Neumann's U 87 Ai presents a wide range of features and versatility that make it a highly desirable microphone. Well-known for its warm and well balanced characteristics - the U 87 Ai is a great choice for a vocal microphone for all types of music and speech. The U 87 Ai works well as a main microphone for orchestra recordings, or as spot mic for single instruments, making it the most general-purpose microphone - in studios, for broadcasting, film and television.

The U 87 Ai is equipped with a large dual-diaphragm capsule with three directional patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8. These are selectable with a switch below the headgrille. A 10 dB attenuation switch is located on the rear. It enables the microphone to handle sound pressure levels up to 127 dB without distortion. Furthermore, the low frequency response can be reduced to compensate for proximity effect.

The U 87 Ai is addressed from the front, marked with the Neumann logo. The frequency response of the cardioid and figure-8 directional characteristics are very flat for frontal sound incidence, even in the upper frequency range. The microphone can be used very close to a sound source without the sound becoming unnaturally harsh. By means of a high-pass filter interferences through subsonic and low frequencies are reduced remarkably. The letter A in the name indicates a more recent generation, as compared to the U 87 i microphones that were built from 1967 to 1986. Modifications apply to the electronic components of the microphone only; the capsule remained unchanged.

Includes

• U 87 Ai multipattern microphone
• EA 87 shockmount
• WS 87 windscreen
• IC 3/25 cable
• Wood box

Features

• Variable large diaphragm microphone
• Pressure-gradient transducer with double membrane capsule
• Three directional characteristics: omni, cardioid, figure-8
• Switchable low frequency roll-off
• Switchable 10 dB pre-attenuation
• Ideal as main and as support microphone in the most differing recordingsituations

Specifications

• Acoustical Operating Principle: Pressure gradient transducer
• Directional Pattern: Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8 plus
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz ... 20 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm: 20/28/22 mV/Pa
• Rated Impedance: 200 ohms
• Rated Load Impedance: 1000 ohms
• Equivalent noise level, CCIR: 26/23/25 dB
• Equivalent noise level, A-weighted: 15/12/14 dB-A
• S/N ratio, CCIR (rel. 94 dB SPL): 68/71/69 dB
• S/N ratio, A-weighted(rel. 94 dB SPL): 79/82/80dB
• Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%: 117 dB (cardioid)
• Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% with preattenuation: 127 dB
• Maximum Output Voltage: 390 mV
• Dynamic Range of the Microphone Amplifier (A-weighted): 105 dB
• Supply Voltage: 48 V ± 4 V
• Current Consumption: 0.8 mA
• Matching Connectors: 3-pin XLR-F
• Weight: 1.1 lbs.
• Diameter: 2.2"
• Length: 7.87"