Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $3,194
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 8 merchants for "Neumann U87 Ai". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Neumann U 87 Ai: The Iconic Studio Standard
A beloved mainstay in studios worldwide for over half a century, the Neumann U 87 Ai has earned its reputation as one of the finest microphones available. This large-diaphragm condenser microphone is the modern incarnation of the classic U 87, blending vintage charm with contemporary technology to deliver unmatched audio fidelity and versatility.
The U 87 Ai stands out for its three directional patterns—omni, cardioid, and figure-8—allowing it to capture any instrument or vocal with stunning depth and realism. Its flat frequency response and natural midrange make it ideal for a broad range of recording situations, from intimate vocals to ensemble performances.
Notably, this microphone is equipped with a pressure-gradient transducer with a double-membrane capsule, ensuring pristine sound quality. Additionally, the U 87 Ai features switchable 10 dB pad and low-cut filter, allowing for greater versatility and control over your sound.
Crafted in Germany to rigorous standards, the U 87 Ai assures longevity and reliability. Its meticulously designed components encapsulate Neumann's commitment to producing world-class microphones that consistently deliver unparalleled performance.
Key Features:
- Large-diaphragm FET condenser microphone
- Three directional characteristics: omni, cardioid, figure-8
- Pressure-gradient transducer with double-membrane capsule
- Switchable 10dB pre-attenuation pad
- Switchable low-frequency roll-off
- Extended 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response
- Requires +48-volt phantom power
- Handcrafted in Germany by highly skilled technicians
Owner's manual
Neumann U87 Ai User ManualProduct specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8 |
| Diaphragm Size | 1" (25.4mm) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 117dB (Cardioid), 127dB w/10dB Preattenuation |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 82dB (Cardioid), 79dB (Omni), 80dB (Figure-8) |
| Self Noise | 12dB (Cardioid), 15dB (Omni), 14dB (Figure-8) |
| Low Cut Filter | Yes |
| Pads | -10dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Wooden Box |
FAQs
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What polar patterns does the Neumann U 87 Ai offer?
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The Neumann U 87 Ai features three selectable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of recording applications, from vocals to instruments.
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Is the Neumann U 87 Ai suitable for vocal recording?
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Yes, the Neumann U 87 Ai is highly regarded for vocal recording due to its rich, warm sound and wide frequency response. Its ability to switch between polar patterns also allows for optimal performance in various acoustic environments.
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What is the maximum SPL of the Neumann U 87 Ai?
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The Neumann U 87 Ai can handle a maximum sound pressure level of 117dB in cardioid mode and up to 127dB with the -10dB preattenuation pad engaged, making it suitable for capturing loud sound sources without distortion.
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Does the Neumann U 87 Ai come with any accessories?
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Yes, the Neumann U 87 Ai comes with a wooden box for storage and protection. This ensures the microphone is kept safe when not in use and during transport.
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How does the Neumann U 87 Ai connect to audio equipment?
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The Neumann U 87 Ai uses an XLR connector, which is standard for professional audio equipment, ensuring compatibility with most recording interfaces and mixers.
Videos
Podcastage
Neumann U87 Ai Mic Review / Test (Compared to NW700, AT2020, NT1, SM7b, KSM44a, C414 XLII)
Neumann U87 Ai Mic Review / Test (Compared to NW700, AT2020, NT1, SM7b, KSM44a, C414 XLII)
Podcastage
Get Real, Get the Original | The Neumann U 87 Ai
Georg Neumann GmbH
Neumann TLM103 vs Neumann U87 Ai Comparison (Versus Series)
Podcastage
Neumann U 87 Ai: ORIGINAL vs. FAKE
Lukashev Mixing
Why is The NEUMANN U87ai The Most Sought After Mic
Dark Corner Studios
Neumann U87 AI Demo On Vocals
Vintage King
Neumann U 87 Ai: The Industry Standard for World-class Sound
Sweetwater
Neumann U87ai - Review / Vocal Sound Test
ZPJ Studio
Reviews
PROS
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Crystal clear sound quality, perfect EQ spectrum
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Built-in noise gate minimizes background noises
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Versatile across vocals, guitars, and percussions
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Accurate sound reproduction, true to source
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Subtle on sibilant sounds, full frequency spectrum
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Multiple polar patterns offer setup flexibility
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Durable, high-quality build
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Requires less from preamps, allowing intimate recordings
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Classic, reliable choice in professional studios
CONS
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Pricy, but considered worth the investment
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Some users find alternative mics comparable at lower prices
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Less suited for very loud signals, like close-miked electric amps
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Neumann U87 Ai.
Setup and maintenance
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Owners recommend investing in rockwool panels for room treatment to maximize the U87 Ai's capabilities, avoiding common foam solutions.
Source
Value and pricing
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Owners suggest evaluating the opportunity cost of buying a U87 Ai, considering alternative investments like a TLM 103, MKH 416, and acoustic treatments.
Source -
Owners indicate that the resale value of a U87 Ai remains high, often allowing it to be sold for nearly the original purchase price even after several years.
Source
Comparisons
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The Rode NT1 has a significantly lower noise floor of 4.5 dB-A compared to the U87 Ai's 12 dB-A, offering a quieter recording experience.
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The TLM 103 offers similar sound quality to the U87 Ai but lacks additional polar patterns, which are unnecessary for users needing only the cardioid pattern.
