Does the new Neumann U87Ai sound as good as a vintage U87i?

Hear both mics on vocals, male voiceover, and acoustic guitar on Episode #2 of Matt McGlynn’s (http://RecordingHacks.com) “The Microphone Show”.

This shootout features Mark Keller on voiceover and acoustic guitar, and George Merrill of “Boy Meets Girl” singing an acappella chorus of his 1998 hit, “Waiting for a Star To Fall.”

Details and raw audio files can be found at http://MicrophoneShow.com/2

Neumann U87Ai Large Diaphragm Microphone The U 87 is probably the best-known and most widely used Neumann studio microphone. It is equipped with a large dual-diaphragm capsule with 3 directional patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8.

Microphone Shootout: Neumann Vintage U87i Vs. U87Ai is a post from: Home Recording Studio Guru

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The second episode of Pensado’s Place with mixing engineer Dave Pensado, Herb Trawick, and Zan Nakari are joined by world-renowned mixing engineer Jean-Marie Horvat (Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, TI, Reba Mcentire, Beyonce, etc.).

On this week’s Into The Lair, Dave goes over stereo buss compression and the difference between compressors and limiters. The gang also breaks down Whiz Kalifa’s Black and Yellow in this week’s Playback, and the group takes live chat room questions from viewers during Corner Office.

Dave Pensado’s Place, Episode #2 – Stereo Buss Compression is a post from: Home Recording Studio Guru

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There’s a handful of microphones you usually find in any studio worth its salt. Historically, the venerable Neumann U87 is one of them.

So what goes into building on these puppies? Glad you asked! Watch . . .

Here’s more history and info on the U87 from RecordingHacks.com:

The U 87 Ai is Neumann’s latest version of the classic large-diaphragm FET condenser.

The mic offers three pickup patterns via a switch mounted below the headbasket. Cardioid, omni, and figure-8 patterns are supported.

The mic has two large-diaphragm capsules mounted back-to-back, separated by a thin aluminum spacer. Each capsule is a single-sided design. The gold-plated Mylar diaphragms are center-terminated, and mounted with plastic rings onto the brass backplates. The model number for this capsule is “K870/K67”; the part number is 53225.

What is the difference between the U-87i and U-87Ai microphones? The ‘A’ version of the U-87 was introduced in 1986, although the basic U-87 design dates to 1967.

The letter ‘A’ in the name indicates a more recent generation, as compared to the U 87i microphones that were built from 1967 to 1986. Modifications apply to the electronic components of the microphone only; the capsule remains 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 10dB for identical sound pressure levels, and an improved S/N ratio of 3dB.

The circuit for the … U-87Ai uses a DC-DC converter, which the original [U-87] did not. This allows for higher internal voltages to be stabilized from the 48v supply, which in turn allows for better noise figures and more dynamic range. The U-87Ai gives 6dB lower noise and 10dB more signal to noise than its predecessor.

What is the significance of the “U 89” legend on the U-87Ai circuit board?

What is the history of U-87 capsules?

U87Ai owners, are you interested in a tube mod?

For answers to these questions and more, visit RecordingHacks.com.

How Many Engineers Does Is Take To Screw Together a U87? is a post from: Home Recording Studio Guru

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