Before we begin our article, it’s important to note that we recently had a coffee and discussed high-end condenser microphones before writing about the Neumann U87. Andy Macpherson, clearly stated that he values a good performance above all else. A good performance will sound good when recorded through most microphones. A costly microphone will never be able to improve a poor performance. The exact opposite is true, if anything. Investing time and money into source sounds, such as correctly set-up guitars, drums, amps, vocal practise, etc. You see what I mean.
It’s important to emphasise this to less experienced artists and engineers who are frequently duped into thinking that it’s about purchasing pricey equipment. For a small fraction of the cost, a Shure SM57 is a great all-rounder and a good mic to start with. The SM57 will successfully capture a performance with the correct setup. It can be used with any instrument, including concert strings, brass, woodwind, vocals, guitars, drums etc etc.
It is certainly an advantage to have a variety of mics available for professional studios and sound engineers with more experience, to cover off different scenarios. A correctly used, high end condenser mic can bring some extra sparkle and clarity to your recordings but the difference is often subtle and nuanced.
Neumann U 87 Ai Condenser Mic
The Neumann U 87 Ai is a well-known and widely used condenser microphone. It is popular for its versatility and crystal clear sound quality. If you are a professional sound engineer, then you know the importance of having a great mic like the Neumann U 87 Ai in your arsenal. In this blog post, we’ll take a close look at the features of this popular mic and see why it is so beloved by audio professionals worldwide.
The company
The German company Neumann is one of the more well know microphone manufacturers in the world today. Their large diaphragm condenser microphones, which are commonly used in studios, on stages, and for broadcast applications, are what they are best known for. The Neumann U87 Ai is one of their most well-known microphones and is renowned for its versatility, clarity, and accurate reproduction of vocals and instruments. In order to meet their stringent standards, Neumann microphones are hand-made in the company’s facility in Berlin, Germany, using only the best components and strict quality control procedures. This is also true of the Neumann U87 Ai, which continues to be one of the top professional microphones in the sound recording industry.
Professional recording studios
The Neumann U 87 Ai is widely known as one of the best condenser microphones available. This high-end piece of equipment has become indispensable for professional recording studios thanks to its ability to capture great audio quality with intense detail and clarity. With a variety of selectable polar patterns, the U 87 Ai allows users to optimize their setup according to their individual needs, resulting in truly outstanding sonic results. With its consistent performance and outstanding features, it’s no surprise that this microphone has become a favourite amongst audio engineers worldwide.
Great clarity for vocals and instruments
Neumann U87 Ai is an incredibly versatile and popular microphone choice for audio engineers, needing to capture all manner of sound sources. It’s renowned for its remarkable clarity and detail, producing polished results time and time again. Neumann’s U87 Ai mic picks up virtually every nuance and tuck of a vocal or instrument, meaning costly post-recording equalization can be omitted in most cases. If you’re on the lookout for an industry grade mic, Neumann’s U87 Ai is certainly worthy of your consideration.
You pay for what you get
The mic is also quite expensive, so it’s important to know what you’re getting before you buy one.
Getting the right condenser mic can require some research, as there are many details and features to consider. When it comes to condenser mics, price is definitely a factor, especially for higher-grade models like the Neumann U87. But even with an expensive condenser mic, you need to make sure that you are getting the features that you need to get the best sound quality possible. Consider wattage, sensitivity level and pickup patterns; all of these elements play into the overall cost but are important factors in determining whether the condenser mic is right for your project. Do your research and make sure that you get exactly what will work best for your needs.
Is it worth it?
When it comes to vocals and acoustic guitar recordings, the Neumann U 87 Ai is an ideal choice for studio quality results. Its three selectable polar patterns allow you to choose between omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional, allowing for flexible uses depending on the artist’s needs. The microphone has a boost in higher frequencies which enables it to deliver detailed recordings with plenty of clarity. Additionally, its low-cut switch makes it great for recording vocals as it cuts out background noise from interfering with your signal. For any project that requires top-notch condenser microphones, the Neumann U 87 Ai is definitely worth considering.
In conclusion
The Neumann U 87 Ai is a great choice for a condenser microphone if you’re looking for quality and detail. It’s perfect for capturing vocals or instruments, and it has a clear and detailed sound. It’s also quite expensive, so it’s important to know what you’re getting before you buy one. If you’re willing to spend the money and are looking to add some quality to your mic collection, the Neumann U87 is definitely worth considering.