Neumann U87

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$2,949.56 to $3,995.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (90)

3 Critic Reviews

9 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Neumann U87

1 community setup

193 wishlisted

339 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

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5.0 (2)

$3,750.00

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$3,595.00

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5.0 (13)

$2,949.56 42 available Used

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5.0 (9)

$3,500.00

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4.5 (5)

$3,995.00

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5.0 (3)

$3,750.00

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£2,349.00

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$3,750.00

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Average Price: $3,630

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, Neumann U87 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Neumann U87". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Neumann U87 Ai is the pinnacle of professional recording technology, adored by musicians and producers for its unparalleled sound quality and versatility. This large-diaphragm condenser microphone is renowned for its ability to capture any instrument or vocal with astounding realism. With its three directional patterns - omni, cardioid, and figure-8 - the U87 Ai can adapt to any recording situation, from intimate vocals to ensemble recordings.

A key feature of the U87 Ai is its flat frequency response and natural midrange, providing pristine sound recordings that truly shine. The mic’s articulate highs, rich lows, and open midrange bring warmth and character to any recording, making it a favorite in professional studios worldwide.

Built to last, the U87 Ai’s premium components and meticulous quality control ensure it will deliver consistent, high-quality recordings for years to come. The U87 Ai is not just a microphone, it's a legacy, a testament to over 90 years of Neumann's tradition of excellence in the world of audio technology.

Key Features:

Large-diaphragm condenser microphone
Three directional patterns: omni, cardioid, figure-8
Flat frequency response and natural midrange
Articulate highs, rich lows, and open midrange
Switchable 10 dB pad and low-cut filter
Extended 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response
Pressure-gradient transducer with double-membrane capsule
Requires +48-volt phantom power
Handcrafted in Germany with meticulous quality control

Product 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

What polar patterns does the Neumann U 87 Ai offer?: The Neumann U 87 Ai features three selectable polar patterns: cardioid, omni, and figure-8, providing versatility for different recording scenarios.
Is the Neumann U 87 Ai suitable for vocal recording?: Yes, the Neumann U 87 Ai is highly regarded for vocal recording due to its warm sound and ability to add positive color, making it a favorite in professional studios.
Does the Neumann U 87 Ai require phantom power?: Yes, the Neumann U 87 Ai requires phantom power to operate, as it is a condenser microphone.
What is the frequency response of the Neumann U 87 Ai?: The Neumann U 87 Ai has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, capturing a wide range of audio frequencies with clarity.
Can the Neumann U 87 Ai handle high sound pressure levels?: Yes, the Neumann U 87 Ai can handle a maximum SPL of 117dB in cardioid mode and up to 127dB with the 10dB preattenuation pad engaged, suitable for loud sources.

Videos

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Podcastage

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: The Industry Standard for World-class Sound

Sweetwater

Neumann U87 AI Demo On Acoustic Guitar

Vintage King

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional sound quality with perfect EQ spectrum
Built-in noise gate-like quality minimizes background noise
Accurate reproduction of source sound, setting studio standards
Versatile, ideal for a range of vocals and instruments
High-quality build and materials ensure durability
Multipattern capability with high pass and attenuator adds flexibility
Vintage models praised for deeper, natural sound
Complements well with high-end preamps for superior sound
Recognized as a classic, practical tool in professional studios
Company provides excellent customer support

CONS

Significantly more expensive than other high-quality options
Newer U87Ai models considered to have less depth than vintage
Requires regular maintenance, especially vintage models
Some users find the price not fully justified by the performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Neumann U87.

