Neumann U 87

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Neumann U 87

The Neumann U 87 is a poly-directional large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Originally introduced in 1967, a version of the U 87 is still produced by Georg Neumann GmbH. The U 87 became an industry standard recording microphone, a reputation that continues to endure.[1][2]

The U 87 was inducted into the TECnology Hall of Fame in 2006.[3]

Features[edit]

The U 87 has a large 25.4 mm diaphragm, and can operate with any one of three selectable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, or figure-8.

History[edit]

Neumann U 87 with shock mount

Introduced in 1967 as the solid-state successor to the U 67,[4][5][1] Neumann introduced the U 87 alongside the KM 86, KM 84, and KM 83 as part of the company's first 'FET 80' series of microphones that utilized use solid-state FET electronics that didn't require separate power supplies or multi-pin power cables and allowed the mics to be made smaller.[6] The U 87 could be powered either by the newly introduced standard of a 48V phantom power supply or two internal 22.5 volt batteries.[6]

The original U 87 used a modified version of the 'K 67' capsule - the 'K 87'. From 1968 to 1974, Neumann also offered the U 77, which worked with AB / Tonader powering (rather than 48V phantom power) or internal 9V battery, and used the same 'K 67' capsule used by the U 67.[6]

In 1986, Neumann introduced the U 87A,[4] which no longer required two 22.5V batteries, and was able to use the same K 67 capsule as the U 67. A version with XLR connector is appended with a lowercase i, i.e. U 87Ai.[4] The updated version had -3 dB lower self-noise, 5-8 mV/Pa higher sensitivity, and 5 dB lower maximum SPL capability.[6]

In use[edit]

Alison Balsom with a U 87 at Abbey Road Studios (2013)

The U 87 is more often used for vocals, and has been used in the recording of such notable songs as Neil Young's Heart of Gold,[7] Culture Club's "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me",[8] Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville",[9] Gary Wright's "Dream Weaver",[10] War's "Low Rider",[11] Paul Davis' "I Go Crazy",[12] Soft Cell's "Tainted Love",[13] Aerosmith's "Walk This Way",[14] Grateful Dead's "Touch of Grey",[15] Talking Heads' "Road to Nowhere",[16] Don McLean's "American Pie",[17] The Doobie Brothers' "What A Fool Believes",[18] Blondie's "The Tide Is High",[19] and Frank Zappa's long-playing album "Lumpy Gravy".[20]

It is also an effective microphone for broadcasters, and has been used by individuals and organizations such as Casey Kasem and NPR.[21][22]

The U 87 is also popular for micing guitar[23] or instrument amps, or as an overhead microphone.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Inglis, Sam (March 2021). "Legendary Mics You Can Still Buy New". Sound On Sound. SOS Publications Group. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  2. ^ Hau, Andreas (9 October 2012). "Neumann U 87A studio microphone in the test". Sound & Recording. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  3. ^ "TECnology Hall of Fame 2006 Inductees Announced". MIX. Future plc. 16 June 2006. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  4. ^ a b c "1967 Neumann U87". MIX. Future plc. 1 September 2006. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  5. ^ Inglis, Sam (December 2017). "Warm Audio WA-87". Sound On Sound. SOS Publications Group. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d Robjohns, Hugh (May 2016). "Peluso P-87". Sound On Sound. SOS Publications Group. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  7. ^ Mazer, Elliot (17 November 2023). "Classic Tracks: Neil Young's "Heart of Gold"". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  8. ^ Moayeri, Lily (10 November 2023). "Classic Tracks: Culture Club's "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me"". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  9. ^ Daley, Dan (5 September 2023). "Classic Tracks: Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville"". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  10. ^ Hurwitz, Matt (5 September 2023). "Classic Tracks: Gary Wright's "Dream Weaver"". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  11. ^ Schultz, Barbara (6 October 2023). "Classic Tracks: War's "Low Rider"". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  12. ^ Flans, Robyn (28 October 2023). "Classic Tracks: Paul Davis "I Go Crazy"". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  13. ^ Flans, Robyn (21 November 2019). "Classic Tracks: Soft Cell's "Tainted Love"". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  14. ^ Flans, Robyn (21 March 2017). "Classic Tracks: Aerosmith's "Walk This Way"". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  15. ^ Jackson, Blair (1 September 2012). "Classic Tracks: Grateful Dead, "Touch of Grey"". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  16. ^ Jackson, Blair (1 August 2009). "Classic Tracks: Talking Heads' "Road to Nowhere"". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  17. ^ Jackson, Blair (1 January 2005). "Classic Tracks: Don McLean's "American Pie"". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  18. ^ Flans, Robyn (1 May 2004). "Classic Tracks: The Doobie Brothers' "What a Fool Believes"". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  19. ^ Schultz, Barbara (1 March 1999). "Classic Tracks: Blondie's "The Tide Is High"". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  20. ^ Zappa, Frank (1994). "General notes". Civilization Phaze III (Media notes). Frank Zappa. Barking Pumpkin Records.
  21. ^ Ragusea, Adam (5 June 2015). "A top audio engineer explains NPR's signature sound". Current.org. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  22. ^ Young, Clive (10 February 2022). "Radio Legend Casey Kasem's Mic Heads to Auction". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  23. ^ Hurwitz, Matt (3 April 2018). "Classic Tracks: Supertramp's "Give a Little Bit"". MIX. Future plc. Retrieved 24 January 2024.

External links[edit]

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