The Neumann U 87 stands out as the most well-known studio microphone ever made.
Launched in 1967, it has been used on numerous information, broadcasts, movie scores, voiceovers and orchestral classes. Almost 60 years later, engineers nonetheless routinely place one in entrance of a singer, acoustic guitar, piano, drum package or guitar amplifier and belief that it’ll ship a usable, balanced recording.
I travelled to Neumann in Berlin to fulfill Martin Schneider and discover out why the U 87 turned such an everlasting normal. Martin confirmed me an authentic U 87, its capsules and electronics, in addition to the unique improvement recordsdata documenting the microphone’s evolution.
What turned clear is that the U 87’s fame just isn’t primarily based on one dramatic sonic trick.
It turned a regular as a result of it’s balanced, versatile, predictable, straightforward to form in a mixture and constructed to stay knowledgeable software for many years.
The Strong-State Successor to the U 67
Neumann launched the U 87 in 1967 because the solid-state successor to the tube-based U 67.
It arrived alongside microphones together with the KM 83, KM 84 and KM 86 as a part of Neumann’s first “FET 80” sequence. These microphones used field-effect transistor electronics relatively than vacuum tubes.
This was a significant technological change.
Tube microphones typically required devoted exterior energy provides and specialist multi-pin cables. The transistorised U 87 may function utilizing the creating 48-volt phantom-power normal, which made it much more sensible in skilled studios.
Nonetheless, phantom energy had not but been universally adopted when the primary U 87 was launched.
The unique microphone subsequently included a compartment for 2 inside 22.5-volt digicam batteries. Collectively, these offered roughly 45 volts, which was throughout the accepted tolerance for a 48-volt system.
A swap on the microphone allowed the engineer to decide on between inside battery energy and exterior phantom energy. Switching to exterior energy disconnected the batteries so they’d not be unnecessarily drained.
Right now, almost each audio interface and mixing console features a button marked “48V” or “P48.” In 1967, the trade was nonetheless deciding how transistorised condenser microphones must be powered.
Contained in the Authentic U 87
The unique U 87 circuit is remarkably easy by trendy requirements.
Martin confirmed me an early instance containing a single field-effect transistor, an output transformer and comparatively few further elements.
Within the Sixties, transistors had been nonetheless comparatively new and costly. Subject-effect transistors had solely grow to be commercially viable earlier within the decade, making transistorised condenser microphones a comparatively new improvement.
Producers additionally used elements sparingly. Designers understood the price of each resistor, transistor and mechanical half positioned inside a microphone.
The U 87 went by means of quite a few inside circuit revisions throughout its improvement. Martin confirmed me a microphone marked with circuit diagram quantity 21, which turned the ultimate and longest-lasting model of the unique design.
Some earlier revisions had been solely used internally. Later variations had been despatched to clients for testing earlier than the ultimate circuit was established.
These modifications had been largely technical relatively than sonic. They included enhancements resembling further safety towards radio-frequency interference.
In line with Martin, there was no vital frequency-response distinction between these circuit revisions. The modifications had been supposed to make the microphone extra secure, dependable and immune to interference relatively than alter its fundamental sound.
Three Selectable Polar Patterns
One of many U 87’s biggest strengths is its versatility.
The microphone gives three selectable polar patterns:
Cardioid captures primarily from the entrance whereas rejecting a lot of the sound arriving from behind.
Omnidirectional captures sound from all instructions, together with extra of the room and surrounding atmosphere.
Determine-8 captures from the entrance and rear whereas rejecting sound arriving from the edges.
These patterns permit the identical microphone to carry out a variety of jobs.
Cardioid is often used for lead vocals, acoustic guitars and targeted instrument recording. Omnidirectional can produce a extra pure low finish and seize the character of an excellent room. Determine-8 can be utilized for mid-side recording, room microphones or two performers positioned on reverse sides of the microphone.
The U 87 additionally features a low-cut filter and a ten dB attenuation pad, additional increasing the vary of sources it could possibly report.
The Capsule on the Coronary heart of the U 87
The capsule is the center of any condenser microphone.
The U 87 initially used the Ok 87 capsule, which was primarily based on the capsule structure developed for the U 67.
Martin confirmed me examples charting the event of the capsule from the sooner M 7 design used within the U 47 by means of to the split-electrode capsule used within the U 67 and U 87.
A number of essential modifications occurred throughout this era.
