The Ultimate Neumann U87 Shootout - Is It Worth $4,000?

The Neumann U87 is arguably the most famous microphone in recording history. But is it really worth the near $4,000 price tag? In this ultimate U87 shootout, I put the legendary Neumann U87Ai in a blind head-to-head battle for the top spot against four popular 87-style microphones, all under $700, so you can hear the difference and decide for yourself. This blind microphone comparison covers vocals, acoustic guitar, and spoken word, so you’ll get to hear each mic in real-world recording scenarios. Links to Mics! (using these helps the channel, thank you!) Neumann U87ai Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone: https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/item--NEUU87AISETZ?siid=3917 Warm Audio WA-87 R2 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone: https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/item--WAUWA87R2?siid=285093 The United Studio Technologies UT Twin 87: https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/item--UTDUTTWIN87 Roswell Pro Audio Mini K87: https://www.roswellproaudio.com/chapman Dachman Audio DA87 SE: https://www.dachmanaudio.com/?sca_ref=10393097.24vWojhlskIpJD Preamp Used: A Designs P1 500 Series Mic Pre: sweetwater.sjv.io/kO6NWN GEAR LINKS: What I use for audio: (affiliate unless noted otherwise) My Voiceover Mic: (Not Affiliate) https://www.dachmanaudio.com/products/da-87se My Interface: https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/item--ANEDISCRT4PROSYN?siid=317635 My VoiceOver Preamp: https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/item--BLAAUTEURMK3?siid=313551 My Main Monitors: https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/item--NEUKH120II?siid=335650 My Headphones: https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/item--BEYDT770PRO250?siid=302076 My LiN76 Compressor: https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/item--LIALIN76?siid=322099 Plugins: https://pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=691f3713a627d My Camera Gear: My Main camera: https://amzn.to/40Q93bY My Main Lens: https://amzn.to/3GD2Wkx My Main On Camera Microphone: https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/item--RODVMNTG?siid=272904 My B Lens: https://amzn.to/44GwEgB My Softbox: https://amzn.to/3EyfA2Q Subscribe for real-world, no-hype recording insights: www.Youtube.com/@UC7erPUP_HjRQvLg53ck1_Aw Follow me on TikTok/IG: @andrew_chapman Business inquiries: andrewcchapman@gmail.com #homestudio #homerecording #neumann #recording Timestamps: Intro: 0:00 The Legacy of the U87: 0:31 The Differing Opinions Of The U87: 1:08 Warm Audio WA87 R2: 2:24 Roswell Audio Mini K87: 3:31 Dachman Audio DA87 SE: 5:31 United Studio Technologies UT Twin 87: 6:18 This Shootout is BLIND: 6:58 DISCLAIMER: 7:26 Audio Samples - Acoustic Guitar: 7:53 Audio Samples - Vocals: 9:37 Audio Samples - Voiceover: 11:03 The Reveal!: 14:00 Having Fun With Microphones: 15:08