Neumann U87 Ai Operating Instructions

Yes, the U87 Ai is a condenser microphone and requires 48V phantom power supplied through its XLR connection to operate its internal circuitry. Without phantom power from your audio interface or preamp, the microphone will produce no signal.

The U87 Ai offers three polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8, selectable via a mechanical switch located below the grille on the microphone body. A second switch engages a 10 dB pre-attenuation pad or a low-frequency roll-off filter.

The U87 Ai, introduced in the mid-1980s, uses an updated output circuit with a different transformer design that provides slightly higher sensitivity than the original U87 from 1967. The capsule itself remains the same K67/K870 design used in both versions.

The U87 Ai terminates in a standard 3-pin male XLR connector at the microphone body and requires a balanced XLR-to-XLR cable to connect to a microphone preamp or audio interface. Neumann includes a swivel mount and the microphone ships in a wooden jewel case.