The Neumann U 87 is a poly-directional large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Originally introduced in 1967, a version of the U 87 is still produced by Georg Neumann GmbH. The U 87 became an industry standard recording microphone, a reputation that continues to endure.^[1][2]

The U 87 was inducted into the TECnology Hall of Fame in 2006.^[3]

The U 87 has a large 25.4 mm diaphragm, and can operate with any one of three selectable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, or figure-8.

Introduced in 1967 as the solid-state successor to the U 67,^[4][5][1] Neumann introduced the U 87 alongside the KM 86, KM 84, and KM 83 as part of the company's first 'FET 80' series of microphones that utilized use solid-state FET electronics that didn't require separate power supplies or multi-pin power cables and allowed the mics to be made smaller.^[6] The U 87 could be powered either by the newly introduced standard of a 48V phantom power supply or two internal 22.5 volt batteries.^[6]

The original U 87 used a modified version of the 'K 67' capsule - the 'K 87'. From 1968 to 1974, Neumann also offered the U 77, which worked with AB / Tonader powering (rather than 48V phantom power) or internal 9V battery, and used the same 'K 67' capsule used by the U 67.^[6]

In 1986, Neumann introduced the U 87A,^[4] which no longer required two 22.5V batteries, and was able to use the same K 67 capsule as the U 67. A version with XLR connector is appended with a lowercase i, i.e. U 87Ai.^[4] The updated version had -3 dB lower self-noise, 5-8 mV/Pa higher sensitivity, and 5 dB lower maximum SPL capability.^[6]

The U 87 is more often used for vocals, and has been used in the recording of such notable songs as Neil Young's Heart of Gold,^[7] Culture Club's "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me",^[8] Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville",^[9] Gary Wright's "Dream Weaver",^[10] War's "Low Rider",^[11] Paul Davis' "I Go Crazy",^[12] Soft Cell's "Tainted Love",^[13] Aerosmith's "Walk This Way",^[14] Grateful Dead's "Touch of Grey",^[15] Talking Heads' "Road to Nowhere",^[16] Don McLean's "American Pie",^[17] The Doobie Brothers' "What A Fool Believes",^[18] Blondie's "The Tide Is High",^[19] and Frank Zappa's long-playing album "Lumpy Gravy".^[20]

It is also an effective microphone for broadcasters, and has been used by individuals and organizations such as Casey Kasem and NPR.^[21][22]

The U 87 is also popular for micing guitar^[23] or instrument amps, or as an overhead microphone.