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Sound Pure's Take
Chances are, you’ve probably heard of this microphone. If you haven’t, you surely have unknowingly heard its sonic character laced within an astounding majority of your favorite hits.
After nearly 50 years of production, the Neumann U87 has been engineered to perfection. The latest and arguably greatest model, the Neumann U87 Ai, is elegant in both craftsmanship and sonic delivery. Offering a much lower noise floor than previous models and far superior durability, the U87 Ai is at the top of its class by a long stretch; having won the Sound on Sound Microphone of the Year award multiple times already.
Now, normally we’d be tempted to name-drop some famous artists who have used this microphone and made a hit record. In this case, the list of artists who HAVEN’T used this microphone might actually be a lot shorter. When we tell you this microphone is an industry standard used on nearly every hit record, we mean it. We also mean it when we say, “if your studio’s mic locker isn’t replete with at least one Neumann U87, this microphone is a definite must-have for serious professionals.”
Long story short, the U87 is the benchmark that just about every other microphone is compared against. For some specific applications, you might find that another mic works better-- that’s all well and good. But if you’re looking for a time-tested workhorse mic that will deliver professional results every single time, no matter the application, the Neumann U87 is the rare “swiss army knife” that countless producers turn to time and time again.
Watch & listen
Also in this recording Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Neumann U87Ai Set Z Microphone Royer Labs R-121 Live Series Ribbon Microphone
In this installment of Sound Pure Gear Tips, Pro Audio Specialist Marc Kuzio walks us through and demos the different types of mics you can use to record electric guitar.
Also in this recording Shure SM7B Large Diaphragm Dynamic Microphone AEA R44 CXE High Output Ribbon Microphone Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone Neumann U87Ai Microphone Millennia HV-3R Digital 8 Channel Mic Preamp
In this video, we put four different types of microphones up against each other on female vocals: the Shure SM7B (Dynamic Mic), the AEA R44 CXE (Ribbon Mic), the Manley Ref C (LDC Tube Mic), and the Neumann U87Ai (Solid State LDC Mic). Joining us for this shootout are Ayisa Adderley (vocals) and Caige Crampshee (guitar) from the band Eyes Eat Suns. Check them out at WWW.EYESEATSUNS.BAND.
Also in this recording Neumann U87Ai Microphone Neumann U87Ai Set Z Microphone Peluso P87 Multi-Pattern Solid State Microphone Warm Audio WA-87 Condenser Microphone Millennia HV-3R Digital 8 Channel Mic Preamp
In this video we present an 87-style microphone shootout on female vocals using the Warm Audio WA87, the Neumann U87Ai, and the Peluso P87. Can you tell which one's which? If you are interested in hearing the results and/or getting ahold of the audio files from this shootout, give us a shout, we'd love to hear from you!
Also in this recording Warm Audio WA-87 Condenser Microphone Peluso P87 Multi-Pattern Solid State Microphone Neumann U87Ai Microphone Millennia HV-3R Digital 8 Channel Mic Preamp
In this video we present an 87-style microphone shootout on acoustic guitar and vocals using the Warm Audio WA87, the Neumann U87Ai, and the Peluso P87. Can you tell which one's which? If you are interested in hearing the results and/or getting ahold of the audio files from this shootout, give us a shout, we'd love to hear from you!
Also in this recording Neumann U87Ai Microphone Neumann U 47 FET Collectors Edition Bock Audio iFET Condenser Microphone Soyuz 017 FET Large Diaphragm Condenser Phoenix Audio DRS8 mk2 Microphone Preamp ADL Opus-3 Solid State Opto Compressor - Mono Bricasti Design M7 Reverb Processor
In this video we present an LDC vocal microphone shootout using the Neumann U87Ai, the Neumann U47 FET, the Bock iFET and the Soyuz SU-019. Can you tell which one's which? If you are interested in hearing the results and/or getting ahold of the audio files from this shootout, give us a shout, we'd love to hear from you!
Also in this recording CharterOak E700 FET Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Neumann U87Ai Microphone Peluso P87 Multi-Pattern Solid State Microphone Peluso 2247 SE AMERICAN Switchable Pattern Tube Microphone Millennia HV-3R Digital 8 Channel Mic Preamp
Sound Pure Pro Audio Expert Travis Hall does a quick voiceover mic shootout between the Neumann U87 Ai, the Peluso 2247 SE, the CharterOak E700, and the Peluso P87. Think you can tell the difference? Send us your best guess! We can provide hi res audio files for a closer listen.
