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Average Price: $3,630
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$401+
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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)
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.
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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
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.
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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
Amy Winehouse used the Neumann U87 while working on her album Back to Black, as confirmed by an article on Reverb.
The microphone used by Cameron's amplifier, visible at the 44th second of the video
Used for "Last Meal", 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.
Used for the B3 on Anthem of the Peaceful Army, as stated by mix engineer Al Sutton in this January 2019 Sound on Sound interview.
"I recorded the bass DI, and the bass cabinet with a Neumann FET 47 mic. I miked the B3 Leslie with a U87 at the top, and a Neumann FET 47 at the bottom, and I had used a DI for the small vintage guitar amp we used for the other keyboards."
The overheads were Neumann 87 or 47, and on the hi?hat I used a Neumann KM84, which gives a nice crisp sound, but also has enough body in it.
Mike Fraser, Sound on Sound article, 2009.
Used for vocals on Toys in the Attic, as stated by engineer Jay Messina in this March 21, 2017 Mix Online interview.
Messina believes Tyler’s vocal chain included a Neumann U87, a Teletronix LA-2A and a Pultec, “which maybe I took some 30 cycles out and then added at 10k.” Tyler also overdubbed some triangle, to create the school bell sounds in the song.
Used for vocals and guitar on "Linger", as mentioned by producer Stephen Street in this March 2018 Sound on Sound interview.
Even though signed to Island, the Cranberries were still working with a limited budget on the album sessions, meaning that the acoustic guitar part on 'Linger' was recorded with the nearest instrument to hand: namely a cheap Yamaha acoustic owned by O'Riordan. "Sometimes when I was working with alternative or indie bands," says Street, "you just had to work with what you had. If there was a budget to hire more guitars, great. But I don't think we had that at that point. Especially being over in Dublin at the time, we did just work with the guitars they owned.
"I would put a Neumann U87 in front of the guitar, between the 12th fret and the hole. And sometimes I might have something like a KM84 further up towards the neck, just to see if it put a little bit of extra 'air' into it. Sometimes I would split those separate tracks a little bit in the mix, so although it was just one guitar, it gave it a little bit of spread across the stereo image."
(...) "The trusty old workhorse most of the time was the U87," Street remembers. "Dolores was a very shy girl at this point. I was just beginning to win her confidence. I remember when we did the very, very first vocal sessions together on this record, she was wanting her boyfriend at the time to be there in the control room (laughs). I said, 'Look, it's not really how it works. Y'know, when you're working with me as a producer, you've got to trust my judgement, not your boyfriend's judgement as to whether the take is good or bad.'"
Tobu is seen with the legendary Neumann U87 microphone in a photo shared on Instagram, highlighting its presence in his studio setup.
A Neumann U87 can be seen throughout the first third of this video of Tupac recording "Let's Fight", particularly at 0:44. Another was used for the recording of "Outlaw", as stated by engineer Paul Arnold in a series of Gearslutz forum replies. An October 26, 2017 All Micrphone article also offers "For the majority of his recordings for Death Row Records Tupac would use a vintage Neumann U87. This would be fed into a Neve or SSL 4k preamp and a Studer® A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder."
Gearslutz, paultools, April 10, 2009
I recorded Pac with a U-87 through a SSL-E preamp and compressor at Quad Studios in NYC for the song "Outlaw" from MATW.
Later, I recorded him using an AKG 414 through an SSL-G preamp and either the onboard compressor or a dbx 160 for other songs from MATW and Thug Life at the Enterprise.
Also used a 414 through an SSL-E at Soundcastle.
I wound up mixing some other stuff that was cut using a U47 through what I suspect was an LA 2.
Gearslutz, paultools, April 14, 2009
I remember my first time recording him.
I had worked for a time with a brilliant producer, Moe Z MD. we were working on an album for another Interscope artist, and Tom Whalley heard some of Moe's tracks and liked them. This led to an opportunity to do a remix of the Thug Life song "From the Cradle to the Grave". We did the remix at Soundcastle in LA and by the end of the week, Moe and I were in NYC with Pac. The remix replaced the version that was to go on the album. I like them both.
Moe and I arrived at Quad Studios in the mid-afternoon, and soon, the room was filled with energy as Pac arrived with his nephews/cousins in tow. Upon meeting him, Pac would make you feel like you'd been friends forever! We wasted little time, as Pac had identified a beat from A DAT that he wanted to make a song from.
We tracked the beat from Moe's Roland W-30 and Emu SP-1200 as Pac rehearsed the parts with his family. I set up a U-87 and patched it into the SSL preamp, added a touch of the onboard compressor, and bussed it out to multiple channels of the Studer multitrack. Pac hit the booth and cut 3 quick passes for his vocals and some adlibs... about 15-20 minutes total. He could jump into character in an instant, and was very expressive as he performed his verses. His energy was contagious.
One by one, he brought the other rappers into the booth and coached them through their parts. This group was originally to be called the Young Thugs and then Dramacydal, but later changed their name to the Outlawz. We spent a few minutes recording the kid's voice in the intro, and then the Jamaican parts for the chorus and the end which was later edited off.
A food run was made, and soon everyone crashed except for Moe and me, as we spent much time and effort bouncing quarters off the floor and sampling them for the simulated shells hitting the street throughout the song. I spent a few hours putting a mix together, printed it to DAT and 1/2 " and we called it a day.
The resulting song is the last one on MATW, "Outlaw". I did a quick recall of the mix at the Enterprise in order to shorten he song and to make a few tweaks. I regret not raising Pac's whispered vocal parts just a little, especially on the end breakdown. His "narrative" at the end of the song is totally off the top and one take... the kind of stuff that demonstrated his brilliance.
Gearslutz, paultools, April 15, 2009
I loved the way he did his stacks, cause he gave each one something different... a little different expression or emotional twist. Every pass was a performance, not just another take.
I panned them slightly to the left and right and put them just underneath the main level-wise, but also did automation rides to catch certain parts, and might mult them off for a certain EQ or effect on certain words or phrases (like on "may God forgive me I was HIGH..." in Outlaw).
I also used a modified preset on the Eventide H3000 harmonizer called "Magic Air" as the primary effect on his voice for "space" in lieu of reverb, although certain mixes had plenty of reverb on his voice as well ("Only Fear of Death").
The writing studio’s compactness leant itself nicely to Bayley’s process. Keeping his essentials within arm’s reach, he has guitars: Hofner 176, Fender Stratocaster, Selmer Classical, Fender Precision bass with flat-wound strings, Roland Jupiter-6, Korg MS-20, ARP 2600—which made it onto every song on the album—a vintage Neumann U 87 microphone, and a couple of API preamps. Recording happens into Pro Tools, with Ableton preferable for sequencing and programming. Keeping things simple allows Bayley to whiz around, patching in what he needs quickly.
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)
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)
Bang a Gong (Get It On) [Outtake]
T. Rex (2021)
NEVER LEFT
Lil Tecca (2021)
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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