I saw gototoolz clones on craiglist NY a while ago ( 6-7 years). Amazing product if you looking for cardioid only u87 copy with bright frequency response. I got a matched pair on piano for years. Highly recommend to give a shoot. For acoustic guitar through tube preamp would be a great choice too.
Hi Mike, is the inside of the mic accessible? I ask because although the sound itself is not quite there, the bodywork looks great. If the inside can be accessed, I would buy the mic based on the body alone and have it modded. I also only use cardioid, so this could be really cool with a high quality cap and circuitry. Thanks for the great test!
Yes, Inside is accessible, but I 'm not familiar with DIY mods. Mine has the biggest transformer I've ever seen and very clean looking caps. They do also sell them with RK47 and RK12 capsules.
Yeah it's unlikely to be a perfect replica. If been talking with the gototoolz team over the last few weeks and they do have a few differences in their design to save on cost and Neumann goes to extreme lengths in regards to quality control that I doubt they can afford to do. I have one of the clones on the way that I plan on using and doing some testing of my own. It sounds close enough at l;east for most of us who are just getting started in voiceover.
Hi Mike. You’ve got a wonderful channel. From the time when I was 12 and picked up a guitar for the first time, I was able to pick out individual instruments and zero in on them to the exclusion of others. Clearly we have a similar background. I just saw your promo for GoToTools and the timing is notable. I sold a new u87, Neumann power supply, pop screen etc. got a decent price for it. I’ve been kicking myself since then. I began watching your channel for a few months, and didn’t know you were affiliated with them. I have been scouring the web for a microphone that would suffice as a replacement. I don’t need to spend several thousand dollars on a Neumann, but I settled in on GoToTools and this evening,f I was giving my new 87 clone a workout. I have a pretty good ear and I’m familiar with sound specs. The truth of the matter is I don’t detect any significant difference. Here's why: Any microphone-any- microphone needs tweaking in post production. Anyone who works with audio equipment knows equalizers (and compressors) can help ALL recordings in the same way any photo can some to life with a few standard Photoshop tools. All of this is to say the u87 clone is closer to a u87 than anything I’ve seen before. Best Regards, Howard
The one with RK47 capsule more suitable for tracking vocals or overhead mics. However for voice over for example some people prefer standard version. It depends. RK47 sounds more detailed in high frequency range.
Hi Mike. I thought the clone really excelled on the acoustic guitar section, and acquitted itself pretty well overall. You certainly couldn’t argue at the price either!
Run this u87 clone through a tube mic pre and you would get even closer. I own it and thats what I do . Sounds great . Even better is the price. They do fantastic work. 👏
Mine is on the way, I had originally purchased the 103 clone but for some reason I had a consistent background hiss that came from the mic itself and they seem to think that they issue comes from the 48v phantom power not being enough to power it so they opted to upgrade me to the 87 clone. I'm going to give them a hand with some recordings and web design as a thank you for the upgrade. The products are highly regarded judging from the reviews but they way their website and advertising is set up isn't really helping them generate customers.
I bought an original U87 10 years ago...it was so expensive that I barely used because I was taking so much care of it. Then...I found a WA87 which is extremely good (the 1st version) and I was looking for a 2nd one and I discover this GTZ87 mic. For this price there's no discussion. It sounds great that sure! Mine is a little bit louder compared to the original but I don't care, I play with the volume to get the right level. That's all. For this money is a no brain. Catch it before they stop selling them.
Wow theres a HUGE difference. The Neumann is Clearly better. But for $158 the copy is definitely worth the money. But if you have the choice of both on a recording, I dont think theres any question - use the Neumann.
Do a blind test and just name the different takes with letters and see how many commenters can guess the correct microphones. Everyone will correctly guess half the time. The mic preamps are half of the tone equation.
My opinion the clone is super good sound versus any mic I tried the bluebird, audiot3chnica 2020 ,rode nt1,slate mic and i can talk by experience worth every penny awesome mic for the price 👍
@@MPfrance I have the same question as @Vidente Music, what preamp and interface or AD did you used? i see a few comments about a good preamp or interface improves a lot the sound of the mic towards the original so, will be great to know your set up. Thanks a lot in advance! 🙏 and very good review👍
@@MPfrance Oh great, thanks for the fast response. So i assume the Onyx was your interface as well, right? then it's possible for that comment to be true. Have you tried the mic with another interface or a more dedicated preamp, and how does it perform there? in the example i find the clone with less body and presence, sounds good but not as close to the original as other clones i've heard here on youtube. what do you think?
