Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $2,938
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Neumann U89i". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Neumann U89i is an exceptional studio condenser microphone designed for versatility and precision in any recording environment. With five selectable polar patterns—omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, and figure-eight—it adapts seamlessly to a wide array of recording scenarios, from orchestral captures to intimate vocal performances. The U89i's sleek design and compact form set it apart from its predecessors, offering improved high-end response and greater flexibility.
Engineered with a state-of-the-art Neumann capsule, the U89i delivers a linear yet smooth frequency response, making it a top choice for voice-over artists and speech applications. Its transformer-coupled circuit topology ensures that the microphone maintains a classic, warm tonal character, while advanced technology allows it to handle sound pressure levels up to 140 dB without distortion.
This microphone also features a two-stage low-cut filter and a switchable 6 dB pad, enabling it to manage extreme sound environments with ease. Its components are protected against contamination, ensuring high reliability and stability over extended periods of use. Whether you're capturing the subtle nuances of a wind instrument or the robust dynamics of a live band, the Neumann U89i stands ready to elevate your sound.
Key Features:
- Five selectable polar patterns: omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-eight
- Linear frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Switchable 6 dB pre-attenuation
- Two-stage low-cut filter
- Maximum sound pressure level: 140 dB
- Transformer-coupled circuit topology
- Requires +48V phantom power
- Nominal impedance: 150 ohms
- Nominal load impedance: 1000 ohms
Product specs
| Brand | Neumann |
| Model | U 89 i Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone, U 89 i mt Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone |
| Finish | Matte Black, Nickel |
| Year | 1990 - 2025 |
| Made In | Germany |
| Categories | Microphones |
| Electronics | Analog, Solid State |
| Microphone Type | Large-Diaphragm Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Multipattern |
| Wired/Wireless | Wired |
FAQs
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What polar patterns does the Neumann U89i microphone offer?
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The Neumann U89i features five selectable polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8, hypercardioid, and wide-angle cardioid, making it versatile for various recording applications.
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Is the Neumann U89i suitable for recording vocals?
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Yes, the Neumann U89i is excellent for vocals due to its large-diaphragm condenser design, offering clarity and warmth, and its ability to handle high sound pressure levels.
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How does the Neumann U89i differ from the U87?
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The U89i is a more modern and versatile microphone than the U87, offering additional polar patterns and a slightly smaller, lighter design, while still maintaining the renowned Neumann sound quality.
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What applications is the Neumann U89i best suited for?
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The Neumann U89i is ideal for studio recording of vocals, instruments, and ensembles, thanks to its multipattern capability and ability to handle high sound pressure levels.
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Does the Neumann U89i require phantom power?
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Yes, the Neumann U89i requires 48V phantom power to operate, which is standard for condenser microphones.
Videos
Dark Corner Studios
Neumann u89i Vs THE WORLD
Reviews
PROS
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Honest sound reproduction, not overly colored
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Retains the vintage Neumann vibe
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Suitable for sibilant vocals due to 7kHz cut
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Versatile across sound sources: vocals, drums, guitars
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Beautiful, uncolored off-axis sound reproduction
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Warmer, more realistic sound compared to U87
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Neumann U89i.
Comparisons
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The U89i is noted for being smoother and more versatile than the modern U87ai, with less boost in the upper mids/highs.
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The mic is described as being less immediately "sexy" than the U87 due to its flat frequency response and smaller form factor.
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The U89 is described as having more "Neumann magic" than TLM models, offering clarity and detail without the high-end push of the U87.
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Features and functionality
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Unlike the TLM models, the U89i includes a transformer, contributing to a thicker sound.
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Use cases and applications
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Ideal for room mics and overheads where a darker, smoother tone without sizzle is desired, but less preferred for acoustic instruments compared to the 414.
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Preferred for distance-miking orchestras due to its neutral, accurate sound, while U87 is often chosen for rock vocals for its flattering presence bump.
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Value and pricing
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A U89i under $2k is considered a strong value, especially useful for bright or strident sources.
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User experience
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Owners who have used the U89i for years express missing it when not available, indicating a strong attachment to its dependable performance.
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Owners appreciate the U89 for detailed voiceover work, often pairing it with A-Designs Pacifica or Dizengoff tube preamps for optimal performance.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
This article states that Jerry's studio includes "AKG 414 (2), C451E (2), and D12 (2); EV RE18 (2) and RE20; Neumann KM86i (2), KM88i (2), TLM 103 (2), U67 (2), U87 (2), and U89i (2); Sennheiser 421 (4); and Shure SM57 (4), SM7B, and SM58."
Equipment list from the March 1994 issue of Sound on Sound:
RECORDERS
Soundcraft Series 760 24‑track tape machine. Revox PR66 2‑track tape machine. Sony DTC‑1000ES DAT recorder. Casio DA7 portable DAT recorder. Tascam 122 cassette recorder.
MIXER
Soundcraft Series 1624 mixer.
MONITORS
JBL 4425 studio monitors. Yamaha NS10m nearfield monitors.
AMPLIFIER
Quad 520f power amp.
INSTRUMENTS
Akai S1000 sampler. Emu Emax keyboard sampler. Oberheim Matrix 1000 synth module. Roland Juno 60 synth. Yamaha DX7 synthesizer. Roland SH09 synth (with MIDI). EMS Synthi A synth. Putney VCS3 synth. Roland TR808 drum machine (with MIDI). Roland TR909 drum machine. Roland TB303 Bassline synth (with MIDI).
SEQUENCER
C‑Lab Notator + Unitor + Export. Atari 1040ST + monitor.
PROCESSORS
Lexicon PCM70 digital effects. Lexicon PCM60 digital reverb. MXR 01a digital reverb Bel BD80 delay. Yamaha EMP700 multi‑effects. Alesis Quadraverb. Drawmer dual gates (2). Drawmer compressor/limiter.
MICROPHONES
Neumann U89i mic.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Neumann U89i, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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