Universal Audio
Universal Audio Bock 187 FET Condenser Microphone
Best studio condenser for vocalists seeking a rich, classic sound.
The Universal Audio Bock 187 FET Condenser Microphone offers the coveted sound of the legendary U87, enhanced with modern sonic improvements by David Bock. This large-diaphragm, cardioid condenser mic is meticulously handcrafted at UA's Custom Shop in California. Featuring minimalist Class A FET circuitry and a substantial Cinemag output transformer, it delivers rich bass frequencies. Engage the unique "fat" mode for an extended low-frequency boost, enhancing dynamic range and fullness for vocals and instruments, making it a studio cornerstone.
$1249.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
193
/ 1735
#193 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+146%
Above average
Type
FET Condenser Microphone
/ FET Condenser Microphone
Who it's for
- Engineers seeking boutique sonic character and premium component quality
- Producers needing extra low-end weight for thin vocal tracks
- Studio owners investing in long-term, road-ready professional gear
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious home recordists seeking value-oriented microphone solutions
- Engineers requiring versatile polar patterns for complex stereo recording
- Recordists demanding a perfectly transparent and neutral frequency response
Performance breakdown
Sonic Character
Captures the legendary golden-unit warmth with modern, refined clarity.
Build Quality
Handcrafted in the California Custom Shop for professional-grade studio longevity.
Low-End Versatility
The unique fat mode provides essential weight for thin-sounding sources.
Vocal Performance
Delivers a polished, radio-ready presence that sits perfectly in any mix.
Circuitry Precision
Minimalist Class A FET design ensures a clean, transparent signal path.
Instrument Sensitivity
Large Cinemag transformer handles high-transient sources with impressive depth and detail.
Key Specs
Type
FET Condenser Microphone
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Diaphragm Size
Large-diaphragm
Circuitry
Minimalist Class A FET
Transformer
Large Cinemag output transformer
Special Feature
Unique "fat" mode (10 Hz to 400 Hz boost)
Intended Use
Vocals and instruments
Model Number
MIC-UA187
Features
- Iconic "golden-unit" mic sound
- Modern sonic enhancements by David Bock
- Handmade at UA Custom Shop
- Large Cinemag output transformer
- Unique "fat" mode for low-frequency boost
- Minimalist Class A FET circuitry
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Ideal for vocals and instruments
What customers say
The Universal Audio Bock 187 FET Microphone is celebrated for its exceptional sonic clarity and versatility across various sources like vocals and guitars. A standout feature is the transformative 'Fat' switch, which users say adds desirable low-end warmth and girth while preserving high-frequency detail. This unique character elevates the Bock 187 above standard FET condensers. Reviewers agree that the premium price is justified by the superior component quality, meticulous build standard, and outstanding audio performance. Many professionals consider this microphone a long-term studio asset, valuing its reliability and characterful sound. Overall satisfaction is extremely high for this high-performance tool.
Know before you buy
The 'fat' mode applies a low-frequency boost between 10 Hz and 400 Hz. It is designed to add weight and body to thin-sounding vocals or instruments, providing a fuller, more authoritative tone.
While it captures the essence of the classic 'golden-unit' sound, it is not a direct clone. David Bock has incorporated modern sonic enhancements and a unique Class A FET circuit to provide a refined, contemporary take on that legendary character.
Because it is a condenser microphone, you will need an audio interface that provides 48V phantom power via an XLR connection. It is compatible with any standard professional or home studio interface that meets these requirements.
Yes, it is highly versatile. The large-diaphragm design and the ability to toggle the 'fat' mode make it an excellent choice for acoustic guitars, percussion, and amplifiers, in addition to vocal recording.
The Bock 187 works well with a wide variety of preamps. Its minimalist Class A FET circuitry is designed to be transparent and reliable, allowing it to pair effectively with both clean, high-headroom preamps and those with more distinct color.
This microphone features a fixed cardioid polar pattern. This makes it ideal for studio environments where you want to focus on the sound source directly in front of the mic while rejecting unwanted noise from the back and sides.
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$1249