Unveiling the Neumann U87: A Journey into Sound Evolution

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Legacy of Neumann: A Pioneer of Condenser Microphone Technology
• The Birth of the CMV3: Neumann's First Commercially Available Condenser Microphone
• Advancements in Sound Quality: The U47 and its Impact on the Recording Industry
• Transition to a Clearer Sound: The Rise of Condenser Microphones in the 1950s
• The Versatile U67: A New Capsule and Improved Design
• Enter the Solid-State Era: The Development of the U87
• The U87's Unique Features and Variants
• The U87's Influence and Popularity in the Recording Industry
• The Sheer Versatility of the U87: An Engineer's Second Favorite Mic
• Conclusion

The Legacy of Neumann: A Pioneer of Condenser Microphone Technology

George Neumann, the founder of Neumann Company, played a significant role in the advancement of condenser microphones. While he wasn't the inventor of the technology, he was responsible for providing the first commercially available condenser microphone named the CMV3 or the "bottle" due to its distinctive Shape. This microphone brought a significant improvement in sound quality compared to the previous carbon and ribbon microphones, offering a more linear frequency response extended up to 15 kilohertz. However, the condenser microphones of that era required a substantial power supply.

The Birth of the CMV3: Neumann's First Commercially Available Condenser Microphone

George Neumann's success with the CMV3 microphone led to the establishment of the Neumann Company in 1928. The CMV3 was a groundbreaking innovation in its time, providing a significantly better signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity compared to carbon and ribbon microphones. However, the drawback was its hefty power supply requirement. Despite this, the CMV3 became widely accepted in the recording industry and was used by renowned artists of that era.

Advancements in Sound Quality: The U47 and its Impact on the Recording Industry

Neumann's Quest for further design enhancements led to the development of the U47 microphone in 1949. This microphone utilized the M7 capsule, which Neumann had previously developed for the CMV3 microphone. The U47 was a game-changer, gaining widespread acceptance in the recording industry worldwide. Artists such as Frank Sinatra and The Beatles used the U47 to capture a dynamic and upfront sound, well-suited for pop music.

Transition to a Clearer Sound: The Rise of Condenser Microphones in the 1950s

In the 1950s, the recording industry witnessed a shift towards a sharper, clearer, and more present sound. This was made possible by the use of condenser microphones with an elevated upper mid-range response. The U47, distributed worldwide under the Telefunken brand, played a crucial role in this Sonic transformation. Artists such as Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley embraced this new sound, which perfectly complemented the ballads and love songs popular at the time.

The Versatile U67: A New Capsule and Improved Design

With the evolving demands of the recording industry, Neumann introduced the U67 microphone. This microphone featured the new K67 capsule, replacing the M7 capsule used in the U47. The K67 capsule, made of Durable mylar, offered improved quality and consistency in capturing sound. The U67 was highly versatile and found its use not only in capturing vocals but also in orchestral recordings in stereo.

Enter the Solid-State Era: The Development of the U87

In 1967, Neumann made a significant departure from all-tube designs and introduced the U87, a solid-state version of the iconic U67 microphone. While retaining the K67-style capsule for consistent front and rear response, the U87 employed a field-effect transistor (FET) circuitry, eliminating the need for a separate power supply. The introduction of the U87 heralded a new era in microphone technology, and the 48V phantom power standard invented by George Neumann is still widely used today.

The U87's Unique Features and Variants

The U87 is a tripolar-fit condenser microphone that offers selectable cardioid, omni, and figure-of-eight polar Patterns. It features a transformer-coupled output, providing a signature sound that has become iconic in the recording industry. Over the years, Neumann has introduced various variants of the U87 circuit, each with its unique characteristics. While there may be debates over which variant is better, all versions of the U87 possess a strong signature sound that can be enhanced with a little bit of EQ.

The U87's Influence and Popularity in the Recording Industry

The U87 has consistently featured on numerous hit records and is arguably one of the most widely used microphones in history. Its versatility is unmatched, making it a go-to choice for capturing vocals, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, pianos, drums, and even whole orchestras. Engineers across the globe consider the U87 as their second favorite microphone, a testament to its sheer adaptability and ability to deliver exceptional results in various applications.

The Sheer Versatility of the U87: An Engineer's Second Favorite Mic

Being an engineer's second favorite microphone may not sound like the ultimate compliment at first glance, but considering the vast array of microphone choices available, it is indeed a tremendous endorsement. The U87's ability to excel in multiple recording scenarios, from capturing intimate vocal performances to reproducing the grandeur of a full orchestral arrangement, is an irreplaceable asset. Its distinct sound signature, coupled with its exceptional quality and reliability, has secured its place as an industry standard that has stood the test of time.

Conclusion

The Neumann U87 has a rich legacy as a pioneer of condenser microphone technology. Its Journey, starting from the CMV3 to the U87, has been marked by continuous advancements in sound quality, innovative design changes, and widespread acceptance by renowned artists. The U87's versatility, iconic sound, and popularity have cemented its position as one of the most significant microphones in the history of recording. Whether recording vocals, instruments, or entire ensembles, the U87 continues to deliver exceptional results, making it an indispensable tool for engineers and musicians alike.

Highlights

• The Neumann U87 is a renowned condenser microphone that has become an industry standard.
• George Neumann, the founder of Neumann Company, played a significant role in the advancement of condenser microphone technology.
• The U47 microphone, released in 1949, gained widespread acceptance in the recording industry and was used by renowned artists such as Frank Sinatra and The Beatles.
• The U87, introduced in 1967 as a solid-state version of the U67, marked a significant departure from all-tube designs, revolutionizing microphone technology.
• The U87's versatility and exceptional sound quality have made it a go-to choice for recording vocals, instruments, and orchestras.
• The U87's immense popularity and wide usage have solidified its status as an engineer's second favorite microphone.

FAQ

Q: What makes the Neumann U87 microphone special? A: The Neumann U87 is renowned for its exceptional sound quality, versatility, and reliability. It has become an industry standard and is widely used across various recording applications.

Q: Can the Neumann U87 be used in different recording scenarios? A: Yes, the U87 is highly versatile and can be used to capture vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, pianos, drums, and even whole orchestras.

Q: What distinguishes the U87 from other microphones? A: The U87's distinct sound signature, coupled with its exceptional quality and reliability, sets it apart from other microphones. Its popularity and widespread usage among engineers attest to its unique capabilities.

Q: Are there different variants of the U87 microphone? A: Yes, over the years, Neumann has introduced various variants of the U87 circuit, each with its unique characteristics.

Q: Why is the U87 referred to as an engineer's second favorite microphone? A: Being an engineer's second favorite microphone is actually a significant compliment. It indicates that despite the availability of numerous microphone choices, the U87 is highly regarded and widely used, making it a trusted tool for recording professionals.