-s.webp?v=1783346562)
-xl.webp?v=1783346562)
Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $3,630
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
Price Tier
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.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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
-
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
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
-
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
-
The U87 Ai is often counterfeited; due diligence is required to verify authenticity, especially at unusually low prices.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
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
-
Heavy base boom mic stands are recommended to safeguard the investment of a U87 Ai.
Source
Mods and upgrades
Comparisons
Features and functionality
-
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
Used on Anthem of the Peaceful Army, as stated by mix engineer Al Sutton in this January 2019 Sound on Sound interview.
"With regards to electric guitars, we usually had several amps set up, like an AC30 and a Marshall, or Marshall clone, and I tended to have a U67 on one and a U87 on the other cabinet, placed straight on the centre of the speaker. Sometimes I'd use a Sony C37 or a Shure SM57. All the guitar mics also went through the API desk, but I sent the bass through the Acme Audio MTP-66 pre and DI."
Mix engineer Tommaso Colliva on recording Drones : "Toms were recorded with Sennheiser MD421s on the top and Neumann U87s on the resonant head."
SM7 (used for Sad) a lot on U87, also Manley Reference Cardioid. Used the brainwork console plugins and MAAG EQ for most of the vocal sounds
At 8:20, he can be seen using a black U87 to record vocals for his Green Day parody song.
.jpeg?v=1782978863)
In the YouTube video "Machine Gun Kelly & Travis Barker - Misery Business (Paramore Cover)," Machine Gun Kelly appears to be using a Neumann U87 condenser microphone. However, due to the visual similarities with the U67 model, identification is not definitive without seeing the Neumann badge, which differentiates them by color: purple for the U87 and black for the U67.
Used for the piano on Nighthawks at the Diner and "the orchestral track recordings" of Foreign Affairs, as is visible in producer "Bones Howe's original layout diagram for the live recording that would become Nighthawks At The Diner" (pictured) and Howe's "[d]iagram for the Foreign Affairs sessions at Wally Heider Studio 4 showing the layout used for the orchestral track recordings" from this February 2004 Sound on Sound interview. The microphone later would be used for Waits' vocals on the soundtrack of One from the Heart and the electric guitar on Bone Machine, the latter stated by engineer Biff Dawes in this February 26, 2015 Mix Online interview.
Dawes describes what he recalls about placing those mics in 1992: “Usually I would take Tom’s guitar direct and I would close mike his amp [either a Princeton Tweed or a Fender Deluxe Reverb],” he says. “Sometimes I would tape mics to the guitar, and then we would add in the more distant mics from the room. Prairie Sun has a wide selection, so we used a lot of Neumanns: U 67s, U 87s, M 49s, that kind of thing."
This Sound On Sound article states: "When I first worked with Jeff, he sang into a U87 because he was used to that, and then I used an AKG 414, while always employing a little slap delay. I really like that microphone and I've used it on a lot of people, such as Freddie Mercury. It just has something special, whereas the Neumann had a honk in it that I didn't like.
Used as a room mic for “Every Breath You Take”, as mentioned by producer Hugh Padgham in this March 2004 Sound on Sound interview.
"At AIR Montserrat, the dining area had a gabled ceiling and reflective wooden floor, so I recorded Stewart's drums with room mics while also close-miking the kit, similar to how I recorded Phil Collins. There was a [Shure] SM57 on the snare, [Sennheiser] 421s on the toms, Coles 4038 ribbon mics for the overheads, and [Neumann] 87s as room mics, placed about 10 to 15 feet away and compressed a little bit. Obviously, we didn't use the room sound as much as we did for Phil, but it still provided Stewart's sound with a certain liveliness.”
In Classic Tracks: T. Rex’s “Bang a Gong (Get It On)”, Marc Bolan's producer Tony Visconti says: "We used this vocal mic for the final mix as an ambience mic. We used about four or five tracks for Flo & Eddie, with Marc joining them. I always used a U87 on vocals and backing vocals."
In this performance, Adrianne Lenker uses a Neumann U87 for her vocals.
Used for "Cry Me a River", as stated by engineer Jimmy Douglass in this transscribed March 2005 interview.
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.
Signal Path: Mixdown
"I basically added a Teletronics LA2A across the chain," says Jimmy, "and I used the EQ on the VR. I just added a little bit of top and took away a little bit of the low bottom. I put a little bit of high-end just for shimmer. "The vocal to me is God. The vocal sells the record. I've always felt that way. That comes from working with a long line of great singers: Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Donny Hawthaway, and Lou Gramm [Foreigner]. I came from the school of having the vocalist be the most important part of the record. If you listen to the early records Lou did, the vocals are really out there, it's very clear, it's very transparent. I look for transparency in vocals. And I also try to keep them very dry."
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.
-s.webp?v=1783335727)
-s.webp?v=1783346627)
-s.webp?v=1783346701)
Community setups
Show yours
More Neumann Condenser Microphones
$519.00 - $799.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$899.00 - $1,295.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$508.80 - $849.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$2,782.69 - $3,995.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$1,456.37 - $1,995.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$748.89 - $899.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$3,463.04 - $4,395.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$4,300.00 - $8,299.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
-m.webp?v=1783346539)
$4,999.00 - $5,995.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$1,281.75 - $1,750.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$1,749.99
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$533.45 - $849.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$1,439.00 - $1,695.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$714.56 - $849.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$16,111.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$1,173.60 - $1,595.00
$1,975.00 - $3,500.00
$3,666.00 - $4,395.00
-m.webp?v=1783339816)
$1,975.00 - $3,500.00
$2,349.00 - $3,995.00
$8,100.00 - $9,995.00
$989.00 - $1,266.00
$3,421.95 - $3,995.00
.png?v=1783256553)
$554.06 - $699.00
Accessories & Related Items
-s.webp?v=1783346563)
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Condenser Microphones
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-
