The Neumann U 87 Ai is the modern incarnation of a true studio legend. First introduced in 1967, the U 87 quickly became a favorite among engineers and producers, and by the mid-1970s it was a fixture in every world-class recording studio. Decades later, it remains one of the most widely used microphones in professional sessions, appearing on vocals, piano, drums, guitar cabinets, brass, strings, and countless other sources.
Its enduring popularity comes from exceptional audio fidelity, legendary reliability, and outstanding versatility. With three selectable polar patterns, a switchable highpass filter, and a 10dB pre-attenuation pad, the U 87 Ai is an ideal choice for a broad range of recording techniques and applications.
When fidelity, clarity, and authoritative presence matter, the U 87 Ai delivers with its ruler-flat midrange and gentle presence boost. It is renowned for vocal recording, helping voices sit perfectly in a mix, and has been featured on innumerable iconic recordings. From grand and upright pianos to acoustic instruments and amplifiers, the U 87 Ai consistently provides balanced, natural results.
The U 87 Ai offers three switchable polar patterns — omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8 — giving engineers the flexibility to explore a wide range of recording techniques. Using matched U 87 Ai microphones enables classic stereo configurations such as A/B, X-Y, Blumlein, ORTF, and mid-side, making it equally suitable for solo sources, ensembles, and orchestral recordings.
Produced from 1967 until 1986, the original U 87 was succeeded by the current U 87 Ai, which features updated electronic components while retaining the original capsule design. The modern circuitry increases operational headroom, delivers 10dB higher sensitivity at identical sound pressure levels, and improves the signal-to-noise ratio by 3dB.
For loud sound sources, the U 87 Ai includes a switchable 10dB pre-attenuation pad, allowing it to handle sound pressure levels up to 127dB. This makes it ideal for close-miking drums or high-output guitar amplifiers.
An additional low-frequency cutoff switch reduces unwanted rumble and compensates for proximity effect when the microphone is placed close to a source, ensuring clean and controlled low-end response.
Founded in 1928 by Georg Neumann, the company has long been synonymous with uncompromising quality. Every microphone bearing the Neumann diamond is handcrafted in Germany by skilled technicians and subjected to rigorous quality control, ensuring consistency and reliability across every unit produced.
The U 87 Ai capsule is manufactured with extreme precision, with tolerances measured in microns and a gold-sputtered diaphragm only atoms thick. Assembly takes place in state-of-the-art clean-room conditions to prevent contamination that could affect sonic performance.
Neumann maintains exceptionally tight tolerances across all microphones, ensuring consistent sound from unit to unit. This allows engineers to confidently use multiple U 87 Ai microphones together for accurate stereo imaging and repeatable, world-class results.
The Neumann U 87 Ai has been the world’s most widely used studio microphone for over 50 years. Renowned for its balanced frequency response, exceptionally low self-noise, and unmistakable classic sound, it remains the benchmark by which all other studio microphones are measured.
The Neumann U 87 Ai is arguably the best-known and most frequently used studio microphone in the world. Its smooth, refined sound is as iconic as its elegant design. As the standard microphone for speech and vocals, it delivers consistent, authoritative results across countless professional applications.
With three selectable polar patterns, along with switchable pad and low-cut options, the U 87 Ai adapts effortlessly to a wide range of recording scenarios.
First introduced in 1967, the U 87 Ai has shaped the sound of countless hit records for more than five decades. From legendary recording sessions to radio broadcast studios, it has been a constant presence. To this day, no professional recording studio is complete without a Neumann U 87 Ai.
The U 87 Ai defines what a large-diaphragm condenser microphone looks and sounds like. Its iconic body and headgrille design, combined with its unmistakable sonic signature, have made it the gold standard in studio recording.
The U 87 Ai is built on a timeless design philosophy that has remained consistent for decades. It features the same dual-diaphragm condenser capsule concept as the legendary U 67, paired with a unique FET-based head amplifier, minimal signal path, and transformer-balanced output for maximum signal integrity.
This engineering approach results in unmatched clarity, natural tone, and a signature midrange presence. The U 87 Ai excels as a vocal and speech microphone, while its balanced response in all three polar patterns makes it equally suitable for acoustic instruments, drum overheads, guitar and bass cabinets, classical soloists, and piano recordings across all genres.
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional |
| Diaphragm Size | 1" (25.4mm) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz–20kHz |
| Maximum SPL | 117dB (Cardioid), 127dB with 10dB pad |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 82dB (Cardioid), 79dB (Omni), 80dB (Figure-8) |
| Self Noise | 12dB (Cardioid), 15dB (Omni), 14dB (Figure-8) |
| Low Cut Filter | Yes |
| Pad | -10dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Color | Matte Black |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Wooden Box |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 007023 UPC: 615104070233 |
