Theres good reason why the Neumann U87 AI Studio Microphone is a mainstay in some of the worlds most famous recording studios. Drums bass guitars vocals piano strings brass keys. You name it this microphone excels on it. Seriously. Achieving record-ready sounds is as easy as positioning the microphone on your source and pressing record. Although they may be a wide range of U87 emulations on the market it doesnt get much better than the real thing. Since it was first introduced in 1967 the U87 has been embraced by many seminal artists including Paul McCartney David Gilmour Kevin Parker Nina Simone and Dido. Thanks to its full frequency response and wide dynamic range the large diaphragm condenser is able to relay every last nuance of any source with an incredible degree of accuracy. Take advantage of the wide range of polar patterns to achieve a unique range of tones. For optimised recordings utilise the included shock mount. Become part of the legend today. New and improved Although the latest edition of the U87 features improved circuitry for an optimised performance the capsule remains the same. This means youll receive the exact same capsule used to record many legendary artists and performances. The all-new circuitry provides even more headroom than ever before this is achieved by minimising the resistance which is supplied by the capsule bias voltage. Thanks to this the microphone offers an improved signal to noise ratio of up to 3dB. Get the sound right at source The on-board controls enable you to get the sound right at source. If youre recording instruments with high SPLs such as drums and amplifiers youll appreciate the help of the attenuation pad. Engaging this reduces the capsules sensitivity by 10dB. This minimises the risk of clipping and capsule distortion. If youre struggling with proximity effect take advantage of the on-board filter thanks to this youll be able to achieve up-close and intimate recordings without compromising the quality of your signal. Which polar pattern should I use? Boasting three polar patterns the U87 AI is a real work-horse; Cardioid is excellent for delivering a tight-focused sound whilst providing excellent off-axis rejection of around -6dB of unwanted noise and ambience. This is a great polar pattern to rely on when recording live performances either on-stage or in-the-studio. Fig. 8 picks up sound from the front and the back of the capsule whilst rejecting all sound coming from the side. This pattern has been a go-to trick for many producers recording two background vocals. When paired with another fig.8 microphone and carefully positioned it can also work wonders on capturing vocals and guitar from a single performer simultaneously. However beware. Utilising this positioning enhances close proximity effect which can lead to an unnatural amount of low-end being reproduced by the microphone. Theres good reason why many radio broadcasters opt for this pattern! When you want to capture natural recordings it doesnt get much better than omni. Omnidirectional means that sound is picked up by the capsule within a 360 degree radius. Selecting this pattern allows you to get up-close on sources without the risk of proximity effect being introduced. This is a favoured pattern for many Grammy award winning engineers and producers when recording multiple string and brass players. It can also make the “Levee Break” when used for drum room microphones!Reviews “[The U87] will reliably give you very good recordings every time.” – Sound on Sound Voted Best Microphone 2012 “Giving you an exceptional level of clarity the U87 has its own distinct sonic signature providing a deep rich pleasant tone to anything you record.” – Voice Council Features Variable large diaphragm microphone Pressure- gradient transducer with double membrane capsule The studio microphone classic Three directional characteristics: omni cardioid figure-8 Switchable low frequency roll-off Switchable 10 dB pre- attenuation Ideal as main and as support microphone in the most differing recording situations Acoustical operating principle: Pressure gradient transducer Specifications 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 Pre-attenuation) 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 Colour: Nickel Connector: XLR Weight: 2.2 kg Included Accessories: Wooden Box Shock mount Product Code: 008660