Name: Neumann U 87 Ai
Brand: Neumann

Technical Specifications of microphone Neumann U 87 Ai

6.9

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Audio Performance

8.0

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Microphone type

studio

Transducer type

condenser

Diaphragm size

25.4 mm

Capsule type

dual

Sensitivity

-31.1 dBV/Pa

Connectivity

5.2

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Connection type

XLR

Output connector type

XLR

Headphone output

3.5 mm audio jack

6.35 mm audio jack connector

Recording

6.3

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Supported sample rates

N/A

Supported bit depths

N/A

Audio interface sample rate

N/A

Audio interface bit depth

N/A

Signal-to-noise ratio (DAC)

N/A

Pickup Patterns

8.6

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N. of polar patterns

Cardioid pattern

Omnidirectional pattern

Hypercardioid pattern

Bidirectional pattern

Controls & Features

7.0

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Mute function

Onboard gain control

Volume control levels

Flat DSP mode

DSP presets

Power

4.0

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Phantom power required

Phantom power voltage

48 V

USB bus-powered

Battery life

N/A

Design

5.9

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Height

Width

Thickness

Weight

Body material

brass

Accessories

6.2

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Included accessories

shock mount; windscreen; cable; carrying case

Shock mount included

Pop filter included

Windscreen included

Cable length

N/A

Compatibility

7.2

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Android compatibility

iOS compatibility

Windows compatibility

macOS compatibility

Xbox compatibility

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

soundguys.com

18/10/2025

Summary of the review

Neumann U 87 Ai review: The studio legend, heard at home

The SoundGuys review of the Neumann U 87 Ai highlights the condenser microphone's transition from commercial studios to high-end home settings, praising its immaculately clean, balanced sound and versatile, switchable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8). It excels in capturing rich vocal and acoustic details with minimal noise, providing a professional, mix-ready sound even in untreated environments. However, the microphone represents a significant, long-term luxury investment due to its very high price point and the added expense of necessary accessories like the official shock mount. Additionally, its unforgiving, precise nature requires technical skill to fully utilize and demands a controlled recording environment. YouTube ·

macprovideo.com

14/07/2020

Summary of the review

Review: Neumann U87ai - Is the Juggernaut Worth It?

The Neumann U87ai is deemed a legendary, industry-standard microphone that offers elite audio fidelity and immediate professional authority, serving as a worthwhile investment for professional voiceovers and music production. It represents a significant leap forward in quality, acting as a "juggernaut" that provides immense value for serious studio setups. However, the review cites the high $3,200 price tag as a major disadvantage, characterizing it as a complex, non-impulse purchase requiring careful financial justification. The microphone is not recommended for hobbyists, as it requires a high commercial workload to justify the steep expense, despite the reviewer's high satisfaction.

podcastage.com

16/06/2025

Summary of the review

Neumann U87 Ai Mic Review / Test - Podcastage

The Neumann U87 Ai is a highly precise, three-polar-pattern large diaphragm condenser microphone that delivers an exceptionally controlled low-end, forward mid-section, and a detailed yet smooth top-end. In terms of performance, the microphone is incredibly unforgiving, meaning it transparently captures the exact tone of whatever source is placed in front of it without altering or "helping" the sound. Throughout the testing process, it was run through various evaluations including polar pattern rotations, distance and proximity tests, background noise rejection, and performance in untreated environments. It was also side-by-side compared against fifteen different microphones ranging from budget options like the Neewer NW700 and Audio Technica AT2020 to studio staples like the Shure SM7b, AKG C414 XLII, and its sibling, the Neumann TLM103. The review highlights several core pros and cons regarding the microphone's utility and value. On the positive side, its main pros include its immaculate, world-class build quality, multi-pattern versatility, and a legendary, broadcast-ready sonic profile that handles voiceovers, singing, electric guitar, and acoustic guitar with extreme detail. However, its prominent cons center around its very high, restrictive price point...

bonedo.de

08/09/2017

Summary of the review

Neumann U 87 Ai Review

The Neumann U 87 Ai is a highly flexible, large-diaphragm true condenser microphone widely regarded as an industry-standard studio workhorse. Featuring a classic dual-diaphragm design based on the vintage U 67, it allows users to switch between three polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-eight. In terms of technical specifications, the microphone operates across a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, features an explicit 12 dB(A) self-noise rating in cardioid mode, and includes a 10 dB pre-attenuation pad alongside a low-cut filter starting around 500 Hz. The reviewer notes that while the microphone provides a highly predictable signal with clean pattern transitions, it functions primarily as a neutral, clinical tool rather than a character-rich piece of gear. Pros and Cons Pros: The microphone is exceptionally versatile across various sound sources, offering highly malleable signals that respond beautifully to aggressive equalization and heavy compression. It features exceptionally stable polar patterns with predictable off-axis behavior, a clean high-pass filter, and a highly praised, rich proximity effect that retains transparency in the low end. Additionally, it retains a very high resale value over...