The diaphragm materials moved from PVC to PET. The sooner glued diaphragm building was changed with a mechanically clamped diaphragm. The capsule was additionally divided into two individually manufactured and measured halves.
This split-electrode building offered a significant manufacturing benefit.
With the sooner M 7 design, one facet of the capsule needed to be glued, dried and heated earlier than the capsule may very well be turned over and the second facet accomplished. If the ultimate capsule failed to fulfill specification, the diaphragm may should be eliminated and the method began once more.
With the U 67 and U 87 capsule structure, the 2 halves will be manufactured and measured individually. Neumann can then match two halves to create a symmetrical capsule.
The diaphragm is tensioned in the same method to a drum head and clamped utilizing 12 screws. Every capsule half is assembled and measured earlier than the entire capsule is lacquered, sealed and put in within the microphone.
This course of stays largely guide.
The diaphragm is positioned and tensioned by hand. The screws are tightened manually and the capsule is repeatedly measured. As soon as put in within the microphone, the entire system is measured acoustically with the electronics. Self-noise is measured and likewise listened to earlier than the microphone is accepted for delivery.
That stage of management is a significant a part of the consistency related to Neumann microphones.
The U 87 A: A Quieter, Extra Delicate Microphone
The most important change within the U 87’s historical past got here in 1986 with the introduction of the U 87 A.
By the mid-Eighties, skilled recording tools had grow to be considerably quieter. Digital recording was starting to seem and producers had been selling more and more giant dynamic-range figures.
Early digital converters had been removed from excellent, however digital recording didn’t introduce the identical type of tape hiss related to analogue recording. Microphone self-noise subsequently turned extra noticeable, significantly when recording quiet sources.
The unique U 87 produced roughly 18 dBA of self-noise.
That will hardly ever be a critical concern in entrance of a loud guitar amplifier or drum package. Nonetheless, it may grow to be audible when recording speech, intimate vocals, chamber music or different detailed, low-level sources.
The U 87 A diminished self-noise from roughly 18 dBA to 12 dBA, an enchancment of round 6 dB.
Neumann achieved this partly by including a DC-to-DC converter contained in the microphone.
The unique capsule had been designed to function at 60 volts. Within the U 67, constructive and detrimental 60-volt provides allowed the microphone’s three polar patterns to be created successfully.
With solely 48 volts out there, the unique U 87 needed to make sure compromises. The newer inside converter accepted the incoming phantom energy and generated secure constructive and detrimental inside voltages.
This additionally meant that the microphone’s efficiency was much less depending on the standard of the phantom-power provide coming from the blending console or audio interface.
The U 87 A additionally produced roughly 10 dB extra output than the unique model. Its sensitivity elevated from round 8 mV/Pa to roughly 28 mV/Pa.
The capsule, housing and elementary frequency response remained basically the identical. The aim was to modernise the electronics whereas preserving the qualities engineers already trusted.
What Does “U 87 Ai” Imply?
The fashionable microphone is mostly known as the U 87 Ai.
The “A” refers back to the up to date model launched in 1986.
The lowercase “i” stands for “worldwide” and signifies the model geared up with an XLR connector. In apply, trendy U 87 A microphones are U 87 Ai fashions.
A microphone labelled U 87 Ai MT is the matte-black model, with “MT” referring to its matte end.
The black mannequin doesn’t, as Martin joked, sound darker.
Why the U 87 Works on Nearly Something
One of many questions I usually ask nice engineers is that this:
For those who may solely personal one or two microphones and needed to make a whole report with them, which microphones would you select?
Repeatedly, I’ve heard the identical reply:
A Shure SM57 and a Neumann U 87.
With these two microphone designs, an engineer may report virtually any supply on an album.
The SM57 is rugged, doesn’t require phantom energy and might deal with virtually something positioned in entrance of it. The U 87 offers the detailed, full-range condenser sound wanted for vocals, acoustic devices, piano, drum overheads and room recording.
The U 87 was intentionally designed as a common microphone.
If a singer arrives on the studio with sufficient time to check 5 or ten microphones, one other mannequin might in the end show barely higher suited to that individual voice, efficiency or association.
Nonetheless, when there isn’t a time for an intensive shootout, an engineer can put up a U 87 with confidence that it’ll produce knowledgeable consequence.
As Martin defined, it offers you a robust, impartial basis.
It doesn’t radically exaggerate the bass, treble or higher midrange. As a result of it’s balanced and comparatively impartial, it’s also extraordinarily pleasant to equalisation.
