Perhaps the most storied microphone in the history of recorded sound, the Neumann U 87 has been the standard by which all other large-diaphragm condensers are measured since it was first introduced in 1967. Beloved for its silky-smooth character, stunning fidelity, and rock-solid reliability, Neumann’s flagship condenser mic has remained virtually unchanged for nearly 60 years—and it’s still inspiring new generations of artists and engineers. With its instantly recognizable conical body and tapered headgrille, the U 87 is a ubiquitous sight in professional recording studios around the world.

Handcrafted in a state-of-the-art clean room in Germany according to the highest specifications, The Neumann U 87 Ai is the modern incarnation of the iconic condenser. Benefitting from modern circuitry that provides more headroom and an improved signal-to-noise ratio, the U 87 otherwise retains the exact same sonic signature. It also contains the same legendary large-diaphragm condenser capsule that has helped shape the face of recorded music for generations. If you’re serious about pristine, professional-quality sound, the U 87 is simply a must-have for your mic locker.

Legendary Condenser Capsule for Unmatched Clarity

At the heart of the U 87 is a large-diaphragm capsule precision engineered with a split pair of backplates with ultra-thin gold-plated Mylar membranes. First introduced in the U 67 in 1960, the K 67/87 capsule revolutionized the recording industry upon release and remains the soul of the Neumann sound to this day, providing the smooth, natural response and remarkable depth of sound we’ve come to expect from the German manufacturer.

Combined with unique FET circuitry and a transformer-balanced output for maximum signal strength and high common mode rejection, the result is a microphone that offers immaculate clarity and accurate sound capture across the entire audible spectrum. With its balanced frequency response and impressive dynamic range, the U 87 is capable of rendering vocals, drums, electric guitars and classical instruments in rich sonic detail.

Three Polar Patterns Offer Impressive Versatility

With its responsive dual-diaphragm capsule, the U 87 allows you to customize your sound with three selectable pickup patterns—cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8. Each of the three directional patterns features a balanced response that delivers consistent results across the board, allowing you to record everything from delicate fingerstyle guitars to thundering tom toms with ease. The U 87’s tight cardioid pattern is perfect for focused sound capture, minimizing bleed in the studio and effectively isolating sources in live settings. If you need a bit more room ambience for percussion or other instruments, switching over to either the figure-8 or omnidirectional settings can help capture the vibe and add a bit more air to your recordings. Pairing your mic with additional U 87s opens the door to truly endless flexibility that can be used to dial in nuanced vocal takes, spacious drum sounds, or even expansive orchestral recordings.

Exquisite Midrange for Unmatched Vocal Performance

While the U 87 is versatile enough to meet the unique demands of nearly any instrument, it’s truly in a league of its own when it comes to delivering legendary vocal performances. Used by era-defining artists on landmark recordings like Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold,” Don McLean’s “American Pie,” and Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black sessions, the U 87 captures a sound that is both warm and articulate—transparent yet exuding a sense of charisma that makes vocals shine.

With its authoritative midrange and solid bass response, the U 87 brings exquisite depth and fullness to vocal performances. The light presence boost above 5kHz kicks things up a notch, adding a subtle airiness and an intangible sparkle that gently lifts vocals and allows them to stand out in the mix. If you’re looking to capture a bit of magic in the iso booth, the U 87 just may be the catalyst you need to extract pure gold from your vocal sessions. 

Premium Accessories Complete the U 87 Experience 

With its timeless sound and ultra-high-quality construction, the U 87 is a beautiful piece of engineering that can be enjoyed for years to come with proper care. The Neumann U 87 Ai shockmount set is designed to help you get the most out of your experience with a suite of essential accessories. It includes an elegant and sturdy wooden carrying case with protective foam padding, as well as Neumann’s classic spider-style shockmount, used to isolate the U 87 from stand-borne vibrations. Rounding out the set is a high-quality cable and polyurethane windscreen to minimize unwanted sounds and protect the diaphragm from bursts of air.