Why is The NEUMANN U87ai The Most Sought After Mic
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.ค. 2024
- Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @darkcornerstudios
I use Epidemic Sound, sign up for a 30-day free trial here - www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
This microphone is probably at the top of almost EVERYONES list when it comes to professional audio.
No...it wont make you sound like a god...but it literally will sound good on almost EVERY VOICE.
But...do you need it?
I specifically included a few fun mics for the head to head battle...
So I hope you enjoy this.
Buy the Neumann u87ai -
US Link - amzn.to/3iCW5Iq
UK Link - amzn.to/3mrG9df
Canada Link - amzn.to/2YlP8V1
Buy the Stellar X2 -
US Link - amzn.to/3iEDI61
UK Link - amzn.to/3ozbGwF
Canada Link - amzn.to/3FqtQXc
Timestamps -
00:00 Intro
00:24 About The Mic
02:09 U87 vs U87ai
My Instagram - @darkcornerstudios
My Twitter - @DarkCornerYT
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Gear -
Mics - RODE NT2A - amzn.to/2WWQTnn
- TZ Audio Products Stellar X2 - amzn.to/3gHTj0X
Mixer - Arturia Audiofuse Studio - amzn.to/33kSBnq
Secondary Boom Arm - amzn.to/2WBhveB
Camera - Canon T7i - amzn.to/2X3yTYi
Lenses - Canon 50mm 1.8 - amzn.to/2LxiI0k
Canon 24mm 2.8 - amzn.to/2zF96Ok - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
One of the reasons I love audio equipment is how so much of the original or older equipment is so relevant today. The most popular mics in 2022 have been around for DECADES.
Why does that make you like it? To me it means people are often pretty un-innovative / stubborn to experiment; they’d rather spend unnecessary thousands.
@@chinmeysway Because that means there are more options and vintage offerings aren't obsolete. In an age where technology is constantly refreshed and replaced, it is nice to be able to purchase a used mic that is still relevant and delivers excellent quality, that has been used for decades. That has so much love and experience and has passed through the hands of many who have shared in the same interest. It has a story to tell and is still telling stories through the next person.
I hate to pull the cringe age card on you, but when you get older, these things start to have more value than they did when you were younger. To be able to pull out something you used 20 years ago, dust it off, and reinvigorate your love for it--is extremely rare, especially with technology.
As for innovation, I wholeheartedly disagree. Because there are so many offerings still relevant, it encourages companies to push the envelope even further as they are competing with more viable options. You still have companies today, such as Logitech's new mic, that is trying to compete with the Sure SM7B. A mic that released over 50 years ago. A mic that Michael Jackson recorded Thriller on (SM7), before the refresh with the B which was just aesthetic/windscreen.
@@chinmeyswaynot unnecessary when you want to make a hit record
Been recording with my U87ai and the new Neve 88m. Its just spectacular.
Keep in mind, this mic goes for about $3200 today, or around CA$4300 depending on where you buy it here. It is VERY expensive.
It’s an affordable microphone if you really want to buy it. It’s just that some guys have a wife that monitors their husband’s purchases.
@@ramencurry6672 If really wanting to buy it entails robbing a bank then definitely, Otherwise its conventionally unaffordable
shit my wife had to sit back and except me buying mine haven't tracked with it yet was using a telefunken 51 @@ramencurry6672
A little over a year ago, I had the privilege to use the U87 ai for some spoken word podcast work. Given it’s vaunted reputation - rightfully earned - each time I brought it out I felt there should have been a break in the clouds, bathing it in rays of golden sunshine. Seeing the versatility of it in action, I was deeply impressed. That and learning about the specific process in which it is manufactured, it’s basically a golden child example of that famous (occasionally infamous) German engineering.
What surprised me so much (in so far as I made any adjustment at all), was how well I felt it took to being EQ’d in post - which almost felt about as close as I’d ever come to committing a mortal sin. Hyperbole aside, in my experience it was downright buttery in post.
