Name: Neumann U87 Ai
Brand: Neumann
SKU: f9cd3565-4628-4732-9326-99aa61251c97
Price: 3595.0 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.1 (23 reviews)

vs

$3595

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 id... more

$399

The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded dynamic microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals. Its wide frequency ... more

🤖 Beep-boop. I can read reviews REALLY FAST and summarize. Do you have any questions about Neumann U87 Ai or Shure SM7B?

Sound Quality

Directionality

Connectivity

Features

Compatibility

Durability

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Experts recommend Shure SM7B more than Neumann U87 Ai

As of 3 Jan 2025, experts prefer Shure SM7B over Neumann U87 Ai, but both Microphones have solid expert endorsements.

As per this month's meta ranking, Shure SM7B received 3 recommendations: from MusicTech (6 Apr 2022), Music Radar (26 Jun 2024) and PianoDreamers (25 Jan 2023). By contrast, Neumann U87 Ai received only 2 recommendations from MusicTech (6 Apr 2022) and PianoDreamers (25 Jan 2023).

Rank	Change	Price	Microphone	IGN	PCMag	MusicTech	Music Radar	PianoDreamers	PC Gamer	SoundGuys	CNN Underscored	Tom's Guide	Wirecutter
8	-1	$399	Shure SM7B The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded dynamic microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals, with its wide frequency response range, flat frequency response, presence boost, and effective noise isolation.	-	-	10	12	8	-	-	-	-	-
18	+1	$3595	Neumann U87 Ai 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.	-	-	13	-	11	-	-	-	-	-

Curious to see this month's entire Microphones ranking? It's here

About our ranking methodology

Endorsement summary:

On 6 Apr 2022 MusicTech ranked Shure SM7B as #10 and Neumann U87 Ai as #13

Rank Microphone

... ...

#10 out of 15 Shure SM7B

... ...

#13 out of 15 Neumann U87 Ai

... ...

Source: www.musictech.net

On 25 Jan 2023

PianoDreamers ranked Shure SM7B as #8 and Neumann U87 Ai as #11

Rank	Microphone	Comment
...	...	...
#8 out of 11	Shure SM7B	Best known as MJ's Vocal Mic
...	...	...
#11 out of 11	Neumann U87 Ai	The King of Microphones

Source: www.pianodreamers.com

On 26 Jun 2024 Music Radar ranked Shure SM7B as #12

Rank Microphone Comment

... ... ...

#12 out of 22 Shure SM7B
The best for recording vocals in untreated rooms

... ... ...

Source: www.musicradar.com

After counting and adding up the 92 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Shure SM7B outranks Neumann U87 Ai. This is not to say that Neumann U87 Ai is a bad option. Like Shure SM7B, it is recommended by experts, but less.

MetaRanking Common points from expert reviews summarized.

As can be seen below, Shure SM7B outranks Neumann U87 Ai by 10 positions. This indicates that, as of 3 Jan 2025, Shure SM7B is more critically acclaimed than Neumann U87 Ai.

