Neumann U87 Ai Studio Condenser Mic

More details:

The U 87 Ai condenser microphone is a large diaphragm microphone with three polar patterns and a unique frequency and transient response characteristic.

Users recognize the microphone immediately by its distinctive design. It is a good choice for most general purpose applications in studios, for broadcasting, film and television.

The U 87 Ai is used as a main microphone for orchestra recordings, as a spot mic for single instruments, and extensively as a vocal microphone for all types of music and speech.

Acoustic features

The U 87 Ai is addressed from the front, marked with the Neumann logo. The frequency response of the cardioid and figure-8 directional characteristics are very flat for frontal sound incidence, even in the upper frequency range. The microphone can be used very close to a sound source without the sound becoming unnaturally harsh. By means of a high-pass filter interferences through subsonic and low frequencies are reduced remarkebly.

Polar patterns

The dual-diaphragm capsule is elastically mounted and protected by a large headgrille. A switch below the headgrille selects the three directional patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8. A window above this switch shows the symbol of the selected characteristic.

Electrical features

The letter A in the name indicates a more recent generation, as compared to the U 87 i microphones that were built from 1967 to 1986. Modifications apply to the electronic components of the microphone only; the capsule remained unchanged.

The present-day circuitry increases the operational headroom of the U 87 Ai by supplying the bias voltages for the capsule through a reduced resistance. The result is a higher sensitivity of 10 dB for identical sound pressure levels, and an improved S/N ratio of 3 dB.

Filter and attenuation

A switch located at the rear attenuates the sensitivity by 10 dB. When this switch is activated, the microphone accepts sound pressure levels up to 127 dB (equivalent to a sound pressure of 45 Pa) without distortion.

An additional switch at the rear allows to change the microphone's cutoff frequency. This reduces low frequency interference directly at the input of the microphone amplifier.

This setting also compensates for the unavoidable bass boost that occurs with all pressure gradient transducers when they are used at close distance (proximity effect).

The cardioid characteristic maintains a smooth frequency response at a distance of 30 to 40 cm, the figure-8 characteristic even at a distance of 15 to 20 cm.

Specifications:

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

Directional pattern: Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8 plus

Frequency range: 20 Hz...20 kHz

Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm: 20/28/22 mV/ Pa

Rated impedance: 200 ohms

Rated load impedance: 1000 ohms

Equivalent SPL CCIR 468-3: 26/23/25 dB

Equivalent SPL DIN/IEC 651: 15/12/ 14 dB-A

S/N ratio CCIR 468-3: 68/71/ 69 dB

S/N ratio DIN/IEC 651: 79/82/80 dB

Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%: 117 dB (cardioid)

Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% with preattenuation: 127 dB

Maximum output voltage: 390 mV

Dynamic range of the microphone amplifier cardioid DIN/IEC 651: 105 dB

Supply voltage: 48 V ± 4 V

Current consumption: 0.8 mA

Matching connectors: XLR3F

Weight: 500g

Diameter: 56mm

Length: 200mm