Though as usual, you really do hit at the heart of the matter. Is it worth it if you have the cash to invest? If that’s your inclination, than goodness yes. It’s constructed in such a way that if you take proper care of it, it will be an heirloom in wonderful working condition for your grand kids to inherit. But in this day and age do most of us require it? No. The market is now as such that there are countless high quality mics at much more affordable price points. But a Rolls-Royce is a Rolls-Royce… or maybe an S-Class Mercedes in this case?
Beautiful job as always. You’re fantastic on screen, and never fail to deliver useful insight. Cheers friend!
Cool story bro
While condition of the capsule and smoke can certainly affect a mic's sound there is an actual difference between the 87Ai and the original model that you are ignoring which is the voltage on the capsule.
On the original U87 the capsule was polarized at about 46V, which is all the 48V phantom power (or onboard battery pack) would provide. The ‘A’ revision replaced the battery pack with a DC-DC converter, allowing the mic to generate the 60V that the K67 capsule was designed for.
The voltage change raised the microphone’s sensitivity significantly - from 8mV/Pa to 28mV/Pa (in Cardioid mode), which is worth about 10dB of output level. It also increased the signal-to-noise ratio by 3dB.
Ten more db of output on someone belting out a loud vocal can have an affect on the input of some micpreamps. While this difference may only show itself under some circumstances it is an actual difference that you are overlooking.
You and Dylan have debated some pros and cons of this mic vs others, very well in the livestreams. I look forward to this video. I feel like ive been unconsciously waiting for this video for awhile.
It took awhile for Dylan to trust me with his baby...lol
It's worth saving for!
I think it's the versality - not only because of the patterns - but because of the signal quality. If a signal is really complete, high resolution and full-range you will notice upon eq-ing the signal. EQ an U87 and a lower grade microphone which at first glance may not sound that different - THEN you'll immediatly notice the difference. With the U-87 it's all there. You can do anything with the source sound without turning harsh. Cheap mics will dismantle gaps and and peaks upon eqing resulting in harsh sound. We tried this, and it was eye-opening.
I use a Neumann Tlm67 and I love it! Nobody seems to talk about this mic enough
Great video! Thank you! May I ask you if it is okay to leave the mic connected to the interface with xlr all the time? Or is it worth disconnecting it and putting in the box after the vocals session?
The U87 AI makes recording vocals easy. It dosen’t sound "better" than other LDC or tube mics, it's just hard to mess up regardless of genre. Use this mic when you want to bang out material. If you want to really match a mic specifically for the song, there might be other choices that will give you a vibe, but for all intents and purposes, you can use this mic on anything and kind of can't go wrong. Wa 87 comes surprisingly close, but I returned it because close isn't a U87 AI.
I low key REALLY like how sharp the stellar x2 is, it could use a little eq on the higher ends but it sounded so clear I was Impressed
Clear out the box only mean boosted highs
i was impressed too ,as a u87 owner I loved it and ill be convincing my friends that can't afford a u87 to get one
It is and has been a thing that most other manufacturers still try to copy. It was innovative in its time and has thus become a studio standard. Every semi-talented audio-engineer in the world can handle it and make anybody singing or speaking into it sound great. Which is not the case with a lot of other brands changing their products every year or so.
As a professional, it's about experience with a trusted product. I put Neumann in the same category as Shure or Sennheiser, they defined standards which are still valid today. Thats good, because it makes working in changing studios or enviroments so much easier when you find a known setup that just works. This also relativizes the cost quite a bit as these are tools you use every day and make a living of. The more you use it, the more it pays off.
I would like to see you do more of the Stellar X2 comparison. I have that mic and like it (I like the NT1 more).
Ι do voiceovers and i absolutely love mics. I have few including 2 Neumanns, the TLM103 and the TLM67. My workhorse is the 67 which i really love. Driven through a (Neve style) GAP pre73 premier sounds amazing! If interested, i got some tests in my channel, you may find interesting!
The TLM 103 is a great mic for the price
@@edwardgordon4309 Yes it is!
The best thing about owning the U87 is that you and everyone else is aware that it is never the mic's fault, so you have your peace of mind while working with it. Are there much more affordable microphones that sound as good and can be as versatile, well certainly there are but not everyone has enough knowledge and feel secure enough to stand behind this fact and defend it from all those gear snobs and angry fanboys.
