Microphone shootout Neumann u87 VS DIY U87 clone

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Here we put a bonafide Neumann U87 against The NoMann, my DIY u87 clone by Microphone Parts. We check it out on guitar, drums, vocals, and snare. I built the NoMann from a donor MXL 990 body, using M.P's complete kit(capsule, electronics, and new head basket). But I'd suggest just buying M.P.'s complete kit. No wasting time pulling an old mic apart, and it looks better when it's done.
In every case, you're hearing the exact same performance, with the mics side by side, and far enough out that they are getting the same signal, then played back to back - the way shootouts SHOULD be done. The preamps are my Cranborne Audio Camdens, and in each case the MOJO dial is OFF so the true sound of the microphone is captured.
No whining about my less than stellar playing and gear. The point is if you're hearing bad drum overtones, or ghastly fret squeaks, or flat vocals, are you hearing them the same through each mic, or do they sound different?
Guitar - 1 drumstick out, about 12-14th fret. Mics are on top of each other so they're the exact same distance from the soundhole. This is a critical part of shootouts that people often neglect.
Kick and snare - 6' out, directly in front of the snare and about 3' high to capture the whole kit. I did kick separately from snare/hat because I don't play drums.
Vocals - about 14" out, side by side, with pop filtre.
At the end there is a rough mixed version where I added in my Carvin 5 string bass directly into the Cranborne Audio Camdens with some Thump Mojo added. Fat and delicious.
---
M.P. is not paying me, as I'm sure you can tell. And if the guys from Micparts read this: pay a studio to do a real shootout like this against the real mic by Neumann, or AKG or whomever on all your mics. Trust me, in the world of studio gear, guys want to hear it against the real thing. It will be the best money you ever spent. The Neumann U87 is Mic #1
Enjoy.

Опубликовано:

30 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 197

@blastedusernames 3 года назад

The reveal as to which is which is in the description.

@Synth_Tools 3 года назад

Awesome. I wrongly believed that Mic#2 was the Neumann. Excellent job.

@paolotonolo1140 3 года назад

Haha definitely an awesome review sir, thank you for the Post

@Myspiritualrhythm 3 года назад

Nice! Thanks fo all your hard work here! I chose the first mic every single time for clarity but my guess was mic number two was Neumann because it had more of a vintage sound. It came through very clearly on my Marantz.

@neilbruno6170 3 года назад

i guess I'm quite randomly asking but do anyone know of a good site to stream new tv shows online?

@braylenjohnny1974 3 года назад

@Neil Bruno flixportal :D

@kendiggs 3 года назад

Holy crap! I actually *prefer* the NoMann!!

@djentlover 19 дней назад

Me too! I was sure that 2 was the real Neumann! The highs are more velvety, the lows are more substantial. My mind is blown 🤯

@vickielawson3114 2 года назад

Wow. They’re darn close but I thought the second mic just had a touch more detail and clarity. Sounds like the clone is an excellent value.

@HaMa-he2mn 3 года назад

This is EXACTLY how microphone comparisons should be done Sir! hope to hear more of this in this channel.

@timothykraft9245 3 года назад

Agreed 100%

@RnRanimal 3 года назад

Hmmm, I am, surprisingly, impressed with my ears. I guessed the Nuemann was No.1. Just a little more air.

@mantaproject 3 года назад

Oh Yes! I prefer the NoMann, it sounded a bit more smooth, I honestly thought it was the Neumann. Thanks for this shootout!

@bbjib 3 года назад

Me too.

@smoothfenpro 2 года назад

Same here. I have a vintage 87 from 1971 and it sounds very similar to mic number 2. Soft and warm

@basarat Год назад

I can’t hear a “better” 🤷🏻‍♂️ 🌹

@blakehobson5428 2 года назад

I was going to be highly surprised if Mic 1 hadn't been the Neumann. That being said, great job on the build, it sounds great, and you produced an excellent video with a very well done shoot out. Good playing too!

@maxlarsen 3 года назад

I think 1 is the real u87 and 2 is the clone

@johnngatho6520 3 года назад

Did I just save over $3,000?! But gear aside, you play and sing well. Thank you!

@johnngatho6520 3 года назад

Oh, just seen the classic is #1 but nomann sounded smoother to my ears. hmmm!

