The Neumann U 87 Ai is a widely used large-diaphragm condenser microphone in professional recording environments. Its three selectable polar patterns, switchable 10 dB pad and high-pass filter support a range of applications, including vocal, speech and instrument recording. What makes the U 87 Ai a notable choice for studio work?
Neumann U 87 AI and Large-Diaphragm Condenser Design
The Neumann U 87 AI features a dual-diaphragm condenser capsule with three selectable polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8. This allows recording engineers to choose a pickup pattern according to the sound source, Microphone placement and requirements of the recording session.
As a Neumann Large Diaphragm Condenser microphone, the U 87 AI is suited to applications where capturing the detail and nuances of a sound source is important. It is commonly used for vocals, speech, piano and a variety of instruments in studio environments.
Three Polar Patterns for Different Recording Situations
The U 87 Ai offers three polar patterns, each with distinct characteristics:
- Cardioid: Primarily captures sound from the front of the Microphone, making it suitable for many vocal and speech recording situations.
- Omnidirectional: Captures sound from all directions and can be useful when room ambience and surrounding sound are part of the recording.
- Figure-8: Captures sound from the front and rear while reducing sensitivity at the sides, making it suitable for certain bidirectional recording techniques.
Selecting the appropriate polar pattern helps engineers manage the balance between direct sound and room reflections. It also provides additional flexibility when recording different sound sources.
Managing Input Levels with the Pad and High-Pass Filter
The Neumann U 87 Ai includes a switchable 10 dB attenuation pad and a high-pass filter. The pad helps accommodate sources with high sound pressure levels before the microphone reaches its operating limits. The high-pass filter helps reduce unwanted low-frequency content, such as rumble and other low-frequency noise during recording.
These controls give engineers greater flexibility when setting up the Microphone for a particular source and recording environment.
The Neumann U 87 Ai in a Studio Environment
In a Neumann Studio, the U 87 Ai can serve a variety of recording purposes, from lead vocals to speech and instruments. The final recording result, however, also depends on microphone placement, distance from the source, room acoustics and recording technique.
To learn more about Neumann equipment in a practical environment, explore Neumann Studio or discover the experience space at Hoang Bao Khoa's Neumann Studio.
The Neumann U 87 Ai stands out not only for its large-diaphragm condenser design but also for its selectable polar patterns and integrated signal-control features. These capabilities make it adaptable to a variety of professional recording workflows.