Great video, good comparison mics, again I would add Oktava MK-319 as a must when searching for the U87 alternative.
🙂👍
Which ones would you say are the same?
@@schminktisch The same sound quality as U87?
Nice video!
I could hear immediately that the NT2A had treble issues.
I hate mixing vocals recorded on cheap microphones, they have horrible sounding treble and compression just enhances it and makes it worse LOL.
See, that's just it. Nobody, and I mean nobody has ever created a microphone that handles the high-end energies like Neumann.
I have owned and used them for decades and there are no comparisons.
The TLM's. AI's and the M's all sound great.
The only con with Neumann is the price.
If Neumann were to come out with a $500 microphone, they would take over the industry.
The AKG C414XL is a really nice mic but has a little bit too much presence in my opinion but definitely the best mic in that price range.
The AKG C214 is said to be the best mic in that price range, I haven't got around to buying one so I can't say.
At the end of the day, it's all about performance. Talent can sound like crap and still win but if you are going after audiophile success, sound is the talent.
Me myself, I am some where in the middle. Talent is first but only slightly.
If price didn't matter, what mic is better for male song vocal recording, the Neumann U87ai or the U47FET?
WOW! Stellar sounds real Nice and Expensive.
If it is possible please review the neumann TLM 107 🙏
I stumbled upon this video by chance, was thinking to add a U-47 reissue to the mic locker, so didn't really understand the allure of the U-67 or U-87. I have a Shure KSM-44, which is the best / most accurate mic in my locker. After watching this video, it is clear that it's a U-87 copy, which I'm OK with.
Against the copies and all other things being equal, the U-87 seems to have an upper-mid sparkle that the others lack. So the question is whether I'd like to add a U-87 to the locker....
Do you have any opinions on the Lauten Atlantis or the Soyuz 017 FET? Thank you for the video it is helping me shop mics.
Yes.
They are both too expensive for me to test at the moment...lol
Working on it though
@@DarkCornerStudios I hope you get them soon. I have been enjoying your videos. Please do more.
Good rant,sir! Rent one,record a vocal session. A/B it against any other mic you have. Preamps matter SO much,yet it sounds huge,even when recorded through any modern $500 usb interface. It'll blow your mind,as a user. Not sure if average day listeners of pop music would notice or care,though. Having said that,I sure would like a pair!
When you put the Neumann into an Avalon Vt-737sp or a Neve Designs Shelford Preamp [both over $3k] with one 4 tubes, Rupert's Silk, HPF, Trim, etc., you'll discover the amount of analog wave form capture of the Neumann puts its way ahead. A quality preamp exposes all that the Neumann can provide.
what about a 1073
@@prodbymeton The Shelford channel has a 1073 preamp
You could just get the NT-2A because it`s almost the same mic soundwise :P (also better spl and noise)
The stellar x2 in this video sounded nothing at all like the u87ai. The hiss and high range was so artificial and obvious about it.
Can that be fixed? Not sure but i hated spoken word on that mic. On studio setup listening i felt the need to mute the video it pissed me off 😅.
Idk 🤷♂️ heard good things from that mic but didnt sound good here at all
When you drag race a Range Rover against a Mercedes-AMG car, initially the Rover pulls ahead. However, it struggles in corners and soon falls behind. Similarly, comparing the sound quality of two microphones using only a voice won’t reveal all issues. Have a talented singer perform with each microphone to assess how well they handle complex phrases and accurate notes. You'll find that in the cheaper option, it's like inserting an egg and discovering it's tilted at the other end. In Indian scales, Sruti represents a critical frequency zone that uniquely characterizes classical music pieces based on note transitions. Neumann microphones are known for capturing this essence. While a $100 microphone can elevate a recording artist to stardom, the choice of microphone itself tells a different story.
I can't remember where I heard this quote: "The Neumann U87 was the best SM57 ever made".
Are you sure that the HPF already kicks in at 1 kHz? I guess it's more like 500 Hz and the curve is even not very steep at this point.