@bsoundbeatz 3 года назад

Mic #2 had a little distortion on the high end.

@aaronmarshall 3 года назад

You're a fantastic musician. You are the one making these mics sound good.

@keithrowe1007 3 года назад

I think the real story starts at 6:46. Raw tracks never get used in a mix. What do they sound like when you put them in a real life situation? Personally, in the mix, with the effects, through headphones, if I’m not looking at the screen I can tell when the switch occurs. So that’s good enough for me. Full disclosure. I’m the alter ego of blastedusernames and I did the video. And I’m not a pro so don’t have those discerning ears that can pick up such subtle differences.

@TwoDudeGamesChnnel 4 месяца назад

I knew right away that #1 is Neumann bc it has something like a compression on it, second mic has more dynamics and I wouldn't like that if I wanted a 87 clone, other than that #2 is veeeery slighlty darker and sounds almost exaclty the same if we forget the dynamics thing. Thank you for the comparison!

@cocosloan3748 Год назад

One thing - that guitar sounds APSOLUTELY AMAZING. At first I was sure its Martin because I skipped the beginning of the video - and was wondering what strings you use to get such clean bass - then I saw its not Martin at all.. Its better !

@deanrichard3193 Месяц назад

I have listened to a lot of mic comparisons recently, and I feel like my ability to hear the differences has improved a lot. These two mics don't sound very much alike to me, and it was pretty easy to guess the Neumann was Mic #1. It has a much more hyped high end. I liked the NoMann a lot, I just don't think it sounds much like the Neumann. That is not an insult in any way. It's a good sounding mic in its own regard. If both mics were in my mic locker I would use the Neumann on acoustic guitar, but probably use the clone on most other sources.

@shingAMarie Год назад

Wow

@blakealanfoster 2 года назад

Whoa, what. The Newmann is mic number 1?... are you sure? Are you fucking with us? haha

@wavescomplete5085 2 года назад

Wtf. Im not hear to much different both mic use AT M50X headphone🤣. I decide to buy cheap mic. Save my budget😝. thank you Mr China...

@Rocksite1 Год назад

Nice sound with inexpensive equipment, except the U87. At first, I couldn't tell them apart, until he started singing higher notes. Then, I noticed the S3-87 was slightly darker. Less noticeable in the mix. Good for the money, tho. I've never had the opportunity to compare my MJE "Fatboy" to a U87; but it might be in the same league.

@RadicalRumin 2 года назад

I prefer mic 2. Regardless of that though, the sheer value of the NoMann in comparison is staggering. $424 for the MXL990 and the mods from mic parts (with the old circuit replacement) and to end up with the two sounding so similar.

@willynordboe5853 6 месяцев назад

I was so bummed out because I did not see which microphone was 1 or 2. During my listening I was sure that mic 2 was the Neumann, and that made me sad because I liked that one the most, it sounded more mix ready and less rough in the high end for my ears. Scrolled through the description and found the answer, and got super happy that in fact my favorite was the one I can make and afford for my own studio. The microphone looked different than what's shown on MP-webpage though, its the S87 I guess? Did you upgrade any parts or choose something specific to get that high-end roll off? Great Video!

@sotnat9834 3 года назад

Mic #1 is the winner more clear ! Mic #2 has a little distortion !

@HarvinderSingh-yy8th 5 месяцев назад

Excellent sound production. What is your vocal chain and which compressor, pluggins hsve you used.

@reread2549 2 года назад

I prefer the sound of microphone number 2 All around, but the differences were negligible to my ears. I cheated and purchased 2 microphones from microphone parts Sister company Roswell. I picked up a mini 47 and a mini 87 and I’m very happy with them for my project studio. I hope that your studio gives you plenty of enjoyment, but I do have to make one criticism being that I am a RU-vidr. You have absolutely no chance of making it as a gangsta rapper. Sorry to shatter your dreams 😅👍

@curvatecture 2 года назад

This is so good!! I actually prefer the DIY mic! That is wild, you definitely have done this perfectly. Great voice! Solid pitch and nice delivery, well done all round.

@rebel4466 2 года назад

Your singing is bad! Your playing is bad! Sorry forgot the other complaints a viewer should have lol Great comparison! Turns out that I liked the original better, but I'd probably buy the Nomann. It's close enough to the Neumann, while having a fraction of the price tag. Really good option

@Fos3tex 3 года назад

Honestly, I could barely perceive a difference. Mic 2 may have been a tad less bright, but overall both would be indistinguishable in a session.

