-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
Listed in Chris Walla's Hall of Justice Recording Studio equipment list.
Used for overheads on Pop, as explained by engineer Robbie Adams in this July 1997 Sound on Sound interview.
DECONSTRUCTING DRUMS
Three years ago, U2 engineer Robbie Adams explained in SOS how he recorded Larry Mullen's drums with just three mics, an approach he had picked up from Flood, who, said Adams, "is bored with all this traditional, big stereo nonsense." Flood explained that his way of recording drums was partly born from necessity, and partly from reading Mark Lewisohn's classic book on The Beatles' recording sessions: "When we were working on Achtung Baby, we had two drum kits set up, and I had very few channels on the desk, so that was a bit of a problem. I noticed from the photographs in the Beatles book how there was always one mic parked just above the drum kit. I thought it was maybe just for the photo or something, but then I saw it in other studio shots as well, and so, because of the problem I had with too few channels, I decided to try it out on one of the two kits. I put one mic on the bass drum -- an AKG D12 or Neumann U47 -- a Shure SM57 on the snare, and an SM58 as the overhead just above the kit.
"What started to happen was that people would prefer that drum sound, even though it's virtually mono. I also noticed that with Larry, who is a powerful drummer, when you put the drums in stereo you have to have the levels up higher on playback, whereas the mono drums were more powerful, even at lower levels. When I thought about it, I realised that if you're standing in front of a drum kit, you hear it in mono -- you don't hear the toms panning neatly from left to right in your ears. Also, a mic just above the kit compresses the sound. And that's the same effect that happens in the ears of a drummer or when you stand close to the kit; the sound is compressing in your ears because of the level of air pressure. So when you have a cheap, lo-fi overhead mic in that position, and add compression on a mic that's already compressing, it brings out the excitement, the same feel and natural balance that the drummer is getting."
"I've used the three-mic approach as a starting point ever since. You can do all sorts of things with it. For example, if the room you're recording in is rather dead, you can add a bit of room reverb just on the mad-sounding compressed mic. That will give the illusion of the drums having space, and yet the physical punch still comes from the middle. I will sometimes add two more overheads, like a 414 or 87, placed a bit higher up, or at the same height as the drummer's ears. A lot of the times we end up monitoring kick, snare and these higher overheads, and then if the track sounds a bit lame, we'll feed that extra low overhead mic in, which can bring out all the reflections that the drummer gets and that you may not hear normally. It's always good to experiment and listen to the sound the drummer gets in the room. When we were working on Pop in Miami, we were in a room that had very little character, so we put the two ambient mics right in the corner, pointing towards the ceiling, away from the drum kit, thus deliberately creating a woolly, booming drum sound that went well with the brightness of the drum kit. We were always pushing for character, and trying to stay as far away as possible from a generic rock drum sound."
Throughout the video, you can see V using the Neumann U87 to record
At 0:18 you can clearly see Playboi using a Neumann U87. We can see him using in this video too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRdSjSY0RD0&ab_channel=FemaleDoggy at the 0:12 mark.
Throughout the video on this page you can see Future and Drake using a u87
Used for some of Luv Is Rage 2, as stated by mix engineer Kesha Lee in this December 2017 Sound on Sound article.
The standard for Atlanta seems to be to use Yamaha NS10s or Augspurger monitors,” Lee explains, “and the recording signal chain consists of an Avalon VT-737sp mic pre and a Tube-Tech CL 1B compressor. The microphone is normally a Neumann U87 and the headphones are Sennheiser HD280s. We briefly used the U87 when we got back from LA, because that’s what’s in Means Street Studio A, but Uzi likes the Neumann TLM103, which is in Studio B, and which we use most of the time.”
In a screenshot from Radiohead's "From The Basement" performance of "Bodysnatchers" on April 2, 2008, Nigel Godrich can be seen using a Neumann U87 microphone, identifiable by its shock mount, to mic Jonny Greenwood’s Vox AC30. The microphone on Jonny’s smaller solid-state Fender Eighty-Five is likely his Audix OM3.
Cash Cash post a photo to Instagram showing their new Neumann U87 Condenser Mic (the Nickel version). They say, "Huge thanks to our homies at @sennheiserusa for hooking us up with a sweet and sexy Neumann U87!!! <3" This was posted June 2014.
He has been seen in many videos using this microphone.
"Dolby's lead vocals (which he terms "theatrical") were recorded using a Neumann u87."
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
-
