Neumann U87 Alternatives: Workhorse Condenser Mics
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Get a Classic Vocal Sound with 5 affordable Neumann U87 Alternatives · Source: Lauten Audio
We’re looking at Neumann U87 alternatives for vocal recording in your home studio. Are there other ways to get that classic vocal sound?
Key Facts about Neumann U87 Alternatives
- The Neumann U87 is a large-diaphragm transformer-balanced FET condenser microphone, which is a standard for vocal recording, so worthy alternatives should have similar transformer-based FET designs.
- The U87 is a multipattern microphone, but U87 alternatives don’t necessarily need this feature if you are only planning to do cardioid recording. Multipattern condensers are generally more expensive than their cardioid-only equivalents.
- While the original Neumann U87 used a K87 capsule with electrically insulated backplates, the modern U87 Ai uses the K870, a K67-style capsule with electrically connected backplate components and a DC conversion stage for improved output level and headroom.
- Many U87 alternatives may look the same aesthetically, but remember that it’s the pressure-gradient transducer design combined with the FET circuit and the output transformer that contribute to its sound.
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Since its introduction in 1967, the U87 has established itself as the gold standard in recording studios worldwide. Loved for the delicate high-frequency sheen it imparts on vocals, the U87’s transparency captures every ounce of emotion from the booth.
Neumann U87 Alternatives
While the U87 is still one of the most sought-after mics available, it remains out of reach for most of us in terms of its affordability. Luckily, there are other mics based on the iconic transformer-balanced FET condenser design with similar pressure-gradient capsules.
Of course, no mic will sound identical to the legend. However, there are other options available that have similar characteristics across the frequency spectrum. Furthermore, the delicate voicing of the K87 capsule has been carefully recreated in some cases.
Neumann U87 Alternatives: sE Electronics sE2200 / sE2300
When you need an uncoloured vocal sound on a budget, look no further than the sE2200 and sE2300 condensers. Both models are fitted with a hand-built 1-inch capsule with a maximum SPL of 125 dB.
Meanwhile, you can still tackle louder sources with the help of the -10 and -20 dB pad settings. In addition, there are high-pass filter points available at 80 and 160 Hz, allowing you to remove any vibration from the signal.
Both the sE2200 and sE2300 will help you capture vocals and guitars cleanly. However, the sE2300 has multipattern functionality, so you can use it in more ambient overhead configurations.
Neumann U87 Alternatives: Warm Audio WA-87
The WA-87 is a meticulous recreation of the classic Neumann U87 at a fraction of the cost. Starting with the discrete components, the vintage K87-style capsule, and a Cinemag output transformer, the WA-87 has all the hallmarks of the original.
Recording loud sources is possible with a maximum SPL of 125 dB and this can be extended with the -10 dB pad switch. In addition, with a NOS Fairchild transistor and WIMA/Nichicon capacitors, you can tell the parts are carefully selected.
Overall, the WA-87 follows Warm Audio’s philosophy, delivering a classic recording tool at a price most musicians can actually afford. If you’re looking for the U87 sound on a budget, this is a great option.
Neumann U87 Alternatives: Sontronics ZETA
The Sontronics ZETA is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser designed to become the most frequently used microphone in your studio. Its design uses a high-sensitivity JFET circuit with a Lundahl transformer to produce a characteristically mix-ready sound with focused midrange and smooth highs, ideal for modern music production.
Handcrafted in Dorset in the south of England, the ZETA uses a Markforged Onyx polymer internal shock mount, which absorbs and reduces vibrations in and around the capsule. With the combination of high-sensitivity and ultra-low-noise circuitry, the ZETA can get great results on a wide range of sound sources.
Of course, it shines on both male and female vocals, but the ZETA is also an excellent choice for acoustic guitars and solo string instruments. In addition, the ZETA is also perfect for stereo mic configurations for applications such as drum overheads or tracking vocal or instrumental ensembles in the live room.
Neumann U87 Alternatives: Mojave MA-201FET and MA-301FET
Mojave Audio was started in a garage in Fullerton, California, in the mid-1980s by David Royer, who drew from his experience as a sonar technician in the US Navy. Over the years, this initiative branched out and became two companies, Royer Labs and Mojave Audio, each distinguished in their own area of the industry: Royer for ribbon mics, and Mojave for condensers.
Within the Mojave range, the cardioid MA-201FET and multipattern MA-301FET are two examples of highly utilitarian mics that could easily become your studio workhorse condenser, just like a U87 would. Both mics use K67-style capsules with 3-micron Mylar diaphragms with a Jensen transformer on the output stage.
This contributes to the low-end punch and 8 kHz presence push that adds to vocal articulation. Compared to the U87’s 6-micron diaphragm, the Mojaves have thinner diaphragms, which means faster, snappier transient response, while the military-grade FET circuitry allows higher SPL handling than the U87.
Neumann U87 Alternatives: Neumann TLM 103
In the 1980s, transformerless microphones began to grow in popularity. In today’s post-production-centric era, mics like the TLM 103 are great tools for getting the glistening modern vocal sound that we hear on pop records.