Also in this recording Neumann U87Ai Microphone Peluso P87 Multi-Pattern Solid State Microphone Phoenix Audio DRS8 mk2 Microphone Preamp ADL Opus-3 Solid State Opto Compressor - Stereo Pair Bricasti Design M7 Reverb Processor CharterOak SCL1 Stereo Compressor Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter
In this blind microphone shootout, SoundPure Pro Audio Expert, David Barrett, compares three "87" style microphones: the new Peluso P-87, the Vintage Neumann U-87, and a Modern Neumann U-87ai. The Peluso P-87 is styled after the legendary classic 1970's version of Neumann's U-87 and offers just as realistic of a sound and response to the original. The U 87 presents a wide range of features and versatility that make it to one of the most desirable mics available. Well-known for its warm and well balanced characteristics it is the perfect choice as a vocal microphone for all types of music and speech. The P-87 and U-87ai are available for SoundPure's Try-Before-You-Buy Program so if you want to hear how they sound in your studio with your gear, shoot us an email at ProAudio@SoundPure.com or call us anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!
Also in this recording Coles 4038 Factory Matched Pair Ribbon Microphones Neumann U87Ai Microphone Neumann KM 184 Microphone (Nickel Finish) Shure Beta 52A Kick Drum Microphone Shure Beta 181/S Ultra-Compact Side-Address Microphone Canopus 6.5x14 The Brass Polished Shell Snare Drum-Die Cast
This microphone shootout illustrates the differences between three different microphone types on drum overheads, Large Diaphragm Condenser, Small Diaphragm Condenser, and Ribbon. The selected mics do an excellent job representing the general characteristics of each class, among those are the Neumann U87ai LDC, the Neumann SKM184 SDC, and the Coles 4038 Ribbon. All three mic pairs were run through our Phoenix DRS-8 Mic Preamp. Snare and toms were miked using Shure Beta 181/C side-address microphones, a Shure Beta 52 was used on the kick, and all four drums were recorded through our Vintech 573 Preamp Modules. All tracks were recorded through our Apogee Symphony Converter. First you'll hear the overhead pairs solo'd, then we'll bring in the close mics for an example in context. This is the first video of our Drum Overhead Shootout Series, so be sure to check out the other videos where we go much more in depth with each type of microphone and compare some of our favorite mics within each class. Some of these mics are available for Sound Pure's Try-Before-You-Buy Demo Program, so if you'd like more info on how you can experience one of these mics for yourself or just have questions about which mic style would be best for your recordings, give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552 and we'd be happy to talk more with you. Thanks for watching!
Also in this recording Miktek C7e Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern FET Condenser Mic Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387 Multi-Voiced Microphone Neumann U87Ai Microphone Bock Audio iFET Condenser Microphone Phoenix Audio DRS8 mk2 Microphone Preamp Apogee Digital Symphony I/O MkI 16x16 Analog
In this blind microphone shootout on female vocals we compare four of our favorite large diaphragm solid state condenser mics: the Miktek C7, the Lauten Atlantis, the Neumann U87 Ai, and the Bock iFET. First you'll hear the four mics solo'd and completely dry, then we'll bring them into a mix for some context. All four mics were run through our Phoenix Audio DRS-8 mic preamp and our Apogee Symphony converter. If you'd like to know which mic was which and get the full length hi-res audio performances to compare for yourself shoot us a quick email to mics(at)soundpure.com. Additionally all four of these mics are eligible for our Try-Before-You-Buy demo program, so if you'd like to experience one for yourself with your gear in your studio please give us a call and we'd be happy to send one out for you to demo. We would like to extend a huge thank you to Jennifer Claude for helping us make this video. Check her out at www.jenniferclaude.com. If you like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!
Also in this recording Victoria Amps Regal II 1x15 Combo Amp Lauten Audio Horizon Tube Microphone Phoenix Audio DRS8 mk2 Microphone Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Vintech Audio X73i Pre/EQ A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp Zemaitis SU201-FM 112704 - SOLD!