Ought to the vocal want one other decibel or two of treble, you’ll be able to typically add it with out the sound changing into brittle, spitty or aggressive.
First Impressions Versus What Works within the Combine
This is likely one of the most essential classes when evaluating microphones.
Many inexpensive condenser microphones sound instantly spectacular in isolation. They’ll have an exaggerated high finish that creates a way of air, element and pleasure.
Throughout a solo microphone comparability, that brightness can simply entice the listener.
Nonetheless, as soon as the vocal is positioned inside an entire combine, the identical brightness might grow to be harsh, lispy or disconnected from the monitor.
The U 87 might not at all times produce essentially the most dramatic first impression when heard alone. Its energy turns into extra apparent when the recording is positioned alongside drums, guitars, bass, keyboards and different vocals.
Its even response offers you room to form the sound.
I’ve skilled this repeatedly in microphone shootouts. When listening in solo, folks usually have extensively differing preferences. As soon as the microphones are positioned within the monitor, opinions grow to be much more constant.
The microphones with an exaggerated high finish can grow to be tiring, whereas balanced microphones such because the U 87 and U 47 usually stay clean and usable.
Martin in contrast this to the “loudness” button discovered on older hi-fi amplifiers.
Urgent the button will increase the bass and treble, creating an instantly thrilling sound. After a number of minutes, nonetheless, the added bass and treble might start to really feel extreme.
A dramatic first impression just isn’t at all times the identical factor as a sound that continues to be satisfying or helpful over time.
At all times evaluate microphones throughout the context of the particular music.
The U 87’s Low-Frequency Response
Electrically, Neumann’s microphone circuits are typically designed to be as linear as doable.
One notable exception is the acute low finish.
Microphones developed throughout the analogue broadcast period usually integrated what Martin described as a “broadcast filter.”
On the time, radio, tv, tape and vinyl methods typically operated inside a sensible bandwidth of roughly 40 Hz to fifteen kHz.
Broadcasters had little curiosity in capturing substantial data under 40 Hz. Very low frequencies had been extra prone to include underground trains, visitors, air-conditioning noise, ground vibration and different undesirable rumble.
There was additionally little profit in making an attempt to chop extraordinarily low-frequency indicators onto vinyl.
A managed low-frequency roll-off subsequently made sensible sense. It diminished undesirable rumble earlier than the sign reached the printed or recording chain.
This pondering influenced the U 87’s electrical low-frequency response and contributed to its usefulness in actual recording environments.
Handmade Capsules and Full Manufacturing Management
Many inexpensive microphones are able to making glorious recordings. Their existence is extremely essential as a result of they permit extra folks to start recording music.
Somebody might purchase an inexpensive microphone, make a report, earn cash and ultimately resolve to put money into a U 87. That’s good for your entire recording group.
The essential distinction just isn’t that an inexpensive microphone can not sound good.
The excellence is that Neumann controls the design, manufacture, measurement, matching, meeting, testing and long-term servicing of the entire microphone.
Many firms describing themselves as microphone producers buy accomplished capsules and digital assemblies from exterior suppliers. They could choose elements, create the physique and assemble the ultimate product, however they don’t seem to be essentially designing or manufacturing the core elements.
Martin in contrast this to constructing a automotive utilizing an engine from one firm, a chassis from one other and wheels and axles from a number of further producers.
You’ve got assembled a automotive, however the quantity of authentic engineering and manufacturing you management could also be restricted.
Neumann manufactures its personal capsules and understands how modifications to each a part of the microphone have an effect on its efficiency.
Even a wire, capsule mount, piece of froth or grille form can affect the microphone.
Studying From Foam, Reflections and Capsule Mounts
Martin confirmed me a number of capsule-mounting methods used throughout the improvement of the U 67 and U 87.
Some variations used bigger mechanical constructions across the capsule. These had been later diminished as a result of any object near a capsule can mirror sound and create high-frequency interference.
At one level, Neumann positioned foam round a part of the capsule meeting to soak up reflections.
The froth achieved a part of its supposed objective, however launched different long-term issues. Foam collects mud and moisture. After a number of many years it could possibly dry out, deteriorate and crumble.
These particles can then choose the diaphragm, creating contamination and potential humidity sensitivity.
The design subsequently developed once more, eradicating the froth and refining the mechanical mounting.
