Neumann U 87 Ai Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone - Nickel

Neumann U 87 Ai Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Nickel) | 007022

The Neumann U 87 Ai is one of the world's most recognised professional large-diaphragm condenser microphones, trusted by recording engineers, producers, broadcasters, voice artists, and musicians for its legendary sound quality and exceptional versatility. Featuring a large-diaphragm condenser capsule, three selectable polar patterns, a switchable low-cut filter, and a switchable 10 dB preattenuation pad, the U 87 Ai delivers outstanding performance for studio recording, broadcast, voice-over production, and professional music applications.

The Neumann U 87 Ai (Cat. No. 007022) features a premium nickel finish and includes a wooden storage box. Designed for the most demanding recording environments, it delivers natural sound reproduction, excellent transient response, balanced frequency response, and the flexibility required for virtually every professional recording application.

The Industry Standard for Professional Studio Recording

For decades, the Neumann U 87 Ai has been considered a benchmark in professional recording studios around the world. Its transparent sound character, controlled frequency response, and exceptional consistency make it suitable for recording everything from lead vocals and speech to orchestras, acoustic instruments, percussion, and ambient room sound.

The microphone's large-diaphragm pressure-gradient transducer captures subtle performance details while preserving natural dynamics and tonal balance. Whether used for music production, film scoring, broadcasting, or podcast production, the U 87 Ai delivers the renowned Neumann sound engineers rely on every day.

Three Selectable Polar Patterns

The U 87 Ai provides three switchable directional patterns, allowing users to optimise microphone performance for different recording techniques and acoustic environments.

• Omnidirectional: Ideal for capturing room ambience, ensembles, choirs, and natural acoustic environments.
• Cardioid: Focuses on the primary sound source while reducing unwanted sound from behind, making it the preferred choice for vocals and solo instruments.
• Figure-8: Captures sound from the front and rear while rejecting the sides, making it suitable for duet recordings, Mid-Side techniques, and other stereo recording methods.

Switchable Low-Cut Filter and Preattenuation Pad

The Neumann U 87 Ai includes a switchable low-cut filter that helps reduce unwanted low-frequency noise and minimise proximity effect during close microphone placement. A switchable 10 dB preattenuation pad increases the maximum sound pressure level handling, making the microphone suitable for louder sound sources such as drums, brass instruments, and amplified guitar cabinets.

Exceptional Audio Performance

Designed for demanding professional recording environments, the U 87 Ai offers a wide frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, low self-noise, and excellent sensitivity. Its transformer-balanced output and transformerless capsule circuitry contribute to its clean, detailed, and highly accurate sound reproduction.

• Natural and balanced frequency response
• Excellent detail and transient reproduction
• Low self-noise for critical recording applications
• Professional-grade dynamic range
• Reliable performance for studio, broadcast, and production environments

Professional Recording Applications

The Neumann U 87 Ai is designed for a broad range of recording applications and remains one of the most versatile microphones available for professional production environments.

• Lead and backing vocals
• Voice-over and narration
• Podcast and broadcast production
• Radio and television studios
• Acoustic guitar
• Piano and keyboard instruments
• String instruments
• Brass and woodwind instruments
• Drums and percussion
• Room and ambient microphone techniques
• Professional music production
• Commercial recording studios

Neumann U 87 Ai Key Features

• Professional large-diaphragm condenser microphone
• Legendary Neumann studio sound
• Three selectable polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8
• Switchable low-cut filter
• Switchable 10 dB preattenuation pad
• Wide frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Low self-noise for professional recording
• Transformer-balanced output stage
• Premium nickel finish
• Supplied with a wooden storage box

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Large-diaphragm condenser microphone
• Acoustical Operating Principle: Pressure-gradient transducer
• Directional Patterns: Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity (1 kHz into 1 kΩ): 20 / 28 / 22 mV/Pa (Omni/Cardioid/Figure-8)
• Rated Impedance: 200 Ω
• Rated Load Impedance: 1 kΩ
• Equivalent Noise Level (A-weighted): 15 / 12 / 14 dB-A
• Maximum SPL: 117 dB
• Maximum SPL with 10 dB Pad: 127 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 79 / 82 / 80 dB
• Maximum Output Voltage: -6 dBu
• Power Requirement: 48 V Phantom Power (P48)
• Connector: XLR 3-pin female
• Weight: Approximately 500 g
• Diameter: 56 mm
• Length: 200 mm

Included Accessories

• Neumann U 87 Ai Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
• Wooden Storage Box

The Neumann U 87 Ai Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone continues to set the standard for professional recording microphones worldwide. Combining legendary Neumann engineering, three selectable polar patterns, low self-noise, and exceptional recording flexibility, it remains the preferred choice for vocals, instruments, broadcast, voice-over work, and professional studio production where uncompromising audio quality is essential.