No doubt the GTZ87 is a fantastic value… The Sennheiser MK4 isn’t exactly a Neumann clone but it sounds better to my old ears (especially for vocals and narration.) Great video! 👍
Hi Mike ( salut Michel) The clone definitely lacks low end but does sound pretty good. I'll be rolling my own mic soon from scratch but that $150 price tag does sound inviting.
Acording to me, on the vocal, the U87 is more warm... on my NS 10 yamaha monitor i can feel a big différence... anyway the price is not the same... I just asked my son (11 years old), he feels exacly the same. thanks again for all your great vidéos and sorry for my english (I'm french)...
I own it and running through a High end audio interface like I have which is the Universal Audio Apollo 8 that is modified by Black Lion Audio the mic sounds way way better. Took away the harsh sibilance in the higher frequencies. Passing it through a cheap audio interface sounds like in this video and it tends to distort quickly not the interface but the mic. In a more professional audio interface it doesn’t have those problems. It doesn’t need much gain on a preamp like other mics which is great. I also tried the mics through Heritage Audio HA73EQX2 (Neve 1073 clone) and on a Daking Mic Pre II and the mic just sounds so beautiful! No noticeable sibilance at all. I’ve never owned a real U87 but for the money this sounds fantastic and better than my Slate ML-1 mic and it’s emulations.🔥🙌🏼 Remember to pass it through a higher end interface or a professional Mic Preamp and the mic will sound much better.
One other thing I noticed is that it diffentiates notes very well. Variations in notes can be felt well. Whereas Naumann U 87 ai remains balances at all notes. It doesn't become harsh even on harsh vocals/ instruments.
that is really close ! i only noticed a difference with the electric guitar treble notes . given that the only U87 i can find at a local music store is is $4550.00 Canadian , i'd say the gototoolz is acceptable :)
I had a stereo pair. A great product from US brand. If compare to a real thing it has a little bit edgy top end and less low end. And so if you can afford Neumann u87 I recommend to invest. GTZ u87 is the best clone option I tried in 100-300$ range.
i wonder if the treable tone of the clone could be because the capsule, in my experience, the 80% of times the problem with not balanced frecuencies comes from the capsule
I purchased the gototoolz u87, I love it!! I never used the Neumann. I read all the reviews and watch video reviews like yours before pulling the trigger on it, best 120$ I ever spent in my opinion! Great video!!
Nothing like original u87, but amazing on vocals in the same time. I can't believe it cost 150$. It won in a couple blind testes much more expensive microphone. Great thing to give a shot. Cheers
Wow. Awesome comparison. I agree the top end is a little thinner but as you stated, EQ can compensate for that. Great price too. Thank you Mike for this comparison.
I bought this “clone” on eBay . He has an upgraded capsule version I unknowingly bought the cheaper capsule version. It was very tinny sounding. Tried to add an upgraded capsule and now the microphone..is completely dead don’t know what the f I did. Lol. One question . Wth is the wood box that comes with it even for? It doesn’t even really fit in it. It’s good for spare change.
If you try to put mic diagonally in box it would fit perfectly. Currently we have bigger boxes which suit this mic better. Let me know your address I will send you one. Cheers.
I saw gototoolz clones on craiglist NY a while ago ( 6-7 years). Amazing product if you looking for cardioid only u87 copy with bright frequency response. I got a matched pair on piano for years. Highly recommend to give a shoot. For acoustic guitar through tube preamp would be a great choice too.
Hi Mike, is the inside of the mic accessible? I ask because although the sound itself is not quite there, the bodywork looks great. If the inside can be accessed, I would buy the mic based on the body alone and have it modded. I also only use cardioid, so this could be really cool with a high quality cap and circuitry. Thanks for the great test!
Yes, Inside is accessible, but I 'm not familiar with DIY mods. Mine has the biggest transformer I've ever seen and very clean looking caps. They do also sell them with RK47 and RK12 capsules.
Yeah it's unlikely to be a perfect replica. If been talking with the gototoolz team over the last few weeks and they do have a few differences in their design to save on cost and Neumann goes to extreme lengths in regards to quality control that I doubt they can afford to do. I have one of the clones on the way that I plan on using and doing some testing of my own. It sounds close enough at l;east for most of us who are just getting started in voiceover.
Hi Mike. You’ve got a wonderful channel. From the time when I was 12 and picked up a guitar for the first time, I was able to pick out individual instruments and zero in on them to the exclusion of others. Clearly we have a similar background.
I just saw your promo for GoToTools and the timing is notable. I sold a new u87, Neumann power supply, pop screen etc. got a decent price for it. I’ve been kicking myself since then.
