Departments > Pro Audio & Recording > Microphones & Vocal Processors > Mics - Large Diaphragm Condensor > Neumann > U 87 Ai Set Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Nickel

Neumann

U 87 Ai Set Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Nickel

SKU: # 369346   |   Model: # U 87 AI SET   |    Product Reviews1 Reviews  Write a Review

U 87 Ai Set Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Nickel

Additional Photos:

U 87 Ai Set Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Nickel
U 87 Ai Set Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Nickel
U 87 Ai Set Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Nickel
Your Price: $4,925.00 CDN
or from $228 CDN/mo

Buy Online

 Add to Cart

Buy In-Store

The Neumann U 87 Ai is probably the best-known and most frequently used studio microphone the world over. Its smooth and refined sound is as iconic as its elegant exterior design. The U 87 Ai is the standard microphone for speech and vocals. Three polar patterns plus pad and low cut options make it adaptable to a wide range of applications.

• Balanced frequency response in three polar patterns
• Very low self-noise
• Classic sound

The U 87 Ai is the epitome of a large diaphragm condenser microphone. Its tapered body and iconic headgrille design have become part of the collective consciousness: This is what a studio microphone looks like. The same is true of its sound: The U 87 Ai represents studio quality; it has become the gold standard by which other microphones are measured.

What sets the U 87 Ai apart is its unique combination of linearity and character. Although its on-axis frequency response is remarkably flat, it does exert certain charisma. It just sounds right! This makes the U 87 Ai both versatile and instantly recognizable.

Applications
The U 87 Ai condenser microphone is a large diaphragm microphone with three polar patterns and a unique frequency and transient response characteristic. It is a good choice for most general purpose applications in studios, for broadcasting, film and television. The U 87 Ai is used as a main microphone for orchestra recordings, as a spot mic for single instruments, and extensively as a vocal microphone for all types of music and speech.

Acoustic features
The U 87 Ai is addressed from the front, marked with the Neumann logo. The frequency response of the cardioid and figure-8 directional characteristics are very flat for frontal sound incidence, even in the upper frequency range. The microphone can be used very close to a sound source without the sound becoming unnaturally harsh. By means of a high-pass filter interferences through subsonic and low frequencies are reduced remarkably.

Polar patterns
The dual-diaphragm capsule is elastically mounted and protected by a large headgrille. A switch below the headgrille selects the three directional patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8. A window above this switch shows the symbol of the selected characteristic.

Electrical features
The letter A in the name indicates a more recent generation, as compared to the U 87 i microphones that were built from 1967 to 1986. Modifications apply to the electronic components of the microphone only; the capsule remained unchanged.

The present-day circuitry increases the operational headroom of the U 87 Ai by supplying the bias voltages for the capsule through a reduced resistance. The result is a higher sensitivity of 10 dB for identical sound pressure levels, and an improved S/N ratio of 3 dB.

Filter and attenuation
A switch located at the rear attenuates the sensitivity by 10 dB. When this switch is activated, the microphone accepts sound pressure levels up to 127 dB (equivalent to a sound pressure of 45 Pa) without distortion.

An additional switch at the rear allows to change the microphone's cutoff frequency. This reduces low frequency interference directly at the input of the microphone amplifier.

This setting also compensates for the unavoidable bass boost that occurs with all pressure gradient transducers when they are used at close distance (proximity effect).

The cardioid characteristic maintains a smooth frequency response at a distance of 30 to 40 cm, the figure-8 characteristic even at a distance of 15 to 20 cm.


Features
• Variable large diaphragm microphone
• Pressure-gradient transducer with double membrane capsule
• The studio microphone classic
• Three directional characteristics: omni, cardioid, figure-8
• Switchable low frequency roll-off
• Switchable 10 dB pre-attenuation
• Ideal as main and as support microphone in the most differing recording situations

Specifications
Acoustical operating principle: Pressure gradient transducer
Directional pattern: Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8
Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm: 20/28/22 mV/Pa1)
Rated impedance: 200 ohms
Rated load impedance: 1 kohms
Equivalent noise level, CCIR): 26/23/25 dB1)
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted): 15/12/14 dB-A1)
Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR) (rel. 94 dB SPL): 68/71/69 dB1)
Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted) (rel. 94 dB SPL): 79/82/80 dB1)
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%3): 117 dB (cardioid)
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% with preattenuation3): 127 dB
Maximum output voltage: 390 mV
Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V 4 V
Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938): 0.8 mA
Matching connectors: XLR3F
Weight: 500 g
Diameter: 56 mm
Length: 200 mm

Q & A


There are currently no questions for this product.

Reviews


3.236.111.234
claudebot
Is what it is 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features  
Quality  
Value  
Overall  
Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Toronto (Bloor St.), Ontario
Everyone has an opinion on this mic, including some negative ones. I’ve lost count of how many mics I have put it up against for vocals, for me it just keeps winning. However, it is true that not all singers are suited for the U87ai. If your genre of music has a lot of space in the mix, and you have a singer with a bright edgy voice a decent tube mic may be a better choice. But if you have a busy mix, for most singers this mic just kills. It’s also fantastic for recording virtually anything else around the studio. This is one of the reasons why Neumann can get away with charging what they do.
Posted by Dave on May 22, 2023
Was this review helpful? Vote helpful Vote not helpful flag this review

Available In Gear Hunter


Store Special Product - Neumann - U 87 Ai Set Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Nickel
Store Special Product - Neumann - U 87 Ai Set Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Nickel

Model: U 87 AI SET

Serial: 1201166059

Used Available

 More details
Store Special Product - Neumann U 87 AI Set Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Store Special Product - Neumann U 87 AI Set Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Store Special Product - Neumann U 87 AI Set Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Store Special Product - Neumann U 87 AI Set Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Model: U 87 AI SET

Serial: 1251167732

Used Available

 More details
Store Special Product - Neumann - U 87 AI SET
Store Special Product - Neumann - U 87 AI SET
Store Special Product - Neumann - U 87 AI SET
Store Special Product - Neumann - U 87 AI SET

Model: U 87 AI SET

Serial: 1231167046

Used Available

 More details
Store Special Product - Neumann - U 87 AI SET

Model: U 87 AI SET

Serial: 181089

Used Available

 More details

Rental rates


This product is normally available for rental. Please contact your preferred location for further information.

1 Day from $70.00

1 Week $140.00

1 Month $280.00

Performance Warranty Banner

Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty

A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.

Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.

How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
  • Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
  • Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
  • No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
  • Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
  • Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
  • Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
  • Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
  • Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
  • Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
 

Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.

Purchasing additional years of coverage

Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.

If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:

  • NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
  • USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
  • GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
  • BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.

Great Additions