tobitech.de

15/02/2014

Summary of the review

TobiTech - Neumann U87 Ai Review", "TobiTech - Neumann U87 Ai

The Tobitech review highlights the Neumann U87 Ai as a highly sensitive, neutral, and robust multi-pattern transistor microphone that carries an iconic status in the recording world. Pros include its linear frequency response and a distinct mid-range presence that makes post-processing incredibly easy. It captures transients with a remarkable lightness, pushing vocals forward without suffering from an aggressive proximity effect due to its slightly wide cardioid pattern. Additionally, it features excellent self-noise values and high-quality integrated controls for its three polar patterns (cardioid, omni, figure-8), a -10dB pad, and a low-cut filter. The build quality is top-tier, ensuring long-term value retention and collectibility. Conversely, the review notes prominent cons regarding its volume limitations and original packaging choice. With a maximum SPL of 127dB (even with the pad active), the microphone easily hits its technical boundaries, making it poorly suited for exceptionally loud sound sources or instruments. The reviewer explicitly points out that users tracking loud instruments would be better served by Neumann's TLM series. Furthermore, the product is delivered in a basic cardboard box resembling a shoebox. While it does...

delamar.de

03/02/2022

Summary of the review

Microphone Test: Comparing Over 100 Studio Mics

Overview The delamar 2026 mega test provides a highly comprehensive comparison of over 100 studio microphones, spanning a vast price range from €29 to €6,099. The evaluation splits microphones into large-diaphragm condensers, small-diaphragm condensers, tube microphones, and ribbon microphones to help buyers find the ideal option for recording vocals, instruments, podcasts, or streaming. To ensure a fair comparison, the reviewers established highly uniform recording conditions by capturing a wide variety of standardized sound samples, including male and female speech, female singing, and instrument percussion (shaker). Ultimately, the review concludes that almost all models perform reliably within their pricing tiers, delivering everything from solid budget performance to absolute high-end sound. Pros and Cons Pros: The review stands out for its massive market transparency and independent testing, shedding a valuable light on the highly competitive low-budget market. It delivers highly practical purchase advice by factoring in budget variations and complete package accessories like shock mounts, pop filters, and carrying cases. Furthermore, the inclusion of comparative audio samples allows users to directly hear the sonic qualities of different models before buying. Cons: On...

studio-microphone.com

Non daté

Summary of the review

Neumann U87 Ai - Review & Test - Studio Microphone", "Neumann U87 Ai - Studio Microphone Review and Test

The Neumann U87 Ai is a legendary, large-diaphragm condenser microphone widely regarded as an industry standard for professional recording studios, broadcasting, and voice-over work. Known for its exceptional build quality and versatility, this multi-pattern microphone features three selectable polar patterns (omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional) to adapt to diverse acoustic scenarios. Its high-utility acoustic design delivers a remarkably balanced, flat frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz that captures natural vocal nuances and smooth instrument sounds without harshness in the high frequencies. Furthermore, it is equipped with a 10 dB attenuation pad that allows the microphone to handle sound pressure levels up to 127 dB SPL without distortion, alongside a high-pass filter that effectively minimizes low-frequency rumble and proximity effects. Pros and Cons Cons: Highly sensitive to low-frequency room noise and pops, requiring a shock mount, pop filter, and a well-isolated room for optimal results; exhibits a brief 30-second increase in background noise when switching polar patterns; and commands a premium price point (around €2899) that may limit access for amateurs.

fr.audiofanzine.com

31/01/2024

Summary of the review

User reviews: Neumann U 87 Ai

The Audiofanzine user reviews celebrate the Neumann U 87 Ai as an absolute industry-standard workhorse, particularly praised for vocal tracking. Reviewers consistently highlight its incredible dynamic range, high output levels, and low self-noise compared to budget studio microphones. It is highly valued for delivering a polished, radio-ready vocal representation that sits effortlessly into a mix without requiring excessive EQ corrections or a chain of plugins. Furthermore, its adaptability is emphasized, as it pairs beautifully across various popular hardware preamps like Neve and API, and handles both male and female vocals across wide-ranging styles with immense detail and sonic clarity. However, the reviews also bring up a few distinct drawbacks. The most notable con is its very steep price tag, currently retailing over €3,000 new, which makes it a highly restrictive investment for independent creators or home studio hobbyists. Users emphasize that its surgical accuracy and immense sensitivity can be double-edged swords; the microphone will ruthlessly expose flaws in performance and room acoustics, making it poorly suited for untreated spaces or bad recording environments. Finally, some community members note that while...

audioproduccion.com

19/10/2023

Summary of the review

Neumann U87... Legendary MICROPHONE? (My REVIEW...)