I began watching your channel for a few months, and didn’t know you were affiliated with them. I have been scouring the web for a microphone that would suffice as a replacement. I don’t need to spend several thousand dollars on a Neumann, but I settled in on GoToTools and this evening,f I was giving my new 87 clone a workout. I have a pretty good ear and I’m familiar with sound specs.
The truth of the matter is I don’t detect any significant difference. Here's why: Any microphone-any- microphone needs tweaking in post production. Anyone who works with audio equipment knows equalizers (and compressors) can help ALL recordings in the same way any photo can some to life with a few standard Photoshop tools.
All of this is to say the u87 clone is closer to a u87 than anything I’ve seen before.
Best Regards,
Howard
I bought one immediately after seeing this. Last night I did a vocal test. Love it! Thank you Mike!!!
same here
What’s better this one or the one with the K47 capsule?
The one with RK47 capsule more suitable for tracking vocals or overhead mics. However for voice over for example some people prefer standard version. It depends. RK47 sounds more detailed in high frequency range.
Hi Mike.
I thought the clone really excelled on the acoustic guitar section, and acquitted itself pretty well overall. You certainly couldn’t argue at the price either!
The clone has a less harsh top end. Honestly sounds more pleasing to my ear.
Run this u87 clone through a tube mic pre and you would get even closer. I own it and thats what I do . Sounds great . Even better is the price. They do fantastic work. 👏
Mine is on the way, I had originally purchased the 103 clone but for some reason I had a consistent background hiss that came from the mic itself and they seem to think that they issue comes from the 48v phantom power not being enough to power it so they opted to upgrade me to the 87 clone. I'm going to give them a hand with some recordings and web design as a thank you for the upgrade. The products are highly regarded judging from the reviews but they way their website and advertising is set up isn't really helping them generate customers.
I bought an original U87 10 years ago...it was so expensive that I barely used because I was taking so much care of it. Then...I found a WA87 which is extremely good (the 1st version) and I was looking for a 2nd one and I discover this GTZ87 mic. For this price there's no discussion. It sounds great that sure! Mine is a little bit louder compared to the original but I don't care, I play with the volume to get the right level. That's all. For this money is a no brain. Catch it before they stop selling them.
cymbal crash at the end kinda exposes the clones shortcomings
Wow theres a HUGE difference. The Neumann is Clearly better. But for $158 the copy is definitely worth the money. But if you have the choice of both on a recording, I dont think theres any question - use the Neumann.
Wonder how the $600 clone sounds from Ali now lol
@@yssnfilms I’m glad I’m
Not alone I’ve been wanting to see a review on that one for over a year!
I wonder why any company can't produce Naumann sound quality.
GET THIS MIC!!! I got it a month ago and all my vocals sound phenomenal
Do a blind test and just name the different takes with letters and see how many commenters can guess the correct microphones. Everyone will correctly guess half the time. The mic preamps are half of the tone equation.
My opinion the clone is super good sound versus any mic I tried the bluebird, audiot3chnica 2020 ,rode nt1,slate mic and i can talk by experience worth every penny awesome mic for the price 👍
Vidente - She's nice on guitar amps too!
@@MPfrance hi brother what preamp you use for the mic test
@@MPfrance I have the same question as @Vidente Music, what preamp and interface or AD did you used? i see a few comments about a good preamp or interface improves a lot the sound of the mic towards the original so, will be great to know your set up. Thanks a lot in advance! 🙏 and very good review👍
For this demo no preamp was used. Ran thru my Mackie ONXY 1640i - flat.
@@MPfrance Oh great, thanks for the fast response. So i assume the Onyx was your interface as well, right? then it's possible for that comment to be true. Have you tried the mic with another interface or a more dedicated preamp, and how does it perform there? in the example i find the clone with less body and presence, sounds good but not as close to the original as other clones i've heard here on youtube. what do you think?
Sounds more mid and a boost in the clone in my ears. The original sounds nice and neutral.
No doubt the GTZ87 is a fantastic value… The Sennheiser MK4 isn’t exactly a Neumann clone but it sounds better to my old ears (especially for vocals and narration.) Great video! 👍
The real thing appears to have fatter mids. Lovely Nowhere Man guitar part!
Thanks Mike . Recently got a SHURE SM7B . Happy so far. Only for vocals as yet.
How cool is the Nowhere Man solo snuck in there?
Hi Mike ( salut Michel) The clone definitely lacks low end but does sound pretty good. I'll be rolling my own mic soon from scratch but that $150 price tag does sound inviting.
I've been waiting on my GTZ U87 for about a month now, It arrives at the end of this week, can't wait to try it.
Are there any GTZ 87 and GTZ U 87 + clones. Is there any difderence in capsule.
GTZ need to increse base and mid range reponse and decrese high end harsh response. Overall GTZ U 87 Is best clone of legendary Naumann U 87.
