Neumann U87Ai STEREO

The Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Set combines two of the world's most iconic large-diaphragm condenser microphones in a matched stereo configuration, making it ideal for professional studio recording, broadcast, film, television, orchestral capture, vocals, and instrument recording. Featuring three selectable polar patterns, a switchable low-cut filter, and a 10 dB pad, the U 87 Ai delivers exceptional versatility, renowned sound quality, and outstanding performance across virtually any recording application.

The Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Set includes a matched pair of the legendary U 87 Ai large-diaphragm condenser microphones, one of the most recognized and widely used studio microphones in professional audio history. Renowned for its distinctive design and exceptional sonic character, the U 87 Ai has become the industry standard for recording vocals, speech, orchestras, acoustic instruments, and countless other sound sources in studios, broadcast facilities, film production, and television environments.

At the heart of the microphone is a pressure-gradient transducer featuring a dual-diaphragm capsule mounted in an internally shock-protected assembly. Three selectable polar patterns—omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-of-eight—allow engineers to adapt the microphone to a wide variety of recording situations. The selected pattern is clearly displayed through an indicator window on the microphone body.

The U 87 Ai offers a remarkably balanced frequency response, particularly in cardioid and figure-of-eight modes, maintaining natural sound reproduction even at high frequencies. Its carefully engineered design allows close-miking without introducing excessive harshness, making it a preferred choice for vocal and speech recording.

Compared to the original U 87 produced between 1967 and 1986, the U 87 Ai features modernized electronics while retaining the same legendary capsule design. The updated circuitry provides 10 dB higher sensitivity and a 3 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in enhanced clarity and lower self-noise.

Additional controls include a switchable 10 dB attenuation pad, enabling distortion-free handling of sound pressure levels up to 127 dB SPL, and a selectable low-cut filter that reduces low-frequency rumble, subsonic interference, and proximity effect during close-miking applications. In cardioid mode, frequency response remains naturally balanced at recording distances of approximately 30–40 cm, while figure-of-eight mode achieves similar balance at distances of 15–20 cm.

Available in matte nickel or matte black finishes, the U 87 Ai Stereo Set is the ultimate choice for stereo recording applications where precision, consistency, and world-class sound quality are essential.

Key Features

• Matched stereo pair of legendary Neumann U 87 Ai microphones
• Large-diaphragm condenser microphone design
• Pressure-gradient transducer with dual-diaphragm capsule
• Three selectable polar patterns:
  • Omnidirectional
  • Cardioid
  • Figure-of-eight
• Switchable low-cut (bass roll-off) filter
• Switchable 10 dB attenuation pad
• 10 dB higher sensitivity than the original U 87
• Improved signal-to-noise ratio compared to earlier versions
• Excellent for vocals, speech, orchestras, acoustic instruments, broadcast, film, and television
• Balanced frequency response for natural sound reproduction
• Handles high sound pressure levels with low distortion
• Available in matte nickel and matte black finishes
• Supplied in premium wooden storage case