Neumann U87 Ai Microphone Only

For over five decades, the Neumann U 87 Ai has defined what a professional studio microphone should sound like. This legendary condenser microphone, first introduced in 1967, continues to be the gold standard in recording studios worldwide. Its distinctive tapered body and iconic headgrille design have become synonymous with studio quality, while its sound has shaped countless hit records and radio broadcasts throughout its remarkable history.

The U 87 Ai's reputation stems from its exceptional balance of linearity and character. Despite featuring a remarkably flat on-axis frequency response, this large diaphragm condenser possesses an unmistakable charisma that simply sounds right. Built using the same dual diaphragm capsule design as its legendary predecessor, the U 67, the U 87 Ai employs a sophisticated FET circuit with minimal signal path and transformer balanced output to ensure maximum signal integrity and superior common mode rejection.

Vocalists and engineers consistently praise the U 87 Ai as the ultimate choice for speech and vocal applications, including voice-over work, dubbing, and audiobook production. Its natural midrange presence and clarity make it equally suited to a wide range of instruments, from acoustic guitar and drum overheads to bass and guitar cabinets. Many engineers favour stereo pairs of U 87 Ais for piano recording across all genres, while classical recording engineers frequently select it as a spot microphone for soloists such as cello.

The microphone offers three selectable polar patterns (omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8), plus switchable low cut and pad options for maximum versatility. With a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, very low self-noise, and a rated impedance of 200 ohms, the U 87 Ai maintains its position as an indispensable tool in any serious recording environment.