Neumann
U 87 Ai
Best professional studio microphone for capturing pristine vocals and instruments.
The Neumann U 87 Ai is a legendary large-diaphragm condenser microphone, celebrated for its warm, balanced sound ideal for vocals and instruments across genres. Its iconic design and versatile multi-pattern capability make it a studio staple. This microphone excels for orchestras, broadcasting, film, and television, featuring a switchable low-frequency roll-off and a 10 dB pad for handling high sound pressure levels up to 127 dB. Handcrafted in Germany, it includes a shock mount and wooden box for premium protection and portability.
$619.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
105
/ 3337
#105 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+22%
Above average
Acoustical operating principle
Pressure gradient transducer
/ Pressure gradient transducer
Who it's for
- Professional engineers seeking a reliable, versatile studio workhorse
- Serious investors prioritizing long-term equipment durability and resale value
- Versatile recordists needing multiple patterns for diverse studio applications
Who should skip it
- Independent creators working with limited or entry-level budgets
- Home studio owners lacking professional-grade acoustic treatment and preamps
- Specialized recordists capturing extremely quiet, delicate acoustic sources
Performance breakdown
Vocal Clarity
Captures nuanced vocal performances with unmatched presence and professional detail.
Versatility
Equally adept at tracking delicate acoustic instruments and powerful studio vocals.
Build Quality
Rugged construction ensures this microphone remains a studio staple for decades.
Self-Noise
Extremely low noise floor allows for clean, transparent recordings in quiet environments.
Frequency Response
Balanced, natural sound profile that requires minimal post-processing or heavy EQ.
Ease of Integration
Standard XLR connectivity makes it compatible with virtually any professional interface.
Key Specs
Acoustical operating principle
Pressure gradient transducer
Directional pattern
Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8
Frequency range
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
20/28/22 mV/Pa
Rated impedance
200 Ohms
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted
15/12/14 dB-A
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%
117 dB (cardioid)
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% with preattenuation
127 dB
Features
- Legendary studio standard for professional recordings
- Versatile multi-pattern selection for any recording scenario
- Warm and balanced sonic performance
- Handles high sound pressure levels up to 127 dB
- Switchable low-frequency roll-off reduces proximity effect
- Includes shock mount and protective wooden box
- Crafted in Germany for exceptional quality
- Minimal signal path for pristine audio
What customers say
Professionals view the Neumann U 87 Ai as an essential, foundational tool in audio production. The overwhelmingly positive sentiment centers on its legendary status and unparalleled versatility. Users consistently praise its signature sound: a smooth, detailed, and authoritative presence perfect for vocals, guitars, and more. Reviewers highlight the microphone's robust build quality, confirming it is a reliable, long-term investment. While the price is high, the consensus is that the U 87 Ai justifies its cost through sonic consistency and its role as an industry standard. Many engineers consider it the indispensable microphone for achieving world-class results.
Know before you buy
The U 87 Ai is favored for its signature warm, balanced frequency response that naturally complements the human voice. Its ability to capture detail without sounding harsh makes it a reliable choice for almost any vocal style or genre.
Yes, the microphone features a switchable 10 dB pad that allows it to handle sound pressure levels up to 127 dB. This makes it capable of recording louder instruments without introducing unwanted distortion.
The U 87 Ai offers omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8 patterns, giving you control over how much room sound you capture. Cardioid is best for isolating a single source, while omni and figure-8 are excellent for capturing natural room ambience or recording two performers simultaneously.
Yes, the switchable low-frequency roll-off is specifically designed to counteract the proximity effect, which is the unnatural bass boost that occurs when a singer is very close to the microphone. It helps keep your recordings clean and prevents the low end from becoming muddy.
This microphone requires 48V phantom power to operate. You will need an audio interface or a dedicated preamp that provides this voltage via an XLR connection.
The U 87 Ai comes with a high-quality shock mount to isolate the microphone from vibrations and a sturdy wooden box for secure storage and transport.
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$619