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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