The Neumann U87 review published on Audio Producción highlights the exceptional historical prestige of this large-diaphragm condenser microphone, noting its extensive use by iconic artists ranging from Paul McCartney and David Bowie to Ed Sheeran. In his detailed assessment, reviewer Pepe Moctezuma expresses absolute surprise regarding the microphone's performance after acquiring a pair for his newly constructed recording studios. The review aims to guide home studio producers on whether this highly praised piece of gear is a strict necessity for professional results, analyzing its acoustic characteristics alongside direct audio tests so listeners can judge the sonic profile for themselves. Audio Producción The main pros identified in the review and related platform insights emphasize the microphone's remarkable versatility across diverse recording setups, attributed to its three switchable polar patterns (cardioide, omnidireccional, and figure-8). Its internal transformer ensures a highly natural sound, delivering a balanced presence that naturally pulls vocals to the foreground of a mix during intimate or loud performances. However, the most prominent con highlighted by the Audio Producción community and professional peers is its exceptionally high price point, which...

soundref.com

15/12/2023

Summary of the review

The Ultimate Neumann U 87 Ai Review | 2026 Edition

The Neumann U87 AI is a highly regarded, hand-built German large-diaphragm condenser microphone known for its balanced tone, clear high-end presence boost, and overall versatility across various studio applications. Its standout features include a dual-membrane capsule providing three switchable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight), a low-cut filter, and a -10dB pre-attenuation pad that increases its maximum sound pressure level (SPL) to 127dB. While its flat midrange and pristine sound quality excel at capturing vocals and acoustic guitars, it is not recommended for close-miking exceptionally loud instruments like horns or heavy drums. The microphone's primary pros are its incredible, classic sound quality, exceptionally high build quality, and highly consistent frequency response across all three polar patterns. On the other hand, its notable cons include an extremely expensive price tag (around $3,500), costly proprietary accessories like the Neumann shock mount, and a high sensitivity that easily picks up ambient room noise, handling vibrations, and plosive sounds. Ultimately, while budget alternatives like the Rode NT1-A offer great value, the review concludes that the U87 AI remains an unmatched, premium workhorse for perfectionists...

paolobalestri.com

09/05/2016

Summary of the review

Neumann TLM 103 Review and Comparison with the U87Ai

The Paolo Balestri review evaluates the Neumann TLM 103 as a prominent investment for home and voice-over studios, directly comparing it to the flagship Neumann U87Ai. The TLM 103 derives from the U87 capsule design but utilizes only half of the capsule structure, running on completely different, transformerless electronics (hence Transformer Less Microphone). This design alteration results in a distinct physical sound response, giving the TLM 103 a modern, highly defined, warm, and noticeably brighter character than the U87Ai, which aligns perfectly with modern digital recording setups. The reviewer highlights several specific advantages and limitations based on direct testing. Pros include its ultra-low background noise, excellent resistance to high sound pressure levels, and a pristine, perfectly defined audio profile that makes it a versatile "enchanting" choice for any voice or instrument when paired with a quality preamp. Conversely, cons include its lack of physical features—it possesses a strict, single cardioid pattern with no built-in pad or high-pass filter switches. Furthermore, because of its unique capsule sensitivity, it does not sound identical to the natural tone of the U87Ai, leading some...

funky-junk.com

18/11/2024

Summary of the review

Drum Mic Shootout: Neumann U87 Ai vs U67", "Microphone Shootout on Drums: Neumann U87 Ai vs U67

The Funky Junk mic shootout evaluates the Neumann U87 Ai, U67 Vintage, U67 Modern, and Flea M251 as drum overheads, using an Apollo X8 interface and API 212L preamps for raw, unprocessed recordings. The U87 Ai offers a punchy, bright sound that cuts through mixes but can feel brittle, while the U67 Vintage provides a warm, cohesive sound that lacks top-end air. YouTube · The U67 Modern bridges the gap with tube saturation and improved high-end, and the Flea M251 delivers open, sparkling top-end ideal for overheads, though it lacks the lower-mid punch of the U67. Overall, the shootout highlights that the U87 is ideal for modern, aggressive tones, whereas the U67 and M251 variants offer vintage warmth and character. YouTube ·

paolobalestri.com

31/01/2021

Summary of the review

The Dragon C87S Microphone VS Neumann U87Ai - China VS Germany

The reviewer explores a budget-friendly Chinese replica of the iconic Neumann U87Ai microphone, originally identified as the Yossic YS-U87 (manufactured by Shenzhen Yuxing Sci-Technology Co Ltd) and later appearing as the Dragone C87S. Costing around €200 to acquire—plus an additional €45 in customs duties—the microphone mimics the external design of the legendary German original while delivering a surprisingly competent audio performance rather than a cheap, "fake" sound. Later circuit analysis by a technician revealed that the internal electronics and inductors of this model actually closely copy the schematic of the authentic U87Ai, resulting in a linear response that avoids harsh sibilance and maintains a low noise floor below 16dB. The major benefit (pro) of this microphone is its incredible value for money, providing an approximation of a high-end sound for a fraction of the cost of other DIY clone kits or genuine professional gear. However, the reviewer highlights notable drawbacks (cons), including severe product availability issues, as the manufacturing consistency of Chinese factories fluctuates and the exact model frequently goes out of stock or changes internal electronics. Furthermore, buyers risk...

