There is a huge difference between recording podcasts and delivering professionally sounding songs. This mic is for music! Boutique podcasters use it because they can... but they were never the goal. So, yes, there is a canyon of a difference between this and say, the TLM 103, this one much more sibilant, which will give much more work to deliver a professional sounding vocal in a song. So the choices are: spending more time - and time is money in a studio - mixing, removing sibilance etc, or you buy this and record something that will be almost mix-ready tone-wise.
Exactly, podcast wise - SM7b and good sound engineering know how goes a long way. I've seen podcasts use this mic and they RUIN the quality because of horrible processing / use.
Too funny... I fall into the category of the person that recently bought the mic and trying to validate my decision. I am a musician and as hard as I tried to talk myself into other mics that cost lest on all the blind test etc. I kept coming back to the U87. So I bought it and love it!
Just a big "thumbs up" 👍 for the Rycote InVision USM recommendation! Ordered one after watching your U87 videos, received and mounted it today. Went and works just seamless and fine with my old U87 (no Ai). Had also some luck with the pricing: Only 72 Euros (without pop filter because I already had one).
The best microphone I’ve purchased is the Mojave MA-200. And I’ve own microphones that cost a lot more. The fact is there are very good microphones available now. A U87 may sound good for one vocalist and not another.
Very good video ----- You are so correct that the U87ai deserves a very good chain - studio, preamp, artist, etc ----- My favorite preamp for it is the Neumann v402, which is a very clean, uncolored preamp.
Good info/review! I have been using and owning Neumann mics since 1979 and the sound you have is a good example of what the U87 should sound like. I would like to add a few tips and suggestions. If you are not doing HD and professional music production/recording for release, then don't even think about it. Buy a mic that cost less than $600. You can get a Shure SM7 $400 or an EV RE20 for $500 and they work great for podcasting and Vlogs. There are many serious professionals, making 6 - 7 figures that use the SM7 and that says a lot. If you are doing all of the above, buy a Rode NT1000 or a NT2000. They are really good multipurpose, all-around use microphones and you business can grow without having to upgrade. If you should decide to upgrade, buy an used U87. They never drop in price so if you buy one for $1500, you can sell it for $1500 a year later. That is, if you take care of it...
Don't forget No. 6 - Does it fit your voice? I owned a Neumann U87 AI and after a few months sold it in favour of a Sennheiser MKH416 which is still my go to mic (I'm doing professional voice overs, mostly German) The Neumann just didn't work too well with my voice. (In fact I've also ordered other Neumanns like the TLM 102, TLM103, TLM 107, TLM49 and sent them back as none of them sounded as nice on my voice as the MKH416) :)
Super glad that in England this mic is only £1850 which is like $2500 and all of our taxes are included with the price here. After trying this mic out I have a hard time liking any other mic XD.
Though I will say this mic sounds simply superb in your setup (many much "s" used there), I can't imagine needing to shell out all the extra cash for something like this unless you were a professional studio or a voice-over artist/singer with a huge audience. As you stated, this is more of an "end game" mic for those who can afford it or want the best of the best (or just want to flex).
funny this video came up. I just got one used that is mint. got into the mic collector game. it sure is nice. do I need it no. did I want it yes. little stuff to motivate me to make videos when I don't want to.
Dude this mic and signal chain and processing sounds incredible on your voice. Do you share your signal chain / processing anywhere in your vids? Or do you mind sharing
yep i do! there's a few videos on this channel for different mics i use... make sure you get the 2021 versions of them... there's a few prior iterations
Thank you so much for this. So, I have one question..... I'd love your opinion..... I'm currently using an Equitek E100s through a TL Audio PA-1 valve pre-amp (bought in the 1990s!) Part of my day-job is making videos in the UK supporting autistic young people to believe they can get paid employment. Schools and colleges use these videos, and the E100s is great for these. But, later this yea,r I will probably start work on a new music album. I made three albums between 1999 and 2011. I recorded all the vocals for those albums with an old Equitek condenser mic before I dropped it one time too many! So... for my new musical adventure, should I write Santa a letter asking for a Neumann U87Ai? - warm vibes from the UK - Richard
I just upgraded from a Yeti to a new mic, the Sterling ST159. Got my Yeti for 100 and got the Sterling for 150 on sale, usually 300. The difference is enormous. The Yeti ain't bad by any stretch of the imagination, but boy, did that new mic blow it out of the water. I imagine there's diminishing returns, but I've heard sound tests with 300-700 dollar mics vs this one, and it's definitely an increase, but not not the WOW HOLY SHIT kind of increase. Interesting video even if I will never be buying one or even contemplate buying one.
