Neumann U87 AI Stereo Set

A Studio Classic, Now a Production Reference

The U 87 is one of the most recognizable and widely used studio microphones worldwide, present for decades on countless vocals, acoustic guitars, pianos, strings, and ambient recordings. The U87 Ai continues this "classic Neumann" sound aesthetic with a large-diaphragm dual-diaphragm capsule, while integrating modernized electronics compared to the U 87 i models (produced from 1967 to 1986). The capsule remains unchanged, but the circuit evolution provides greater operational dynamic range, increased sensitivity, and improved signal-to-noise ratio, making it a particularly solid choice for current productions, from demanding home studios to broadcast and post-production environments.

Who Is This Stereo Set For and What Are Its Best Uses?

The U87 Ai Stereo Set is aimed at sound engineers, artistic directors, recording studios, content creators, location sound recordists, and musicians who want a versatile and immediately usable pair of microphones. On vocals, it excels equally in singing and spoken voice thanks to detailed reproduction and transient handling that remains natural even at close proximity. In stereo, having two U87 Ai microphones allows capturing a piano, an acoustic guitar, drum overheads, a string quartet, or room ambience with timbral coherence and placement flexibility enabled by the three polar patterns. It is also an excellent pair for orchestra recording (main or spot microphones), as well as for film and television, where clarity and bass control are essential.

Key Features and Developments: Control, Versatility, and Wide Operating Range

Large-Diaphragm Capsule and Switchable Polar Patterns

The U87 Ai is a side-address microphone: the Neumann logo is oriented toward the source. The dual-diaphragm capsule, mounted on a suspension and protected by a large grille, offers three selectable polar patterns via a switch under the grille: omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional (figure-8). In cardioid and bidirectional modes, the frequency response remains very flat for frontal incidence, including in the high frequencies, allowing close miking without unnecessary harshness while maintaining the definition expected from a reference microphone.

Pad and High-Pass Filter: Integrated Studio Tools

At the rear of the microphone, the 10 dB pad reduces sensitivity and allows handling high sound pressure levels without distortion. The high-pass filter effectively attenuates subsonic interference and excessive low frequencies. It also compensates for the proximity effect, particularly useful on vocals, brass, or instruments recorded closely. In cardioid pattern, the response remains flat up to a distance of 30 to 40 cm, and up to 15 to 20 cm in bidirectional, which helps quickly choose a working distance consistent with the desired tonal color.

"Ai" Electronics: More Sensitivity, Better Signal-to-Noise Ratio

The "Ai" generation differs from the U 87 i by modifications to the electronic components. The circuit increases the operational dynamic range by passing the capsule polarization voltages through a lower-value resistor. Practically, this results in a 10 dB increase in sensitivity for the same sound pressure level, as well as a 3 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio. The result: a microphone even more comfortable in modern chains, capable of delivering a robust and clean signal while retaining the signature and versatility that made the model famous.

Set Contents: this pack is described as including two U87 Ai microphones, protective pouches, and an aluminum transport case. Depending on the mentioned configuration, EA 87 elastic suspensions may be included; however, a precise note also states that the EA 87 suspension can be optional. Therefore, the exact contents may vary according to the delivered version.

Technical specifications

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

Acoustic operating principle	Pressure gradient transducer	Dynamic range of the integrated mic preamp (cardioid position), according to DIN/IEC 651	105 dB
Polar patterns	Omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional (figure-8)	Nominal output impedance	200 Ohms
Sensitivity at 1 kHz, 1 kOhm load	20/28/22 mV/Pa (1)	Recommended load impedance	1 kOhm
Equivalent noise level, according to CCIR	26/23/25 dB (1) (2)	Output connector	XLR 3-pin male
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted	15/12/14 dB-A (1) (2)	Phantom power voltage	48 V +/- 4 V
Signal-to-noise ratio, according to CCIR (at 94 dB SPL)	68/71/69 dB (1) (2)	Current consumption	0.8 mA
Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (at 94 dB SPL)	79/82/80 dB (1) (2)	Weight	500 g
Maximum SPL for THD = 0.5%	117 dB (cardioid) (3)	Diameter	56 mm
Maximum SPL for THD = 0.5%, pad engaged	127 dB (3)	Length	200 mm
Maximum output voltage	390 mV	Note	indication provided that the microphone may be sold without the optional EA 87 suspension