Neumann U87 Ai Black

A Legend Born in 1967, a Pillar of the Neumann Range

Introduced in 1967, the U 87 established itself as a professional recording standard, becoming a mental image of the "studio microphone": a slender silhouette, iconic large grille, and a sonic signature present across decades of productions. The U 87 Ai version continues this tradition with an approach faithful to Neumann's DNA: a dual-diaphragm capsule design inherited from the brand's flagship models, combined with modern, stable electronics designed for today's studio environments.

A Microphone Designed for Vocals... and Much More

The Neumann U 87 Ai is often chosen as the primary vocal microphone thanks to its natural rendering and pronounced midrange presence, ideal for placing a voice at the center of the mix without harshness. It also excels in spoken voice applications (voice-over, dubbing, high-end podcasting, audiobooks) when articulation, depth, and coherence are sought, with an immediately "pro" texture.

Its versatility goes far beyond: acoustic guitar, drum overheads, guitar and bass amps, classic spot miking (e.g., cello), and even piano in stereo pair. The three polar patterns allow optimizing the recording according to the room, source, and desired amount of ambiance, while maintaining a stable and balanced timbre.

A Classic Design Serving a Timeless Sonic Signature

Dual-Diaphragm Capsule and Pressure Gradient Transducer

The U 87 Ai is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone based on a pressure gradient transducer and a dual-diaphragm capsule. This architecture contributes to its ability to combine controlled frequency response and character: a precise reproduction, yet never clinical, with that "something" that flatters the source and facilitates placement in a mix.

FET Electronics, Minimal Signal Path, and Transformer Output

The head amplifier relies on a FET circuit with a reduced signal path and a transformer-balanced output. This approach aims for robust signal transmission, good interference rejection in studio environments, and stability that has greatly contributed to the model's reputation in demanding sessions.

Dynamic Control and Handling of Loud Sources

With a high maximum SPL and a pad allowing for greater headroom, the U 87 Ai can also be considered for powerful sources (amps, percussion, close miking), while maintaining detailed midrange reproduction. Paired with a good mic preamp, it becomes a reliable work tool, capable of transitioning from intimate vocals to more energetic takes without losing coherence.

Technical specifications

Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	Capsule	Large Diaphragm
Category	studio microphone	Connection	XLR
Directivity	omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional	Color	Grey

Type	large-diaphragm condenser microphone	Maximum SPL for THD = 0.5%	117 dB (cardioid)
Transducer	pressure gradient	Maximum SPL for THD = 0.5% (pad engaged)	127 dB
Polar patterns	omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8	Maximum output voltage	390 mV
Sensitivity at 1 kHz, 1 kOhm load	20/28/22 mV/Pa	Dynamic range of built-in mic preamp (cardioid position), according to DIN/IEC 651	105 dB
Nominal output impedance	200 ohms	Phantom power voltage	48 V +/- 4 V
Recommended load impedance	1 kOhm	Current consumption	0.8 mA
Equivalent noise level, CCIR weighted	26/23/25 dB	Output connector	XLR 3-pin male
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted	15/12/14 dB-A	Dimensions	200 x 56 mm
Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR (at 94 dB SPL)	68/71/69 dB	Weight	500 g
Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (at 94 dB SPL)	79/82/80 dB