@willianrivera7072 2 года назад

Quisiera saber que combinación de valvulas usas en el preamp 619 uad ????? Que Numeración

@chestiitari9531 8 месяцев назад

mic 1 was clearly milky smooth u87 mic 2 was not that glued together in all the freq. more bass (as "modern" music looks for now). i think they did this intentionally? maybe your build? wish youhad a build one from roswell so i can hear the comparison as you a/b test was the best one i heard

@johns3352 Год назад

Your DIY sounds best on Lower Drums especially kick). Neumann beats it in everything else.

@jackcontreras9025 2 года назад

Man these seemed pretty close. Mic 1 had a certain mid and "quickness" to it that made it seem more in your face. Mic 2 seemed a little softer but I think also had a little more bass. I preferred Mic 1 but based off this I think I am gonna order me one of those clones. I heard their 251 clone too on another channel where it was shot out with a real Elam 251, a C24, and WarmAudio 251. For me it was the Elam and the Microphone Parts that were my favorite there. Thanks for the great shootout. Think I am gonna save some $$$ and make great recordings.

@BradMillsXRP 6 месяцев назад

ABAB ABAB Perfect System for Analysis. About time somebody did one right

@scottriley937 6 месяцев назад

When you built the mic did you go with the flat response or high end rolloff setup? I just bought the mic kit and was curious what the most similar way to go. Thanks for the video!

@rickisabelle4314 2 года назад

Thank you for taking the time to create and upload this video. People like you are the reason RU-vid is such a success. You did a beautiful job. I'm very grateful.

@vaporizer1000 Год назад

I don`t know about nubmer of each mic. But on my home acustic I am already can bit feel pure neumann sound. Regularly it is has very good clarity and in this case mic 1 sound for me more like pure neumann. Second one also sound good but sound bit more dirty and scene is not same clear. but diference is very small. Just bit more low sound contrast and not same bright sound. maybe because capsule anyway not original. In china they try made a premium copies but some small details they anyway can`t replicate same as it did on original factory. After using FX is really no difference in sound

@nabeelakbarofficial3433 3 года назад

I thought mic 2 will be neuman u87 because I felt it was a bit warmer and a bit less high endish. But wow both mics seems to sound vintage and great.

@k.raschid-hqaudio804 Год назад

To be honest, I did not understand which number is which microphone :D

@acimbobby 2 года назад

both were fantastic. There was a little more definition in a mic in the test. I think I would be very happy with a cheaper mic with such a high performance. The PCB was designed by a famous sound guy.

@Sarrddrriiccc 3 года назад

Really interesting, i guessed the neumann correctly, it seemed to have some more depth and more 'tail' on the sound, but there were definately places where i preferred the MP. That shows me again that you need to make a decision relative too the situation/source :)

@tyvode_official Год назад

For me it sounds like the clone is more sensitive to dynamics while the Neumann is more neutral and flat. I have to admit except for the vocals I liked the clone each time better then the actual Neumann.

@mushebk 3 года назад

Mic 1 Sounds good

@headamuse 3 года назад

#1's top end sounds more like a u87 but I'd be happy with either in most scenarios.

@ridingdriving Год назад

seriously thought mic 2 would be the neumann..i pick that as the better mic...my slight tinnitus on the left ear certainly helped too

@tymillz700block Год назад

Do you know what the exact model name for the fully assembled version of the mic you have?

@Anya-ip6fd 8 месяцев назад

I thought the first mic sounded better all the way through until you put everything in the mix and then I thought #2 😅

@TheInsanityofGab 3 года назад

they're very close. #1 has just a touch more presence and #2 seems to have a little bit more proximity effect. Based on that, I guessed #1 as the neumann. just out of curiosity, do you remember which capacitor value you used for the roll off cap? i have the s3-87 and itd be useful to have this comparison as a reference for cap value

@bobbritches846 2 года назад

Nice mic. A little more presence but not quite as smooth as the Neumann. You could buy a very nice pre and a compressor with the money you'd save.

@Deriolama 8 месяцев назад

Almost identical only on the bass, I like mic 2..

