Neumann U87 Ai Studio Set ni

Start 360°

Condenser Studio Microphone

Pressure gradient transducer
Polar pattern: Cardioid, omni and figure-8
Switchable 10 dB attenuation (pad)
Nominal impedance: 200 Ohm
Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kOhm: 20/28/22 mV/Pa ± 1 dB (omni/cardioid/figure-8)
Max. sound pressure level for k < 0.5%: 117 dB (cardioid)
Max. SPL (sound pressure level) for k < 0.5% with pre-attenuation: 127 dB
48 V phantom power required
Dimensions (Ø x L): 56 x 200 mm
Weight: 500 g
Finish: Nickel
Set includes Neumann EA87 elastic shock mount and wooden case

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since January 2012
Item number 276800
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Tube No
Switchable Polar Pattern Yes
Omnidirectional Yes
Cardioid Yes
Figure-8 Yes
Low Cut Yes
Pad Yes
shockmount included Yes
USB Microphone No

$2,999

The shipping costs are calculated on the checkout page.

Sales Rank

in Large Diaphragm Microphones

Bundles & offers

Create your own bundle

starting from $3,799

Up to 5% discount

A true classic

The Neumann U87, one of the first FET microphones, has been in continuous production since 1967, making it the world's oldest condenser mic still on sale today. From the very start, it ran on a 48V phantom power supply – which would go on to become the industry standard. Some models, such as the U87 i, could also be powered by two batteries, while the U87 Ai (introduced in 1986, back without the battery compartment this time) offers a significantly higher output level and lower self-noise compared to its predecessors. If any microphone deserves the title of a studio standard, it's this classic, with the U87 Ai being especially favoured by broadcasters and vocalists – although its versatility makes this microphone a valuable asset for virtually any recording scenario. This Neumann Studio Set also includes the manufacturer's proprietary EA 87 shock mount, to reduce handling noise to a professional level, as well as a very high-end wooden case.

Neumann U87 Ai Studio Set Nickel, in wooden case

All the options

Although the Neumann U87 Ai is optimised for the cardioid polar pattern and offers an impressively linear frequency response, its omnidirectional and figure-8 patterns are far more than just added extras. The omnidirectional mode excels at room miking, while the figure-8 pattern will prove useful as a side mic for mid/side stereo recording: It's also an appealing alternative for vocal recordings, delivering a subtle vintage character with less proximity bass rumble than traditional ribbon microphones with figure-8 polar patterns. The elastic ribbons on Neumann's pro-grade shock mount allow the mic to almost hover in the air, massively attenuating external vibrations that the mic could otherwise pick up as handling noise.

Capsule of the Neumann U87 Ai large-membrane condenser microphone

The sound of Neumann

Speech and vocals particularly stand to benefit from the Neumann U87 Ai's signature midrange character and rich, full-bodied Neumann sound. While other microphones may boast an impressive deep bass response or a shimmering high end, the U87 Ai focuses on what truly matters – a balanced sound where the vital midrange remains clear and unmasked by extreme frequencies. Its forgiving nature and wide sweet spot ensure a consistent bass response, even if the speaker or singer moves during recording, allowing a more natural and expressive performance.

About Neumann

Georg Neumann GmbH was founded in Berlin in 1928 - and is certainly one of the most famous brands of microphones in the world. However, this is not the company's only sphere of activity. For many years, the versatile inventor and pioneer Georg Neumann was also involved with vinyl record cutting machines and the development of rechargeable batteries. The technology he developed is still the basis for this now crucial and rapidly expanding market. What is more, for many years the company built highly personalised sound control systems for broadcast studios/theatres and concert halls, and for several years also studio monitors. In 1991, Neumann became part of the Sennheiser group of companies, and in 1999 was the first German company to receive the Technical Grammy for their overall technical achievements.

Flexible reliability, reliable flexibility

Of course, this superbly crafted microphone will deliver outstanding results when recording instruments, as well as voices, and thanks to its switchable 10dB pad, this microphone can handle guitar and bass amps with ease. When it comes to acoustic guitar accompaniment, on the other hand, a subtle and unobtrusive tone is needed; the Neumann U87 Ai is equally suited to this task, too. It's also a popular choice as an overhead microphone for drums – though users need to be aware of potential distortion, due to its relatively low maximum sound pressure level of 127dB (with pad): That said, however, a touch of crunch can sometimes add exactly the right character to a track.

