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Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
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Average Price: $3,630
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
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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
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
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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, omni, and figure-8, providing versatility for different recording scenarios.
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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 warm sound and ability to add positive color, making it a favorite in professional studios.
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Does the Neumann U 87 Ai require phantom power?
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Yes, the Neumann U 87 Ai requires phantom power to operate, as it is a condenser microphone.
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What is the frequency response of the Neumann U 87 Ai?
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The Neumann U 87 Ai has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, capturing a wide range of audio frequencies with clarity.
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Can the Neumann U 87 Ai handle high sound pressure levels?
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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
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: The Industry Standard for World-class Sound
Sweetwater
Neumann U87 AI Demo On Acoustic Guitar
Vintage King
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality with perfect EQ spectrum
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Built-in noise gate-like quality minimizes background noise
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Accurate reproduction of source sound, setting studio standards
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Versatile, ideal for a range of vocals and instruments
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High-quality build and materials ensure durability
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Multipattern capability with high pass and attenuator adds flexibility
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Vintage models praised for deeper, natural sound
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Complements well with high-end preamps for superior sound
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Recognized as a classic, practical tool in professional studios
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Company provides excellent customer support
CONS
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Significantly more expensive than other high-quality options
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Newer U87Ai models considered to have less depth than vintage
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Requires regular maintenance, especially vintage models
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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.
Source
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.
Source -
The U87 Ai is more suited for controlled environments; users warn that it will capture every detail, including unwanted room acoustics.
Source -
For loud vocals, raising the U87 and tilting it down can prevent harshness, offering a simple positional adjustment for better results.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Heavy base boom mic stands are recommended to safeguard the investment of a U87 Ai.
Source
Mods and upgrades
Comparisons
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.
Source
User experience
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 9 Reviews and 90 Ratings
156
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.
129
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.
41029
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
129
Amen to that!
275
Wonderful Mic
Used in conjuction with four other microphones to record an Orange OR120 for my band's debut album Also used to record vocals on the same record
236
A Classic
People love it so much for a reason. If you can I'd recommend tracking down a vintage model over a newer AI.
134
Best Microphone
Ever since I heard about the Neumann U87, I didn't believe that this would make my vocals sound so amazing.
Artist usage
Add artist
The article mentions the U87 in a list of equipment that Pogo uses for live recordings.
Used for "Get Ur Freak On", as stated anecdotally by engineer Jimmy Douglass in this transscribed March 2005 interview about Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River".
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
"Cry Me a River"
Producer: Timbaland
Engineer: Jimmy Douglass
"Justin came to me with his microphone in his case, and didn't actually take it out because he decided to see what I could do first," says Jimmy of the first session. "He was very happy, so he didn't get into that. I guess he has his mic with him just in case he runs into trouble. He works with a lot of different engineers and everybody has their secrets about their great mics. The thing about the [Neumann] U 87 - I used it because it's really kind of a neutral mic. All the other microphones have characteristics to them that don't work on everybody's voice. The U 87 seems to work on everybody."
"I look for Jimmy to tweak my vocals and make them crisp," adds Timbaland. "That's what I look for - that tone. With Justin, his vocal tone just came. Justin does his own thing."
Signal Path: Tracking
Jimmy explains: "The U 87 went to the Neve VR channel strip in mic position - I used the preamp on the board, and then inserted the [Universal Audio] 1176 across that particular path and then I sent it out to all my individual buses. I tracked Justin's vocals to Pro Tools. That's it. I've found that this is the chain of least resistance; it doesn't effect the vocal as much, and you can always do more creative things later in the mix. It's the most natural signal path I can find. I use the 1176 because it's a very fast limiter and it works well as a limiting tool as well as compressor.
"The reason I don't do anything coming in on the EQ side," he continues, "is because you can always EQ it later, but you can't take away EQ you've messed with on the way in. That gets recorded and you can never take it away."
Missy Elliott received the exact same signal treatment for her Timbaland-produced hit "Get Ur Freak On", as did Aaliyah on "Try Again," Jay-Z "Big Pimpin'," Snoop Dogg "Last Meal," Lil' Kim "The Jump Off," and Bubba Sparxxx "Deliverance," among others.
In the Soundonsound article "Inside Track: Lewis Capaldi's 'Someone You Loved'," it is mentioned that Lewis Capaldi used a Neumann U87 microphone for recording the track. Notably, this microphone had previously been used by Adele.
