The Neumann U87 AI is one of the most respected names in studio condenser microphones, and it remains a favorite among producers and engineers despite its high price. This review covers its history, features, specs, pros, cons, and whether it’s worth the investment.
Quick verdict: a premium studio standard worth the investment for professional vocal and instrument recording. It’s overkill if you’re just starting out or working with a simpler USB-based setup.
Neumann U87 AI Review
The original Neumann U87 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that debuted in 1967, known for its transparent, accurate sound reproduction. It’s been used on countless studio albums since then.
The AI version arrived in 1986, bringing several improvements over the original U87, including more durable brass construction, an improved shock-mount system, different available capsules, and other refinements.
This mic remains so well regarded in music recording that many producers still choose it despite its high price tag, simply because of how reliably it performs.
Neumann U87 AI Features
The U87 AI includes a three-pattern switch covering cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 patterns, along with a -10dB attenuation setting for handling loud sound sources. It also has an internal high-pass filter with a steep 18dB per octave slope, switchable between 80Hz, 100Hz, and 160Hz.
It measures roughly 15 inches in length with a diameter of about 2 inches, and weighs around 5 pounds, making it noticeably heavier than many other microphones. That weight comes largely from its sturdy, durable construction.
Sound Quality
The U87 AI records vocals and instruments with warmth and accuracy, without coloring the sound the way many other condenser mics do. Neumann specifically designed this mic to capture sound as naturally as possible. For more on how this microphone type works generally, see our guide on what a condenser microphone is.
When recording drums, it brings out the nuance of each individual drum in a kit, capturing fine detail across the full range of percussion.
Performance
The U87 AI performs excellently in both studio and live settings. It has a comprehensive frequency response, letting it handle a wide range of sound sources effectively. It’s also a genuinely durable microphone, so day-to-day handling isn’t a major concern.
Connectivity
The Neumann U87 AI is a true condenser microphone that connects via a standard 3-pin XLR cable and requires 48V phantom power to operate, the same powering standard used by most professional studio condenser microphones. It does not use USB connectivity, so you’ll need an audio interface or mixer with phantom power support to use it. For more on how that works, see our guide on what an audio interface is.
Overall, the U87 AI is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a true studio-standard condenser microphone. It’s well built, accurate, and versatile, making it a strong fit for both studio and live performance recording.
Neumann U87 AI Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Directional pattern | Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8 |
| Frequency range | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Sensitivity at 1kHz into 1k ohm | 20/28/22mV/Pa ±1dB (omni/cardioid/figure-8) |
| Rated impedance | 200 ohms |
| Rated load impedance | 1k ohms |
The microphone ships with a pop filter, a shock mount system for isolating it from vibration and other disturbances, a micro-fleece-covered storage box, a swivel mount also covered in micro-fleece, a 5/8-inch to 3/8-inch gold-plated thread adapter, and a winding cloth designed to remove potential resonance in the frame when wrapped around the mic body. Everything you need to start recording comes included in the box.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very versatile studio microphone
- Three directional patterns to choose from
- Subtle, distinctive voice character that’s instantly recognizable
- Hand-built by experienced technicians
Cons
- High price point
FAQ
What type of microphone is the Neumann U87?
The U87 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone, and it’s been an industry standard for decades. Large-diaphragm condensers like this one offer a rich, full response even as a singer moves closer to or farther from the mic, and they tend to flatter most sound sources by making recordings feel more vibrant.
When did Neumann begin making the U87?
The original CMV3, often called the Neumann Bottle, was created by Georg Neumann in 1928. Phantom power was first introduced into microphone design and manufacturing in the 1960s. By the mid-1970s, the U87 had become a staple in top recording studios worldwide. In 1986, Neumann released the U87 AI, which went on to become one of the brand’s best-known microphones.
What’s the difference between the Neumann U87 and U87 AI?
The original U87 used a polarization voltage of 46V, without a DC-DC converter present. Later, standard 48V phantom power was paired with a DC-DC converter, which shifted the microphone’s sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio slightly. Compared to the original U87, the AI version sounds a touch more spacious at the top end, with a bit more air in the high frequencies. In most practical recording situations, the difference between the two is fairly subtle.
Conclusion
The Neumann U87 AI is a strong choice for a studio mic in any professional recording setup. Its sound quality is excellent, with a rich, warm overall character.
Clear highs, deep lows, and a strong frequency response make this mic a genuine must-have for studios focused on vocal recording. It isn’t cheap, but it’s hard to find a serious studio that doesn’t already have one.
Before buying, check the latest price and availability, since pricing and product availability can change over time. For more microphone reviews, see our guides on the HyperX QuadCast and Fifine T669, and our review of Rode NTK vs K2 if you’re comparing other premium tube condenser options.
