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The Neumann U 87 is arguably the best known and most widely used studio
microphone in the world (for good reason). The U 87 Ai condenser microphone is a
large diaphragm microphone with three polar patterns and a unique frequency and
transient response characteristic. A distinctive design and legendary Neumann
sound make this mic a must-have for pro studios. The U 87 is known for its
unique frequency and transient response characteristics which deliver a smooth
natural sound with a variety of source material. The U 87 Ai is used as a main
microphone for orchestra recordings, as a spot mic for single instruments, and
extensively as a vocal microphone for all types of music and speech. The
easy-to-recognize U 87 is a classic!
Natural Response
The U 87
Ai is addressed from the front, marked with the Neumann logo. The frequency
response of the cardioid and figure-8 directional characteristics are very flat
for frontal sound incidence, even in the upper frequency range. By means of a
high-pass filter interferences through subsonic and low frequencies are reduced
remarkably.
Switchable Polar patterns
The dual-diaphragm
capsule is elastically mounted and protected by a large headgrille. A switch
below the headgrille selects the three directional patterns: omnidirectional,
cardioid and figure-8. A window above this switch shows the symbol of the
selected characteristic.
Updated Components
The letter A in the
name indicates a more recent generation, as compared to the U 87 i microphones
that were built from 1967 to 1986. Modifications apply to the electronic
components of the microphone only; the capsule remained unchanged.
The
present-day circuitry increases the operational headroom of the U 87 Ai by
supplying the bias voltages for the capsule through a reduced resistance. The
result is a higher sensitivity of 10 dB for identical sound pressure levels, and
an improved S/N ratio of 3 dB.
Filter and Attenuation
A switch
located at the rear attenuates the sensitivity by 10 dB. When this switch is
activated, the microphone accepts sound pressure levels up to 127 dB (equivalent
to a sound pressure of 45 Pa) without distortion. An additional switch at the
rear allows to change the microphone's cutoff frequency. This reduces low
frequency interference directly at the input of the microphone amplifier. This
setting also compensates for the unavoidable bass boost that occurs with all
pressure gradient transducers when they are used at close distance (proximity
effect). The cardioid characteristic maintains a smooth frequency response at a
distance of 30 to 40 cm, the figure-8 characteristic even at a distance of 15 to
20 cm.
Neumann U 87 Ai Features:
- Variable large diaphragm microphone
- Pressure-gradient transducer with double membrane capsule
- The studio microphone classic
- Three directional characteristics: omni, cardioid, figure-8
- Switchable low frequency roll-off
- Switchable 10 dB pre-attenuation
- Ideal as main and as support microphone in practiacally all recording
situations
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