Although the sound is brighter, the TLM 103 still features a capsule design inspired by the K87. This ensures that your performances will have a wide frequency range and well-articulated dynamics.
Besides its slightly more hyped sound, the TLM 103 can also be easily powered by the average audio interface mic preamp. Overall, this makes it a worthy U87 alternative.
Neumann U87 Alternatives: Universal Audio Sphere
The Universal Audio Sphere mic modelling system provides a platform for recreating the sound of a wide range of classic microphones ranging from the vintage U87 to the Shure SM7 and many more.
In addition, the Sphere system has many other benefits, like Dual-Mode, IsoSphere, and stereo recording (with the Sphere DLX). The expandable mic collection is an attractive feature, and the fact that you can switch mics after recording is impressive.
What’s more, when combined with the Universal Audio Apollo interfaces, you can use the low-latency DSP stage to access a range of vintage preamps when recording.
Neumann U87 Alternatives: Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387
The Atlantis FC-387 from Silicon Valley’s Lauten Audio is an extremely versatile FET condenser designed to become the workhorse in your home studio, especially for vocal recording.
The flexibility of its design starts with the multiple polar patterns, the three different voicing modes (forward, neutral, and gentle), and the ability to boost the gain (+10 dB) for entry-level audio interfaces.
With its impressive feature set, the Atlantis is capable of recreating a U87-like sound with its gentle voicing setting. Moreover, it can fit into any level of studio from a hobbyist setup to a more high-end one.
Neumann U87 Alternatives: Soyuz 017 FET
The Soyuz 017 FET is a workhorse large-diaphragm transformer-balanced FET condenser mic that uses the same body and capsule as the flagship 017 tube mic. This custom 34 mm dual diaphragm capsule is actually inspired by the legendary K67 capsule, which is still in use today inside the modern U87 Ai.
Besides the fact that the 017 FET is a cardioid-only mic, there are fundamental differences in the sonic profile of the 017 FET compared to the U87. While the U87 is known for pushing the midrange forward as well as for its overall clarity, the 017 FET has a warm, creamy, vintage character, whilst having extremely detailed transient response at the same time.
In case you’re wondering about the shape of its brass body, the 017 FET design uses the golden ratio in order to negate internal resonance. In addition, the 017 FET has a -20 dB pad, so you can happily tackle high-SPL sound sources like kick drums and guitar amps if you need to.
FAQ
1. What is the Neumann U87 used for?
The U87 is a versatile large-diaphragm condenser mic that became an industry standard for vocals and voiceover, while also producing excellent results on acoustic instruments, guitar amps, and drums in overhead configurations.
2. What polar patterns does the Neumann U87 have?
It has cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 pickup patterns, so you can use it for a wide range of studio applications including close-miking, ambient, and stereo configurations.
3. Are U87 alternatives good for vocals?
Yes. The balanced, detailed response of U87 alternatives means that they have the ability to capture different types of voices and make them shine, from lead and backing vocals to spoken-word recording.
4. What makes the U87 a studio standard?
The U87 is widely used because it brings vocals to life by pushing the midrange slightly forward. Meanwhile, its flexibility makes it useful with its multipattern functionality, -10 dB pad, and gentle roll-off filter.
5. Do U87 alternatives sound exactly like the original?
No. As each manufacturer has a different design philosophy, U87 alternatives capture different aspects of the U87’s sonic character and versatility. Ensure you listen to comparative examples on different sound sources.
More about Neumann U87 Alternatives:
- Thomann’s Guide to Large-diaphragm Mics*
- AKG C414 Alternatives
- Read more about Microphones on Gearnews
*Note: This article about Neumann U87 Alternatives contains advertising links that help us finance our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
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7 responses to “Neumann U87 Alternatives: Workhorse Condenser Mics”
I can, out of experience, say that wa87 sounds NOTHING like Neumann 87. Not even close. I did a shootout with mk1 and, well, sold the wa87.
They’re both microphones and look kinda similar but that’s where it ends.
This was my impression of it as well. It’s not a bad sounding mic, but it sounds nothing like a U87 and there are better mics for the same amount of money. Advanced Audio makes much better clones in the same price range.
A Horch RM2j is a modern take on the vintage U 47. Not the same but will not disappoint when you’re looking for a similar character.
The Tul F47 is modelled on the Neumann U47 and is a fantastic mic with positive reviews all round. At the price and quality, it is the most overlooked moc out there.
Find a used Soundelux ifet7 and forget about the 87’s of today. I’ve used many Nuemann mic’s throughout the years and personally own a U67 and 2 Soundelux ifet7 mic’s.
Having said that, the ifet7 in V-mode, sounds better than a the best vintage Neumann U87 and dare I say, better than a vintage Neumann fet 47 in I-mode.
I recorded a lot of professional records (vocals) with the ifet7 before buying the U67 and still use the ifet7 for backing vocals to this day.
also The United 87 is an amazing 87 clone and affordable too.
I shot it out with the warm and the United 87 won hands down.
In this thread… self-proclaimed experts who can’t spell.
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