ReviewFinder Microphones

Neumann U87 Ai

TLDR: The Neumann U87 Ai is a top-of-the-line condenser microphone that delivers warm, crystal-clear, and detailed sound quality, making it ideal for recording vocals, acoustic guitar, and spot microphones for individual instruments in a sound-treated recording space.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
Neumann U87 Ai rank #99 out of 101.
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5.1
Average

The product receives average reviews on average (consumer score 5.1). This is below the median microphone consumer score of 9.0.

About consumer score

Price:
The lowest price we found for Neumann U87 Ai is $3500, available here. This is above the median microphone price of $116.90.
  • Lowest price: $22.22
  • Median price: $116.90
  • Highest price: $3500
  • Neumann U87 Ai price: $3500
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Neumann U87 Ai is a top-of-the-line condenser microphone that delivers warm, crystal-clear, and detailed sound quality, making it ideal for recording vocals, acoustic guitar, and spot microphones for individual instruments in a sound-treated recording space.

The Neumann U87 Ai is a top-of-the-line condenser microphone that is highly regarded for its warm, crystal-clear, and detailed sound quality. It is ideal for recording vocals, acoustic guitar, and spot microphones for individual instruments in a sound-treated recording space.

The microphone is highly versatile with its three selectable directional patterns and switchable attenuation pad and low-frequency roll-off switches. It is compatible with most audio interfaces and preamps that provide phantom power and is suitable for professional recording studios, podcasters, and musicians who require a high-quality microphone for capturing vocals or instruments.

The microphone is built to last with its rugged all-metal construction and comes with a shock-mount and carrying case for easy transportation. Overall, the Neumann U87 Ai is a versatile and reliable microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality and performance for a variety of recording and broadcasting needs.

Sound Quality

The Neumann U87 Ai is a highly regarded microphone known for its warm, crystal-clear, and detailed sound, making it a must-have for any professional recording studio.

The Neumann U87 Ai is a highly regarded microphone for recording vocals and instruments, known for its warm, crystal-clear, and detailed sound. Its balanced frequency response offers an accurate sound representation across the entire audio spectrum, capturing every nuance and detail of the sound source.

The microphone has exceptional clarity and fidelity, producing polished results time and time again. It is effective at reducing background noise and minimizing pickup of ambient sounds in a recording environment, making it a versatile tool for any recording engineer or musician. The U87 Ai is an exceptional choice for capturing pristine vocal recordings and is widely considered to be one of the best microphones for this purpose.

Its switchable polar patterns, high-pass filter, and pad give you more control over the sound of the microphone, making it a versatile tool for any recording engineer or musician. Overall, the Neumann U87 Ai is a top-of-the-line microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality and is a must-have for any professional recording studio.

What is the frequency response range of the Neumann U87 Ai?

The Neumann U87 Ai has a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, according to multiple sources including Music Critic and Higher Hz.
Based on 10 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Neumann U87 Ai produce clear and detailed sound?

Yes, according to several product reviews in our database, the Neumann U87 Ai produces warm, crystal-clear, and detailed sound, making it a popular choice among audio engineers and musicians alike. Its balanced frequency response offers an accurate sound representation across the entire audio spectrum, and it can capture virtually every nuance and tuck of a vocal or instrument. It is also known for its exceptional clarity and fidelity.
Based on 15 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

How good is the Neumann U87 Ai microphone at recording vocals?

According to the product reviews in our database, the Neumann U87 Ai is widely considered to be one of the best microphones for recording vocals. It has exceptional clarity and fidelity, and its warm and accurate sound does not color the sound like most condenser mics do. Its switchable polar patterns, high-pass filter, and pad give you more control over the sound of the microphone, making it a versatile tool for any recording engineer or musician. In summary, the Neumann U87 Ai is an exceptional choice for capturing pristine vocal recordings.
Based on 15 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Neumann U87 Ai microphone capture depth and richness of sound?

According to various product reviews, the Neumann U87 Ai microphone is designed to record vocals and instruments with warmth and accuracy, and does not color the sound like most condenser mics do. It's renowned for its remarkable clarity and detail, producing polished results time and time again. The microphone has a one-of-a-kind FET circuit with a short signal path and a transformer balanced output, which guarantees optimal signal integrity and high common mode rejection. The U87 Ai also has a flat on-axis frequency response, but the sound isn't characterless or bland, and the microphone captures every nuance and detail of the sound source, resulting in exceptional clarity and fidelity.
Based on 13 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Neumann U87 Ai perform in terms of noise cancellation and background noise reduction?

The Neumann U87 Ai microphone has a cardioid polar pattern, which means it is designed to capture sound from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. This makes it effective at reducing background noise and minimizing pickup of ambient sounds in a recording environment. Additionally, the microphone has a low self-noise level of 12 dB-A, which means it produces minimal noise of its own and can capture clear, accurate sound. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of noise cancellation and background noise reduction can also depend on other factors such as the acoustics of the recording space, the quality of the preamp, and the skill of the operator.

