Neumann U 87 microphone

What it is

The U 87 is a large-diaphragm condenser studio microphone made by Georg Neumann GmbH of Berlin, part of the Sennheiser group since 1991. The transistorised U 87 was introduced in 1967 as a successor to the valve-based U 67. An updated version, the U 87 A, followed in the 1980s and is sold today as the U 87 Ai.

How it works

A condenser microphone works by sensing the movement of a thin, electrically charged diaphragm placed close to a fixed backplate. Sound waves move the diaphragm, changing the capacitance between the two plates, and electronics convert this into an audio signal. The U 87 uses the K 87 capsule, acoustically identical to the capsule of the U 67, with a large diaphragm that gives it a smooth, detailed sound. Its transistor electronics replaced the bulky valves of earlier designs, and the microphone could be powered without a separate external power supply.

Why it stands out

Few products in any category have stayed in continuous use for so long at the top of their field. The U 87 became a standard tool for vocals, voice-over, speech and instruments because it is versatile, consistent and dependable. Engineers trust it to deliver a known sound in any studio, which matters when recordings move between rooms and countries. It also illustrates the depth of German precision manufacturing in a niche where tolerances in a capsule determine the character of a voice.

Where you meet it

You hear U 87 microphones on countless pop, rock and classical recordings, on radio and television, and in voice-over booths for advertising, audiobooks and film dubbing. It is still sold new and is a common sight in professional and project studios worldwide.