@Wizardofgosz 3 года назад

I liked #1 better. The low end on #2 was more pronounced, and I suspect that would appeal to people who don't actually make records, but it sounded awfully smeared down there, and I could see it needing corrective EQ. #1 just had more clarity.

@thischannel1071 3 года назад

Having been listening to a lot of clone comparisons lately, I think this clone probably has the least difference compared to the original that I've heard. And I think the main difference here is that #2 has a tiny hair more air to it, which makes the #2 mix sound like it has just a bit more clarity and space in it, but on an almost-microscopic level. And that can be EQ'd out probably easily, even with a preset applied to all tracks. And that's a much better position to be in than lacking emphasis of an important frequency that needs to be boosted.

@marcusdolby1 3 года назад

The Neumann is a bit smoother in the middle and tighter on the bottom end, but honestly they both sound great!!

@ArmchairRamb0 Год назад

I call Mic #2, slightly beefier (low-mid). More is more.

@nikolayew Год назад

I did not like the clone on its own but i was surprised how powerful and round the clone mix was sounding. Clone in the mix is my favorite!

@johnjacobs7186 Год назад

Yes, absolutely. Mic #1, the Neumann, just seems to compress the individual tracks in quite a smooth, to my feel soft brush-stroke kind of way which appealingly takes an edge off, but then in the mix the cumulative effect is a slight loss of life.

@TheMcinku 3 года назад

All I can hear is DIY has more low-end but I can't decide which one sounds better... I would say it doesn't matter. For the money DIY is a clear choice.

@someguy_7765 Год назад

My thoughts exactly. They are slightly different from one another, but it’s subtle. And that difference really isn’t enough to matter. Truth is, when you actually mix it with either mic, you’re gonna make some moves to shape the mix in the direction you want it to go. Those moves might be slightly different depending on the mic, but ultimately you could make a killer mix with either one from what I can tell.

@LA6NPA Год назад

I'm sitting here with all new Creative speakers for my computer, and I'm not completely convinced by them yet, but to my ears, with these speakers, I feel that Mic 1 has sliiightly more presence than Mic 2. Mostly on guitar, actually. I thought it would be easy to hear with the shakers, but there they sound about the same. The difference on guitar is almost like a fresh set of strings has been put on between the mics, and for the vocals, "s" sounds slightly muted in Mic 2. I think both mics are pretty good, and I would have a hard time choosing if I didn't have to pay for them, but they're not quite a matched pair. If I were to guess, I would say Mic 2 is the Neumann with older components. Building the Nomann is a good investment, though, depending on how much the components cost.

@LA6NPA Год назад

Wow! I was totally wrong about which was which! :D

@magnus8852 3 месяца назад

Which capsule did you use for the nomann?

@beaueatbutterflyyummy4151 3 года назад

This is how shoot outs should all be... awesome video. Well done. Also I’ve been told I’m wise behind my ears and I could hardly tell a difference

@Kurztakt 3 года назад

Thank you, this was super helpful. I prefer the Clone.

@StudioFanThess 3 года назад

My friend, try the same thing but with something more cheap...The T-bone sc-400 (only 51 euros) vs Neumann U87. It's unbelievable trust me!!!

@KevinSparksatx 2 года назад

My wife said YOU'RE a cedar top

@-______-______- Год назад

Would like to have heard a 3rd, cheaper condenser in there too. Great vid though.

@EricMusicAkaJuNMusic 2 года назад

They both sounded good better then my scarlett

@learnstfast3019 Год назад

Jim Carey out here making music lol

@NorthernTroutHunters 2 года назад

The first one sounds more expensive

@djentlover 19 дней назад

OH MY GOD THE REAL NEUMANN WAS THE WORSE ONE!

@guyincascade 3 года назад

I am doing this mod this week Jan 31, 2021. I did just the capsule upgrade to start out, sounded so much better I bought the pcb upgrade. Anxious to get it completed. Thanks for the video 👍(thumbs up here as I know you don’t care about them on your channel)

@HarvinderSingh-yy8th 7 месяцев назад

I love naumann U 87. It is my dream CM.

@jl1848 2 года назад

Mic 1 sounds clearer to me. I assume that is the U87.