Nice approach to a review. I think you would enjoy an Austrian Audio OC818 to test.
Oh I am looking forward to that one.
Just waiting for the company to send me one
I have oc18, fantastic sound
Honestly, I prefer my Røde NT-1 over pretty much any mic, for audio recording.
It has a pretty much flat frequency response, so it sounds okay on practically everything and it's easy to EQ how I want it to sound. The noisefloor is super low, you'll basically hear the roads outside, before introducing any self noise of the mic.
There is a new mic called the UT87 from a company called United Technologies. It gives you two different versions of the 87 in one mic, and it sounds beautiful. I would never spend 3,800 bucks on a Neumann U87. Especially with mics like the UT87 out there. I'm getting one SOON. Can't wait!!!!! United Technologies is going to take over with their new mic. Bet that!!!!
Did you get it yet? Def a cool idea. If so how do you like it? Their u47 fet clone is awesome too. Also Stam Audio makes great stuff if not familiar. Been liking my two 87 clones
I just rented a UT47Fet and recorded a male vocal with it. Super neutral not too much top end or lows, mostly mid forward. It lacks a bit of fullness. It’s supposed to be amazing on kick drums and bass cabs but I didn’t prefer it on vocals. I have a Mojave 301fet that shines on vocals! A bit bright but mostly sweet top end.
I would get one definitely. The cost is a big one for me. In return I bought 4 mics to satisfy me for now. I had the opportunity to try one and it sure does have its unique character 😎
How did you see this video?
Lol...its not scheduled til monday
@@DarkCornerStudios hi, I didn’t see the video. Just popped up as a premier.
Ah...cool.
For a sec I thought I put it up as live...
It's a fun video
@@DarkCornerStudios can’t wait to see it. Your content is fun to watch and at the same time informative.
Cheers...I appreciate that
Once I found Mic Building and learned you can build a Neuman competitor for a hundred bucks or less I have not even dreamed seriously about owning one. Seriously. I would like to try one in my booth just to have the chance to be blown away. That way I would know that I know that my mics are pretty darn good.
what would you say is best preamp for it?
Neve 1073 or Avalon 737 would be nice
The Mojave MA200 is the best tube condenser I have found. And is extremely close to the Neumann.
Dude! She likes mics with hearts on them! Sounds like you can do no wrong with cardioids!
So many other things in the set up matter. When I used a tlm103 in a proper studio I was impressed. But would it sound the same in my home studio. Dunno. So I'd say if your going to splash the 3k + or so on the A87 you're going to spend as much again, at least, to get top performance out of it. But as a tax deductible investment... Mmm?
Technically I do get a tax deduction...
And frankly if you are making money off your studio...it is a deductible.
Dont get all that much back...but again...I dont own one.......yet
I did not like it inside the isovox. The small space really brought forward that honkiness.
9:30 - Yes! I love the C414!!
Buy a car < Buy a U87 Ai
nt2a is so close. crazy
For some reason I dont like the U87 as much as few other mics.I miss the brightness I find in other modern mics.
Baku. Azerbaijan. I have one U87AI ❤
BEST U87 VIDEO IVE SEEN
Happy Thanksgiving!
Cheers and thanks!
You as well!
Merry Christmas
@@ramencurry6672 Not before November 11th
Sound quality is not so much bettter but the build quality is just beyond any other mic on the market
Looks exactly like my Rode NT2 mic only in a black color
I like her humor :)
She is awesome!
The U87ai is very detailed, accurate and versatile. You don't often hear famous recording engineers describe it as their first choice for recording lead vocals, although it certainly has been used for that purpose. It's more of a high quality all-rounder.
wondering: which mic do recording engineers typically reach for as their first choice for lead vocals?
If you want to get a boring recording, then use a neutral mic like the u87. If you want sonic soul, then use a mic with mojo, a.k.a (A good mic)
The only issue I have with my U87ai: With the Ai version Neumann increased sensitivity and noise ratio, but at cost of max SPL: 117dB for the Ai vs 122 dB on the vintage ones... - this 5dB less headroom can cause problems when recording loud vocals in suboptimal rooms or live settings, were simply increasing distance to the mic is no option.
get a u67 and all your problems solved
@@realtalkroscoeg Thanks for the suggestion, do you own one? Spec wise it's max SPL is even lower, at 114dB max...
