The UT Twin87 Twin-Circuit Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone by United Studio Technologies is their take on the classic, multi-pattern, dual-diaphragm U87, offering you two circuits that allow you to switch between the classic, warm vintage sound and a slightly hotter and brighter modern take. No more painful choices between one style or the other, the UT Twin87 reconfigures itself on the fly for a versatile design intended to make it even more of a workhorse than its inspiration.

The custom-designed UT Transformer, which features nearly four times the metal mass of most "87-style" mics, is made in the US and delivers ultraclean and quiet operation. The custom capsule, based heavily on the classic K87, features dual-diaphragms and three polar patterns, including an especially punchy and directional cardioid mode, a useful bidirectional figure-8 mode, and an omnidirectional mode for minimizing signal color or providing exceptional room coverage. Ideal for vocals, general studio recording, and broadcast/podcast applications, the UT Twin87 resurrects a vintage classic without the vintage price tag.

For Vocals and Instruments    Cardioid, Figure-8 & Omni Polar Patterns    Switchable Vintage or Modern Circuit    Custom K87 Derived Capsule Design    Dual-Backplate, Dual-Diaphragm    Custom US-Made UT Transformer    117 dB Max SPL, 127 dB with -10 dB Pad    Switchable High-pass Filter at 80 Hz    Includes Shockmount Stand Adapter    48V Phantom Powered

Rather than having to choose between the original U87 circuit and the more modern revisions, United chose to incorporate both into their design. A switch allows selection between these two circuits. Vintage mode produces a signal path that is identical to the original "87-style" microphones, yielding a smoother, warmer sound. Modern mode gently polarizes the capsule at a higher voltage (63v) using an FET oscillator circuit, resulting in a higher sensitivity and a hotter signal for the amplifier. This yields a louder, brighter, and more coherent sound with an enhanced top end.

United custom-designed their own take on the classic K87 style capsule. This dual-diaphragm, dual-backplate design is milled from brass and skinned with 6 micron Japanese PET film (Mylar), and has a 24k gold sputtered membrane. The UT-Series capsule is terminated with a very fine strand of silver-plated Teflon wire which, in conjunction with thorough insulation, reduces any interference or induced loss. Even the metal mesh was given careful consideration, using the exact mesh gauge and three layer mesh makeup of the original headbasket.

After carefully considering numerous German designs for the original U87 transformers, United opted to build their own design which contains nearly four times the metal mass found in any "87-style" microphone. This transformer is custom-wound, with large, all nickel laminations. This results in an open, clear, three dimensional sound with high headroom and plenty of signal strength for long cable runs.

Like most modern "87-style" microphones, the UT Twin87 features an output filter designed to block RF and EM interference, a particularly useful feature for broadcast applications. Over the years however, some engineers have debated the sonic impact of this filter and its potential to negatively affect the quality of the output signal. United have solved this problem by adhering to the same design philosophy driving the UT Twin87s overall concept; to include both. Thus, the RF blocking filter can be switched on or off in either vintage or modern mode.

When set to cardioid pattern mode the UT Twin87 engages a boutique modification called "true-cardioid mod". Rather than the standard switching design used in most multi-pattern mics, the UT Twin87 disengages the pattern selection circuitry altogether and decouples from the rear diaphragm. This produces a slightly hotter signal and a better signal-to-noise ratio.

The UT Twin87 includes plenty of onboard control for excelling in a variety of scenarios. A switch on the front allows selection of multiple polar patterns including an exceptionally hot and directional cardioid mode, a useful bidirectional figure-8 pattern, and a classic omnidirectional mode for minimal sound coloring and room ambiance. A convenient high-pass filter set at 80 Hz makes it easy to setup the UT Twin87 for vocals, guitar, drum overheads, or to eliminate rumble during broadcast or podcast use. And the -10 dB pad switch increases maximum SPL resiliency making the UT Twin87 more viable as a mic for loud sound sources such as kick drums and amplified cabs.