I understand what he’s saying. I don’t see using the U87 for voice over. The SM7B, AKG that are made for voice over fit the bill for that use. The detailed high end of the U87 is best for music-vocals. On voice over T & S are very pronounced, though not sibilant they can become annoying.
@@BojanBojovic A good mix vs a bad mix would have the same effect. A whole mix tracked through a neve pre vs an entirely digital stock tracked mix would also have the same effect. You think a consumer will consciously notice that? No, it'll just feel different. Same goes for a U87ai vs a cheap transformerless mic. Not nonsense at all you snob 😂
@@brodiebrazil Thanks, hehe. Initially, I didn’t care much for the pronounced low end / mids and preferred my TLM 103. Things tend to grow on me, so now the u87 is my go-to. Needs a good preamp for my voice, though.
Fantastic video production. Your presentation was awesome! I am a VO artist who deliberated between the U87 and the Manley C Reference for the longest. Currently own and love to death my TLM 103. "Church mouse" quiet at 7db. The Manley C is on order, but I haunted myself wondering if there would be "buyers remorse" for not getting the big brother U87 instead. Alright, I have a bit more peace in my mind about my decision thanks to your welcomed opinion on mic performance "return of value". Keeping my baby TLM 103 forever. Just get's the job done and well. Certainly will add the U87 as the next go around on mic choice in the future. Truly enjoyed your production. Thank you. Subscribed.
thank you for finding this and for the compliments! I've heard tremendous things about the Manley - I doubt you'll be dissatisfied. And let me say in the end, if you have the 103, it's going to be close enough to what the 87 will ever be. You could be better off to have something different like the manley mic.
@@brodiebrazil Thank you for your feedback. Just got the Manley in and yep… This mic is truly worth the monetary value. Taking your suggestion on the TLM 103 vs U87. Will see down the road but, l have enough to keep the “voice” show rock’n for a while (smile) Keep up the great work on your productions. Top notch on both info and enjoyment. Looking forward to seeing more. So Very Cool!
I have a question. My voice is a little deep. I had previously recorded my voice with Neumann u67 in a professional studio. Ok , WİTH the mix it was good, but it still wasn't exactly what I wanted. I wanted something little more masculine you know.. So the question I want to ask you is, do you think this microphone is good for someone with a deep voice? Or any other suggestions for this situation? Thanks in advance
If you’re aiming to showcase “presence” with a deeper impact… the tlm103 or u87 will serve you well. I know from experience. Eq can take you to the ultimate levels.
@@brodiebrazil Yes sorry I mean ''precense'' Thanks for your answer. İ just have one more question What do you think of the Warm Audio Wa-8000, very similar to the Sony C800G? I personally love the original Sony C800G sound. So after all my research I'm stuck between these two microphones Warm Audio W-A 8000 and Neuman u87 Ai
You might want to try the Beyerdynamic M88, it perferctly suits deep male voices and doesn't cost a fortune. The currently sold TG version (M88TG) sadly doesn't have the two layer mesh grille of the original one any more, so be prepared to use a pop filter for vocals or spoken word. And of course an U87ai can do the job perfectly, too, but preamp choice will matter a lot. From all the preamps I remeber using with U87ai, Avalon V5 had an extra huge and deep low end.
3:27 A thought about low quality speakers and earbuds: Imho resonances have a big impact there, meaning a mic with very little resonance pairs better with low budget speakers that almost always have resonances. Along with every processing step creating harmonics to those resonances - and the harmonics of the resonances. Of course we can eliminate resonances in post production, but it's always better if they ain't there from beginning. BUT!!!!!! And you also stated this in the video !!!!!! A bad recording room has WAY more resonances than any budget mic.