@KeithJCarberry1 Год назад

with eyes closed i bet 95% percent of the experts in the comments here could be able to tell when the mic was changed let alone which was better. zero meaningful difference between the two. struggling to hear any differences at all

@KeithJCarberry1 Год назад

maybe the issue with the format is a 50:50 shot at guessing right reinforcing people's guess must have "meant" something

@resslerartstudios 2 года назад

No difference. Listened 0n a iPad Pro with Bose in ears pros

@hailmaryrecordings8255 3 года назад

Mic #2 sounded a bit better to me. And I subscribed.

@timothykraft9245 3 года назад

I also chose #2, but I was surprised at how similar they were. The differences are subtle.

@hailmaryrecordings8255 2 года назад

@@timothykraft9245 Just a bit more volume & clarity.

@matsfrommusic 6 месяцев назад

I think I liked Mic 1 a little better, whatever that was.

@holmessph7 Год назад

Seems indistinguishable to me

@WeaponsRemorse Год назад

i just had a 990XF circuit mod and K 47 capsule installed in my 990 and OMG sooo good over stock 990

@shaft9000 Год назад

On my Focal cms50s the U87 gives a bit smoother mids and is natural in the fundamental, The MP sounds every bit as good if not preferable in the mix here, though - it (somehow) tracks the upper harmonic more smoothly and your voice benefited a lot from it in this tune & arrangement. For my taste the U87 sounded a bit too crispy and inconsistent from about 5kHz on up.

@tymillz700block Год назад

are you selling the models you made?

@thetruth3316 3 года назад

1 handles higher SPL better

@caspermaster-com Год назад

Clone sounded better 😂

@RaunoPaananenAudio Год назад

I prefer mic2

@Pule12345 Год назад

wow I like mic 2 better

@michieldpiano 8 месяцев назад

BOOM, mic 2 is warmer, more buttery and perfect for voice. I prefer the tone quality.

@irawardofficial 4 месяца назад

You are good and funny LOL. This one of the best clone shootouts on RU-vid, congrats! And for that reason, I subscribed :).

@mckmckmckmckmck 2 года назад

mic #2 sound smoother to my ear

@DonMusicbeats 2 года назад

Thanks

@kofiassor2164 3 года назад

1 has more body, 2 is comparatively less so. both good

@JustMamba 2 года назад

Mic #1 was clearly smoother whichever mic that was. They both sound good tho.

@psychxxxx 2 года назад

insane

@andivax 3 года назад

MP has better sensivity. Neumann has smoother hi end.

@Birchblaze 3 года назад

Very interesting!! Great comparison. Before checking the true identities, I felt #2 just had something a little extra. More dimension/depth. More, air? Otoh, #1 had a more pleasing bass response, particularly noticeable on the kick drum. Been meaning to try a MP kit. Got 2 donors, this may have put me over the edge. Thanks!

@jeromejackson3752 2 года назад

I hear no difference at all.

@ericvannielsen 4 месяца назад

@billesposito2112 Год назад

One seems to represent more of the frequency spectrum. If that's the Nomann I'm buying one. I have David Royer's replica , Mojave MA- 300 love it. Good shoot out

@coilzinalias 2 года назад

marvelous review. it just rocks. 👍👍👍 and about the mic... they sound pretty close to me, just noticed a really tiny difference and i guessed the 1rst one was the Neumann, but boy you have made a Nodoubtmann great replica. Thanks so so so much for this review, it's as enlightenment as enjoyable. Thanks ! 🙏

@jonnathanlopes1195 2 года назад

WTF the Mic 2 is so good for me

@jerrykorten664 2 года назад

In all these 87 comparisons - the original always sounds quite rolled off in the high frequencies to me.

@Max-jp2ue 3 года назад

😉👍

@resslerartstudios 2 года назад

Feel good now. I bought a u87 clone from a guy in Brooklyn. I like it, but never had a comparison. Thanks

@megyalilaballad Год назад

NO…..!!!!! I am in disbelief after reading the description... That last paragraph of the description is GOLD.

@joo_kraus 2 года назад

Thanks for this video! So good! And by the way: nice playing!!

@someguy_7765 Год назад

I’m only listening on beats earbuds, but…the difference between the two sounds negligible to me. There is a slight difference, but not enough to matter I don’t think. I could make a mix work with either mic based on this. Thanks for going to the trouble, man!