The Regal II from Victoria Amplifiers is an amp that stands in a class of its own. The Regal II has a 15 inch Eminence Legend speaker that produces a wide rage of tones, from thunderous lows, to pleasantly chimey highs. The Regal II also gives you the ability to switch out and mix and match tubes to get a gritty or custom sound that is difficult for another to match, and the fact that you can switch your tubes without rebiasing is an amazing feature. The top of the line design of the Regal II gives you tweed sponginess, coupled with overtones and touch sensitivity that will be sure to satisfy any style of guitar playing. You can use one 6V6 for 5 watts of output or go to the full 35 watts with two EL-34's. Along with the feature of switching tubes, this amplifier comes with a reverb and tremelo pedal, that gives you an amazingly vintage sound. This is a fantastic amp for small gigs and recording. You can get nice warm jazz tones as well as great classic rock and blues tones. Go to SoundPure.com and check out all of our audio clips featuring the Regal II from Victoria, as well as the entire line of Victoria Amplifiers that we offer. Give us a call here at Sound Pure if you have any questions that we can help you with.
Also in this recording Bricasti Design M7 Reverb Processor Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter Neumann U87Ai Microphone API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp
Bricasti M7 Reverb used to process vocals. They listen to some vocal tracks and demonstrate how amazing reverbs can be acheived easily through the use of several presets on the Bricasti M7. V1 and V2 presets are demonstrated on tracks of singer/songwriter Cassie Taylor and Matt Douglass. The M7 has proven to be the go-to reverb processor of engineers all over the world. The results are astonishing. All of the detail and harmonic content is preserved while added natural reverbs to your track. Check out our series of discussion videos as well as processing videos on the Bricasti M7. If you have any questions about the Bricasti, please give us a call and we would be happy to answer any questions. Call toll free 888-528-9703.
Also in this recording Andrew Manson Kingfisher Custom Model Acoustic Guitar- NICE!!!!! Neumann U87Ai Microphone Vintech Audio X73i Pre/EQ Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter
The Andrew Manson Kingfisher Custom Acoustic Guitar is demo'd in the Sound Pure Acoustic Guitar showroom. The instrument is recorded utilizing a pair of Neumann U87Ai Microphones into a Vintech X73i preamp. The recording was made completely dry (no EQ, no effects), and was made in a non-treated acoustic room in the Sound Pure facility, proving that this great guitar and great recording gear can produce gorgeous sounding results even in spaces that weren't designed to make recordings. This gently used instrument is available from the Sound Pure Guitar collection, as is all of the recording gear used. Call a Sound Pure recording or Guitar Expert toll free at 888-528-9703 with any question that you might have.
Recorded with this gear
Also in this recording Royer Labs SF - 24 Active Stereo Ribbon Microphone Royer Labs R-122 MKII Active Ribbon Microphone Neumann U87Ai Microphone Apogee Digital AD-16x 16 Channel A/D converter DW Fearn VT-2 Tube Dual Mic Preamp API Audio 212L 200 series Preamplifier
Sample of Holly Cole's "Waters of March" recorded with a Royer SF-24 on piano and a Royer R-122 on the acoustic guitar. The SF-24 is placed at the curve of the piano and pointed towards the middle. Also miking the piano is two Neumann U-87's miked close and spaced low and high over the strings with all mics going into API 212L mic Preamps and into an Apogee AD16 A/D converter. The guitar is miked with an Royer R-122 on the neck and is going into the DW Fearn VT-2 Preamp. This sample is presented here at 192 kbps and at a sample rate of 44,100. Enjoy!