DON'T TOUCH THE RUBBER!! then proceeds to touch the rubber lol
Does "bloodbath" mean they sound the same?
Not gonna lie...I was shocked when I went over that in post
@@DarkCornerStudios glad its not just me then, because I was like... whats the big difference. I wonder with expensive mics like these if its not the sound anymore that will be the big difference but what you can achieve in post with all the information you have from those mics? do you know anything about this or any ways to test this?
The U87 is a fantastic all-purpose mic, and Jeff Porcaro had an entire set of them he miked his drums with (I counted at least $40,000 worth of mics).... but if you're just doing voice, the TLM-103 will do the job with the same flat response (and slight boost in the presence range), yet half the self-noise, at a third the price.
U87 does sound amazing on drums. It does have that excellent sparkle Although depending on the song and engineer, other microphones could work well too.
How's this for awesome, my friend who is wealthy and tried to be a DJ and bought all this high end gear and after 2 years he just quit and had all this unbelievable gear all the most expensive and high end gear and I'm a songwriter and I have a home studio but I don't use computers because I couldn't read or write till I was 25 and I am like a computer the opposite of a savont I can't understand how they work and my friend about 25 years ago made me one to try to help me and I smashed it into about a million peices I actually was in a rage and I got a hammer and spent about an hour completely destroying everything on it I mean everything. And I said to myself that I'd never ever go near one ever again,IV never sent a email I don't know how. I only know how to use this phone because it just happened over time. But I digress, my rich friend had a u87 brand new bearly used it and didn't understand it's value to a guy like me that records my own songs I have a drum kit piano lap Steel bass guitar 6 guitars my best is a USA stratacaster that cost me 5 grand, I have 3 what do you call electronic pianos I have a really awesome Jorge one I have 3 drum machine s I have a zoom 8 track portastudio I have a tascam 8 track I have another zoom h1n and the bigger one and I have a really great mic collection that has taken me 30 years to get, I have audio technica mics beyerdynamic I have about 15 Shure mics, 2 AKG d12s and shoaps pencil condensers senheisers but IV never had a neamann and IV ALLways wanted one just one and my friend said 800$ for the u87 that was Brad new it had the box everything and I tried not to act like I was dancing inside, I have a focusright mic pre and it sounds beautiful thru it, it sounds good just straight into my tascam. I have 3 small mixers and my god when I finally bought it because I paid for it in 3 payments and when I got home and I held it like a baby I just couldn't believe it was worth like 3 grandad it was used he said like 3 times. I feel so blessed. I was a herion addict at 15 and I spent 5 years in prison at age 18 I got 5 years and I was in juvenile prisons I had a rough childhood to say the least. But I seriously feel that this u87 is like the greatest gift IV ever had. Now I'm recording my second album, I like obsure punk rock or music that I just do for myself I don't want to gig I did that and I didn't like it at all, that was when I was in a thrash metal band at 15 doing gigs and that's when I used herion because I had extremely bad stage fright and I wrote 28 songs in 4 mounths and we were really tight our drummer was a machine. But I quit just as we were getting noticed I couldn't handle the situation. I also love Hank Williams so I play country songs but more like alternative country. My Tama drum kit is so good as well. I live alone and I basically have everything I need to be fully creative. My sister overdosed on herion 2009 and her son my nefew that I loved so much he just kill himself last week. I feel like I can't sleep and I'm so emotional I'm scared. I keep going to my room that I record in and just thanking God that I made it out from herion but I feel so sad and guilty because I made it but my beautiful sister and now Oscar her son is gone . How do you deal with this pain. That's two generations of my family,my dad also killed himself in 1992. I understand how painful life can be but I'm getting so well but now I feel guilty because I made it.please everyone make sure you say you love yr family and friends because you never know. Oscar was such a lovely kind young man I can't believe he's gone and the way he went is so horrible he was all alone I can't stop thinking about how sad and alone he was at the time he did it. I love my studio. But Oscar was such a nice kid. Why do people do this it's horrible I need to see a professional I feel so depressed. I'm sorry I tried to talk about how much happyness getting this mic brought me but now my newfew it's so tragic man. I can't believe he did it why do people think that they are not loved I loved him so much, he looked up to me because I was like his favourite person other than his mum. I took him everywhere. We surfed together I got him into surfing and it really helped him with his pain from his mum. He was so sensitive and he was really kind,. It's not fucking fare man he suffered so much but never said anything. I feel so guilty. I'm sorry
When Neumann sends me a matched-pair U87s, I'll be glad to proclaim my opinion.
