Neumann U 87 Ai Condenser Microphone. Mid 90s. U87Ai U87.

This listing, like all my listings, is also listed in many places. If I sell it locally/elsewhere first, I'll do my best to get this listing taken down ASAP.

I’m selling my 1997 Neumann U87a i, that’s not a typo, big space between a and i. That version for those in the know.

There was the 70s u87i model, then the early ai ones had a big space between the an and i and later that space was removed. This is a 1997 and has a circuit #2 in it. I have compared this one with new U87ai and it sounds considerably softer and thicker, more forgiving / less sibilant, much closer to the 1970s ones than the newer 87ai ones are (from at least 2018 on, I haven't checked every year but have compared to a 2018 and it's pretty noticeable).

Cosmetics are not perfect, it’s almost 30 years old. But it’s 100% functional and it recently went to the tech and got a clean bill of health (Mike Gattshall in Los Angeles). And most importantly it sounds great.

None of the photos are edited or enhanced or cleaned up whatsoever, I’m showing you full details under clinical light in high res. Some came out more clinical looking than others. The mic under normal light, or especially typical dim studio light looks like the first pic (the one with the case). It's relatively clean looking unless you're putting it under pretty harsh lighting. DM me if you need more info/pics.

There's some impact wear on the XLR input but it's only cosmetic. Cables insert and fit correctly. Everything is 100% functional on this mic.

It's real, I bought it used before China was making knockoffs, have that receipt, and have the email from Neumann dating the serial to 1997.

Contact me about driving distance if you're sort of near Los Angeles.