“It’s more like a nice little solid writing room so I’ve got an original Juno-60 and a Prophet Rev 2... the 16-voice one, which is amazing. I’ve got a vocal chain that’s always set up in case I get any ideas; basically what I’d do as I was writing the songs is to sit on the chair with a U87 mic that goes into a Neve preamp clone made by BAE, which is amazing.
At 2:44, he is using a Neumann U87 to record vocals.
According to sound engineer Ian Little, Simon's vocals for the "Seven and the ragged tiger" album have been tracked through a Neumann U87.
A lot of Grace Chatto’s cello parts are recorded in his room using either a Neumann U87 or, more often, a Neumann TLM103. “It’s really bright and kind of just seems to work on everything,” says Patterson. “The U87 has got its own sound, but I kind of don’t like that. I think a lot of our aesthetic is just kind of crystal clarity and super no-noise.”
"...I realized that we seem to bring the best out of each other in the studio, as we have been able to increasingly throw fresh ideas at each other every time we work together. And finally I have assembled a vocal recording chain I feel does justice to her unbelievably unique voice. By recording through a Neumann U87 AI into a distressor and my Soundcraft Ghost desk, I feel it’s been possible to get a clear, warm tone that avoids being too harsh or top-heavy.”
Used for vocals on the songs Don Was produced for Cosmic Thing and on Funplex, as stated in the following Mix Online interviews.
Mix Online, April 2008, “Steve Osborne” by Barbara Schultz
How do you capture those amazing female vocal harmonies?
Cindy [Wilson] and Kate [Pierson] would always be in a studio together, and we would record them that way because there would be interplay. Kate has her own [Neumann] M249, and Cindy uses a U87.
Mix Online, July 2012, “Classic Tracks: The B-52s, ‘Love Shack’” by Barbara Schultz
All of the Was-produced tracks were recorded analog, to a Studer A80 machine, using the studio’s early ’70s vintage API console. “I used Neumann U 87s on all of the vocals,” Cook recalls. “All the preamps were on board, in the console. I used a couple of Pultecs on drums, and probably dbx 160s on their vocals; [Shure SM] 57s on guitar amps and a Neumann U 47 fet on the bass amp, as well as a DI. The biggest challenge was to get the vocals isolated so we could get all the punches we needed. Later we would do doubles and fixes, and add the horns. I remember we listened very quietly on Auratones while doing vocals. Don was very focused on the vocals, and he heard pitch best when he listened quietly on small speakers. It is a method I’ve used myself ever since.”
In this photo at Grabbitz Facebook page a Neumann U87 Ai Condenser Microphone can be clearly seen.
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Album Usage
The Neumann U87 has been featured on the following albums:
Gloria: In Excelsis Deo (RCA Demo)
Patti Smith (2025)
Thank You New York Knicks
Busta Rhymes & Rakim & Styles P (2025)
Now Is The Time
Rakim (2025)
BK Harlem
Masta Killa (2025)
Please Don't Break My Heart
Method Man (2025)
Why You Claim It
Teena Marie (2025)
Automatic Yes (feat. John Mayer)
John Mayer & Zedd (2024)
Short n' Sweet
Sabrina Carpenter (2024)
![Neumann U87 as heard on Something In The Way (From "The Batman") [Piano Version] by Kurt Cobain (2023)](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/260283/something-in-the-way-from-the-batman-piano-version.jpg)
Something In The Way (From "The Batman") [Piano Version]
Kurt Cobain (2023)
Every Breath You Take
Stewart Copeland & Stewart Copeland (2023)
Hackney Diamonds
The Rolling Stones (2023)
From The Start
Laufey (2023)
Keep Going Up
Justin Timberlake & Timbaland & Nelly Furtado (2023)
Ribbons
Ryan Beatty (2023)
Buffalo Stance
Mapei & Robyn & Neneh Cherry (2022)
Meth Lab Season 3 : The Rehab
Method Man (2022)
10:35
Tiësto & Tate McRae (2022)
Non dovevo farlo
gIANMARIA (2022)
![Neumann U87 as heard on Bang a Gong (Get It On) [Outtake] by T. Rex (2021)](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/28842/bang-a-gong-get-it-on-outtake.jpg)
Bang a Gong (Get It On) [Outtake]
T. Rex (2021)
NEVER LEFT
Lil Tecca (2021)
![Neumann U87 as heard on Something in the Way (Teaser Trailer From "The Batman") [Medieval Style] by Kurt Cobain & Celestial Aeon Project (2020)](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/260284/something-in-the-way-teaser-trailer-from-the-batman-medieval-style.jpg)
Something in the Way (Teaser Trailer From "The Batman") [Medieval Style]
Kurt Cobain & Celestial Aeon Project (2020)
Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God (Reloaded)
Busta Rhymes (2020)
Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God
Busta Rhymes (2020)
Parasite Eve
Bring Me The Horizon (2020)
Virgo World
Lil Tecca (2020)
Between Da Protests
KRS-One (2020)
THE GOAT
Polo G (2020)
Someone You Loved (Sped Up)
Lewis Capaldi (2019)
Five Feet Apart (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Brian Tyler & Breton Vivian (2019)
Firepower
Judas Priest (2018)
?
