Introduction
The Neumann U87 is a legendary microphone known for its exceptional sound quality and versatility. Its reputation in the music industry as a top studio microphone precedes it, but does it live up to the hype?
Design and Build
- Robust build quality with a classic design.
- Heavyweight feel ensures stability and durability.
- Features three switchable polar patterns for versatile recording.
Performance
- Captures audio with remarkable clarity and warmth.
- Delivers a natural sound suitable for various instruments and vocals.
- Low noise ensures clean recordings even in quiet environments.
Usability
- Easy to set up and use, ideal for beginners and professionals.
- Comes with a shock mount and windscreen, enhancing its usability.
- Versatile for studio recordings, voiceovers and more.
Pros
- Outstanding sound quality.
- Versatile with switchable polar patterns.
- Durable and reliable build.
- Suitable for various recording purposes.
- Low noise for clean recordings.
Cons
- High price point may be prohibitive for some.
- Requires an external power source (48V phantom power).
Conclusion
The Neumann U87 lives up to its reputation as a top studio microphone, offering exceptional sound quality and versatility. Despite the hefty price tag and the need for phantom power, its great performance and build quality make it a worthy investment for professional audio recording.
MUSIC GAMES AND MORE –
Great mic and pure sound.
ジャパン・アンクル –
説明では一回のみ使用となっていた。見た目も悪そうなところは無かった。音色については手持ちのU87Ai と比較したがそん色は無かった。市場では24～25 万円のところ18万円だったから良い買い物だったと思っている。またU87シリーズが増員となった。
A. Paes –
I bought a Neumann and recieved chinese mic just like it but without the logo.A phony one! I was robbed!!!
J. D. BROWN –
First I want to start by saying that I am an apprenticing sound engineer who aspires to have his own studio one day, and am slowly amassing a collection of audio equipment. I now own 5 microphones, the Blue Baby Bottle, the Blue Woodpecker, an AKG C414 XLS, an AKG C414 XLII, and now, the crown jewel of my collection: the Neumann U87.
It comes boxed in a beautiful rosewood box. It rests perfectly in the foam shaped to fit the microphone inside the box. This and the AKGC414, in my opinion, is the most well packaged microphone on the market, and I would have no reservations about having it shipped. Rest assured it will arrive safe and sound.
Now, on to the microphone. This microphone is simply the best microphone available. It is a classic microphone and has been used for decades in countless hit records. It is one of my most valued tools in my studio, and any studio I visit, I expect them to have it. The signal is perhaps one of the cleanest signals I’ve ever heard. Its amazing, and produces the highest quality audio I have ever seen. The U87 and the AKGC414 are my two favorite microphones. It doesn’t necessarily “blow the competition out of the water”, but it is a noticeable upgrade from the C414. I think this is the best investment I have made in my studio besides my Avalon vt 737sp. I have never had such ease at mastering projects before the U87. It brings out the full character of the voice you are looking to record. It is ideal for nearly any recording situation, close miking a vocalist, or even recording an entire orchestra ensemble: this microphone truly delivers. Even though it only has 3 cardioid patterns, they are the three most useful, and I doubt the others will be mixed. If I truly need a different pattern, I just switch to the C414. I breeze through projects now that I have this microphone, sometimes I have to do hardly any EQing to achieve the sound that satisfies me.
You will not be disappointed in this microphone. Please be sure you know what you’re doing before making an investment in a microphone like this. You can’t just plug this into your computer and get professional results. You will need a high quality preamp (i use the Avalon vt 737sp) and a high quality ADC (analog to digital converter). If you don’t have these things, don’t come crying to Amazon saying that it can be compared to much cheaper microphones (like a certain Amazon reviewer who will go unnamed). If you are a professional audio engineer, or just someone with a project studio that truly wants the best sound available, this is the microphone with you.
Just get it, you’ll never look back.
sdarr –
Can you use a clone and get good results? Sure. Will you get the same high end sparkle and mojo you get with a REAL NEUMAN U87 AI, ABSOLUTELY NOT! Let’s be honest, anyone that doesn’t understand WHY one should pay this amount for a real Neuman, is not musically experienced enough to know the difference from a dime a dozen harsh Chinese Mic, and what this microphone has to offer. There is a reason it is trusted in any serious studio.
It will sound GREAT on MOST voices. It sounds incredible in the mix. Hands down, a studio favorite.
Don’t be fooled by the haters who wish they had a real U87 AI. It’s a shame that people can leave reviews here that have never even HEARD the mic or understand the art of professional audio engineering.
I tried every clone in the book trying to convince myself they would be close enough to a real U87 AI. They aren’t close.
Pareto principle in full effect. You can pay 20% the cost of the U87 for a clone, and get 80% of the sound quality of a U87 AI. But you truly must pay the extra 80% to get that last finishing touch Grammy Record last 20% magic that ONLY a REAL Neuman U87 AI will give you.
It brings out all the nuances in my voice and truly gives me more confidence as a singer. It captures unique qualities in my voice that no other mic is able to capture. Pair it with a Vintech X73i for a little extra grit and character. Or you can dial it into a Great River MP-500NV for the best of both worlds, but providing a tad more smooth buttery softness. Ad an API 512C, and you’ll enjoy a nice punchy, aggressive quality to this mic. Sure, these pre-amps are great, but the point is this microphone ROCKS and I don’t have to wonder anymore. I own it, and it performs incredibly. End of story. Buy this microphone if you can afford it, or heck…maybe even if you can’t afford. You won’t be sorry. There is a reason these mics retain their value.
You get what you pay for.
Enjoy!
In Summary. Yes. It’s all that.
Ian North –
When I owned I.N.S. Recording in New York City this was our main vocal mic. That was from 1981 to 1993. At that time if you did not own this mic you would not be considered a professional studio. We had platinum albums that were recorded using this mic. That said, while this is a very accurate mic, I would not choose this to record vocals or acoustic instruments today. Indeed, I would choose an M Audio Sputnik over this, which has a more modern and flattering sound and is a fraction of the cost. For this kind of money the sound should be magic and it is not.
JW –
Industry standard microphone for a reason. Yes, it’s *really* expensive. Yes, it’s a also just a little bit better. What mic to pick depends on who is singing and what kind of tone you want out of their voice. The Neumann U87 might not be the exact sound everyone is looking for but it’s a standard for a reason. You may or may not like a different mic for a specific application but there is nothing you can fault the U87 for. If I had to pick just one mic from my collection, this would be it.