Different modifications had been launched to guard the elastically mounted capsule if the microphone was dropped. A small protecting construction was added to assist forestall the capsule from placing the grille.
These might look like tiny particulars, however each bodily object across the capsule can have an effect on sound arriving from completely different angles.
Neumann subsequently measured modifications not solely instantly on-axis but in addition from a number of positions across the microphone.
Switches Constructed for Extraordinarily Excessive Impedance
The sample, pad and filter switches in a condenser microphone function inside a particularly high-impedance part of the circuit.
This makes cleanliness, insulation and safety significantly essential.
In early variations of the U 67 and associated microphones, Neumann manufactured its personal switches as a result of commercially out there elements didn’t meet the required normal.
Silver-plated contacts had been assembled and wired level to level utilizing extraordinarily skinny, PTFE-insulated wire. Your complete meeting was rigorously shielded from dust and contamination.
Later, high-quality telecommunications switches turned out there and had been used for about 20 years.
When these elements had been ultimately discontinued, Neumann needed to develop one other resolution.
The present system makes use of sealed switching elements managed by magnets. There isn’t a direct mechanical contact between the exterior management and the inner swap.
This reduces friction and put on whereas serving to the swap stay clear and reliable over a particularly lengthy interval.
Some design modifications had been made as a result of higher expertise turned out there. Others turned needed as a result of older expertise was discontinued.
The aim all through was to protect the microphone’s efficiency.
The Capsule Has Remained Remarkably Constant
Trying on the many capsule mounts, elements and mechanical revisions raises an apparent query:
Has the precise capsule sound modified?
In line with Martin, the basic capsule design has remained constant.
That is additionally central to Neumann’s strategy when reissuing basic microphones such because the U 47 fet, U 67 and M 49.
The purpose is to not modernise or “enhance” the unique sound. It’s to protect it as carefully as doable whereas making needed enhancements in supplies, security, environmental compliance or reliability.
Fashionable lacquer might substitute a chemical formulation that’s not authorized to make use of. Lead-free solder should substitute older lead-based solder. PTFE could also be utilized in vital areas to enhance insulation or humidity resistance.
Nonetheless, these modifications aren’t supposed to change the sound.
Martin described the method of figuring out the true historic reference. Neumann research authentic microphones, improvement paperwork, circuit diagrams and archived acoustic measurements.
For fashions such because the M 49, even deciding which historic model represents the proper reference can require in depth analysis and comparability.
In some instances, the staff might spend months discussing a distinction of lower than 1 dB.
The Authentic Improvement Recordsdata
Some of the extraordinary components of my go to was seeing the unique U 87 improvement recordsdata.
The folders include many years of engineering correspondence, capsule drawings, circuit revisions and acoustic measurements.
Martin confirmed me paperwork from the late Sixties and early Nineteen Seventies, together with correspondence with Neumann’s worldwide distributors and sketches displaying modifications to the capsule head.
The outdated frequency-response plots had been created mechanically relatively than on a pc.
A needle scratched or drew the response into shifting paper. Due to the way in which the plotting machines operated, some graphs seem reversed by trendy requirements, with low frequencies on the right-hand facet.
The bodily plots have to be dealt with rigorously as a result of scratching the floor can create a brand new line.
Thankfully, the paperwork have been scanned and preserved.
These archives permit Neumann to check trendy measurements with authentic capsules and microphones that could be greater than 50 or 60 years outdated.
In some instances, the corporate nonetheless has the precise capsule equivalent to an authentic measurement.
It may be measured immediately and in contrast with the archived consequence to find out how carefully the present manufacturing model matches the historic reference.
Why U 87s Final for A long time
A serious a part of the U 87’s worth just isn’t merely the way in which it sounds when it leaves the manufacturing facility.
It’s the expectation that the microphone will stay knowledgeable software for many years.
Go to a longtime studio resembling Sundown Sound and you could discover a assortment of U 87s which have been in fixed use for 40 or 50 years.
They could have scratches and dents, however they proceed working.
Neumann’s service division nonetheless helps many older microphones. When doable, broken capsules, electronics and mechanical components will be repaired or changed.
In some instances, technicians might even manufacture a person mechanical element when an authentic alternative is not out there.
There are limits. Sure components for microphones which have been out of manufacturing for half a century might genuinely be unobtainable.
Nonetheless, these instances are comparatively uncommon.
While you buy a U 87, you’re paying not just for the sound. You might be additionally paying for the engineering, manufacturing management, testing, reliability, documentation and long-term service infrastructure behind it.