Directionality

The Neumann U87 Ai microphone is a versatile and high-quality option for recording vocals, acoustic guitar, and individual instruments, with three selectable directional patterns and excellent detail and clarity, but may not be ideal for noisy environments.

The Neumann U87 Ai microphone is highly versatile with its three selectable directional patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-of-eight. It is ideal for recording vocals, acoustic guitar, and spot microphones for individual instruments. The microphone is capable of picking up sound from different angles and distances, providing excellent detail and clarity.

However, it may not be the best choice for recording in a noisy environment and is recommended to be used in a sound-treated recording space.

What do experts say about the directional pattern of the Neumann U87 Ai?

Experts agree that the Neumann U87 Ai has three selectable directional patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-of-eight, which make it incredibly flexible for a variety of recording techniques. This allows the microphone to be used for recording anything from an acoustic guitar to a full orchestra with excellent detail and depth. According to reviews on shout4music.com, macdrum.com, makethatlouder.com, and Music Critic, the U87 Ai is an ideal choice for vocals, acoustic guitar recordings, and spot microphones for individual instruments.
Based on 5 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Neumann U87 Ai microphone good at picking up sound from different angles?

Yes, the Neumann U87 Ai microphone is known for its versatility in picking up sound from different angles. It has three switchable polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8. The omnidirectional pattern picks up sound from all directions, while the cardioid pattern is more directional and is ideal for isolating the sound source. The figure-8 pattern picks up sound from two opposite directions and is good for recording two people facing each other or for capturing the sound of an instrument and its surroundings. Overall, the U87 Ai microphone is a great choice for capturing sound from different angles, depending on the recording situation.
Based on 11 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Neumann U87 Ai microphone perform in picking up sound from different distances?

The Neumann U87 Ai microphone has a large-diaphragm condenser capsule that is capable of capturing sound with excellent detail and clarity, even from a distance. According to the reviews on makethatlouder.com and macdrum.com, the microphone performs very well on vocals and acoustic instruments, and its three selectable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8) provide flexibility in recording techniques and help to capture sound from different distances. Additionally, the microphone has a switchable low-cut filter that can help eliminate background noise for clearer recordings. Overall, the Neumann U87 Ai is a versatile microphone that can perform well in a variety of recording situations.
Based on 8 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Neumann U87 Ai microphone well suited for recording in a noisy environment?

According to a product review on ThePodcastHost, the Neumann U87 Ai is sensitive to the environment, which means that it may not be the best choice for recording in a noisy environment. To get the best results from this microphone, it's recommended to use it in a sound-treated recording space. So, if you're planning to record in a noisy environment, it may not be the most suitable option for you.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The Neumann U87 Ai microphone requires phantom power and an XLR input, making it suitable for professional audio recording and broadcasting applications.

The Neumann U87 Ai microphone has a standard XLR connector for audio output, which requires phantom power (+48V) to operate. It can be connected to any device that provides phantom power and has an XLR input, such as a mixing console, audio interface, or preamp. The quality of audio transmission can vary depending on the quality of the cable and the preamp used, but the microphone itself has a very low self-noise and high sensitivity, resulting in a clean and detailed audio signal.

However, it does not have any built-in connectivity options such as USB or Bluetooth, so it cannot be connected directly to a computer or mobile device without an audio interface or mixer.

What are the available connectivity options for the Neumann U87 Ai microphone?

The Neumann U87 Ai microphone has an XLR connector for audio output. It requires phantom power (+48V) to operate and can be connected to any device that provides phantom power and has an XLR input, such as a mixing console, audio interface, or preamp.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

How easy is it to switch between different connectivity options on the Neumann U87 Ai microphone?

Sorry, I can only provide information about Neumann U87 Ai. However, I can tell you that the Neumann U87 Ai microphone has a standard XLR connector, which is commonly used in professional audio equipment. To use the microphone, you would need to connect it to a preamp or an audio interface that has an XLR input.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the quality of audio transmission vary across different connectivity options on the Neumann U87 Ai microphone?

Neumann U87 Ai is an XLR microphone, which means it can be connected to an audio interface or mixer using an XLR cable. The quality of audio transmission can vary depending on the quality of the cable and the preamp used. However, the microphone itself has a very low self-noise and a high sensitivity, which results in a very clean and detailed audio signal. It's worth noting that the microphone does not have any built-in connectivity options such as USB or Bluetooth, so it cannot be connected directly to a computer or mobile device without an audio interface or mixer.

Features

The Neumann U87 Ai is a high-quality condenser microphone with switchable attenuation pad and low-frequency roll-off switches, ideal for professional recording studios, podcasters, and musicians.

The Neumann U87 Ai is a high-quality condenser microphone that does not have a built-in headphone jack, mute button, or volume controls. However, it does have switchable attenuation pad and low-frequency roll-off switches that can help to reduce unwanted noise and adjust the microphone's sound.

This microphone is ideal for professional recording studios, podcasters, and musicians who require a high-quality microphone for capturing vocals or instruments. It is also suitable for live performances and broadcasting applications where a preamp or audio interface with gain control can be used to adjust the input level.

