Neumann U87AI Studio Set - Nickel

I really love this microphone! Before this, I had the TLM-103, which I also loved. I got pretty good sound with the 103, but I wanted to try to take my vocals to the next level. What I noticed is that with the U87, you get a slightly warmer sound, while maintaining the high and sparkle and clarity. It’s basically a large diaphragm condenser mic, rather than a small diaphragm condenser mic such as the TLM 103. So to me it was worth the investment and I will keep this microphone in my collection and definitely! Of course good mic technique, a good vocalist, and a nice microphone preamp also will help round out the quality of your sound, but overall, I have been very pleased with this microphone, I don’t think you can go wrong with it!

A must have Mic!

I did a ton of research before buying this great mic. Initially, I was thinking of getting a Neumann TLM 103 because people on the Internet were bragging about how good it is. The good side about TLM 103 is its price. I've never thought about spending a ridiculous amount of money on a mic knowing that I am not going to use it to make any money from it. But, hey, guess what, I have ended up loving this Neumann U87ai. I've been using Shure beta 87ai for while and always thought it's a very good mic. Now, with this Neumann U87ai in hand, I am not going to use any other mics. I don't know how to explain it in words. Everything about this mic is just PERFECT!

Excellent

An ultimate aspirational mic for me. I have compared this with a vintage u87. For vocals, the vintage U 87 has a slightly more noticeable presence. By presence, I mean that you feel like the microphone is a noctilux-level macro lens focusing in on the singer's articulation and bringing them up close to your ear. All that, but it doesn't sound like it's trying. The new U 87 Ai is almost the same as the old U 87, but a bit more neutral. Less emphasis of sounds like ch (as in, chess), and the specs say less noise. That's my two cents, at least! The U 87 Ai is an amazing sounding mic and lives up to its name. I'd agree with so many reviewers who say that it's just plain good on anything.

Expensive - but You're Worth It!

Many of us have been hypnotized by the endless sea of microphones that physically look like and sonically aspire to be like the U87. After wrestling with imitations for years, I finally learned an important lesson. SAVE UP and BUY THE REAL THING. You deserve to sound excellent! No matter what your gear is, I feel the most important aspect of recording is a GREAT MICROPHONE. I've used this microphone with inexpensive and top of the line mixers... Neve, Studer, Art TUBE MP's... Wow... Guess what? this mic sounds amazing through anything. From sensitive close proximity spoken word to the slap of moroccan goat skin drums to distorted guitar thru noisy tube amps to quiet, snooty booty cello solos, this mic captures ALL the magic. It captures something inexplicable. You ... MoreMany of us have been hypnotized by the endless sea of microphones that physically look like and sonically aspire to be like the U87. After wrestling with imitations for years, I finally learned an important lesson. SAVE UP and BUY THE REAL THING. You deserve to sound excellent! No matter what your gear is, I feel the most important aspect of recording is a GREAT MICROPHONE. I've used this microphone with inexpensive and top of the line mixers... Neve, Studer, Art TUBE MP's... Wow... Guess what? this mic sounds amazing through anything. From sensitive close proximity spoken word to the slap of moroccan goat skin drums to distorted guitar thru noisy tube amps to quiet, snooty booty cello solos, this mic captures ALL the magic. It captures something inexplicable. You can use it on anything! My only advice is keep it extremely clean, store it in a safe place. :) If you have a home studio, do yourself a grand favor. Get one. You won't be sorry - and you'll perform better as this microphone has a way of inspiring the best performances. Cheers Friends. David

I sold my heart to buy this mic!

So, first month and I'm thrilled with this mic, such a piece of gear! I'm happy finally to use U87 after so many weeks of researches. I think I don't anything to add, this mic speaks for itself! Will use it with love till the next purchase of U67, but till then have to grow! But... wait? Why should I switch to something like U67, when U87 it's already a masterpiece?!

Meumann U87Ai with universal shock mount.