Also in this recording Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe sn 06207 SOLD!!! Mojave Ampworks Scorpion Head Guitar Amplifier Mojave Ampworks 2x12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet Ceramic AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Vintech Audio X73i Pre/EQ Heil PR-40 Microphone A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe electric guitar played into Mojave Ampworks Sidewinder Head(tone 8, bass volume 4, treble volume 8 mid on, High sensitivity on) to Mojave Ampworks 2x12 Cabinet Ceramic mic'd with AEA R92 into Vintech-Audio X73i preamp & mic'd with Heil PR 40 into A Designs Pacifica preamp & mic'd with Neumann U87ai into A Designs Red preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe sn 06207 SOLD!!! Mojave Ampworks Scorpion Head Guitar Amplifier Mojave Ampworks 2x12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet Ceramic AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Vintech Audio X73i Pre/EQ Heil PR-40 Microphone A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe electric guitar played into Mojave Ampworks Sidewinder Head(tone 10, bass volume 5, treble volume 8 mid off) to Mojave Ampworks 2x12 Cabinet Ceramic mic'd with AEA R92 into Vintech-Audio X73i preamp & mic'd with Heil PR 40 into A Designs Pacifica preamp & mic'd with Neumann U87ai into A Designs Red preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Bad Cat Cub II 2x10 Grn/Crm Guitar Amplifier Combo Heil PR-40 Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Duesenberg Carl Carlton 2-Tone Sunburst (neck pickup) played into Bad Cat Cub II(volume noon, tone 5) mic'd with Heil PR-40( close on the back of amp, panned 50%,right) into Chandler TG2 Preamp & Neumann U87ai(5 feet off, panned 50%, left) into A Designs Gold Mic Preamp & AEA R92 Mic (6 inches off, panned center) into A Designs Pacifica feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Bad Cat Cub II 2x10 Grn/Crm Guitar Amplifier Combo Heil PR-40 Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Duesenberg Carl Carlton 2-Tone Sunburst (neck pickup) played into Bad Cat Cub II(volume noon, tone 3) mic'd with Heil PR-40( close on the back of amp, panned 50%,right) into Chandler TG2 Preamp & Neumann U87ai(5 feet off, panned 50%, left) into A Designs Gold Mic Preamp & AEA R92 Mic (6 inches off, panned center) into A Designs Pacifica feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Bad Cat Cub II 2x10 Grn/Crm Guitar Amplifier Combo Heil PR-40 Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Duesenberg Carl Carlton 2-Tone Sunburst (bridge pickup) played into Bad Cat Cub II(volume noon, tone 3) mic'd with Heil PR-40( close on the back of amp, panned 50%,right) into Chandler TG2 Preamp & Neumann U87ai(5 feet off, panned 50%, left) into A Designs Gold Mic Preamp & AEA R92 Mic (6 inches off, panned center) into A Designs Pacifica feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Bad Cat Cub II 2x10 Grn/Crm Guitar Amplifier Combo Heil PR-40 Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Duesenberg Carl Carlton 2-Tone Sunburst (neck pickup) played into Bad Cat Cub II(volume noon, tone 2) mic'd with Heil PR-40( close on the back of amp, panned 50%,right) into Chandler TG2 Preamp & Neumann U87ai(5 feet off, panned 50%, left) into A Designs Gold Mic Preamp & AEA R92 Mic (6 inches off, panned center) into A Designs Pacifica feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Bad Cat Cub II 2x10 Grn/Crm Guitar Amplifier Combo Heil PR-40 Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Duesenberg Carl Carlton 2-Tone Sunburst (neck pickup) played into Bad Cat Cub II(volume noon, tone 1) mic'd with Heil PR-40( close on the back of amp, panned 50%,right) into Chandler TG2 Preamp & Neumann U87ai(5 feet off, panned 50%, left) into A Designs Gold Mic Preamp & AEA R92 Mic (6 inches off, panned center) into A Designs Pacifica feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Bad Cat Cub II 2x10 Grn/Crm Guitar Amplifier Combo Heil PR-40 Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Duesenberg Carl Carlton 2-Tone Sunburst (neck pickup) played into Bad Cat Cub II(volume noon, tone 1) mic'd with Heil PR-40( close on the back of amp, panned 50%,right) into Chandler TG2 Preamp & Neumann U87ai(5 feet off, panned 50%, left) into A Designs Gold Mic Preamp & AEA R92 Mic (6 inches off, panned center) into A Designs Pacifica feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Bad Cat Cub II 2x10 Grn/Crm Guitar Amplifier Combo Heil PR-40 Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Duesenberg Carl Carlton 2-Tone Sunburst (neck pickup) played into Bad Cat Cub II(volume noon, tone 4) mic'd with Heil PR-40( close on the back of amp, panned 50%,right) into Chandler TG2 Preamp & Neumann U87ai(5 feet off, panned 50%, left) into A Designs Gold Mic Preamp & AEA R92 Mic (6 inches off, panned center) into A Designs Pacifica feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Bad Cat Cub II 2x10 Grn/Crm Guitar Amplifier Combo Heil PR-40 Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Duesenberg Carl Carlton 2-Tone Sunburst (neck pickup) played into Bad Cat Cub II(volume pm, tone 3) mic'd with Heil PR-40( close on the back of amp, panned 50%,right) into Chandler TG2 Preamp & Neumann U87ai(5 feet off, panned 50%, left) into A Designs Gold Mic Preamp & AEA R92 Mic (6 inches off, panned center) into A Designs Pacifica feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe sn 06207 SOLD!!! Jule Amps Brenda K. Head 23W Guitar Amplifier Mojave Ampworks 2x12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet Ceramic AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre
Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe electric guitar (bridge pickup) played into Jule Brenda K. Head into Mojave Ceramic 2X12 Cabinet mic'd with Neumann U87ai (cardioid pattern) 4ft. off speaker into Presonus ADL 600 preamp & AEA R92 (figure-eight pattern) 6in. off speaker into Chandler TG2 preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe sn 06207 SOLD!!! Jule Amps Brenda K. Head 23W Guitar Amplifier Mojave Ampworks 2x12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet Ceramic AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre
Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe electric guitar (bridge pickup) played into Jule Brenda K. Head into Mojave Ceramic 2X12 Cabinet mic'd with Neumann U87ai (cardioid pattern) 4ft. off speaker into Presonus ADL 600 preamp & AEA R92 (figure-eight pattern) 6in. off speaker into Chandler TG2 preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe sn 06207 SOLD!!! Jule Amps Brenda K. Head 23W Guitar Amplifier Mojave Ampworks 2x12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet Ceramic AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre
Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe electric guitar (volume 12 o'clock, bright on, boost off, tone 12 o'clock, neck pickup) played into Jule Brenda K. Head into Mojave Ceramic 2X12 Cabinet mic'd with Neumann U87ai (cardioid pattern) 4ft. off speaker into Presonus ADL 600 preamp & AEA R92 (figure-eight pattern) 6in. off speaker into Chandler TG2 preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe sn 06207 SOLD!!! Jule Amps Brenda K. Head 23W Guitar Amplifier Mojave Ampworks 2x12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet Ceramic AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre
Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe electric guitar (neck pickup) played into Jule Brenda K. Head into Mojave Ceramic 2X12 Cabinet mic'd with Neumann U87ai (cardioid pattern) 4ft. off speaker into Presonus ADL 600 preamp & AEA R92 (figure-eight pattern) 6in. off speaker into Chandler TG2 preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe sn 06207 SOLD!!! Jule Amps Brenda K. Head 23W Guitar Amplifier Mojave Ampworks 2x12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet Ceramic AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre
Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe electric guitar (volume 12 o'clock, bright on, boost on, tone 12 o'clock, bridge pickup) played into Jule Brenda K. Head into Mojave Ceramic 2X12 Cabinet mic'd with Neumann U87ai (cardioid pattern) 4ft. off speaker into Presonus ADL 600 preamp & AEA R92 (figure-eight pattern) 6in. off speaker into Chandler TG2 preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe sn 06207 SOLD!!! Jule Amps Brenda K. Head 23W Guitar Amplifier Mojave Ampworks 2x12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet Ceramic AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre
Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe electric guitar (neck pickup) played into Jule Brenda K. Head into Mojave Ceramic 2X12 Cabinet mic'd with Neumann U87ai (cardioid pattern) 4ft. off speaker into Presonus ADL 600 preamp & AEA R92 (figure-eight pattern) 6in. off speaker into Chandler TG2 preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe sn 06207 SOLD!!! Jule Amps Brenda K. Head 23W Guitar Amplifier Mojave Ampworks 2x12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet Ceramic AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre
Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe electric guitar (bridge pickup) played into Jule Brenda K. Head into Mojave Ceramic 2X12 Cabinet mic'd with Neumann U87ai (cardioid pattern) 4ft. off speaker into Presonus ADL 600 preamp & AEA R92 (figure-eight pattern) 6in. off speaker into Chandler TG2 preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe sn 06207 SOLD!!! Jule Amps Brenda K. Head 23W Guitar Amplifier Mojave Ampworks 2x12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet Ceramic AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Chandler Limited TG2 Abbey Road SE Stereo Pre
Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe electric guitar (volume 12 o'clock, bright on, boost on, tone 12 o'clock, bridge pickup) played into Jule Brenda K. Head into Mojave Ceramic 2X12 Cabinet mic'd with Neumann U87ai (cardioid pattern) 4ft. off speaker into Presonus ADL 600 preamp & AEA R92 (figure-eight pattern) 6in. off speaker into Chandler TG2 preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe sn 06207 SOLD!!! Mojave Ampworks Scorpion Head Guitar Amplifier Mojave Ampworks 2x12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet Ceramic
