The Gold Standard
The Neumann U 87 Ai is probably the best-known and most frequently used studio microphone the world over. Its smooth and refined sound is as iconic as its elegant exterior design. The U 87 Ai is the standard microphone for speech and vocals. Three polar patterns plus pad and low cut options make it adaptable to a wide range of applications.
- The world’s most famous studio microphone
- Classic sound, instantly recognizable yet versatile
- Balanced frequency response
- Three polar patterns: omni, cardioid, figure-8
- Switchable low cut and pad
- Very low self-noise
Omnipresent Yet Unique
The Neumann U 87 Ai is a true legend. Introduced in 1967, it has shaped the sound of countless hit records for the past 50 years. And when those hits were announced on the radio, many a DJ sat before a U 87 Ai. The legend continues: To this day, no professional recording studio is complete without a Neumann U 87 Ai.
The U 87 Ai is the epitome of a large diaphragm condenser microphone. Its tapered body and iconic headgrille design have become part of the collective consciousness: This is what a studio microphone looks like. The same is true of its sound: The U 87 Ai represents studio quality; it has become the gold standard by which other microphones are measured.
What sets the U 87 Ai apart is its unique combination of linearity and character. Although its on-axis frequency response is remarkably flat, it does exert certain charisma. It just sounds right! This makes the U 87 Ai both versatile and instantly recognizable.
Classic Neumann Engineering
Technically speaking, the U 87 Ai is a traditional design whose timeless formula has remained unchanged for decades. The U 87 Ai uses the same dual diaphragm condenser capsule design as its predecessor, the no less legendary U 67 of the early 1960s. Its head amplifier, too, is based on the same design principles as its tube driven predecessor, but the U 87 Ai realizes them by means of a unique FET circuit with a minimal signal path and a transformer balanced output, ensuring maximum signal integrity and high common mode rejection.
The result is a studio microphone of unmatched clarity. Its natural sound and unique midrange presence make the U 87 Ai the ultimate vocal microphone, praised by singers and engineers alike, as well the prime choice for speech applications, such as voice over, dubbing, and audio books. Due to its balanced response in each of its three directional patterns, the U 87 Ai is also a versatile microphone for anything from acoustic guitar to drums overheads. Due to its solid bass response and excellent midrange detail, it is often seen in front of bass and guitar cabinets. For classical recordings, the U 87 Ai is frequently used as a spot mic for soloists, e.g. cello. A stereo pair of U 87 Ais is the preferred choice of many engineers for recording piano in virtually any genre from pop and jazz to classical music.
SKU | NEU-U87AISET |
Vendor | Neumann |
Mic Style | Side Address |
Mic Type | Condenser |
MPN | USU87AI/SET Z |
Wired Wireless | Wired |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz ... 20 kHz |
On/Off Switch | No |
Polar Pattern(s) | Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8 |
WARRANTY FOR CONSUMERS FROM THE USA
MANUFACTURER'S LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY STATEMENT (US)
The service policies and warranty statements on this page are relevant for all Neumann products. Sennheiser Electronic Corporation (referred to as SEC or Sennheiser for the duration of this document) warrants to the original purchaser that the product purchased will be free of defects related to manufacturing, parts, materials, and workmanship under normal and accepted use. Conditions under which the manufacturer's limited product warranty statement is no longer valid can be found below. Neumann offers a worldwide warranty on its products though it is strongly encouraged that all warranty returns be sent to the customer's local Neumann Authorized Service Center.
This limited product warranty is SEC's only warranty and the customer's only remedy concerning the product. All other representations, warranties or conditions, expressed or implied, written or oral, including but not limited to any warranties or guarantees of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement, are expressly excluded. As a result, except as set forth in the previous and following paragraphs, the product is sold "as-is" and the customer is assuming the entire risk as to the product's suitability to their needs, its quality and its performance.
