Sound Pure's Take

The Dachman Audio DA 87i is an impressively built tribute to one of the most iconic studio microphones in history—the original late-70s Neumann U87i. Dachman Audio has managed to capture the warm, articulate midrange and authoritative transformer character that made the original a multi-platinum studio standard, while modernizing component selection to ensure lower self-noise and long-term reliability.

The Dachman Audio DA 87i is an exceptional choice for engineers seeking the classic, upfront "record-ready" signature of a vintage U87i without the inflated vintage price tag. It provides the thick body, clear detail, and natural transformer warmth required for professional vocal and instrument tracking.

From Dachman Audio

The Dachman Audio DA 87i is a large-diaphragm studio condenser microphone engineered as a faithful reproduction of the vintage 1979 Neumann U87i circuit.

Overview & Design Concept

The DA 87i is built to deliver the sound of the earliest U87 models without the modern price tag.Dachman Audio constructs the mic using a meticulous replica of the original 1979 schematic, incorporating minor updates to lower self-noise and improve long-term reliability while preserving the warm, musical midrange and detailed high end characteristic of the vintage classic.

Key Features & Components

  • DA-K87 Capsule:A custom reproduction of the earliest K87 capsule response curve, built with 6-micron Mylar, precision-milled backplates, and clean-room assembly for smooth, detailed highs.

  • Custom DA-BV13 Transformer:Specifically developed for the DA 87i, featuring a high-nickel core and authentic winding ratios to ensure exceptional bandwidth and minimal phase shift.

  • Audiophile Circuitry:Hand-selected premium components throughout, including polystyrene capacitors and parts from Vishay, Dale, WIMA, and Panasonic.

  • Heavy-Duty Chassis:Housed in a nickel-plated brass body designed for durability in demanding studio environments.

  • Flexible Pattern & Filter Options:Features three polar patterns (Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8) along with onboard high-pass filter (lo-cut) and -10dB pad switches.

  • Included Accessories:Comes with a custom wood storage box, heavy-duty shock mount, and swivel mount.

Parameter Specification
Microphone Type Large-Diaphragm Solid-State Condenser
Capsule Dachman DA-K87
Polar Patterns Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8
Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Self-Noise 18 dBA
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 76 dB
Max SPL 122 dB (132 dB with -10dB pad engaged)
Switches Low-cut (HPF) & -10dB Pad
Power Requirement +48V Phantom Power
Sound Pure Studios Control Room A — Durham, NC

Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC

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