Mic Parts S3-87 FET Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (U87 Clone)

This professionally-built, burned-in, and bench tested S3-87 is a phenomenal microphone in absolutely like-new condition. This is the third one we had built, but it hasn't been used. Having tried a few U87 clones, this is hands-down the best of them. We also love the fact that you can easily plug in different capacitors (included) to change the mic's top-end EQ curve. This has been tremendously useful for smoothing out vocals in particular. Aside from a real Neumann U87i, this is an unrivaled microphone.

The Mic Parts S3-87 is a world-class FET condenser microphone suitable for all audio sources. Key features include:

• Mic Parts' renowned RK-87 capsule
• Their finest transformer-less circuit, with "Variable EQ"
• Three-way pattern switch (Cardioid / Omni / Figure-8)
• -10dB pad switch
• Includes shock mount and storage case

The S3-87 is essentially a three-pattern version of Mic Parts' best-selling S-87 microphone, with a larger body and two external switches. Like the S-87, the S3-87 is based on the sound of the Neumann U87, but delivers higher output, lower noise, and lower distortion than the U87; that is, higher output and lower distortion than the current production U87 Ai, and 12-15dB higher output than the older U87i (and the various U87 clones on the market).

Applications

The S3-87 is an all-purpose microphone. The list of applications below are sources for which the mic shines, but due to its neutral voicing it can be used on a wide variety of sources with great results.

• Voiceover (both commercial and narration)
• Vocals
• Percussion
• Drum Overheads
• Orchestra / Ensembles
• Foley

Circuit Description and Options

The S3-87 uses the latest version of their premium transformer-less circuit. It is comprised entirely of superior parts and design practices. For example, every JFET is individually selected and manually biased in Mic Parts' shop to ensure maximum gain and minimal distortion. The primary signal caps are polypropylene types, because they sound better. Resistors are 1% tolerance, audio quality, low-noise parts. All the "mods" and upgrades that people like to do to the traditional Schoeps transformer-less circuit have already been done.

Variable EQ

The microphone includes a socketed EQ capacitor, enabling you to fine-tune the high frequency response of the mic without soldering. If the mic is too bright, plug in one of the included EQ capacitors... if it's then too dark, replace the cap with a smaller value.

The S3-87's circuit is unique for not using internal wiring. The switches are soldered directly to the main circuit board, rather than mounted to a small standalone board that would need to be wired to the audio board, introducing complexity and possible signal loss. Mic Parts kept audio traces as short as possible, and as always, isolated the high-impedance circuit above the circuit board.

Included:

• Low profile foam-lined storage case
• The S3-87 microphone
• Shock mount
• EQ capacitors