Acording to me, on the vocal, the U87 is more warm... on my NS 10 yamaha monitor i can feel a big différence... anyway the price is not the same... I just asked my son (11 years old), he feels exacly the same. thanks again for all your great vidéos and sorry for my english (I'm french)...
That's the point ...ordinary people don't feel 3800 dollar difference..but you spend this money for your satisfaction.... m fighting with myself lolz
I own it and running through a High end audio interface like I have which is the Universal Audio Apollo 8 that is modified by Black Lion Audio the mic sounds way way better. Took away the harsh sibilance in the higher frequencies. Passing it through a cheap audio interface sounds like in this video and it tends to distort quickly not the interface but the mic. In a more professional audio interface it doesn’t have those problems. It doesn’t need much gain on a preamp like other mics which is great. I also tried the mics through Heritage Audio HA73EQX2 (Neve 1073 clone) and on a Daking Mic Pre II and the mic just sounds so beautiful! No noticeable sibilance at all. I’ve never owned a real U87 but for the money this sounds fantastic and better than my Slate ML-1 mic and it’s emulations.🔥🙌🏼
Remember to pass it through a higher end interface or a professional Mic Preamp and the mic will sound much better.
One other thing I noticed is that it diffentiates notes very well. Variations in notes can be felt well. Whereas Naumann U 87 ai remains balances at all notes. It doesn't become harsh even on harsh vocals/ instruments.
If the circuit of a mic distorts, running it through a high end pre isn't gonna change that
Hi Mike, I’d agree the clone was slightly thinner in the high end. Not a big issue though. Very close considering the price difference!
Kieth - Absolutely. And that can be (mostly) fixed with EQ either during the signal input or output.
Thanks for the comparison the original def sounds better more bottom but the clone sounds good
Awesome video Mike thx
I love my gtz105. Thank you for this video. I didn’t know that GTZ Audio brand even existed
What do you use GTZ 105 for.
Got it. Great mic .. great service. Mikes recommendation made the difference!
that is really close ! i only noticed a difference with the electric guitar treble notes . given that the only U87 i can find at a local music store is is $4550.00 Canadian , i'd say the gototoolz is acceptable :)
Just bought one of these mics! Can’t wait to record with it!
Did you sound better than A RODE NT1?
Always wanted a U87, but just just couldn't justify the $$. This is budget clone is certainly an option.
Your comment good job sir..not anybody afford to get authentic item..so the cheaper things it’s the best choice..😢
Hey thanks for demo of this mic. Is there a way we can see whats inside this mic? is there a transformer? What's capsule inside?
Cheers
I had a stereo pair. A great product from US brand. If compare to a real thing it has a little bit edgy top end and less low end. And so if you can afford Neumann u87 I recommend to invest. GTZ u87 is the best clone option I tried in 100-300$ range.
i wonder if the treable tone of the clone could be because the capsule, in my experience, the 80% of times the problem with not balanced frecuencies comes from the capsule
Thanks for the video. Is there a reason why you went with the U87Ai vs the U87 that they offer? I see that they offer a transistor based U47 as well.
I love those mics on guitar amps. They bring magic when you run through high spl.
I purchased the gototoolz u87, I love it!! I never used the Neumann. I read all the reviews and watch video reviews like yours before pulling the trigger on it, best 120$ I ever spent in my opinion!
Great video!!
I also watched about 200 cms reviews and ended with GTZ U 87 CM. Cheap and best U 87 clone.
Nothing like original u87, but amazing on vocals in the same time. I can't believe it cost 150$. It won in a couple blind testes much more expensive microphone. Great thing to give a shot.
Cheers
Wow. Awesome comparison.
I agree the top end is a little thinner but as you stated, EQ can compensate for that.
Great price too.
Thank you Mike for this comparison.
What frequencies should I boost?
You mean the bottom end is a little thinner, making it sound more top end focussed… therefore not a thinner top end 😜
I bought this “clone” on eBay . He has an upgraded capsule version I unknowingly bought the cheaper capsule version. It was very tinny sounding. Tried to add an upgraded capsule and now the microphone..is completely dead don’t know what the f I did. Lol. One question . Wth is the wood box that comes with it even for? It doesn’t even really fit in it. It’s good for spare change.
I don’t have an upgraded capsule. Just the basic model.
I put the square box in my junk drawer. It stores a lot of junk.
If you try to put mic diagonally in box it would fit perfectly. Currently we have bigger boxes which suit this mic better. Let me know your address I will send you one. Cheers.
Thank you
Great review
Muito bom meu amigo
Both mics had the same low end response, the clone had a tad bit more mid range