This is what customers who viewed this product bought

Rode NT1-A Complete Vocal Recording

Rode NT1 Signature Black

$135

bought

Neumann TLM 103 Studio Set

$1,245

141 Customer ratings

5 135 Customers 4 4 Customers 3 1 Customer 2 0 Customers 1 1 Customer

4.9 / 5

features

sound

quality

Review guidelines

94 Reviews

Industry Standard for a reason

Matthew3022 25.04.2015

You'll read a lot of good things and bad things about this mic, especially on gearslutz where they can get amusingly emotional. A small but vehement crowd says the newer version (ai) sounds bad and nothing like the cherished vintage U87. I've owned a few vintage U87s, and I actually prefer the new ones (although they sound very similar). The older version might be a bit more forgiving due to the distortion in the upper freqs which can help mask a singer who is not on pitch. But if you are a good singer, you'll want the newer version: lower noise floor and more accurate picture.

Here's one thing that just about everyone agrees on with regard to this mic: It doesn't always sound the best on a given source, but it always sounds professional and good enough -- and your track will sit well in a mix. It's very true. I can find better mics for my voice in this price range, but that mic might sound bad on the guitar or something. So the nice thing about the U87 is that it sounds acceptable on everything. What have I recorded with it? Lots of things: vocals, guitars, drums, sound fx, claps, hand percussion, piano, melodica, vibraphone, and more. It always sounds good!

Report

Do you believe this rating to be inaccurate or unacceptable for some reason? Please give us the reason for your assessment in the following text box and – if possible – your e-mail address for further questions.

extra 10 percent

JohnnyPope 24.04.2025

I've used it for the last 7 years, and I just now remebered to review it. What can I say other than everything that's been said? It's the mic for everything, if you position it well, and use a quality preamp, it's going to shine.
My personal observations for this model are:
1. It doesn't suit every voice, especially not the muffled and boxy ones, because the low-mids have a tendency to be more present with this mic.
2. Those beefy low-mids are an advantage when dealing with thin sounding instruments, like every kind of high-pitched string, or high register flutes etc.
3. It helped me train my ears, and understand much more about quality sound. I upgraded from a Rode NT-2A, and my first impression was that it lacks definition or spark. Quickly understood that it doesn't have that high-bump that many mics do, it's much more linear, and once I figured the eq curves needed, everything began to reveal in a greater quality, and a silky top-end.
4. Low-end it's gorgeous, I tracked an upright bass, and it handled it so well, so clean, no distortion no artefacts, Just pure instrument. Cello, tenor sax, skin hand-drums, everything sounds like fat butter :)) of course, you must play with mic-positioning first.

Conclusion: In the last 7 years I had the budget to upgrade, and I thought of it for a while. But after good analysis, I came to the conclusion that there's no actual sound that I couldn't achieve easily with the U87 Ai. And any upgrade would be just a new toy, just a gear addictive satisfaction. So that's my honest review of this workhorse. You can't mess up with it. Good musical performance translates perfectly, if the recording engineer knows his job.

Report

Only U87 Ai Sounds like U87

Hannu L. 13.07.2014

Good in everything, outstanding in vocals, acoustic guitars... If I had only mic to choose from - I'd pick Neumann U87 Ai. I sincerely recommend this microphone from the bottom of my heart. Only Neumann U87 Ai sounds like U87 Ai. Have used with UA 6176, Apollo Quad and Golden Age Project Pre - 73's and it sounds awesome. Have use it as the main mic with Coles 4038 and Golden Age Project FC4 and the blend that these microphones achieve in recording acoustic guitar through UA Apollo Quad and it's Console preamps 610-A is magic. And sounds are easy to mix in "the box" in Logic Pro X. Don't buy any Rode-crap etc., save and get the real deal!
Peace
~H~

Report

Super Great mic, ?Elastic Microphone Shock Mount? problem

lajosmagda 19.02.2018

The Neumann U87 is of course the best classic microphone sound I?ve ever had. :-) I always wanted to have one, and I?m extremely happy whit it.
But the ?Elastic Microphone Shock Mount? that comes in the kit is unfortunately garbage. That never held the microphone properly from the very first time. :-( And it?s fairly unbelievable, that a more then 2500 Euro studio mic comes with a holder like this. So I would recommend to not buy in the kit, get the mic only and find a proper holder for your mic that really deserve it.

Report

Read all reviews

Neumann U87 Ai Studio Set ni

Condenser Studio Microphone