. I'm using mine with a Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel. In the end, the 251 got sent back instead. I couldn't justify the price after the U87 made me put back in its case. lol

I wanted to offer two cents, for years I've seen the "U87 Killer" (oooh aaahhh right?) Fact is, this thing has been around for years and seldom will you walk into a studio with a truly professional environment and not find one of these somewhere. They're pretty darn standard for a reason...HOWEVER!
Having had this mic for right around 3-4 years, I am here to tell you. Learning how to mix it into a project on your own is interesting at first. Not because it's difficult, but because you will likely learn that you had to mix garbage before and will be surprised at how much easier this makes mixing vocals.
That being said I'd still like to add, it's not always JUST the microphone that makes a song, a skilled ear, a decent preamp, compressor, interface and monitors will all go into creating the kind of beauty you're looking for. This microphone WILL make all of your imperfections clear and noticeable for everyone to hear!

Buy it, try it.. You'll likely love it!

NO ME ARREPIENTO DE HABER HECHO ESTA INVERSION LA CAPTURA DE MI VOZ CON ESTE MICROFONO ES INCREIBLE

Waited a long time. Looked at a lot of sketchy used ones. It's not like everybody doesn't know they want one. Kept my eye on the deal zone and got one of Sweet's studio demos for a great price. I've got a number of other Neumanns that are very useful but somewhat specialized; 193, 184, 103, and all are useful. But, it's an 87.

I've known about his mic since the mid 80s. Although I've built up a substantial mic collection recently, I always wondered about this one. I finally bought one a couple of months back to satisfy my curiosity and see if the vocals I was recording was really the best I could do. This mic won convincingly on both myself (baritone) and a female mezzo soprano in some shootouts we did involving two different songs. Other contestants included SM7b, RE20, TLM107, C414XLS, KSM44a, R84, M88, M69, CMC64. The U87, however, was the clear winner on our voices.

What made it better? It's said a lot, but it's true -- The vocals with this mic just had a more finished, workable sound. The vocals immediately sat in the mix better, sounded smoother but present, and needed less eq.

This mic is known to like a 1073ish style pre-amp. The closest thing I have is a Great River ME1NV, and that combo did not disappoint. Clear difference vs my other pre-amps on this mic. For my voice, I boost a little 100hz, cut a little 1k or 1.5k and that's about it for eq. There is just a certain richness to the sound this mic has that I've not really heard in other mics.

This mic is the truth. Plain and simple. Paints a perfect picture of its user with indescribable clarity.

I have many fine microphones, but I always wondered about the U87Ai. I've used several studios' U87s, but that's different than using your own. So, I got one. I kind of expected "magic" like everyone is always talking about. What I got was TRUTH. Fully, faithfully, accurately true sound. That brought me back to reality. There is no "magic" there are great performances, faithfully recorded.

I'll keep it.

I've heard this mic in person and on countless shootouts throughout the years before pulling the trigger and purchasing it. While it is true that there is no such thing as an "all-in-one/one-for-all" microphone, the U87ai definitely hits home 70-80% of the time as an all-purpose microphone, and for vocals, it's the go-to 90% of the time. It's a microphone that represents a history in sound recording and a powerful brand name. It imparts an incredible sonic character on your sound.

There is a reason this mic is in every mic locker at every studio. I can always rely that this mic will deliver a great recording. I have it paired with a bae1073 and a tubetech cl1b and it's just lovely.

'Nuf said.

I used the Tlm-103 for about 10 years. I finally decided to sell it and buy the U87 Ai and I'm very happy I did. The mic is absolutely amazing. It's warm, accurate, clean and musical. I recorded my first song with it and didn't need to do any EQ work to the vocals. If you can afford one, buy it.

Game changer. I wish I bought this mic ten years ago! All the hype is true.... Thank you to Anthony Longano for exceptional advice and service! Go Sweetwater!

You may ask " Does this microphone tell the truth"?
I would have to say "No" " It tells a version of the Truth that people most like, Its Warm and Friendly".
If you want a vocal mic that tells the truth with Arabic or Greek vocals then use a TLM 170 or a Schoeps omni or wide cardioid. With North European or North American Vocals the U87, C414 (or QTC40) are your only real choices.

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 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 !

Beyond being a fantastic vocal mic. The U87 really makes both acoustic and electric guitar stand out and POP in a mix. Most signals recorded with this mic require little to no processing. SUPERB!!

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? There is a reason why it is the standard for serious studios.

nice...