Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
$7,595.00
Guitar Center
$7,595.00
Reverb
$6,618.37 New
$5,695.00 Used
Thomann
4.9 (8)
$6,599.00
Vintage King
5.0 (1)
$7,595.00

Average Price: $6,950

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$100

$401+

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Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Pair". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Pair is a staple in professional recording studios worldwide, revered for its iconic sound quality and adaptability. This matched set of large-diaphragm condenser microphones offers superior audio fidelity, making it the go-to choice for capturing everything from vocals and pianos to orchestras and guitar amps. The U 87 Ai's versatile polar patterns—omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8—provide you with the flexibility to explore a variety of stereo recording techniques, including spaced pair, XY, Blumlein, ORTF, and mid-side.

Equipped with modern FET electronics, these microphones boast a higher sensitivity and improved signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring pristine audio capture even at high sound pressure levels. With a switchable 10dB pre-attenuation pad and low-frequency roll-off, the U 87 Ai is designed to handle loud sources without distortion, while mitigating unwanted bass rumble. Each mic is precision-engineered in Germany, maintaining Neumann's legendary quality standards, and comes with a shockmount, a dust cover, and a protective wooden box, all neatly housed in a robust aluminum case.

Whether you're recording a full orchestra or a solo vocal performance, the U 87 Ai Stereo Pair delivers an unmatched clarity and presence that elevates any recording to a professional standard.

Key Features:

  • Matched stereo pair of large-diaphragm FET condenser microphones
  • Polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8
  • Switchable 10dB pre-attenuation pad and low-frequency roll-off
  • Frequency range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
  • Requires +48V phantom power
  • Includes 2 shockmounts, 2 wooden boxes, 2 dust covers, and an aluminum travel case
  • Made in Germany

Product specs

Microphone Type Condenser
Mono/Stereo Stereo Pair
Polar Pattern Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Figure-8 (switchable)
Frequency Range 20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 127dB SPL
Output Impedance 200 ohms
Sensitivity 22/28/22mV/Pa (+1dB)
Signal to Noise Ratio 79/82/80dBA
Self Noise 15/12/14dBA [equivalent noise level]
Connector XLR
Power Source 48V phantom power
Dimensions 7.87" x 2.2"
Weight 1.1 lbs.

FAQs

What are the main polar patterns available on the Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Pair?

The Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Pair offers three switchable polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8. This versatility allows it to be used in various recording scenarios, from vocals to orchestral recordings.

Is the Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Pair suitable for vocal recording?

Yes, the Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Pair is highly regarded for vocal recording due to its warm sound and balanced frequency response, making it a popular choice in professional studios.

What type of power source does the Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Pair require?

The Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Pair requires 48V phantom power, which is commonly provided by professional audio interfaces and mixers.

How does the Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Pair handle high sound pressure levels?

The Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Pair can handle sound pressure levels up to 127dB SPL, making it suitable for recording loud sound sources without distortion.

What is the self-noise level of the Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Pair?

The Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Pair has a very low self-noise, with equivalent noise levels of 15/12/14dBA, ensuring clean recordings with minimal background noise.

Milan Recording Studios

Milan Recording Studios

Recording a Piano Neumann U87 Ai Stereo Pair "Blumlein Microphone Technique" Review Clair De Lune

Video thumbnail for Recording a Piano Neumann U87 Ai Stereo Pair "Blumlein Microphone Technique" Review Clair De Lune by Milan Recording Studios

Recording a Piano Neumann U87 Ai Stereo Pair "Blumlein Microphone Technique" Review Clair De Lune

Milan Recording Studios

Milan Recording Studios

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality with minimal EQ required

  • Unsurpassed resolution and clarity in audio capture

  • Versatile for vocals, instruments, and drum overhead applications

  • Switchable polar patterns enhance recording flexibility

  • Recognized as a studio standard for diverse applications

  • Robust build quality with no compromises

  • Considered a valuable investment in audio equipment

  • Outstanding transient response for vivid recordings

CONS

  • Vocal performance can be singer-dependent

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Neumann U 87 Ai Stereo Pair.

Use cases and applications

  • The U87 is commonly used in animation for consistent voice recordings, with a primary mic and a backup set further away for reliability.

    Source
  • The U87 excels in well-treated rooms and for nuanced vocal performances, but might not be necessary for home studios focusing on simpler recordings.

    Source
  • The U87 handles sibilance and plosives effectively, saving time in post-production editing.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Stam 87 is noted to sound better in the upper mids than the Neumann U87, and costs less than a third of the price.

    Source
  • The U87 is more mid-focused, while the Warm Audio WA87 provides a richer, warmer overall tone.

    Source

User experience

  • A modern U87i is described as more bright and brittle compared to a vintage U87, which may influence purchasing decisions.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Resell value for the U87 is strong; a used U87 can be sold for more than the purchase price after several years.

    Source
  • A Neumann U87 in good condition can be acquired for $1,200, which is a bargain compared to a used Ai model, typically around $2,000.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A breath test can determine capsule health: heavy exhale into the mic; if the signal cuts or sounds like ocean waves, it's damaged or contaminated.

    Source

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