Neumann U87Ai STUDIO

The Neumann U 87 Ai is one of the most iconic and widely used large-diaphragm condenser microphones in professional audio. Renowned for its exceptional versatility, natural sound reproduction, and distinctive design, it is a preferred choice for studio recording, broadcasting, film, television, orchestral recording, instrument capture, and vocal production. Featuring three selectable polar patterns, a switchable low-cut filter, and a switchable -10 dB pad, the U 87 Ai delivers legendary Neumann sound quality with modernized electronics for enhanced sensitivity and improved signal-to-noise performance.

The Neumann U 87 Ai is considered one of the most recognizable and respected studio microphones ever produced. Its unmistakable design and exceptional sonic performance have made it a standard fixture in recording studios, broadcast facilities, film production environments, and television studios around the world.

At the heart of the U 87 Ai is a pressure-gradient transducer with a dual-diaphragm condenser capsule mounted in a vibration-isolated assembly and protected by a durable grille. The microphone offers three selectable polar patterns—omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-of-eight—allowing engineers to adapt the microphone to a wide range of recording situations. The selected pattern is conveniently displayed through an indicator window above the pattern selector switch.

The U 87 Ai is renowned for its balanced frequency response and natural sound character. Both cardioid and figure-of-eight patterns maintain a remarkably flat response even at higher frequencies, allowing sources to be recorded at close distances without sounding overly bright or harsh. This makes the microphone equally effective for vocals, speech, acoustic instruments, orchestras, and ambient recordings.

The "Ai" version represents a modernization of the original U 87, produced from 1967 to 1986. While retaining the legendary capsule design, the updated electronics deliver 10 dB greater sensitivity and a 3 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio. These enhancements provide greater detail, lower noise, and increased versatility in modern recording environments.

Additional controls include a switchable -10 dB attenuation pad that enables distortion-free recording of sound pressure levels up to 127 dB SPL, and a switchable low-cut filter designed to reduce subsonic interference, handling noise, and proximity effect. The filter helps maintain a balanced low-frequency response when recording at close range, particularly with cardioid and figure-of-eight settings.

Available in matte nickel and matte black finishes, the U 87 Ai continues to be the benchmark microphone for professional recording and broadcast applications.

Key Features

• Legendary large-diaphragm condenser studio microphone
• Pressure-gradient transducer with dual-diaphragm capsule
• Three selectable polar patterns:
  • Omnidirectional
  • Cardioid
  • Figure-of-Eight
• Natural and balanced frequency response
• 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
• Suitable for vocals, speech, orchestras, acoustic instruments, broadcast, film, and television
• Excellent close-miking performance with controlled proximity effect
• Professional XLR connectivity
• Available in matte nickel and matte black finishes
• U 87 Ai version includes a premium wooden case
• U 87 Ai Studio version includes EA 87 elastic suspension mount