Neumann U 87 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone #11690 (Vintage)

The venerable Neumann U 87 is the gold standard of studio condenser microphones. It was originally designed by Gerhart Bore of Neumann as a solid state replacement for the very successful U 67 tube condenser microphone (somewhat ironically, the U 87 was debuted in 1967). The mic used the new K87 capsule which was sonically identical to the K67 capsule, but utilized phantom power instead of an external PSU. In order to guarantee usability in the absence of a power source, the microphone body was fitted with a pair of 22.5V batteries to power the mic. By 1986, when phantom power had become an industry standard, there was no longer a need for the battery compartment, and so the chamber was modified to house a DC/DC converter instead, and these mics are designated U 87A. The output of this version is 6 dB higher, with a noise floor that is 4 dB lower than the original U 87. Those models that had an XLR connector instead of a Tuchel are designated U 87 Ai.

The U 87's smooth and refined sound is as iconic as its elegant exterior design. It is simply 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.

A STUDIO WORKHORSE

The U 87 is ubiquitous in studios across the world and has been widely used for pop and rock recordings since its introduction. Its fidelity and midrange presence make it indispensable as a vocal microphone. Due to the balanced response in each of its three directional patterns, the U 87 can be used on anything from acoustic guitar to drum overheads. Its solid bass response and excellent midrange detail make it great for placing in front of bass and guitar cabinets. For classical recordings, the U 87 is frequently used as a spot mic for soloists, e.g. cello. A stereo pair of U 87s is the preferred choice of many engineers for recording piano in virtually any genre from pop and jazz to classical music.