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For beginners, it's suggested to consider dynamic mics like the SM57 or SM7 for untreated rooms, offering better results than an LDC like the U87 Ai.
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The U87 Ai is often contrasted with the TLM-102, with some users finding negligible differences in quality for certain applications, especially in untreated rooms.
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The Neumann U87 Ai often gets compared to cheaper models like the Audio-Technica AT2035; some blind tests reveal minimal perceived differences when post-processing is applied.
Source
User experience
Use cases and applications
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The U87 Ai is preferred for voices with rich, smoky tones, as it captures the richness better than the Sennheiser 416.
Source -
The U87 Ai is praised for its ability to capture intricate room details, making it less suitable for untreated spaces.
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The U87 Ai's off-axis performance is highlighted; it captures room ambiance and instrument bleed more accurately compared to budget condenser mics.
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While the U87 Ai excels in professional studio settings, its sensitivity to room acoustics makes it less ideal for untreated home studios.
Source
Software and compatibility
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The Waves Silk Vocal plugin, particularly the 'U87 rescue' preset, is recommended for beginners to enhance vocal recordings captured with the U87 Ai.
Source
Build quality
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The U87 Ai is praised for its durability, with users noting its tank-like build quality, making it a reliable choice for professional studio environments.
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It's noted that the U87 Ai is frequently counterfeited; potential buyers should be cautious of prices significantly below market value, often indicating fakes.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings
111
Very musical-sounding on vocals
I bought the u87 Ai to replace my Neumann TLM 102. To my ears, the u87 sounded richer throughout the frequency range and more musical and "three-dimensional". Having been a music producer who has recorded and mixed my own stuff for over 10 years and having owned and used different mics (AT3035, KSM32, SM7B, Stellar CM-6), I've learned that a lot of it is based on feel and experience; you just know when you hear it. High-end mics have euphonic details and tonalities that can't be replicated through processing with cheaper alternatives. I would not trust mic shootouts online because it's much different when you actually start using it.
Love it
But it's by far the most expensive mic I ever used. Transients are clear, lot of High-End. I probably have to tame it some more sometimes, but the Mic is great. Although you obviously pay for the name. I'm sure there are equal but cheaper alternatives out there.
Also you NEED acoustic treatment in your recording-room. This mic used in an untreaded room will not sound good!
If you want to upgrade your mic, but this one is too expensive and you don't have acoustic treatment, go with the Shure SM7B, or another dynamic mic. Acoustic treatment makes the difference!
Artist usage
Add artist
In a video posted by Skrillex on his official YouTube channel, he and Fred Again are shown recording Flowdan's vocals for "Rumble" using a Neumann U 87 Ai microphone.
At 9:07, Hugo (Madeon) mentions about the 'U87' condenser microphone that was used for his song 'The City' (which is featured on his album: Adventure).
Tyler Joseph uses the Neumann U 87 Ai condenser microphone in his personal studio, as highlighted in Sweetwater's inSync article. This microphone is notably used for capturing the sound of his grand piano.
He mentions this is his new main microphone towards the beginning.
In this video (studio footage for "Just a Lover"), Hayley Williams can be seen recording on what looks like an 87-style Neumann (the reason we know it's not a U89 is because the shockmount looks like the Z48, a very distinctive shockmount, which doesn't fit the U89). The most common 87-style Neumann is the U87ai, but it could also be a vintage U87 (not as common), a U67 (somewhat rare), a U77 (very rare) or an M269 (very rare).
Picture in which Ariana can be seen at the studio recording with a Neumann U87 Ai microphone.
In this image from an instagram post you can clearly see a Neumann U 87 Ai Set Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Nickel as the mic setup.
""On some songs we used a [Neumann] 87 for Steve's vocals, a lot of times an RE20 worked out really well for him, and there was also a Telefunken 47 that he tried and didn't like all that much but which we did use for his harmonica.""
Kenny at 0:33 : "Look at the new mic" (...) "Black u87 with the black stand!"
Toru Kitajima uses the Neumann U87 Ai microphone in his Studio SAUNA, as confirmed in an interview with サンレコ, where he discusses the studio's acoustic environment and equipment.
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Album Usage
The Neumann U87 Ai has been featured on the following albums:
NIUIORCHERUBINI (BROOKLYN STUDIO, JOVA SESSION 25)
Jovanotti (2025)
Gone Gone Gone
David Guetta & Tones and I & Teddy Swims (2025)
Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53/66
Shakira & Bizarrap (2023)
Rumble
Skrillex & Sonny Moore & Fred again.. & Flowdan (2023)
Zhigeist
Elzhi & Georgia Anne Muldrow (2022)
Donda
Kanye West (2021)
Beggin' (Live)
Måneskin (2021)
Meet The Woo
Pop Smoke (2019)
Dancing With Your Ghost
Sasha Sloan (2019)
15
Bhad Bhabie (2018)
Hell on Earth - Single
Wifisfuneral (2016)
The Violent Sleep of Reason
Meshuggah (2016)
Adventure (Deluxe)
Madeon (2015)
Confident
Demi Lovato (2015)
Lost Forever // Lost Together
The Architects (2014)
The City
Madeon (2012)
A Curious Thing (Exclusive Deluxe BP2)
Amy Macdonald (2010)
Contradictions Collapse (Reloaded)
Meshuggah (2008)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Neumann U87 Ai, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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