Overall, the Neumann U87 Ai is a versatile and reliable microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality and performance.

Does the Neumann U87 Ai have a built-in headphone jack?

No, the Neumann U87 Ai does not have a built-in headphone jack.

Does the Neumann U87 Ai have a mute button, and if so, is it easy to use?

The Neumann U87 Ai does not have a mute button. However, it does have a switchable attenuation pad and a switchable low-frequency roll-off, which can help to reduce unwanted noise and adjust the microphone's sound. According to the product features, these switches are located on the microphone body, so they should be easy to access and use.

Does the Neumann U87 Ai have volume controls, and if so, are they easy to use?

The Neumann U87 Ai does not have volume controls. It is a condenser microphone that requires a preamp or an audio interface with gain control to adjust the input level. The gain control on the preamp or audio interface can be adjusted to set the desired input level.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Compatibility

The Neumann U87 Ai microphone is highly compatible with most audio interfaces and preamps that provide phantom power, featuring an XLR connector and standard analog microphone compatibility with most operating systems and recording software.

The Neumann U87 Ai microphone is highly compatible with most audio interfaces and preamps that provide phantom power, as it requires +48V phantom power to operate. It features an XLR connector, which is a standard connector type found on most audio interfaces and preamps.

The microphone is a standard analog microphone that uses an XLR connection, making it compatible with most operating systems and recording software that support analog audio inputs. It should be compatible with any recording software that accepts analog audio inputs and any operating system that supports audio input devices.

This makes it an ideal choice for professional recording studios, podcasters, and musicians who require a high-quality microphone that is compatible with a wide range of devices and software.

Which devices are compatible with the Neumann U87 Ai microphone?

The Neumann U87 Ai is compatible with most audio interfaces and preamps that provide phantom power. It requires +48V phantom power to operate. It has an XLR connector, which is a standard connector type found on most audio interfaces and preamps.
Based on 6 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is there any operating system or software that the Neumann U87 Ai microphone is not compatible with?

The Neumann U87 Ai microphone is a standard analog microphone that uses an XLR connection, which makes it compatible with most operating systems and recording software that support analog audio inputs. As such, it should be compatible with any recording software that accepts analog audio inputs, and any operating system that supports audio input devices. However, it's always important to check the compatibility of your specific recording software or operating system before purchasing any microphone.

Durability

The Neumann U87 Ai microphone is a premium and robust microphone with a rugged all-metal construction, dual-diaphragm capsule, and three directional patterns, making it an excellent choice for professional recording studios and serious musicians.

The Neumann U87 Ai microphone is a premium and robust microphone that is built to last. It has a rugged all-metal construction with a nickel finish and features a dual-diaphragm capsule with three directional patterns. The microphone is designed for rigorous studio use and feels solid and durable.

It comes with a shock-mount to help reduce handling noise and a carrying case for easy transportation. While it is not recommended to intentionally drop the microphone, with proper care, the Neumann U87 Ai should work for years to come. However, it is not waterproof and should not be exposed to moisture or water.

Overall, the Neumann U87 Ai is an excellent choice for professional recording studios and serious musicians who require a durable and reliable microphone.

What materials are used in the construction of the Neumann U87 Ai microphone?

The Neumann U87 Ai microphone has a rugged all-metal construction with a nickel finish. According to the product description on the Neumann website, it features a dual-diaphragm capsule with three directional patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8. The microphone also has a -10 dB attenuation switch and a low-frequency roll-off switch.

How resistant is the Neumann U87 Ai microphone to physical damage such as drops or impacts?

According to product experts on ReviewFinder, the Neumann U87 Ai has superior build quality and durability which make it a premium and robust microphone that can withstand rigorous studio use. It feels solid and durable, and comes with a shock-mount to help reduce handling noise. Additionally, it is accompanied by a carrying case making it easy to transport the microphone to different recording locations. While it is not recommended to intentionally drop the microphone, with proper care, the Neumann U87 Ai should work for you for years to come.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Neumann U87 Ai waterproof?

No, the Neumann U87 Ai is not waterproof. It is a studio microphone designed for indoor use and should not be exposed to moisture or water.

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 15 expert reviews of Neumann U87 Ai. Out of the 15 reviews, 4 are video reviews. We value video reviews of products a bit more and rank them a bit higher.

Expert reviews [11]

96
Total expert reviews: 11
  • with a score: 3
  • without a score: 8
Highest score by audiotrove.com.au
100
Average score based on 11 reviews
96
Lowest score by Music Critic
92

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

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Expert consensus not yet generated.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
The Electro-Voice RE20 is a dynamic broadcast microphone with exceptional sound quality, advanced noise reduction features, and a wide frequency range, making it a versatile and reliable choice for professional audio recording and broadcasting applications.
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Position in ranking

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The Shure MV7 microphone is a versatile and adaptable option for podcasters, streamers, and content creators, offering excellent sound quality, noise-cancelling capabilities, and connectivity options. The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile and durable device with four directional patterns, a built-in headphone jack, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, making it a popular choice among content creators, podcasters, and gamers. The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings. The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.