Dude what about the ear trumpets or earth works, new age boutique.
overkill: I love the idea of omni mode for my gaming setup. My microphone positioning tends to change a lot... Just dreaming
...and with RE27N/D by Electro-Voice ? -)
Am using TLM 103 and I am very very happy with its performance. Dont need to buy such expensive one for now at least :)
I think, all U87°s are overpriced, all types! But I am thinking right now abou a 87-style mic. I made a research and I thinked about few mics: Stellar X2 I rejected from selection because of a high noise level. Then I was thinking abou WA 87 R2. In many reviews it is described as a one of the best clones of 87. But then, I found United Twin 87 with very interesting functionality - a "hardware!!!" (it has 2 separate circuits!) switch between Modern and Vintage "physical" circuit. And many reviews say, it is at least as good, as WA 87-R2 is.
But, I finally found an original Neumann, TLM 107 with "K87 sytle" capsule, !!!lower self noise!!! as an U87 has - and all the polar paterns of original 87. Few dollars more expensive, but not far from the price of United (and WA) - and it is an original Neumann, not a clone!
So, my finalists now are United Twin 87 and TLM 107.
What do you think?
Old Neumanns don’t sound darker because people used to smoke; it’s because they had less presence lift in the EQ curve. They sound different so that you can’t afford one.
On my headphones the stellar X2 was amazing on your voice and in some ways better than the U87. Both were rounded warm and yet has 3d clarity. The difference between the two definitely doesn’t justify the U87 price tag. Also the Rode wasn’t bad it just didn’t pop out and feel 3d like the other two.
I also found steller X2 better.
I have the Stellar X2 it sounds great with lower pressure but when I start belting it kinda falls apart. I have David Royers exact replica of the U67 with his Mojave MA-300 which I have also , SMOKES THE STELLAR! It's13 times the price but well worth it. He added some features on it that the 67 didn't have. Awesome mic.
@@billesposito2112 Thank you for your perspective! I would be super surprised if a mic that costs that much didn't smoke the Stellar like a brisket. My dream microphones are the Mojave MA201 Fet and the Lauten Audio Atlantis and if I ever win the lottery they will be my first purchases!
I've got a Low Baritone singing range and I don't belt so I haven't had that experience with the X2 so far. I have found two less expensive mics that have been better for my voice because they ad punch and clarity to the low midrange where the best parts of my voice are which are the Alctron Beta3 and the surprisingly the Tascam Tm-108. The Tascam catches this weight and authority of my voice so well for 65$ I was blown away. It's no Mojave but will have to do for now.
Tbh I’ve had many different mics from rode nt1- warm audio wa87 -wa8000, stand many more and I can say yes you can get great results with those mics, I ran those mics through analog gear. Got amazing results, the thing is with low budget mics, something in the harmonics are not as smooth vs an expensive mic yes you eq those harsh harmonics out but it’s still a difference
It’s reasons why a lot of theses guys, are using expensive mics just remembers that,
Could you describe what “not smooth” harmonically means maybe? I don’t know that I disagree, just curious to know what to listen for or if the smoothness is important etc. thank you 😊
414 is amazing in a different way. like using a different filter on the lens. the 414 is like using no filter. there's a reason you see them in concert halls all over the world hanging from the roof!!!
I know I’m a broken record because I screamed about this in my video, but the Stellar X2 sounds nothing like the U87.