Build quality

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The U87 Ai is often counterfeited; due diligence is required to verify authenticity, especially at unusually low prices.
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Use cases and applications

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The U87 Ai excels in capturing detailed sound, making room acoustics crucial; untreated spaces can severely impact the recording quality.
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The U87 Ai is more suited for controlled environments; users warn that it will capture every detail, including unwanted room acoustics.
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For loud vocals, raising the U87 and tilting it down can prevent harshness, offering a simple positional adjustment for better results.
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Setup and maintenance

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Heavy base boom mic stands are recommended to safeguard the investment of a U87 Ai.
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Mods and upgrades

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Investing in a quality preamp, such as those from Warm Audio or Heritage Audio, is suggested to enhance the U87 Ai's performance.
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Hardware EQs like Crane Song and Millennia are suggested to address the U87's tonal issues without adding harshness.
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Comparisons

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Users suggest dynamic mics like the SM57 or SM7 for untreated rooms, as they mitigate room reflection issues better than large diaphragm condensers like the U87 Ai.
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The Soyuz 017 FET is mentioned as a modern alternative to the U87, praised for its performance in comparison.
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Features and functionality

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The U87's built-in high-pass filter is considered too severe by some, leading to a thin sound; using a preamp HPF or plugin is recommended instead.
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User experience

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Some owners find the U87's sound darker than modern mics, recommending boosting 5kHz, 8kHz, or 10kHz to achieve the desired brightness.
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U87 versions differ significantly; the U87ai with a daughter board is noted for harsher tones, while other versions are more forgiving.
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Critic Reviews

Neumann U87 Review: Legendary Mic Tested, Is it Worth It?

thegreatestsong.com

The Neumann U87 is praised for its transparent, versatile sound and its status as the benchmark for large-diaphragm studio condensers. It's ideal for professional studios, excelling with vocals and a range of instruments. However, its high sensitivity requires a well-prepared recording space, and it's not suitable for live performances or certain instruments like solo brass. While the price is steep, the quality is unmatched, offering true-to-life results with a touch of sparkle. Despite cheaper alternatives, such as the TLM 103 and Mojave MA-301 FET, the U87 remains a top choice for many.

positive

Full Review

Neumann U 87 Ai review: Extremely versatile and reliable

higherhz.com

The Neumann U 87 Ai is a versatile workhorse, renowned for its reliability and exceptional performance across various recording applications. While it delivers a full and open sound with a flat response, it lacks the iconic warmth of the original U 87, showing a tendency towards a "spitty" mid-range. Despite its hefty price tag, the microphone remains a top choice for professionals due to its robust build and adaptability, excelling with vocals, acoustic guitars, and drums. If you're seeking a modern alternative to the classic U 87, the U 87 Ai is a worthy investment, albeit with a slightly different sonic character.

positive

Full Review

Neumann U87 Ai Review | 2025's Top Studio Condenser Mic

mixingmonster.com

The Neumann U87 Ai is a legendary studio microphone renowned for its warm and balanced sound, offering versatile recording patterns and exceptional clarity. It's a staple for professionals, excelling with vocals and instruments. The robust design and included accessories, like a shock mount, enhance its practicality. However, its premium price may deter budget-conscious buyers, and its sensitivity can reveal imperfections in acoustics or technique. Despite these considerations, its iconic status and performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious audio professionals.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 9 Reviews and 90 Ratings

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monoriderz

156

almost 2 years ago

Originál U87 je totální klasika

A bavím se samozřejmě o originálu, který používám Neumann U87 ne o verzi Ai. Velmi rád používám tento vintage mikrofon, je to takový univerzál, který sice není vhodný pro každý hlas, ale rozhodně to můžete zkusit a z tohoto bodu se odrážet dále k hledání jiného mikrofonu pro daný úkol. Tento nástroj mám v mém nahrávacím studiu Sunteem records.

Roles:

Composer Music Producer Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Pop Electronica

serenitytrance

over 3 years ago

love it

absolutely love it, can't lie quality is insane, price is respectable too

chase_bencin

129

over 10 years ago

Fantastic

This is a workhorse mic and I really love how it sounds on acoustic guitars, female vocals, and drum overheads. I combine this with a UA-610 mic pre and it has a silkyness to it that is reminiscent of Frank Sinatra.

jimmarchi1

41029

10 years ago over 10 years ago

similar capsule to the recordings of Frank with a U47 and U67... not the same as the Tele ELAM251 they put in front of him and way different than his earliest work when all that was available n the USA were ribbon mics, usualy RCAs... but you can't go wrong with any Neumann's, they come in different flavors but are al tasty

chase_bencin

129

10 years ago over 10 years ago

Amen to that!