Well-known U 87 Recordings
The U 87 has been related to a rare vary of recordings.
It has reportedly been used throughout classes linked with songs and albums together with:
- Neil Younger’s “Coronary heart of Gold”
- Tradition Membership’s “Do You Actually Need to Damage Me”
- Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville”
- Gary Wright’s “Dream Weaver”
- Warfare’s “Low Rider”
- Comfortable Cell’s “Tainted Love”
- Aerosmith’s “Stroll This Approach”
- Grateful Useless’s “Contact of Gray”
- Speaking Heads’ “Highway to Nowhere”
- Don McLean’s “American Pie”
- The Doobie Brothers’ “What a Idiot Believes”
- Blondie’s “The Tide Is Excessive”
- Frank Zappa’s Lumpy Gravy
It has additionally grow to be a significant broadcast and voiceover microphone, utilized by broadcasters and organisations together with Casey Kasem and NPR.
Nonetheless, its significance can’t be diminished to an inventory of well-known recordings.
The true story is the 1000’s of classes the place an engineer wanted a dependable microphone, positioned a U 87 in entrance of the performer and captured precisely what the manufacturing required.
Extra Than a Vocal Microphone
Though the U 87 is most carefully related to vocals, it’s way over a vocal microphone.
It may be used efficiently on:
- Acoustic guitar
- Electrical guitar amplifiers
- Piano
- Strings
- Brass
- Percussion
- Drum overheads
- Drum rooms
- Bass amplifiers
- Voiceover
- Broadcast speech
- Orchestral devices
- Room atmosphere
On acoustic devices, it could possibly produce element with out dropping physique.
On guitar amplifiers, it may be mixed with a dynamic or ribbon microphone so as to add readability, depth and low-frequency data.
As an overhead or room microphone, it could possibly seize an entire, balanced image of the drum package.
Its selectable patterns make it equally invaluable in close-miking, stereo recording and ambient purposes.
Microphone Placement Nonetheless Issues
A U 87 doesn’t take away the necessity for cautious microphone placement.
Transferring the microphone just a few inches can change the quantity of proximity impact, room atmosphere, low-frequency weight and high-frequency element.
Transferring a vocalist nearer will typically produce a extra intimate sound with higher low-frequency emphasis in cardioid or figure-8.
Transferring farther away can create a extra open, pure consequence, however it can additionally seize extra of the room.
Altering the polar sample additionally impacts greater than directionality.
Omnidirectional mode reduces proximity impact and might produce a extra pure low-frequency response. Determine-8 offers sturdy rejection on the sides and captures the entrance and rear of the microphone.
The most effective consequence nonetheless comes from listening, shifting the microphone and deciding on the sample that helps the efficiency.
Is the Neumann U 87 the World’s Most Well-known Microphone?
A number of microphones may compete for that title.
The Shure SM57 stands out as the mostly encountered skilled microphone. The Neumann U 47 is probably essentially the most legendary studio vocal microphone. The AKG C414 is one other exceptionally versatile studio normal.
Nonetheless, the U 87 has an extremely sturdy declare to being the world’s most well-known studio microphone.
It has remained in skilled use for nearly six many years. It’s recognised by engineers, producers, musicians, broadcasters and individuals who have by no means operated a recording studio.
Extra importantly, it has come to characterize the skilled recording studio itself.
After I began out, proudly owning a U 87 felt like proof that I had an actual recording studio.
After all, proudly owning one doesn’t robotically produce an amazing recording. The performer, track, association, room, placement and engineering selections stay extra essential than the emblem on the microphone.
The U 87 turned a regular as a result of it repeatedly offered engineers with a reliable place to begin.
A Real Recording Traditional
My greatest takeaway from visiting Neumann is that the U 87’s success just isn’t constructed round one dramatic frequency increase, transformer coloration or flattering sonic impact.
It’s profitable as a result of it’s balanced, versatile, dependable and constructed to final.
Its response is even sufficient to work on an infinite vary of sources. Its sound will be formed with EQ with out simply changing into harsh. Its elements are rigorously manufactured, measured and examined. Its design has been refined with out abandoning the qualities that made the unique microphone profitable.
That’s the reason engineers proceed to position U 87s in entrance of virtually something and belief that they may work.
Almost 60 years after its introduction, the Neumann U 87 stays one of many defining microphones of the trendy recording period.
