Neumann 007023 U 87 Ai Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The Neumann U 87 Ai is a large-diaphragm FET condenser microphone that has defined the sound of professional recording for generations. Its dual-diaphragm capsule delivers three selectable polar patterns — cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 — giving engineers the flexibility to capture tight vocal performances, open room ambience, or bidirectional sources like interview setups, all from a single microphone. The switchable 10dB pre-attenuation pad extends its dynamic range for loud sources, while the built-in highpass filter rolls off low-frequency rumble and tames proximity effect when close-miking.

What has cemented the U 87 Ai's reputation is not just its technical specification but its sonic character: a smooth, detailed midrange with controlled high-frequency presence that flatters vocals and instruments without sounding hyped or brittle. The "Ai" revision brought approximately 10dB of increased sensitivity over the original U 87, along with refined electronics, making it even more capable in modern recording chains. Finished in matte black, this version carries the same precision German engineering and hand-assembled construction that Neumann has maintained since the microphone's introduction, ensuring consistent performance across decades of studio use.