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An introduction to Neumann U 87 Ai, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
The Neumann U 87 Ai is probably the best-known and most frequently used studio microphone the world over.
— Neumann official site
What is U 87 Ai?
The U 87 Ai is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone from Neumann of Germany. It descends from the U 87, which was introduced in 1967, and Neumann presents it as one of the most widely used studio microphones in the world. Its tapered body and distinctive head grille are described on the official page as the typical look of a studio microphone.
Its headline feature is a switch for three polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8. A switchable low cut and a pad (an input attenuator) are built into the body as well. That lets one microphone be set up for singing, speech, acoustic instruments or overhead drum miking.
Inside, it follows a traditional design philosophy. According to Neumann, the capsule uses the same dual-diaphragm design as the early-1960s U 67, and the head amplifier combines an FET circuit with a transformer-balanced output. Neumann says the short signal path is meant to keep signal integrity high and give strong common-mode rejection.
Vocals and speech (voice over, dubbing, audio books) are listed first among its uses. Neumann also mentions acoustic guitar, drum overheads, bass and guitar cabinets, spot miking of soloists such as cello, and stereo recording of piano. It runs on phantom power, so it can be connected to a typical audio interface.
The U 87 Ai comes in six order variants. Nickel "U 87 Ai" (cat. no. 007022) and matte-black "U 87 Ai mt" (007023) are the single-microphone models, and each also has a Studio Set with a shock mount (008660 / 008661) and a Stereo Set with two microphones (008505 / 008506). Color and set contents can be chosen separately.
On the Japanese official page Neumann introduces the microphone as a standard choice for speech and vocals. The pages list the MIPA Award 2008 for the U 87 Anniversary Edition and the SOS Award for Best Microphone in 2012, 2013 and 2015. Please read these as the maker's own account of its track record.
Three switchable polar patterns
Omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8 are selected with a switch. Cardioid favors sound from the front, figure-8 picks up front and back, and omni picks up from all around. You can change the pattern to suit the source and how much of the room you want to include.
Low cut and pad
The low cut helps reduce low-frequency rumble such as desk vibration or air-conditioning noise, and the pad is for sources that are too loud for the input. The official specification lists max SPL rising from 117 dB to 127 dB (cardioid) when the pre-attenuation is used.
FET circuit and transformer-balanced output
Neumann explains that the design principles of its tube-driven predecessor are realized with an FET circuit. The signal path is kept minimal and the output is balanced by a transformer, a balanced connection that resists picking up noise even on long XLR cables.
Low self-noise figures
The official specification gives A-weighted equivalent noise levels of 12 dB-A for cardioid, 15 dB-A for omni and 14 dB-A for figure-8. These numbers are a useful reference when recording quiet voices or quiet instruments.
Wide range of applications
The official page lists vocals, voice over, acoustic guitar, drum overheads, bass and guitar cabinets, spot miking of cello and stereo piano recording as examples. Neumann stresses that a single microphone can cover several of these situations.
Two colors and set options
It comes in nickel or black (matte). Besides the single microphone with a wooden box, the official order information lists a Studio Set that adds a shock mount and a Stereo Set with two microphones.
Wide range of matching accessories
The official page lists shock mounts (EA 87, Z 48, Z 26 mt), popscreens (PS 15, PS 20 a), the WS 87 windscreen and stands (MF 3, MF 4, MF 5). They can be combined to suit the recording setup.
Published signal-to-noise figures
Neumann publishes the A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio (re. 94 dB SPL) as 79 dB for omni, 82 dB for cardioid and 80 dB for figure-8, so the patterns can be compared by the numbers.