audiocentralmagazine.com

26/10/2012

Summary of the review

Neumann U87: Comparing Modern and Vintage Models

The article reviews and compares a 1980s vintage Neumann U87 microphone with a modern U87 model using a Focusrite ISA One Analog preamplifier to test male vocals, acoustic guitar, and electric guitar. The comparison shows that the visual design remains identical, but the vintage model features a simpler internal circuit with a built-in battery compartment and a 7-pin Amphenol connector, whereas the modern version lacks battery support, adds an inductor to the circuit, and utilizes a standard, practical XLR connector. Professionally tested across multiple sound sources, both microphones achieved a virtual tie, with the vintage model offering slightly warmer tones on acoustic guitar and the modern model delivering a bit more clarity and detail due to its younger capsule and electronic components. The primary pros of the vintage U87 include its nostalgic appeal, a warmer acoustic profile, and historical "vibe," while its main cons are the risk of aging components and the inconvenience of the non-standard Amphenol connector. Conversely, the modern U87 excels with its standard XLR connectivity, superior clarity, and easier maintenance. Ultimately, the reviewer recommends purchasing the modern...

soundref.com

15/12/2023

Summary of the review

The Definitive Neumann U87 Ai Review | 2026 Edition

The Neumann U87 AI is a highly regarded, side-address solid-state condenser microphone hand-built in Germany that has set the studio standard for over five decades. It is celebrated for its incredibly clear, detailed, and balanced vintage tone, featuring a flat midrange and a gentle presence boost that effortlessly places vocals and acoustic instruments perfectly in a mix. A major strength of the microphone is its versatility, offering three selectable dual-membrane polar patterns (omni, cardioid, and figure-of-eight) that all maintain a remarkably consistent and premium sound quality without sonic compromise. Additionally, it includes useful physical controls like a low-cut filter with a smooth, natural curve and a -10dB pre-attenuation pad to increase its maximum SPL to 127dB. Despite its legendary performance, the microphone carries notable drawbacks, primarily its exceptionally high retail price of around $3,500 and the high cost of its dedicated accessories. Because it is a highly sensitive condenser microphone, it easily picks up ambient room reflections, background noise, and stand-handling vibrations, necessitating a pristine recording environment, a quality shock mount, and a pop shield to control plosives. Furthermore, with...

bax-shop.nl

26/04/2026

Summary of the review

Neumann U87 Ai - Bax Music

The Neumann U 87 Ai Nickel is celebrated as an industry-standard large-diaphragm condenser microphone that delivers exceptional, professional-grade sound quality right out of the box. A modern iteration of the classic 1967 model, this version provides a higher sensitivity and an improved signal-to-noise ratio while preserving its iconic, highly sought-after linear sound profile. Its standout pros include extreme versatility, driven by three switchable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8), a built-in high-pass filter to control low-end proximity effect, and a switchable -10 dB attenuation pad capable of handling louder sources like electric guitar amplifiers. Its distinctive, full-bodied midrange presence makes it particularly elite for vocals, speech, and high-fidelity instrument tracking, often requiring little to no equalization during the mixing process. YouTube · On the other hand, the microphone presents a few notable cons, primarily its exceptionally high price tag, making it a massive financial commitment that is largely inaccessible to beginners or hobbyists. Additionally, official replacement parts and essential accessories—such as the shock mount—are quite expensive to purchase separately. From a performance standpoint, its extreme sensitivity means it can easily...

Verdict

The Neumann U87 Ai is an industry-standard large-diaphragm FET condenser microphone featuring a pressure-gradient transducer and three selectable polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8. It offers a broad 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response with a signature midrange presence and a gentle high-end boost, capable of handling a maximum SPL of 117 dB (extendable to 127 dB via a switchable -10 dB pad). Main characteristics include its exceptional clarity, consistent performance across units, and the inclusion of a low-cut filter to manage proximity effect. Pros include its extreme versatility for vocals and instruments, a robust handcrafted German build, and a high signal-to-noise ratio of up to 82 dB. Cons involve its premium price point, high sensitivity that reveals room acoustic flaws, and a slightly brighter, more 'modern' top end compared to vintage models that some users find less forgiving.

Neumann U 87 Ai Review | 76 Data compared

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