Trussart Steelcaster Deluxe electric guitar played into Mojave Ampworks Sidewinder Head(tone 10, bass volume 5, treble volume 8 mid off) to Mojave Ampworks 2x12 Cabinet Ceramic mic'd with Neumann U87ai into A Designs Red preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Victoria Amps Regal II 1x15 Combo Amp Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Vintech Audio X73i Pre/EQ A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Nash S-62 electric guitar(position 5 pickup) played into Victoria Amps Model Regal (bass 6.9, treble 9, volume 5, reverb 3.5) mic'd with Sennheiser MD 421 II into Vintech-Audio X73i preamp & Neumann U87ai into A Designs Pacifica preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Victoria Amps Regal II 1x15 Combo Amp Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Vintech Audio X73i Pre/EQ A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Nash S-62 electric guitar(position 1 pickup) played into Victoria Amps Model Regal (bass 4, treble 7, volume 9, reverb 3.5) mic'd with Sennheiser MD 421 II into Vintech-Audio X73i preamp & Neumann U87ai into A Designs Pacifica preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Victoria Amps Regal II 1x15 Combo Amp Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Vintech Audio X73i Pre/EQ A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Nash S-62 electric guitar(position 1 pickup) played into Victoria Amps Model Regal (bass 4, treble 7, volume 9, reverb 3.5) mic'd with Sennheiser MD 421 II into Vintech-Audio X73i preamp & Neumann U87ai into A Designs Pacifica preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Victoria Amps Regal II 1x15 Combo Amp Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Vintech Audio X73i Pre/EQ A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Nash S-62 electric guitar(position 5 pickup) played into Victoria Amps Model Regal (bass 4, treble 7, volume max, reverb 3.5,** gradual increase in pick attack to show touch sensitivity of amp) mic'd with Sennheiser MD 421 II into Vintech-Audio X73i preamp & Neumann U87ai into A Designs Pacifica preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Victoria Amps Regal II 1x15 Combo Amp Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Vintech Audio X73i Pre/EQ A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Nash S-62 electric guitar(position 2 pickup) played into Victoria Amps Model Regal (bass 6.9, treble 7, volume 5, reverb 3.5) mic'd with Sennheiser MD 421 II into Vintech-Audio X73i preamp & Neumann U87ai into A Designs Pacifica preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Victoria Amps Regal II 1x15 Combo Amp Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Vintech Audio X73i Pre/EQ A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Nash S-62 electric guitar(position 4 pickup) played into Victoria Amps Model Regal (bass 4, treble 7, volume 9, reverb 3.5) mic'd with Sennheiser MD 421 II into Vintech-Audio X73i preamp & Neumann U87ai into A Designs Pacifica preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Victoria Amps Regal II 1x15 Combo Amp Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Vintech Audio X73i Pre/EQ A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Nash S-62 electric guitar(position 4 pickup) played into Victoria Amps Model Regal (bass 6.9, treble 9, volume 5, reverb 3.5) mic'd with Sennheiser MD 421 II into Vintech-Audio X73i preamp & Neumann U87ai into A Designs Pacifica preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Victoria Amps Regal II 1x15 Combo Amp Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Vintech Audio X73i Pre/EQ A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Nash S-62 electric guitar(position 2 pickup) played into Victoria Amps Model Regal (bass 4, treble 7, volume 9, reverb 3.5) mic'd with Sennheiser MD 421 II into Vintech-Audio X73i preamp & Neumann U87ai into A Designs Pacifica preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Victoria Amps Regal II 1x15 Combo Amp Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Vintech Audio X73i Pre/EQ A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Nash S-62 electric guitar(position 1 pickup) played into Victoria Amps Model Regal (bass 4, treble 7, volume 9, reverb 3.5) mic'd with Sennheiser MD 421 II into Vintech-Audio X73i preamp & Neumann U87ai into A Designs Pacifica preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
Also in this recording Victoria Amps Regal II 1x15 Combo Amp Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Vintech Audio X73i Pre/EQ A Designs Pacifica Stereo Preamp
Nash S-62 electric guitar(position 5 pickup) played into Victoria Amps Model Regal (bass 6.9, treble 7, volume 5, reverb 3.5) mic'd with Sennheiser MD 421 II into Vintech-Audio X73i preamp & Neumann U87ai into A Designs Pacifica preamp feeding Apogee Rosetta 800.
