Studio microphone, with shock absorber, Neumann U 87 Ai MT Studio Set, black, Sennheiser 008661

008661 Neumann U 87 Ai MT Studio Set Studio Microphone, with shock absorber, black, Sennheiser

The standard for microphones in studios around the world.
The most used studio microphone for 50 years.
Balanced frequency response in three directional patterns.
Very low self-noise.
Classic sound.

The gold standard

The Neumann U 87 Ai is probably the best known and most used studio microphone in the world. Its smooth and clear sound has become as iconic as its elegant appearance.

The U 87 Ai is the standard microphone for speech and vocals.

Three directional patterns, plus a low-pass filter make it suitable for a wide variety of situations.

Ubiquitous yet unique

The Neumann U 87 Ai is a true legend. Released in 1967, it has shaped the sound of countless hits over the past 50 years. And when those hits were announced on the radio, many DJs sat in front of the U 87 Ai.

The legend lives on: to this day, no professional recording studio is without a Neumann U 87 Ai.

The U 87 Ai is the best example of a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Its cone-shaped body and iconic grille design have become part of the collective consciousness: this is what a studio microphone looks like. The same goes for the sound: the U 87 Ai epitomizes studio quality; it has become the gold standard by which other microphones are measured.

What sets the U 87 Ai apart is its unique combination of linearity and character. Although its frequency response on the working axis is remarkably flat, it does have a certain charisma. It just sounds right! This makes the U 87 Ai versatile and instantly recognizable.

Classic Neumann engineering

Technically speaking, the U 87 Ai is a traditional design whose formula hasn't changed in decades. The U 87 Ai uses the same double diaphragm capsule design as its predecessor, the equally legendary U 67 from the early 1960s.

Its amplifier is based on the same principles as its tube predecessor, but the U 87 Ai implements them with a unique field-effect transistor circuit with minimal signal path and balanced transformer output, providing maximum signal preservation and high in-phase suppression.

The result is a studio microphone of unrivaled clarity. With its natural sound and unique midrange presence, the U 87 Ai is the ultimate vocal microphone, praised by singers and engineers alike, and the best choice for speech, voiceover, dubbing and audiobook recording.

With balanced response in each of the three directions, the U 87 Ai is also a versatile microphone for recording anything from acoustic guitar to drums. Because of its tight bass response and excellent midrange detail, it is often seen in front of bass and guitar cabinets.

For classical music recording, the U 87 Ai is often used as a spot mic for soloists such as cello. The U 87 Ai stereo pair is the preferred choice of many engineers for recording pianos in virtually any genre, from pop and jazz to classical music.

Features of the Neumann U 87 Ai microphone include.
The world's best-known studio microphone.

Classic sound, recognizable and versatile.

Balanced frequency response.

Three directional patterns: circular, cardioid, figure-eight.

Switchable low-pass filter and attenuator.

Very low self-noise.
Technical characteristics:
Acoustic operating principle: pressure gradient transducer.

Directional pattern: circular/cardioid/eight.

Reproducible frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz.

Sensitivity at 1 kHz at 1 kOhm: 20/28/22 mV/Pa.

Rated impedance: 200 ohms.

Rated load impedance: 1k ohm.

Equivalent noise level, CCIR: 26/23/25 dB (circular/cardioid/eight).

Equivalent noise level, A-weighted: 15/12/14 dB-A (circular/cardioid/eight).

Maximum sound pressure level for 0.5% CED: 117 dB (cardioid).

Maximum sound pressure level for THD 0.5% with pre-attenuation: 127 dB.

Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR (relative to 94 dB ROC): 68/71/69 dB (circular/cardioid/eight).

Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (relative to 94 dB RSD): 6 79/82/80 dB (circular/cardioid/ octave).

Maximum output voltage: -6 dBn.

Supply voltage: 48 V ± 4 V.

Current consumption: 0.8 mA.

Corresponding connector: XLR3F.

Weight: 500 grams.

Diameter: 56 mm.

Length: 200 mm.