PS: You’re telling me this isn’t a podcast Mic!? Next thing I know you’re going to tell me that the U67 Reissue isn’t a podcast mic.
Of course it's not a replacement...as the Stellar is quite darker and lacks the airy-ness of the U87.
That said I was more impressed at how the nt2a stood up to it.
As for using it as a podcast mic...
Too much....now for a paperweight...it handles the job quite nicely.
Put a nail through it though...it does tend to roll around a bit
Bandrew it's not all about you. But Happy Thanksgiving.
The treble on the stellar X2 is like a cheesegrater compared to the U87.
I just picked up the Neumann TLM 102 from the store. When I ordered it last night they told me that it would probably take months to come in from Germany, but I wanted it anyway. Well I was certainly surprised to get a message today saying that it was available for pickup. After leaving the store I sat in my car and opened the box to find the tiniest little microphone that I ever did see. Wow it is small. $1,000 Canadian for a tiny microphone and a shock mount. But now I own a Neumann. Lol
@Yippee Skippy I don't think that I want a shotgun microphone.
Yo that little life partner joke was dark
Lol...yeah...just rewatched that...twas a tad harsh
It is a great workhorse, but, is it really "The Most Sought After Mic?"
OK - I'll wait . . . . . .
"None will ever truly achieve what Neumann was able to do with it."
Why? Part for part...a diaphragm is a diaphragm, a backplate is a backplate, a resistor is a resistor, a PCB is a PCB. It isn't magic. You could easily take a U87ai apart, reverse engineer it and (using the exact same parts of course) recreate it. There's no voodoo involved.
I'm also rather amazed at your use of the word "bloodbath" in your microphone comparison test. In my opinion, "bloodbath" would mean that the U87ai simply destroys the other mics, hands down/no comparison. And that is simply not the case. Look, I've been a semi-pro musician and studio owner for about twenty years now. And I must say that the U87ai is an absolutely impeccable microphone. No question about it. However, your (not blind) comparison test proves beyond any reasonable doubt that the little Stellar X2 easily holds it's own. When I really crank my monitors, I can hear that the X2 is just a wee bit more edgy in the high frequencies and I'd imagine that the noise floor is a bit worse. But honestly, $199 versus more than 3 grand? Is there really $3400 worth of difference? I really do think we are so often swayed by mystique as opposed to real world performance.
This all seems accurate, great comment. People are taught that expensive is esteeming vs being esteemed by innovation and experimentation. It’s harder to get higher frequencies to be tame in inexpensive mics but I’m sure this doesn’t require 3-10 thousand. That’s the main diff I figure though other em than build quality. Been enjoying Stam Audio’s 87’s, great company. I hope to never give in to the prestige esteemed type follies. This is really what holds back innovation w gear- being obsessed w nostalgia like pultec, Neumann, neve etc, over n over again; sure gets old copying the old!
@@chinmeysway Agreed. I have a Roswell Pro Audio Mini K47. And it holds its own against any of the high end mics. Hands down. It's all about quality components and careful design.
not a fan I use it for backgrounds ...I love the Neumann m149
Significantly more expensive mic. Different league. Of course you will love it ;-)
This video has proven that it is really overpriced for today and there are mics so good that I Bet in a true blind test most people not even guess the u87ai.
No offence ofcourse but people like to pick based on what they see and know about the brand.
And specially when used with background music, then it will be even harder :D
I'm not sold the differences are minimal.
All you need is a EQ to shape your vocals before you go into your DAW.
Now let’s talk about the tml 193
I'm on it
Dark Corner Studios don’t tease me
Ain't promising anything...but I have a knack for tracking these things down
Dark Corner Studios fingers crossed
I think for your voice, the BCM 104 sounds better.
is she ok??
My wife?
She is fantastic in fact
Ferrari dos microfones
It has the gold standard sound profile, self perpetuating myth, because people used it before, people want to use it, maintaining status quo. Many many microphones have quality components with a different and compelling sound profile but don’t have the extensive legacy or discography that Neumann has. It’s fine but without even a power source included a very bad deal overall.
i think its because companies aren't being very inventive / innovative. they just copy and add to redundant nostalgia / insecurity. that is why its sought after; no much to choose from before you hit clonerville! besides, theres no way that a mic is like ten times better than any other mic. its so goofy that companies wont explore new ideas.
