The Neumann is a poly-directional large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Originally introduced in 1967, a version of the is still produced by Georg Neumann GmbH. The became an industry standard recording microphone, a reputation that continues to endure. The was inducted into the TECnology Hall of Fame in 2006.

Features

The has a large 25.4 mm diaphragm, and can operate with any one of three selectable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, or figure-8.

History

Introduced in 1967 as the solid-state successor to the , Neumann introduced the alongside the , , and as part of the company's first 'FET 80' series of microphones that utilized use

solid-state Solid state, or solid matter, is one of the four fundamental states of matter. Solid state may also refer to: Electronics * Solid-state electronics, circuits built of solid materials * Solid state ionics, study of ionic conductors and their ...

FET electronics that didn't require separate power supplies or multi-pin power cables and allowed the mics to be made smaller. The could be powered either by the newly introduced standard of a 48V phantom power supply or two internal 22.5 volt batteries. The original used a modified version of the '' capsule - the ''. From 1968 to 1974, Neumann also offered the , which worked with AB / Tonader powering (rather than 48V phantom power) or internal 9V battery, and used the same '' capsule used by the . In 1986, Neumann introduced the , which no longer required two 22.5V batteries, and was able to use the same capsule as the . A version with XLR connector is appended with a lowercase i, i.e. . The updated version had -3 dB lower self-noise, 5-8 mV/Pa higher

sensitivity Sensitivity may refer to: Science and technology Natural sciences * Sensitivity (physiology), the ability of an organism or organ to respond to external stimuli ** Sensory processing sensitivity in humans * Sensitivity and specificity, statisti ...

, and 5 dB lower maximum SPL capability.

In use

The is more often used for vocals, and has been used in the recording of such notable songs as Neil Young's Heart of Gold,

Culture Club Culture Club are an English pop band formed in London in 1981. The band comprises Boy George (lead vocals), Roy Hay (guitar and keyboards), Mikey Craig (bass guitar) and formerly included Jon Moss (drums and percussion). Emerging in the New ...

's " Do You Really Want to Hurt Me",

Jimmy Buffett James William Buffett (born December 25, 1946) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, and businessman. He is best known for his music, which often portrays an "island escapism" lifestyle. Together with his Coral Reefer Band, Buffet ...

's " Margaritaville", Gary Wright's "

Dream Weaver "Dream Weaver" is a song by the American singer Gary Wright, released as the first single from his third studio album ''The Dream Weaver'' in December 1975. Origins and instrumentation The track features Wright on vocals and keyboards and Jim ...

", War's " Low Rider", Paul Davis' " I Go Crazy", Soft Cell's " Tainted Love",

Aerosmith Aerosmith is an American Rock music, rock band formed in Boston in 1970. The group consists of Steven Tyler (lead vocals), Joe Perry (musician), Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (musician), Tom Hamilton (bass), Joey Kramer (drums) and Brad Whi ...

's " Walk This Way",

Grateful Dead The Grateful Dead was an American rock music, rock band formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California. The band is known for its eclectic style, which fused elements of rock, Folk music, folk, country music, country, jazz, bluegrass music, bluegrass, ...

's " Touch of Grey", Talking Heads' " Road to Nowhere", Don McLean's " American Pie", The Doobie Brothers' " What A Fool Believes", Blondie's " The Tide Is High", and

Frank Zappa Frank Vincent Zappa (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American musician, composer, and bandleader. His work is characterized by wikt:nonconformity, nonconformity, Free improvisation, free-form improvisation, sound experimen ...

long-playing The LP (from "long playing" or "long play") is an analog sound storage medium, a phonograph record format characterized by: a speed of rpm; a 12- or 10-inch (30- or 25-cm) diameter; use of the "microgroove" groove specification; and a ...

album " Lumpy Gravy". It is also an effective microphone for broadcasters, and has been used by individuals and organizations such as Casey Kasem and NPR. The is also popular for micing guitar or instrument amps, or as an overhead microphone.

References

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External links

U 87 Ai Studio Set at Neumann.com
U87 Products introduced in 1967