A definitive legend for decades, the black Neumann U 87 Ai MT Stereo Set is a matched pair of large-diaphragm condenser microphones offering the timeless and special sound that remains highly coveted for singers, voice-over artists, announcers, producers, and recording engineers to this day. By combining the same dual-diaphragm capsule design as the heralded U 67 with FET circuitry and a transformer-balanced output, the U 87 Ai retains the voicing that made the U 87 famous while ensuring low-noise performance and optimal signal purity.

The U 87 Ai's dual-diaphragm capsule, which is elastically suspended, affords the selection of three polar patterns (omni, cardioid, and figure-8) to enhance versatility in the studio. Additionally, the mic provides a switchable -10 dB pad that allows it to capture SPLs up to 127 dB without distortion, and a low-cut filter for controlling buildup of low-frequency content. Whether it is used for broadcast, stage, or studio applications, the U 87 Ai presents the sought-after look, sound, and reputation of a true classic.

Studio Standard for Vocals & Instruments    Cardioid, Omni & Figure-8 Polar Patterns    Dual-Diaphragm Condenser Capsule    Low-Noise FET Circuit    Transformer-Balanced Output    -10 dB Pad    Switchable Low-Cut Filter    Shockmount Reduces Vibration Noise    Includes Dust Covers and Metal Case    48V Phantom Powered

The Neumann U 87 Ai may be the best-known and most frequently used studio microphone the world over. Its smooth and refined sound is as iconic as its elegant exterior design. The U 87 Ai is the standard microphone for speech and vocals. Three polar patterns plus pad and low-cut options make it adaptable to a wide range of applications.

The Neumann U 87 Ai is a true legend. Introduced in 1967, it has shaped the sound of countless hit records for the past 50 years. And when those hits were announced on the radio, many a DJ sat before a U 87 Ai.

The U 87 Ai is the epitome of a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Its tapered body and iconic design have become part of the collective consciousness—this is what a studio microphone looks like. The same is true of its sound; the U 87 Ai represents studio quality and has become the gold standard by which other microphones are measured.

What sets the U 87 Ai apart is its special combination of linearity and character. Although its on-axis frequency response is remarkably flat, it does exert certain charisma, making the U 87 Ai both versatile and instantly recognizable.

Technically speaking, the U 87 Ai is a traditional design whose timeless formula has remained unchanged for decades. The U 87 Ai uses the same dual-diaphragm condenser capsule design as its predecessor, the no less legendary U 67 of the early 1960s. Its head amplifier, too, is based on the same design principles as its tube-driven predecessor, but the U 87 Ai realizes them by means of an FET circuit with a minimal signal path and a transformer-balanced output, ensuring maximum signal integrity and high common mode rejection.

The result is a studio microphone of unmatched clarity. Its natural sound and midrange presence make the U 87 Ai the ultimate vocal microphone, praised by singers and engineers alike as well as the prime choice for speech applications, such as voice-over, dubbing, and audio books. Due to its balanced response in each of its three directional patterns, the U 87 Ai is also a versatile microphone for anything from acoustic guitar to drums overheads. Due to its solid bass response and excellent midrange detail, it is often seen in front of bass and guitar cabinets. For classical recordings, the U 87 Ai is frequently used as a spot mic for soloists, e.g. cello. A stereo pair of U 87 Ai mics is the preferred choice of many engineers for recording piano in virtually any genre from pop and jazz to classical music.

• The world’s most famous studio microphone
• Classic sound, instantly recognizable and versatile
• Balanced frequency response
• Elastically suspended dual-diaphragm capsule
• Omni, cardioid, and figure-8 polar patterns
• Switchable low-cut filter and -10 dB pad
• Low self-noise
• XLR 3-pin output
• 48V phantom powered
• Includes two color-matched shockmounts, microphone dust covers, and an aluminum carrying case

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Does the IR dust removal process require the Silverfast AI software or would it work with any scanner software?Does the software run under Wine on a Linux system?I'm running Ubuntu 14.04.Any good Ubuntu software that will get all the features out of this scanner?Thanks

A: The IR dust removal is hardware based and does not require the Silverfast software to function. The included software is not supported under Wine or any Linux operating systems.

Q: 2. What is the image size in QuickScan? Can it be software or hardware set?

A: The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai Film Scanner's resolution can be selected using your scanning software.

Q: 3. no support for 120 film?

A: True, This Device does not scan 120mm film. Does 35mm film and slides, (110 if you are creative). Time consuming to do, but it pays for it's self when you consider the cost of having it done by some else.

Q: 4. Is this scanner working with windows 10 fall?

A: Yes, it definitely works with Windows 10. I had no problems, scanned in almost a thousand pictures and no hiccups. Great scanner!

Q: 5. does it work with apple OS 10.10.1 ??

A: Yes. I used it yesterday to scan 35 mm slides. I have an iMac with 10.10.1 and Silverfast 8.2.0r2.

Q: 6. how many negative and slide holders come with the scanner?

A: According to the manual, you get 1x mounted slide holder (4 sliders) and 1x negative holder (a strip of 6 frames).

Q: 7. Does this scanner capture ALL of the image surface of slides? I've had slide scanner that do not capture the entire frame of the slide and it needs to be scanned multiple times and edited later, not good.

A: yes

Q: 8. Does it work with Mac High Sierra (OS 10.13.4)?

A: If your Mac is an Intel Based CPU it should work but if it is a PowerPC no.

Q: 9. Does this scanner have the equivalent to Nikon's Digital ROC automatic color correction for faded slides? My 4000ED worked great until Windows 21H2 build, so now I need a new scanner.

A: The OpticFilm 8200Ai Film Scanner uses the SilverFast Ai Studio 8 software to apply corrections to faded slides.

Q: 10. I want to buy one but don't know which model to get on so, what's the difference between the 8100, 8200i SE and the 8200i Ai? Just software bundles they come with?

A: The software is only bad in that it is complex. There are automatic settings that work well. Overall after doing over 100 scans I like the software and the scanner. The 8200 models come with the infrared scratch and dust detection and it works well and saves a lot of time with a healing brush. I like that the software will allow you to get a high res high density scan. The software is not plug and play but is powerful. I think the bundle with the full version of the software was well worth the price but the learning curve was big but pays off in the end. Silverfast has videos that explain the process and every tool. I have had several slide scanners and this is fast on low res scans but if you want to get the best of your old negatives you will do higher res scans and they take 20-30 sec. If you want low res copies of your slides and negatives then either look to the lower end models or send the stuff to a vendor that will do it for you. The lower end stuff is just as slow. If you don't care about resolution of the final jpg or tif and you will only look at them on your computer screen or small frames, send them out and forget the dyi of slide scanning. It's very time consuming but for decent res, it's worth it.