The air in Studio A, even after all these years, still holds a certain… expectation. That hush just before the first take. The weight of a thousand legends, countless hit records hanging in the very fabric of the room. And sitting there, centered like a sovereign, is the Neumann U 87 Ai.

You know the drill. It’s the industry workhorse, the one you reach for when you absolutely, positively need to nail it. The pressure-gradient transducer, with its double membrane capsule, is the heart of it. It’s built for that. I’ve seen it handle everything from whisper-quiet vocals to screaming guitar amps, and the results are always consistently superb. This microphone is not just an option; it’s the definitive starting point.

Recently, I had a singer – a real powerhouse with a tendency to get intense – who was fighting some low-frequency rumble on her vocal tracks. We initially thought it was her voice itself, but after some experimentation, we realized it was the room acoustics. Thankfully, the U 87 Ai has that switchable low-frequency roll-off. Flicking that to “on” tightened things up immediately. Saved the session, no drama. Which, let’s be honest, is what we’re always aiming for.

Unlike some of the newer, more “innovative” microphones flooding the market, which sometimes feel more concerned with marketing hype than actual sound, the U 87 Ai just works. Forget chasing the latest fad; stick with a classic that is refined for a reason. Yes, some newer mics might boast higher SPL handling, but at what cost? The U 87 Ai’s sound signature is something truly special.

One minor quibble: the shock mount that comes with it, while functional, isn’t exactly the most robust. You could upgrade. Or you can do what I do: make sure you have a good, solid mic stand and carefully tighten the clamp. Problem solved. It’s a small price to pay for legendary performance.

Sure, you could consider a U 87’s predecessor, the U 87i. While they share a familiar lineage, the Ai has a higher headroom and clearer sound, making it a more versatile option for modern recording techniques. Though, of course, if you’re after a warmer, more vintage sound, the older version could be your thing.

For the professional engineer, or the serious home studio enthusiast looking to make a real investment in quality, the Neumann U 87 Ai is a must-have. This isn’t just a microphone; it’s a statement. Go on. Get one. You won’t regret it. Just budget for a decent pop filter – trust me on that one.