Five TRUTHS of the Neumann U87Ai 

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Great review. I Just ordered this mic... The dream came true!

I'm a U87 owner and I have to say. The C12 is the one mic I hardly had to EQ the few times I had a chance to use it! So maybe the C12 is the last mic you'll ever need 😂

I got the u87ai and the sm7b to test out for my home studio. I live next to the freeway and have SOME gobos and panels but I ended up sending the u87ai back because the sm7b just sounded better in the space. I loved the u87 but gotta accept that first reality! I hope someday to have a sounded treated room and get the u87 or even u67 but until then sm7b it is!

I own this mic, I was a bit hesitant to watch this but everything stated is absolutely true. I even own the same shockmount lol

Hey Man I love your videos, Keep it up :)

I’ve worked with the U87 before, and you’re dead on. One of the magical aspects of this classic is when molding EQ for it, doing so is the audio equivalent of sculpting with warm clay in your hands. Little compares. I’d also like to say since discovering your channel (specifically the production elements of it - though I do enjoy the MLB coverage!), it’s been extremely useful in helping guide the transition from an all-audio podcast to a video podcast. Like you have, I am transforming a room in my home with many of the same considerations in mind. From blacking out the windows to dampening the acoustics with industrial sound blankets. It also happens by sheer coincidence we also use a lot of the same equipment (For example: The 12MTK, similar mic locker, etc). So having such an applicable and thoroughly explained map has been invaluable. Thank you for taking the time to break it all down and extoll the lessons you’ve learned production wise along the way.

Right on the money!! I’ve seen these same things with my u87.

Your objectivity is commendable, everyone simply just get religious about it. It is a great microphone and I like it a lot, but you need to know what to do with it after the recording is done, which is expected for people who buy this microphone. This microphone gives some peace of mind in situations when something goes wrong with the recordings, you can always say that it is not about the microphone, which is difficult for any other brand out there. Is it subjective? Of course it is. Could you get the same or better recordings with much less money? Of course you could.

Well done, what preamp are you using for this video along side your 87 AI?

I'm contemplating getting one for our cartoon voice acting. Only recently started using a Rode NT1 after using various dynamics for years. Starting the realize the limitations of the Rode with sibilance, but I'm eyeballing a U87Ai (one day!)

Nice video

Thank you so much for these valuable insights. Do you think as a Pianist I should get the U87? Currently I am using the Rode Nt4 which I without any knowledge I would consider a middle class microphone. Thank you for your expertise!

Here's a sixth 'home truth' about the RE20. I have two of these (actually they are PL20's, not RE20's - but they are indeed the same animal). The 'truth' is in Maintenance. Due to the way the RE 20 is constructed it is necessary (really necessary) to take it apart every twenty years or so to replace the foam inside. The 'Motor' of the RE 20 is encapsulated in a contoured foam. I bought my RE20's way back in 1983 together with a pair of RE55's. Then, about twenty years later, both RE20's started sounding like an expensive baby rattle if you slightly shook them. The reason, I found, was the gradual break-down of the Foams encapsulating the 'Motors'. Either replace the Foam or bin the Microphones. As the value of these Microphones is going UP binning them was not an option. I managed to find a source of the Foams for the RE20's and DIY came to the fore. No problems - I already had the tiny Allen key required for the dismantling. The rest is history - but an history which will most certainly be repeating itself every twenty years or so. This means 2023. Next year. So I fear this is indeed a Home Truth for the RE20. If you can live with that, fine. It's worth it.

I own the U87 as well and I mostly agree. But… check out the Microtech Gefell M930 für spoken word applications - the U87 might be the second last purchase ;)

Man perfectly explained

Brodie what do you think of the Townsend sphere?

Whicj rycote invision is this ? The lite version or the VB

How do you compare Mojave 201 fet versus U87ai.

Tbh there's more than just a well treated room to burst out its true magic! And yes I've got class A vocals in my kitchen with this mic. But remember theres more to it.

Could someone post a link for the Rycote?

Flat? Really? 😂 is famous for its midrange and that’s way it cuts so well.

what about the M149?

I sold my u87 for ZP800G from ZP Microphones :P

6 fact: this is the best mic in the world

Where u got it from

It so good that it's too expensive.

so what's the difference between the old U87 and the new U87 Ai - ?

ELA M 251 would be my last one 🔥🔥🔥

Better then Shure?

Nasal, boxy 😆, cmon man not true at all , u87 is a champ -Tlm 103 will get nasally if you don’t know what you doing , Pointless points you made my friend i disagree 🤞🏻

What process do you use on this video? EQ COMPRESSION. PREAMP. PLUGIN