An excellent microphone. A sonic monster. It has a very transparent and clear sound. It works well on acoustic instruments but you need to have an acoustically treated room or a very isolated acoustic space around the source because this mic picks up everything. To me that is a good thing. The universal shock mount I received with it is not the one from Neumann. It is a little cumbersome to use but it works. I just have to be very careful with how I mount the microphone into it and make certain it is secure.

Microphone of the Highest Quality and Audio Standards

This microphone is made of the highest quality. The sound is absolutely unbeatable for voiceovers. Very natural, neutral, and clear in the midrange. It has a reputation for being the best for a reason. Yes, you can buy wonderful microphones for cheaper, but none of them are a Neumann U87. Neumann uses the best materials and craftsmanship out there. If you are looking to record primarily vocals and like the magic of tubes I would also recommended the Neumann M149 and if you are on a budget the Miktek CV4 is quite good. The Neumann U87ai will do anything however. It's great on any instrument and is probably the accurate microphone for realistic voiceover work. It just sounds polished and EQ's nicely. I use a Neumann Pop Screen and a Neumann Wind Cap on it usually to ... MoreThis microphone is made of the highest quality. The sound is absolutely unbeatable for voiceovers. Very natural, neutral, and clear in the midrange. It has a reputation for being the best for a reason. Yes, you can buy wonderful microphones for cheaper, but none of them are a Neumann U87. Neumann uses the best materials and craftsmanship out there. If you are looking to record primarily vocals and like the magic of tubes I would also recommended the Neumann M149 and if you are on a budget the Miktek CV4 is quite good. The Neumann U87ai will do anything however. It's great on any instrument and is probably the accurate microphone for realistic voiceover work. It just sounds polished and EQ's nicely. I use a Neumann Pop Screen and a Neumann Wind Cap on it usually to reduce noise as it is very sensitive. Must have for a quality home or professional studio.

Neumann U87 ai

It has a reputation, because it is that good. Takes any vocal and places it at a higher level. Clarity, warmth, presence, yep. If you could only buy 1 piece of gear and youre doing vocals, forget everything else and get this microphone. Run through any interface with a daw, and youll see the difference. Its expensive, yep, but its an investment. Been doing more serious recording over the past 2 years, now I want to go back and re-record all the prior vocals.

One Of The Best Out There

I own numerous great microphones, which include the powerful Blue Bottle. I will continue to use all my collection of microphones, as many of them serve different purposes and have unique characteristics that fit different situations. Even so, I would consider the U87 an extra special microphone because it has a sound of its own. After using it for the first time, I can now understand why many consider it a must have in the studio even when they have other great microphones. It has strong highs that are kept in check by a strong midrange that is warm and pleasantly "boomy". It is also a loud microphone with low self noise, allowing recording engineers to capture voices and instruments without bringing in any unpleasant sounds. For those who love who defend good ... MoreI own numerous great microphones, which include the powerful Blue Bottle. I will continue to use all my collection of microphones, as many of them serve different purposes and have unique characteristics that fit different situations. Even so, I would consider the U87 an extra special microphone because it has a sound of its own. After using it for the first time, I can now understand why many consider it a must have in the studio even when they have other great microphones. It has strong highs that are kept in check by a strong midrange that is warm and pleasantly "boomy". It is also a loud microphone with low self noise, allowing recording engineers to capture voices and instruments without bringing in any unpleasant sounds. For those who love who defend good sounding inexpensive microphones out there, buying the U87 is not a mistake if someone can afford one. And if someone owns other great expensive microphones, they will not go wrong buying a U87 because it has a great sound of its own.

Rockin mic!

This mic is awesome. I additionally have a Sennheiser MKH416 which has better noise rejection. This Neumann condenser has a preferred frequency response. As a result, this mic is very well suited to live processing with an Apollo x8p or Twin X. I also have a few other mics, but this one is amazing!