Premium Studio Quality: Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone

The Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone is a truly iconic microphone that has been used in countless recording studios around the world. It provides an incredibly natural and detailed sound, with a low level of noise and excellent transient response. This makes it an ideal choice for vocal recordings, as well as many other studio applications. The U 87 Ai is also equipped with a three-position switchable polar pattern, allowing you to adjust the microphone’s directionality according to your needs. In addition, it features a built-in preamp with variable gain control, so you can dial in the perfect settings for any source material. All in all, the Neumann U 87 Ai is one of the most versatile mics on the market today, making it a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their recording setup.

In terms of design and construction, the Neumann U 87 Ai is definitely worth mentioning. It features a rugged metal body with a matte black finish that looks fantastic and provides excellent protection against dust and other contaminants. Plus, it comes with a shock mount and windscreen to help reduce handling noise and improve sound quality. Overall, this mic is built to last, making it an excellent long-term investment.

Now, let’s take a look at how this mic performs in practice.

Table of Contents

Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone Review

The Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone: The Ultimate Recording Tool

If you’re looking for a microphone that offers the highest quality sound and versatility, the Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone is the perfect choice. This professional-grade microphone is designed to provide superior sound recording in any environment. Whether you’re recording vocals, acoustic instruments, or even digital audio, this microphone has you covered.

Key Features of the Neumann U 87 Ai:
1. Three switchable directional patterns (omni, cardioid, figure-8)
2. High-quality capsule design
3. Low self-noise level of 7 dB-A
4. Highly sensitive transducer system
5. Frequency range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz
6. Designed for high sound pressure levels
7. Handcrafted in Germany

The Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone sets itself apart from other microphones due to its incredible versatility and clarity. It features three switchable directional patterns (omni, cardioid and figure-8) so you can customize your recordings for any situation. With its low self-noise level of 7 dB-A and highly sensitive transducer system, this microphone provides unparalleled accuracy and detail. Plus, its frequency range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz is designed for capturing all types of sounds with maximum clarity. And with its high sound pressure levels, it’s sure to capture all the nuances of your recordings without distortion or disruption. Crafted to exacting standards in Germany, this versatile and dependable microphone is sure to become a favorite in your recording arsenal.

Product Details

≤ 6 mA

Product	Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone
Type	Condenser microphone with switchable pattern
Frequency Range	20 Hz to 20 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio	83 dB (A-weighted)
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%	127/133 dB (for 0/-6/12 dB preattenuation)
Supply Voltage	48 V ± 4 V phantom power or external DC supply (11 to 52 V)
Current Consumption at 48V phantom power	≤ 9 mA (with pad switch pressed)

Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone Pros and Cons

1. Pros

The Neumann U 87 Ai is a professional, switchable studio microphone that offers a wide range of frequency response, excellent sound quality and flexibility.

It features three polar patterns: cardioid, figure-8 and omnidirectional, so you can capture sound from multiple directions.

The mic also has a built-in low-cut filter and pre-attenuation pad to prevent distortion and to give you precise control over the sound.

The U 87 Ai is an excellent choice for recording vocals and instruments in both home and professional studios.

2. Cons

The Neumann U 87 Ai is expensive, so it may not be the best choice for amateur or beginner musicians on a budget.

The mic can be sensitive to noise, so you need to make sure your recording environment is quiet.

It has a bulky design which can be difficult to position properly in certain setups.

If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality microphone for your home or professional studio recordings, then look no further than the Neumann U 87 Ai. This switchable studio microphone provides excellent sound quality with its three different polar patterns – cardioid, figure-8 and omnidirectional – as well as a low-cut filter and pre-attenuation pad to help eliminate distortion. With its advanced features and superior sound fidelity, the U 87 Ai will take your recordings to the next level! Plus, it’s great for recording both vocals and instruments. The only downside is that it’s quite expensive, so it may not be suitable for those on a budget. But if you’re serious about getting top-notch audio recordings, then this mic is definitely worth the investment.

Who are They for

The Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone is a world-renowned classic, trusted as the go-to microphone for countless professional audio applications. The U 87 Ai provides a warm, rich sound that’s perfect for capturing vocals and instruments with precision and clarity. Its switchable pattern allows you to easily adjust the microphone pickup to get the best sound for your recording environment. With its robust construction and low-noise circuitry, the Neumann U 87 Ai is an ideal choice for any home or professional studio.

The U 87 Ai features three directional characteristics: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8. All three settings are optimized for their respective polar patterns, giving you maximum flexibility in the way you capture sound. The microphone also has switchable bass cutoff and -10 dB pad options that allow you to tailor the sound to your preference. Additionally, the integrated pop filter eliminates unwanted plosives from your recordings and helps minimize background noise.