Linked to related models
The official page links to related Neumann models such as the TLM 103 and the U 67 Set. The U 87 Ai is placed in the line that goes back to the capsule design of the early-1960s U 67.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating principle | Pressure gradient transducer |
| Polar patterns | Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8 |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity (1 kHz) | 20/28/22 mV/Pa (omni/cardioid/figure-8) |
| Rated impedance | 200 ohms |
| Equivalent noise level (A-weighted) | 15/12/14 dB-A (omni/cardioid/figure-8) |
| Max SPL (THD 0.5%) | 117 dB (cardioid), 127 dB with pre-attenuation |
| Supply | P48 (48 V +/- 4 V), 0.8 mA |
| Weight | 500 g |
| Size | 56 mm diameter x 200 mm length |
| Output connector | XLR 3 F |
| Equivalent noise (CCIR) | 26 / 23 / 25 dB (omni / cardioid / figure-8) |
| S/N ratio (A-weighted, re. 94 dB SPL) | 79 / 82 / 80 dB (omni / cardioid / figure-8) |
| S/N ratio (CCIR, re. 94 dB SPL) | 68 / 71 / 69 dB (omni / cardioid / figure-8) |
| Rated load impedance | 1 kOhm |
| Maximum output voltage | -6 dBu |
| Catalog numbers | U 87 Ai (nickel) 007022 / U 87 Ai mt (black) 007023 |
| Construction | Dual-diaphragm condenser capsule, FET head amplifier, transformer-balanced output |
What is included and system requirements
- Single model: microphone and wooden box
- Studio Set: microphone, EA 87 shock mount, wooden box
- Stereo Set: 2 microphones, 2 shock mounts, 2 dust covers, aluminium case
- Available in nickel and black (matte)
- Accessories sold separately include pop screens (such as PS 15 and PS 20 a). A preamp or interface that supplies P48 phantom power is needed separately
- Studio Set (008660): microphone, EA 87 shock mount, EA 87 Ai wooden box, cardboard package
- Stereo Set (008505): two microphones, two EA 87 shock mounts, two dust covers, aluminium case
- The black (mt) sets come with the black EA 87 mt shock mount
How to use it
- Connect the microphone to the mic input of an audio interface or preamp with an XLR cable.
- Turn on phantom power (+48 V) on the interface; as a condenser microphone it will not work without it.
- Choose the polar pattern with the switch on the body: cardioid for one singer, omni to include more room sound, figure-8 for two people facing each other.
- If the sound is so loud that the input distorts, switch the pad on.
- If desk vibration or low air-conditioning rumble is a problem, switch the low cut on.
- Attach a shock mount (EA 87) or pop screen to the stand and place the microphone a little away from the mouth.
- Raise the gain on the interface, check the input level while actually singing or playing, then start recording.
- For stereo recording such as piano, the Stereo Set with two identical microphones may suit you. Set both to the same polar pattern.
- The microphone is powered from the interface's phantom power (P48, 48 V). Current draw is 0.8 mA.
Vocal recording
For singing, a cardioid setting aimed at the mouth with a pop screen may suit. Neumann lists vocals first among its uses, and the pad may help with loud passages.
Narration and audio books
Voice over, dubbing and audio books are named as uses on the official page. Using the low cut may make it easier to keep low room rumble out of a recording.
Acoustic guitar and piano
Because the pattern can be switched, you may be able to try close miking against an omni setting that includes some of the room. Neumann also mentions a stereo pair for piano.
Drum overheads and amps
The official page also describes using it over a drum kit or in front of bass and guitar cabinets. For loud sources, using the pad may make it easier to handle.
Stereo piano recording
The official page lists stereo piano recording among its uses. With the two-microphone Stereo Set you may be able to capture left-right width.
Voice-over and dubbing
Voice-over, dubbing and audiobooks are among the official uses. A cardioid setting with a popscreen may fit this work.
Drum overheads and spot miking
Drum overheads, bass and guitar cabinets and spot miking of solo instruments such as cello are also official uses. Switching the pad in can make loud sources easier to handle.
Who it may suit
- People who want to record singing or speech with one solid condenser microphone may find it suitable.
- Those who want to compare close miking with a room-inclusive setup using different polar patterns may find it suitable.
- Users who want one microphone for several instruments besides vocals, such as guitar and piano, may find it suitable.
- People who already own an interface with XLR inputs and phantom power may find it suitable.
Good to know before you buy
- Phantom power (P48) is required. It does not work over USB, so you need an audio interface or preamp with XLR inputs and phantom power.
- The single model does not include a shock mount (the Studio Set does). Pop screens are also sold separately.
- It weighs 500 g, so a sturdy microphone stand or boom arm is a sensible choice.
- The official page shows no price. Prices vary by retailer, so check with each store before buying.
- This page is based on the specifications and descriptions on the official page. It is a good idea to listen for yourself to judge the sound.
- The official page carries a California Proposition 65 chemical exposure notice.
- Product downloads are available through the Neumann File Finder on the official site.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Neumann TLM 103
U 87 Ai: three polar patterns, low cut and pad, max SPL 117 dB (127 dB with pad), equivalent noise 12 dB-A (cardioid), 500 g. TLM 103: cardioid only, max SPL 138 dB, equivalent noise 7 dB-A, approx. 450 g (all figures from Neumann).
Price
Please check the official page for the price.
The official page shows no price. Prices vary by retailer.
See U 87 Ai on the product page
Sources: neumann.com global.ikebe-gakki.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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