Why the Neumann U87 Still Reigns Supreme in Professional Voice Recording
Introduction
Ask any seasoned engineer or voice talent what their go-to microphone is for voiceover, vocals, or narration — and chances are the Neumann U87 will come up. Often described as the industry standard for studio voice recording, the U87 has earned its reputation across decades of sessions, from chart-topping albums to global ad campaigns.
At Kore Sounds, the U87 is one of our most-requested microphones — and for good reason. In this post, we explore what makes the U87 so iconic, how it performs across different session types, and why it continues to be a trusted tool in our vocal chain.
The History of the U87: Built to Last
First introduced in 1967, the Neumann U87 was developed as a multi-pattern condenser mic with a refined tone and broadcast-level clarity. It quickly became a favourite in top recording studios, radio stations, and film post-production suites.
Over the years, its components have been updated, but the essential tonal character, versatility, and build qualityhave remained intact. It’s not just a legacy mic — it’s still a leader.
What Makes the U87 Unique?
1. Signature Sound
The U87 delivers a sound that’s simultaneously detailed, warm, and neutral — making it incredibly flattering for a wide range of voices and musical instruments. It adds just enough colour to make things sound polished without feeling overly hyped.
Smooth upper mids
Subtle low-end lift
Gentle high-end presence (without harshness)
This balance is what makes it work just as well on a gravelly voiceover as on a delicate vocal performance.
2. Multi-Pattern Flexibility
The U87 features three polar patterns:
Cardioid (most common for vocals and VO)
Omnidirectional (for ambient or ensemble settings)
Figure-8 (for duets or creative setups)
This versatility allows engineers to adapt the mic to a range of acoustic environments and source types, all without switching gear.
3. Consistency and Reliability
One of the biggest strengths of the U87 is how repeatable and dependable it is across sessions. If you’ve dialled in a sound for one project, chances are you’ll get a near-identical result next time.
This makes it ideal for:
Long-form productions (e.g. audiobooks, series VO)
Commercial work with recurring talent
Music projects needing vocal consistency across tracks
How We Use the U87 at Kore Sounds
At Kore Sounds, we keep two U87s in our mic locker — including a beautifully preserved 1975 vintage model and a modern U87 Ai.
They’re regularly used in:
🎙️ Voiceover Sessions
The U87 captures spoken word with clarity and presence, making it a go-to for commercial VO, corporate narration, and branded content. Paired with our Grace Designs m501 or Neve 1073 preamps, it delivers pristine results with minimal post.
🎤 Vocal Recording for Music
From modern pop toplines to soul and indie vocals, the U87 handles dynamics beautifully. It smooths harsh edges and lifts quiet details without pushing the top end too hard.
🎬 ADR and Dialogue
Even in dense film sessions, the U87’s focused response helps cut through. It’s often used when a slightly warmer tone is preferred over the more directional Sennheiser MKH60.
Vintage U87 vs Modern U87 Ai — What's the Difference?
Our vintage 1975 U87 has a slightly softer transient response and a rounder low-mid warmth — often preferred for spoken voice and sung vocals. The modern Ai model has a brighter top end and higher output, which can be useful in busy or layered mixes.
Both sound phenomenal. We often let clients test both and choose based on tone preference.
Alternatives: Why Choose the U87 Over Other Mics?
There are other great microphones on the market — and we carry many of them at Kore Sounds (like the SM7B, MKH60, and DPA 4060). But the U87 consistently stands out for:
Ease of use: It just works on most voices
Client confidence: Many recognise and trust the brand
Workflow speed: Less time EQing and fixing in post
In short, the U87 is rarely the wrong choice.
Final Thoughts
In a world of ever-evolving gear, the Neumann U87 remains a benchmark. It’s not just iconic — it’s reliable, musical, and always ready to deliver.
Whether you’re recording a high-stakes voiceover session, tracking a final vocal for release, or crafting an emotional ADR performance, the U87 brings out the best in your voice with minimal fuss and maximum fidelity.
Want to book a session using our Neumann U87? Get in touch to hear the difference for yourself.