The Neumann U 87 Ai is powered by an external 48V phantom power source, which allows it to work with most audio consoles and preamps. It also includes an integrated shock mount that helps isolate it from vibrations in the studio environment. This makes it perfect for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, strings, drums, amps, and more. With its legendary sound quality and versatile features, the Neumann U 87 Ai is the ultimate choice for professional studios around the world.

My Experience for Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone

I’m in search of the perfect microphone for my studio and I’ve been told that the Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone is the one. It’s a legendary piece of equipment, used by some of the most famous musicians in history!

At first, I was intimidated by its capabilities and hefty price tag. But after doing some research, I discovered just how versatile this microphone is. Not only can it handle both vocal and acoustic instruments, but it also has three directional settings – cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 – to make sure you get the perfect sound every time. And with its integrated preamp, no additional hardware is required to get great results.

What makes this microphone even more special is its ability to switch between different patterns with just a flick of a switch. So when I’m recording an acoustic guitar or a singer at the same time, I can easily switch between the three settings to get optimal sound quality. No need to worry about any technical issues!

Plus, I’ve heard that this microphone is incredibly durable – it can survive years of use without any problems. That means I can rest assured knowing that my investment will last me for many years to come.

The Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone truly is an incredible piece of technology that helps me create amazing recordings every time. I’m so glad I made the decision to purchase it – it was definitely worth every penny!

What I don’t Like

1. Expensive: Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone is a high-end product, and its price is expensive compared to other similar products.
2. Heavy: The weight of the microphone is around 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs), which may be too heavy for some users.
3. Power Requirements: This studio microphone requires 48V phantom power in order to work properly.
4. Not Portable: Due to its size and weight, it is not suitable for field recording or live performances.
5. Sensitive: The microphone has a very sensitive diaphragm, which can easily pick up noise and ambient sound.

How to Achieve Professional Quality Recordings with Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone

The Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone is a highly sought-after microphone in the world of professional recording. It has an iconic design and a sound that is warm, rich, and full-bodied. Whether you are recording vocals, acoustic instruments, or electric guitar amps, the U 87 Ai will capture your sound with extraordinary clarity and realism. Here’s how to get the most out of this studio classic:

Positioning the Microphone

Positioning the microphone correctly is essential for achieving good results. The U 87 Ai works best when placed at a distance of 4-12 inches from the sound source. For vocal recordings, it should be pointed slightly off-axis to avoid any excessive sibilance or harshness in the sound. When recording acoustic instruments, experiment with different microphone positions to find the one that captures the desired tone.

Setting up the Polar Pattern

The U 87 Ai features three switchable polar patterns—omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8—which allow you to tailor your recordings to different situations. When recording vocals, select cardioid mode to focus on the singer’s voice while rejecting unwanted background noise. For acoustic instruments and choirs, omnidirectional mode will provide a more natural sound. And if you need to record two sources simultaneously (e.g., a vocalist and an instrument), select figure-8 mode for optimum separation.

Adding Preamps and Compressors

The U 87 Ai sounds great on its own but can really shine when combined with high-quality preamps and compressors. Try using a tube preamp for added warmth or opt for solid-state preamps if you want a bit more clarity and detail in your recordings. To ensure consistency between takes, adding a compressor can help even out levels and improve overall dynamics.

By following these tips you’ll be able to achieve professional quality recordings with ease using your Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone!

Questions about Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone

What is the Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone?

The Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone is a professional, condenser microphone manufactured by Neumann, one of the world’s leading audio equipment manufacturers. It is ideal for recording music and vocals in both studio and live environments. The microphone has switchable polar patterns, allowing you to capture sound in either cardioid or omnidirectional modes.

What are the features of the Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone?

The Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone offers a wide range of features that make it perfect for capturing high-quality audio recordings. These include a low noise preamp, switchable low-cut filters, and a high-pass filter. The microphone also has three selectable polar patterns (cardioid, omni, and figure-of-eight), making it easy to adjust for different recording environments. Additionally, the Neumann U 87 Ai features an integrated shock mount system for reducing unwanted vibrations and noise during recordings.

How do I set up the Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone?

Setting up the Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone is relatively straightforward. First, plug the microphone into your audio interface using an XLR cable. Next, ensure that your gain levels are set correctly on your audio interface so that you don’t clip or distort your signal when recording. Finally, adjust your polar pattern and other settings as appropriate for your desired recording situation.

Can I use the Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone for live performances?

Yes! The Neumann U 87 Ai Switchable Studio Microphone is designed to be used in both studio and live settings. Its switchable polar patterns allow you to easily adjust for different performance situations, while its built-in shock mount system reduces unwanted vibrations and noise during live performances.

Lawrence Henry

Hi, I’m Lawrence! I’ve always been passionate about technology and gadgets. I love learning new things and exploring the latest advances in electronics. I'm enthusiastic about sharing my knowledge with others and helping them get the most out of their devices.