The Gold Standard
The Neumann U 87 Ai is probably the best-known and most
frequently used studio microphone the world over. Its smooth and
refined sound is as iconic as its elegant exterior design.
The U 87 Ai is the standard microphone for speech and vocals.
Three polar patterns plus pad and low cut options make it adaptable to a wide
range of applications.
Omnipresent Yet Unique
The Neumann U 87 Ai is a true legend. Introduced in 1967, it has shaped
the sound of countless hit records for the past 50 years. And when those
hits were announced on the radio, many a DJ sat before a U 87 Ai. The legend
continues: To this day, no professional recording studio is complete
without a Neumann U 87 Ai.
The U 87 Ai is the epitome of a large diaphragm condenser microphone.
Its tapered body and iconic headgrille design have become part of the
collective consciousness: This is what a studio microphone looks like.
The same is true of its sound: The U 87 Ai represents studio quality;
it has become the gold standard by which other microphones are measured.
What sets the U 87 Ai apart is its unique combination of linearity and
character. Although its on-axis frequency response is remarkably flat,
it does exert certain charisma. It just sounds right! This makes the
U 87 Ai both versatile and instantly recognizable.
Classic Neumann Engineering
Technically speaking, the U 87 Ai is a traditional design whose timeless
formula has remained unchanged for decades. The U 87 Ai uses the same dual
diaphragm condenser capsule design as its predecessor, the no less legendary
U 67 of the early 1960s. Its head amplifier, too, is based on the same design
principles as its tube driven predecessor, but the U 87 Ai realizes them by
means of a unique FET circuit with a minimal signal path and a transformer
balanced output, ensuring maximum signal integrity and high common mode rejection.
The result is a studio microphone of unmatched clarity. Its natural sound and
unique midrange presence make the U 87 Ai the ultimate vocal microphone,
praised by singers and engineers alike, as well the prime choice for speech
applications, such as voice over, dubbing, and audio books.
Due to its balanced response in each of its three directional patterns,
the U 87 Ai is also a versatile microphone for anything from acoustic
guitar to drums overheads. Due to its solid bass response and excellent midrange
detail, it is often seen in front of bass and guitar cabinets. For classical recordings,
the U 87 Ai is frequently used as a spot mic for soloists, e.g. cello. A stereo
pair of U 87 Ais is the preferred choice of many engineers for recording
piano in virtually any genre from pop and jazz to classical music.
The world’s most famous studio microphone
Classic sound, instantly recognizable yet versatile
Balanced frequency response
Three polar patterns: omni, cardioid, figure-8
Switchable low cut and pad
Very low self-noise
Acoustical operating principle Pressure gradient transducer
Directional Pattern Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8
Frequency Range 20 Hz ... 20 kHz
Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm 20/28/22 mV/Pa ± 1 dB (Omni/cardioid/8)
Rated Impedance 200 ohms
Rated load impedance 1 kohms
Equivalent noise level, CCIR 1 26/23/25 dB (Omni/cardioid/8)
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted 2 15/12/14 dB-A (Omni/cardioid/8)
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% 3 117 dB (cardioid)
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% with preattenuation 4 127 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR (re. 94 dB SPL) 5 68/71/69 dB (Omni/cardioid/8)
Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (re. 94 dB SPL) 6 79/82/80 dB (Omni/cardioid/8)
Maximum output voltage -6 dBu
Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938) 48 V ± 4 V
Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938) 0.8 mA
Matching connector XLR 3 F
Weight 500 g
Diameter 56 mm
Length 200 mm