Entirely handmade in the US and rigorously tested before shipment, the UT Twin87 is built to exacting standards. Electroplated nickel and solid milled brass are used for the durable body, while the US-made UT transformer is custom-wound and large-cored. NOS (new old stock) parts and high-end components such as polystyrene, tantalum, multilayer ceramic, WIMA film capacitors, metal and carbon film resistors, and hand-selected transistors ensure an authentic U87-style sound quality that engineers around the world have come to expect.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. is 48v pre amp box? included for this item..thank you

A: No

Q: 2. Does the Shure MOTIV MV51 work with the iPhone 4?

A: It is designed for iOS products with a lightning connector only. An adapter has not been tested nor is using one recommended.

Q: 3. Hello, would this fit on a Neumann 89i respectively over a Neumann WS89?

A: This windscreen is designed to fit over the Rycote 45/100, which is a foam shield for 2.17" diameter mics. Since the Neumann U89i is 1.8" in diameter, this windscreen will be too large for the WS89.

Q: 4. Which usb micro audio cable will work with this. I read that the input on this mic is not a normal usb micro input and that you can only use a Shure cable with it. Is this accurate? If so, Where can I get the longer Shure usb micro to lighting cable? Second question: What type of USB extension cable (type A to A) could I use with the included Shure cable so that no additional noise is added by the extension cable? Is there a better quality cable that adds less noise?

A: The USB port on the Shure MV51 uses a micro-B style USB connector and you will want to use a USB 2.0 cable. If your computer uses USB Type-A, you can purchase a longer cable with these types of connectors such as the Kramer USB 2.0 Type-A Male to Micro USB 2.0 Type-B Male Cable - 10' (B&H# KRCUSBMICB10) or the same cable in 15' length (B&H# KRCUSBMICB15). If you do want to use an extension cable, you can use a USB 2.0 Type-A female to Type-A male cable such as the Pearstone USB 2.0 Type A Male to Type A Female Extension Cable - 10' (B&H# PECUAMUAF10) or Pearstone 16' USB 2.0 Extension Cable with Booster (B&H# PEUSBAABCE16). Please contact us by phone or through live chat if you would like further assistance in selecting a compatible cable.

Q: 5. What are the internal dimensions?

A: Glyph has not provided the exact internal dimensions, but this particular model is designed to accommodate the Studio mini, Blackbox Plus, and Blackbox drive series.

Q: 6. This is the second time, the mic is not working properly, I got really low volume signal. The first time it was fixed by itself after a few days but not this time, how can I use the warranty? This microphone was a birthday present and I don't have the invoice

A: Aventone microphones carry a five-year warranty when purchased new. Tel: (845) 642.3697 or info@avantonepro.com However, I would encourage you to give us a call as we may be able to help trouble shoot the mic, and determine whether or not it truly defective. 800-606-6969

Q: 7. Does this mic have an on/off switch??

A: Like most large diaphragm condenser mics, the RODE NT1 Signature Series Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone does not have an on/off switch.

Q: 8. How is this model different than the other seemingly identical B&H item here? a href= http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1115605-REG/shure_mv51_digital_large_diaphragm_condenser_mic.html target= _blank http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1115605-REG/shure_mv51_digital_large_diaphragm_condenser_mic.html/a

A: There's just a slight difference in the packaging. hardware, accessories, operation and specs are identical.

Q: 9. es compatible con studio one?

A: El B&H # SLSDVMSVMS1K si es compatible con Studio One, por medio de un interfaz de audio.

Q: 10. Anybody have trouble with the usb cable staying in the usb connector?

A: The USB port on the Shure MV51 is a micro-B. Perhaps an angled plug may be a good option if you are having problems with the straight plug disconnecting. We have a 6' long StarTech USB 2.0 Type-A Male to Left-Angle Micro-USB Male Cable (B&H# STUUSBHAUB6L) that you can try.