From Neumann USA
The Neumann U 87 Ai - voted as THE best microphone
The readers of the SOUND ON SOUND magazine have voted: U 87 Ai - the BEST MICROPHONE, announced during the Winter NAMM show 2012 in Anaheim, California.
The SOS award went to products, that "have made our lives in the studio all the more enjoyable". It is a further evidence for the reputation of the U 87 Ai as the world famous, professional standard studio condenser microphone. Until today the U 87 sets the mark in the microphone industry by which all others are measured.
The U 87 presents a wide range of features and versatility that make it to one of the most desirable mics available. Our users are recognising the microphone immediately by its distinctive design. Well-known for its warm and well balanced characteristics - your perfect choice as vocal microphone for all types of music and speech. The usage as main microphone for orchestra recordings or as spot mic for single instruments make it the most general-purpose microphone - in studios, for broadcasting, film and television.
The U 87* 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.
Applications
The U 87 Ai condenser microphone is a large diaphragm microphone with three polar patterns and a unique frequency and transient response characteristic.
Users recognize the microphone immediately by its distinctive design. It is a good choice for most general purpose applications in studios, for broadcasting, film and television.
The U 87 Ai is used as a main microphone for orchestra recordings, as a spot mic for single instruments, and extensively as a vocal microphone for all types of music and speech.
Acoustic features
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.
Polar patterns
The dual-diaphragm capsule is elastically mounted and protected by a large headgrille. A switch below the headgrille selects the three directional patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8. A window above this switch shows the symbol of the selected characteristic.
Electrical features
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.
The present-day circuitry increases the operational headroom of the U 87 Ai by supplying the bias voltages for the capsule through a reduced resistance. The result is a higher sensitivity of 10 dB for identical sound pressure levels, and an improved S/N ratio of 3 dB.
Filter and attenuation
A switch located at the rear attenuates the sensitivity by 10 dB. When this switch is activated, the microphone accepts sound pressure levels up to 127 dB (equivalent to a sound pressure of 45 Pa) without distortion.
An additional switch at the rear allows to change the microphone's cutoff frequency. This reduces low frequency interference directly at the input of the microphone amplifier.
This setting also compensates for the unavoidable bass boost that occurs with all pressure gradient transducers when they are used at close distance (proximity effect).
The cardioid characteristic maintains a smooth frequency response at a distance of 30 to 40 cm, the figure-8 characteristic even at a distance of 15 to 20 cm.
| 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/Pa1) |
| Rated impedance | 200 ohms |
| Rated load impedance | 1 kohms |
| Equivalent noise level, CCIR2) | 26/23/25 dB1) |
| Equivalent noise level, A-weighted2) | 15/12/14 dB-A1) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR2) (rel. 94 dB SPL) | 68/71/69 dB1) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted2) (rel. 94 dB SPL) | 79/82/80 dB1) |
| Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%3) | 117 dB (cardioid) |
| Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% with preattenuation3) | 127 dB |
| Maximum output voltage | 390 mV |
| Dynamic range of the microphone amplifier (A-weighted) | 105 dB |
| Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938) | 48 V ± 4 V |
| Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938) | 0.8 mA |
| Matching connectors | XLR3F |
| Weight | 500 g |
| Diameter | 56 mm |
| Length | 200 mm |
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