XXXTENTACION (2018)
Anthem Of The Peaceful Army
Greta Van Fleet (2018)
Meth Lab Season 2: The Lithium
Method Man (2018)
Wonder Years
Sean David Grant (2017)
Huncho Jack, Jack Huncho
HUNCHO JACK & Quavo & Travis Scott (2017)
Luv Is Rage 2
Lil Uzi Vert (2017)
Paper
David Banner (2017)
Rewrite The Stars
Zendaya (2017)
SVIIB
School Of Seven Bells (2016)
Song for the Life
Jerry Jeff Walker (2016)
Do What Thou Wilt.
Ab-Soul (2016)
Plotting
Dizzy Wright (2016)
Sweatshirt
Jacob Sartorius (2016)
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen (2016)
Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight
Travis Scott (2016)
Drones
Muse (2015)
Repentless
Slayer (2015)
Oz
Missy Higgins (2014)
Random Access Memories
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2013)
Le Milleuna
Demetrio Stratos (2013)
Take Me to Church EP
Hozier (2013)
States
The Paper Kites (2013)
Ghostory (Deluxe Version)
School Of Seven Bells (2012)
Sneak Peek: Finally Rich
Chief Keef (2012)
Boys & Girls
Alabama Shakes (2012)
True
Solange (2012)
Audio, Video, Disco.
Justice (2011)
Live in Paris: I Just Wanna Rock
Joe Satriani (2010)
Pássaro De Fogo
Paula Fernandes (2009)
Sex On Fire
Kings of Leon (2009)
Congo Square
Teena Marie (2009)
Only By The Night
Kings of Leon (2008)
Mood Muzik 3 (The Album)
Joe Budden (2008)
Professor Satchafunkilus and the Musterion of Rock
Joe Satriani (2008)
Funplex
The B-52's (2008)
Because Of The Times
Kings of Leon (2007)
Icky Thump
The White Stripes & Jack White & Jack White (2007)
Curtis
50 Cent (2007)
Kickin' Out The Footlights... Again: Jones Sings Haggard, Haggard Sings Jones
Merle Haggard & George Jones (2006)
Continuum
John Mayer (2006)
Back To Black (Deluxe Edition)
Amy Winehouse (2006)
I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
Arctic Monkeys (2005)
Lullabies To Paralyze
Queens of the Stone Age (2005)
Occasion: Connick on Piano 2
Harry Connick, Jr. (2005)
Late Registration
Kanye West (2005)
Deliverance
Bubba Sparxxx (2003)
Tha Last Meal
Snoop Dogg (2000)
Pop
U2 (1997)
The Colour And The Shape
Foo Fighters (1997)
Dreaming Of You
Selena (1995)
Sueño Stereo (Remastered)
Soda Stereo (1995)
Superunknown (Super Deluxe)
Soundgarden (1994)
Second Coming
The Stone Roses (1994)
Linger
The Cranberries (1993)
Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?
The Cranberries (1993)
Infamous Angel
Iris DeMent (1992)
Into The Great Wide Open
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1991)
Nevermind
Nirvana (1991)
Mosquitos
Stan Ridgway (1989)
Cosmic Thing
The B-52's (1989)
She Blinded Me With Science
Thomas Dolby (1987)
Seven and the Ragged Tiger
Duran Duran (1983)
Ark
The Animals (1983)
Alturas de Macchu Picchu
Los Jaivas (1981)
Back In Black
AC/DC (1980)
Women and Children First (Remastered)
Van Halen (1980)
Van Halen II (Remastered)
Van Halen (1979)
Who Are You
The Who (1978)
Metrodora
Demetrio Stratos (1976)
Rocks
Aerosmith (1976)
The Dark Side of the Moon
Pink Floyd (1973)
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye (1973)
What's Going On
Marvin Gaye (1971)
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, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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