Neumann U 87 Ai Studio Set

The Neumann U 87 AI is a condenser microphone with FET circuitry and a transformer-balanced output. It features three selectable polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8 along with pad and low-cut options. The microphone can be used for a wide range of applications, including spot placement for instruments, overhead miking and vocal recordings.

Neumann U 87 Ai Studio Set Key Features:

• Offers three selectable polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8
• Tapered body and iconic head grille design
• Produces studio-quality sound with a linear frequency response
• Uses FET circuitry and a transformer-balanced output
• Ensures maximum signal integrity and high common-mode rejection
• Can be used for dubbing, voice-over, and audiobook recording
• Delivers a solid bass response and excellent midrange detail
• Delivers a solid bass response and excellent midrange detail
• Increases the transmission factor by about 10dB for the same SPL
• Capable of withstanding a high SPL of up to 127dB without distortion
• Uses a DC converter to increase the current consumption to 0.8mA
• Head grille is elastically suspended for decreased noise interference
• Shows maximum sensitivity at right angles to the microphone body
• Has a 3-pin XLR connector and requires +48V phantom power

Expanded Neumann U 87 Ai Studio Set Key Features:

Polar Patterns

The dual-diaphragm capsule used in the microphone offers three selectable polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8. The capsule is elastically mounted and protected by a large head grille. There is a switch below the head grille that lets you switch between the pickup patterns to adapt to different recording situations. It features maximum sensitivity at right angles to the microphone body, and the front of the microphone is marked by the Neumann logo.

Wide Applications

The U 87 AI delivers a unique frequency and transient response characteristic, which when combined with the three polar patterns enable a wide range of applications. It is ideally used in studios for broadcasting, film and television. It can further be used as a spot microphone for single instruments such as a cello, and anything from an acoustic guitar to overhead drums. Its natural sound reproduction and unique mid-range presence make it an ultimate vocal microphone, which can be used for speech applications such as dubbing, voice-overs, and audiobooks.

Electrical Features

The U 87 I microphone was first introduced in 1967 and the additional letter A indicates a more recent generation with a few modifications. It uses FET circuitry to increase the operational headroom. It results in a higher sensitivity of 10dB for identical sound pressure levels, and an improved S/N ratio of 3dB. The transformer-balanced output ensures maximum signal integrity and high common-mode rejection. A SPL capability of up to 127dB enables its use in recordings of loud sound sources. The high-pass filter remarkably reduces the subsonic and low-frequency interference.

Filter and Attenuation

A switch located at the rear of the microphone can attenuate the sensitivity by 10dB and enables the maximum SPL capability of 127dB without distortion. A second switch is used to change the microphone’s cut-off frequency to reduce any low-frequency interference directly at the input of the microphone amplifier. It compensates for the proximity effect of short-distance recordings, and the unavoidable bass boost. The figure-8 characteristic maintains a smooth frequency response at a distance of 15 to 20cm, and the cardioid at a distance of 30 to 40cm.

What's in the box?

• 1 x Neumann U 87 AI Microphone – Nickel
• 1 x Wooden Box
• 1 x EA 87 Shock mount
• Limited 2-Year Warranty

FAQs:

What power supply is required to use the microphone?

The U 87 AI microphone operates on 48V phantom power, and all P48 power supplies that provide at least 0.8mA per channel can be used. Power can also be supplied by a battery unit like BS 48 I when a mains power source is not available.

How can the switches be used to adjust the microphone settings?

A slider switch on the front of the microphone can be used to select between the three polar patterns. The window above it shows the selected settings by symbols. Two switches are located at the rear of the microphone, one among which introduces a pre-attenuation of about 10dB. The other switch is used to change the microphone’s cut-off frequency.

How can the microphone be tested?

A red socket can be seen when the microphone is disassembled. It enables an audio frequency test signal to be applied to the amplifier input using the capsule capacitance in the same way as a corresponding change in sound pressure. This can be used to directly test most of the electrical data such as gain, self-noise, frequency response, and modulability.