Neumann U 87AI-MT Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone - Black

The Neumann U 87AI-MT Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone - Black 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.

Omnipresent Yet Unique

The Neumann U 87 Ai is a true legend. Introduced in 1967, it has shaped the sound of countless hit records for the past 50 years. And when those hits were announced on the radio, many a DJ sat before a U 87 Ai. The legend continues: To this day, no professional recording studio is complete without a Neumann U 87 Ai.

The U 87 Ai is the epitome of a large diaphragm condenser microphone. Its tapered body and iconic head grille 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.

Classic Neumann Engineering

Technically speaking, the U 87 Ai is a traditional design whose timeless formula has remained unchanged for decades. The U 87 Ai uses the same dual diaphragm condenser capsule design as its predecessor, the no less legendary U 67 of the early 1960s. Its head amplifier, too, is based on the same design principles as its tube driven predecessor, but the U 87 Ai realizes them by means of a unique FET circuit with a minimal signal path and a transformer balanced output, ensuring maximum signal integrity and high common mode rejection.

The result is a studio microphone of unmatched clarity. Its natural sound and unique midrange presence make the U 87 Ai the ultimate vocal microphone, praised by singers and engineers alike, as well the prime choice for speech applications, such as voice over, dubbing, and audio books. Due to its balanced response in each of its three directional patterns, the U 87 Ai is also a versatile microphone for anything from acoustic guitar to drums overheads. Due to its solid bass response and excellent midrange detail, it is often seen in front of bass and guitar cabinets. For classical recordings, the U 87 Ai is frequently used as a spot mic for soloists, e.g. cello. A stereo pair of U 87 Ai is the preferred choice of many engineers for recording piano in virtually any genre from pop and jazz to classical music.

Product Specifications

Form Factor: Large Diaphragm Mic / Stand/Boom Mount

Intended Sound Sources: Vocals, Speech/Voice Over, Instrument

Sound Field: Mono

Operating Principle: Pressure Gradient

Capsule: Condenser

Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional

Pattern Selection: Switched (Adjustable on Mic)

High-Pass Filter: Yes

Tone Adjustment: None

Gain Adjustment: None

Indicators: None

Windscreen: None

Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Impedance: 200 Ohms

Load Impedance: 1000 Ohms

Headphone Connector: None

Bus Power: None

Operating Voltage: 48 V ± 4 V (Phantom Power)

Operating Current Consumption: 0.8 mA

Color: Black

Mounting: Shockmount (with Optional Hardware)

Included Case: Hard Case

Included Filters: None

Package Weight: 3 lbs

Box Dimensions (LxWxH): 10 x 5 x 4"