Neumann U89i

The Neumann U 89 i is a highly versatile large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for professional studio, broadcast, film, and television applications. Offering five selectable polar patterns, a wide dynamic range, switchable attenuation, and a two-stage low-cut filter, the U 89 i delivers exceptionally balanced sound reproduction with outstanding off-axis response. Its ability to adapt to a wide variety of recording situations makes it one of Neumann's most flexible microphones for vocals, instruments, ensembles, and ambient recording.

The Neumann U 89 i is a premium multi-pattern large-diaphragm condenser microphone renowned for its versatility, accuracy, and consistent performance across a wide range of recording applications. Sharing a similar design philosophy with the legendary U 87 while featuring a more compact and lightweight construction, the U 89 i provides enhanced flexibility through five selectable polar patterns and higher SPL handling capabilities.

At the heart of the microphone is a precision dual-diaphragm pressure-gradient capsule, capable of switching between omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid (narrow cardioid), and figure-8 polar patterns. This extensive pattern selection allows the microphone to adapt seamlessly to vocals, solo instruments, orchestras, choirs, ensembles, room ambience, and broadcast applications.

The U 89 i is particularly valued for its exceptionally smooth and uniform frequency response across all polar patterns. Its frequency response remains remarkably flat up to 10 kHz within a wide pickup angle, ensuring natural sound reproduction even in acoustically reflective environments. This characteristic allows the microphone to capture direct and reflected sound without introducing tonal coloration, making it ideal for recording in complex acoustic spaces.

The microphone features a switchable attenuation pad that increases maximum SPL handling from 134 dB to 140 dB, enabling distortion-free recording of loud sound sources. A two-stage low-cut filter selectable at 80 Hz or 160 Hz helps reduce low-frequency rumble, handling noise, and proximity effect when close-miking.

Designed for professional reliability, the U 89 i incorporates a flexibly suspended capsule to minimize structure-borne noise and fully grounded capsule components for protection against electrical interference, atmospheric disturbances, and dust accumulation.

Whether used for vocals, speech, orchestral recordings, acoustic instruments, piano, drums, broadcast production, or film sound, the U 89 i offers exceptional flexibility and sonic transparency, making it one of the most adaptable microphones in the Neumann portfolio.

Key Features

• Large-diaphragm condenser microphone
• Dual-diaphragm pressure-gradient transducer
• Five selectable polar patterns:
  • Omnidirectional
  • Wide cardioid
  • Cardioid
  • Hypercardioid (narrow cardioid)
  • Figure-8
• Extremely versatile for virtually any recording application
• Smooth and balanced frequency response across all patterns
• Excellent off-axis performance
• High maximum SPL handling
• Switchable attenuation pad
• Two-stage low-cut filter (80 Hz / 160 Hz)
• Reduced proximity effect when close-miking
• Flexibly suspended capsule for reduced handling noise
• Protection against electrical interference and dust accumulation
• Wider frequency range than the U 87 Ai
• Suitable for studio, broadcast, film, television, and music production
• Supplied with a premium wooden storage case