


The Neumann U 87 Ai is probably the best-known and most widely used studio microphone in the world. Its smooth, refined sound is as iconic as its sleek exterior design. The U 87 Ai is the standard microphone for speech and singing. Three polar patterns along with protection and low-cut options make it adaptable to a wide range of applications.
OMNIPRESENT YET UNIQUE The Neumann U 87 Ai is a true legend. Introduced in 1967, it has shaped the sound of countless hit records over the past 50 years. And when these hits were announced on the radio, many DJs sat down in front of a U 87 Ai. The legend continues: to this day, no professional recording studio is complete without a Neumann U 87 Ai. The U 87 Ai is the epitome of a large diaphragm condenser microphone. Its slim body and iconic grille design have become part of the collective consciousness: this is what a studio microphone looks like. The same goes for its sound: the U 87 Ai represents 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 on-axis frequency response is remarkably flat, it exerts a certain charisma. That rings true! This makes the U 87 Ai both versatile and immediately recognizable.
CLASSIC NEUMANN ENGINEERING Technically speaking, the U 87 Ai is a traditional design whose timeless formula has remained unchanged for decades. The U 87 Ai uses the same double-diaphragm condenser capsule design as its predecessor, the equally legendary U 67 of the early 1960s. Its head amplifier is also based on the same design principles as its tube predecessor, but the U 87 Ai achieves them by means of a single FET circuit with a minimal signal path and a balanced transformer output, ensuring maximum signal integrity and high common mode rejection. The result is a studio microphone of unrivaled clarity. Its natural sound and unique midrange presence make the U 87 Ai the ultimate vocal microphone, favored by singers and engineers, as well as the first choice for vocal applications, such as voiceover, dubbing and audiobooks . Due to its balanced response in each of its three directional patterns, the U 87 Ai is also a versatile microphone for everything from acoustic guitar to drum overheads. Due to its solid bass response and excellent midrange detail, it is often seen in front of bass and guitar speakers. For classical recordings, the U 87 Ai is frequently used as a spot microphone for soloists, e.g. cello. A stereo pair of U 87 Ais is the preferred choice of many engineers for recording piano in virtually any genre, from pop and jazz to classical music. The world's most famous studio microphone Classic sound, instantly recognizable yet versatile Balanced frequency response Three polar patterns: omni, cardioid, figure 8 Switchable low cut and pad Very low self-noise