The AI is a pretty solid built and very beautiful microphone. But it is NOT worth the money. There are better options for the price. I am still on the side of the vintage version. I own a 87 Style Mic which is a take on the vintage version. And omg.. This mic is definitely better than the current AI. Dont get me wrong.. The 87 AI never sounds bad, but its never the best option to choose. Thats my opinion on this mic.
What’s the name of the mic you own?
I will stick with my re20
It’s a fantastic mic. A lot of famous people use it.
@Yippee Skippy thanks
@@ramencurry6672 it's definitely is I can't tell you how much I love streaming with it
Unpopular opinion; given how the vast majority of people consume media these days (aka iPhone and Airpods), there's no real-world difference between a super-duper well cared for vintage U87 and an SM58 that's been beat to hell on the road for 30 years. Come at me!
Featuring this on an upcoming Q&A
It's interesting that Howard Stern started on the U87ai and eventually switched to the TLM 103.
i trust howard lol
Biased, as i have tried both.. Never like 103 against u87, like 99% people
Mainly it probably has to do with aesthetics, that U87 is massive and can look a bit unprofessional in a podcast, the 103 looks more like a podcast/radio mic. Also people prefer the 103 due to the better SPL and sound.
While I'm sure someone with golden ears who is critically listening on superb headphones or monitors can tell the difference, I can't unless I try really hard while wearing my PC38X which of course aren't studio monitors. For podcasting and TH-cam it'd be a massive waste of money to buy a Neumann in my opinion. There are people that will spend $100K on playing a video game so obviously there are people who can afford it but don't need it. However for the average person, just pass. It isn't really worth it.
A good microphone doesn't make something sound good. A good microphone is accurate.
exactly. I will add that if your performer is average, it will be better to use an average mic... The problem with top mic is that you will hear every qualities and every defaults too ! 🤐
What the U87ai is best for showing you how horrible you sing if you are bad as you can't blame it in the mic quality anymore.
With top quality class mic like the U87, bad singers become horribles. Those mics tell the truth, that why they are so expensive. But when a truely good performer are behind... God, you touch the stars. You don't even need to touch an EQ or a comp if your setup and your room is right.
@@oliviercyber yep they show exactly how you sing.
I have a 70s U87 and it's even better compared to the new models, it's so round in the mids, very musical sounding. Thanks for the comparison!
Not gonna lie. The Rode sounds better on your voice
Silly eyelash’s mom got her the deal. What are you talking about? You wanna hear real music with proper mic usage. Listen to Discolor Blind. Silly eyelash is for stiff people.
Gefell M930 is better
If your heart belongs to the C414XLS, why didn't you tell us why? Why not put it up against the Neumann and let us hear the comparison? Puzzling.
I don't own the c414...and I would be happy to once I acquire it!
You'll be the first to know!!
FYI - I reviewed the C414 waaayyy back...you can check it out and why I loved it...
Though...it is an old video
From my ear bud’s point of view, the Neumann is pure ego fulfillment. I suppose I could use my monitoring headphones, but then I have to sit at my desk. Sorry Neumann, GAS avoided.
For voiceover yes
For vocal, hellllll noooooooo
Why?
It depends. On the Karen Carpenters album it sounds stunning. For other artists it can sound bland but that may be the fault of the mix
Hell no is a hell of an exageration, but the big studios do use the U47's and the like for a reason. The U87 is versatile all right, but there's a better Neumann for pretty much every application: U47 on vocals, U67 on instruments, U47fet on bass, etc... I have no experience in voice over though.
According to reports Jay Z likes the U87 and U67. Supposedly they are his main studio mics.
@@ramencurry6672 Jay z Mostly use a Telefunken 251 this days
I have a 1968 u87 and it's by far one of the best mics I've ever used. It's a one take wonder and saves me hours of time in post processing. It just works!