- Neumann Products: 2 Years
- Refurbished Products: Carry the standard warranty**
**Remanufactured product warranties are only valid when purchased from an authorized Neumann reseller.
WARRANTY ELIGIBILITY STATEMENT
In order to be considered eligible for repair or replacement under warranty, included with the repair item(s) must be a valid bill of sale (please see below for more information) from an authorized Neumann retailer detailing the following information:
Retailer's Name
- Original Date of Purchase
- Model or SKU number of the Product Purchased
- Failure to supply a bill of sale with all of the required information will result in denial of warranty repair or replacement.
The following types of documents, printed or electronic, are not considered valid receipts and therefore cannot be used to determine eligibility for warranty:
- Credit Card Statements
- PayPal and/or eBay (or any other auction site) confirmations
- Bank Statements
- Bills of Lading, Bills of Material or any other type of shipping detail document
WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER
Counterfeit or "Grey Market" product or products purchased from any non-authorized Neumann dealer.
Damage or inoperability caused by inadequate repair work performed by the end user or any non-authorized repair center.
Other manufacturer's equipment or reimbursement for said equipment that has been used in conjunction with a Neumann product.
Inoperability due to lack of reasonable maintenance and care as determined by SEC. Accessories or consumable items such as, but not limited to:
- Batteries
- Cable clips
- Foam microphone windscreens
- Cases
Damage: This warranty does not cover any physical and/or electrical damage resulting from, but not limited to:
- Accident
- Misuse
- Abuse
- Malicious destruction
- Acts of nature
- The temporary or permanent affixing of any items supplied or not supplied by the manufacturer with any adhesive, fastener or the like.
- Use of batteries, power supplies or any other sources of power not specifically recommended by the manufacturer.
- Inadequate repair work performed by the end user or any non-authorized repair center.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
PRODUCT ADVANCE REPLACEMENTS
SEC does not provide advance replacement products.
REFUNDS
SEC will only provide refunds to customers that have purchased product directly from SEC within 30 days from the date of purchase. Customers that purchased product from a Neumann distributor/vendor seeking a refund will have to request reimbursement from the original distributor/vendor.
SHIPPING TO SEC
SEC will be responsible for shipping to the customer after repair/replacement ONLY. The customer is responsible for all shipping/handling charges related to returning the product to SEC or one of the SEC authorized repair facilities. Products must be shipped in their original packaging or otherwise suitably protected to avoid damage during shipping. SEC will not be responsible for any damage incurred during shipment. SEC will only be responsible for packages that are verified as having been received into our warehouse via a shipment tracking number provided by the customer's shipping company.
SHIPPING FROM SEC
All packages will ship within the 50 United States via UPS ground, no signature required, at no expense to the customer. International shipping as well as other shipping methods and options are available; however, all related charges will be the sole responsibility of the customer. Please contact SEC Service Administration at (860) 434-9190 extension #2 for details and pricing.
WARRANTY REPAIRS
In the event that a repair action is performed, SEC will be responsible for all costs associated with the repair including parts and labor costs. All service labor is guaranteed for 90 days or until the conclusion of the originally purchased product's original warranty period, whichever period of time is greater.
WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS
SEC may, at its discretion, choose to replace the product completely with a new or remanufactured product. In the event of product obsolescence, a suitable replacement will be chosen based upon the features, the intended use (according to SEC) and the retail price of the original product. In the event of product obsolescence SEC cannot guarantee the same color or aesthetic attributes as the original product. All warranty replacements are guaranteed for 90 days or until the conclusion of the originally purchased product's original warranty period, whichever period of time is greater.
EXPECTED TURNAROUND TIME
The expected turnaround time is subject to parts and product availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed. For information regarding current turnaround times for warranty repairs and replacements please contact Service Administration at (860) 434-9190 extension #2.
DETERMINING AUTHORITY
The SEC Service Department will be the final determining authority for all potential warranty claims for service and/or replacement.
YOUR MUSIC TECHNOLOGY STORE SINCE 1984