Neumann U87 and U87 Ai: Which Version Should You Choose?

The Neumann U 87 is a large-diaphragm studio condenser microphone that has been in production in two main versions: the original U 87, introduced in 1967, and the revised U 87 Ai, introduced in 1986. Both share the same basic concept and controls. The practical choice usually comes down to whether you are buying new or used, how you will power the microphone, and what condition and documentation a specific unit has.

Start with the intended use

Before comparing versions, define where and how the microphone will be used. A U87-style condenser is designed for controlled recording spaces. It captures detail well, which also means it captures room reflections, computer fans and other background noise. In an untreated room or for casual video calls, a large studio condenser may reveal more of the room than you want.

• Environment: a treated studio, a home recording space or a regular office or living room.
• Sources: vocals, voice-over, podcasts, acoustic instruments, or video calls and streaming.
• Connection: an audio interface or preamp with an XLR input and phantom power, or only a computer with no audio interface yet.
• Purchase route: new from an authorised dealer, or used from a private seller or studio.
• Result needed: finished recordings, live monitoring, or simply clear speech in calls.

Features that matter

Both the U 87 and the U 87 Ai offer three selectable polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8. Both include a pre-attenuation pad for loud sources and a low-cut filter to reduce low-frequency rumble. For most single-voice work, cardioid is the usual starting point because it favours sound from the front and reduces pickup from the sides and rear.

The main differences are in the electronics and powering. The Ai revision uses updated circuitry that the manufacturer describes as giving higher output sensitivity and lower self-noise than the original. The original U 87 could be powered either by phantom power or by internal batteries; the U 87 Ai operates on phantom power only. If battery operation matters to you, that points to the original, but confirm that a used unit's battery compartment and wiring are intact and working.

Treat published specifications as a description of design differences, not as a quality score. For exact sensitivity, self-noise and maximum sound pressure figures, compare the official datasheets for each version. On older units, servicing history, capsule condition and any replaced parts often matter more to the sound than the version name.

Check compatibility

Both versions are analogue microphones with a 3-pin XLR output. Neither has USB, so a computer cannot use the microphone directly. You need an audio interface or a microphone preamp with phantom power, typically 48 V. The computer or calling app then sees the audio interface, not the microphone, as the input device.

• Connect the microphone to the interface with an XLR cable.
• Enable phantom power on that input, following the interface manual.
• In the operating system sound settings, select the interface as the input device.
• In your recording or calling app, select the same interface as the input device and choose headphones or speakers as the output device.
• Speak at a normal level and adjust the input level on the interface so peaks stay well below clipping.
• Use the pad switch on the microphone if the source is loud enough to overload the preamp even at low gain.

Sample rate is set by the audio interface and your software, not by the microphone. Choose a sample rate your interface and app both support, and keep it consistent across them to avoid errors or resampling. If you hear hiss or hum, check gain settings, cables and nearby electrical equipment before assuming the microphone is at fault.

Build a shortlist

• Power: you have reliable phantom power, or you specifically need the battery option of the original U 87.
• Purchase type: new units are the current Ai version; older original units are only available used.
• Condition: the seller can describe service history, any repairs and whether the capsule has been replaced.
• Authenticity: the serial number, paperwork and seller details can be checked before payment.
• Accessories: confirm whether a shock mount, case or cable is included, since these affect the total cost.
• Room: your recording space is quiet and treated enough for a sensitive condenser, or you have a plan to improve it.
• Signal chain: your interface or preamp has an XLR input, phantom power and enough clean gain for your sources.

If you want a straightforward setup with current support and phantom power is available, the U 87 Ai is the simpler choice. Consider an original U 87 mainly if you can verify its condition and history, or if battery powering is a real requirement. In either case, the room and the rest of the signal chain will shape the result as much as the version you choose.