Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted relative to 94 dB SPL: 79/82/80 dB (cardioid/omnidirectional/figure-of-eight)
Sound pressure level limit for K < 0.5 per cent: 117 dB (cardioid)
Maximum sound pressure level for K < 0.5% with pre-attenuation: 127 dB (cardioid)
Maximum output voltage: 390 mV
Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V ± 4 V
Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938): 0.8 mA
Required connector: XLR3F
Axel Reinemer talks about his experiences with the U87 Ai:
A studio standard found in all the world’s top studios
The Neumann U87 Ai Studio Set mt is the perfect vocal microphone for all types of microphone recordings in music and speech productions. Furthermore, the U87 is also used as the main microphone for orchestral recordings or as a support microphone for individual instruments, making it the studio standard in the repertoire of radio, film and television productions.Particularly noteworthy are the consistently clear and assertive sound characteristics of the Neumann microphone, with a beautifully defined mid-range. Despite its almost linear sound response, the U87 Ai does not behave as neutrally as a small-diaphragm microphone, but offers vocalists in particular the typical, comfortable performance characteristics of a large-diaphragm condenser microphone.
Classic applications include: voice-overs in dubbing studios, room miking, guitar amplifiers (in combination with the Shure SM57 or Sennheiser MD421), and aggressive, assertive vocals (rap, hard rock).
Flexible recording options for vocals and acoustic instruments
The U87 Ai Studio Set mt is equipped with a large dual-diaphragm capsule and offers a choice of three polar patterns – omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8 – which can be selected via a switch on the capsule head. The microphone can therefore be used flexibly. It is legendary as a studio microphone for vocal recordings, but is of course also excellent for recording acoustic instruments. A switch on the rear provides 10 dB of attenuation. This enables the microphone to handle sound pressure levels of up to 127 dB SPL without distortion. Furthermore, the frequency response can be rolled off at the lower frequencies, for example to compensate for the proximity effect.
Frequency response and sound characteristics of the U87 Ai
The U87 Ai is a side-address microphone, with the front identified by the company logo. The frequency response for both the cardioid and figure-8 polar patterns is practically linear, even in the upper frequency range, when sound is incident from the front. This means the microphone can be used particularly effectively at close range from sound sources without producing an unnaturally sharp sound. To counteract unwanted noise, a high-pass filter cuts off particularly low frequencies.
Buy accessories for the U87 Ai individually or as a studio set straight away
The U87 Ai is available in two standard finishes, nickel and black, with the basic version supplied without a shock mount. Many customers therefore choose to buy the U87 Ai straight away as a complete studio set. This is because it requires a vibration-free mounting on the microphone.
Also available as a bundle from us
We offer the Neumann U87 Ai in a bundle at an affordable price, including a high-quality microphone shock mount from our own range.
Manufacturer information
Georg Neumann GmbH Leipziger Str. 112 10117 Berlin Germany [email protected] 304177240