Rank	Change	Price	Microphone	IGN	PCMag	MusicTech	Music Radar	PianoDreamers	PC Gamer	SoundGuys	CNN Underscored	Tom's Guide	Wirecutter
1	-	$100	Blue Yeti 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.	-	-	11	-	-	-	-	1	1	-
2	-	$99	Shure SM57 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.	-	-	-	1	1	-	-	-	-	-
3	-	$150	Elgato Wave 3 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.	8	-	-	-	-	-	1	3	-	-
4	+12	$279	Shure MV7 Plus	5	7	-	-	-	6	-	-	3	-
5	-1	Check price	Blue Yeti X	1	-	-	-	-	-	2	-	-	-
6	-1	$149	Shure MV6	-	-	-	-	-	1	-	-	4	-
7	-1	$297	SteelSeries Alias Pro	3	4	-	-	-	7	-	-	-	-
8	-1	$399	Shure SM7B The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded dynamic microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals, with its wide frequency response range, flat frequency response, presence boost, and effective noise isolation.	-	-	10	12	8	-	-	-	-	-
9	-1	$37	Razer Seiren Mini The Razer Seiren Mini microphone is praised for its sound quality, directionality, and compatibility, making it a highly recommended choice for clear and focused audio recording in various applications.	-	-	-	-	-	2	5	-	-	-
10	-1	$180	Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set The Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set is a USB microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, and several useful features, making it a great choice for streamers, podcasters, and content creators.	-	3	-	-	-	4	-	-	-	-
14	-	$119	HyperX QuadCast S The HyperX QuadCast S is a versatile and reliable USB microphone suitable for podcasting, streaming, gaming, and vocal recording, with four polar patterns, built-in pop filter and noise reduction technology, and two connectivity options.	6	-	-	-	-	5	-	-	-	-
15	-	$279	Shure MV7 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.	-	-	4	8	-	-	-	-	-	-
16	+1	Check price	Rode NT1 The Rode NT1 is a high-quality studio condenser microphone with a wide frequency response range, low self-noise, cardioid polar pattern, dual connectivity options, and durable construction, making it a versatile and reliable choice for recording vocals and acoustic guitars.	-	6	-	6	-	-	-	-	-	-
17	+1	$449	Electro-Voice RE20 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.	-	-	8	13	-	-	-	-	-	-
18	+1	$3595	Neumann U87 Ai 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.	-	-	13	-	11	-	-	-	-	-
Show all rows

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

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

92

The Neumann U87 Ai is a versatile and high-quality studio microphone that offers three directional patterns and a unique sound. It has been used in professional recording and broadcasting studios for over 50 years and is handbuilt by experts for flawless quality.

+ pros

Versatile for a wide range of purposes with three polar patterns and switchable options.
Unique sound with a distinctive character that is instantly recognizable.
Proven track record of quality and popularity in professional recording and broadcasting studios.
Handbuilt by experts for flawless quality assurance.

- cons

Expensive price point.

Read Full Review...Report

Music Critic Staff musiccritic.com

Show all 11 reviews

Expert reviews [36]

141

Total expert reviews: 36

with a score: 10
without a score: 26

Highest score by Music Radar	460
Average score based on 36 reviews	141
Lowest score by Music Critic	86

Score distribution:

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

460

For high quality vocals or speech, the SM7B is still the one to beat

The Shure SM7B microphone is a high-quality, pro-grade dynamic microphone designed for recording speech and vocal performances. It is simple to use, with just an XLR connection, and has built-in features such as a pop shield and shock mount for optimal results.

+ pros

The Shure SM7B is a pro-grade dynamic microphone that is universally rated as the best at recording speech and vocal performances.
It has a simple XLR connection and built-in pop shield and shock mount, making it easy to use without extra peripherals.
The mic has integrated features to help focus on the situation at hand, enabling the best results across a range of applications.
The SM7B's simplicity, high levels of quality, and consistency make it one of the best options for recording a voice.
Shure is widely respected for its high standards in design and construction, and the SM7B is no exception.

- cons

The SM7B is not a truly general-purpose mic and may not provide the same level of nuanced detail when recording instruments like acoustic guitars or pianos.
The mic's form factor may be slightly larger and heavier than other options.
The bass roll-off and presence boost filters may have a subtle difference that may not be noticeable for all users.

Read Full Review...Report

Chris Corfield www.musicradar.com

Show all 36 reviews

From Seller:

Switchable low frequency roll-off
The studio microphone classic
Pressure-gradient transducer with double membrane capsule
Read more

From Seller:

ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting & Streaming. The SM7B Is Trusted By The Worlds Leading Vocalists, Podcasters & Streamers.
STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response Produces Exceptionally Clean & Natural Reproduction Of Both Music & Speech.
Read more