We’re looking at Neumann U87 alternatives for vocal recording in your home studio. Are there other ways to get that classic vocal sound?
Since its introduction in 1967, the U87 has established itself as the gold standard in recording studios worldwide. Loved for the delicate high-frequency sheen it imparts on vocals, the U87’s transparency captures every ounce of emotion from the booth.
Neumann U87 Alternatives
While the U87 is still one of the most sought-after mics available, it remains out of reach for most of us in terms of its affordability. Luckily, there are other mics based on the iconic transformer-balanced FET condenser design with similar pressure-gradient capsules.
Of course, no mic will sound identical to the legend. However, there are other options available that have similar characteristics across the frequency spectrum. Furthermore, the delicate voicing of the K87 capsule has been carefully recreated in some cases.
sE Electronics sE2200 / sE2300
When you need an uncoloured vocal sound on a budget, look no further than the sE2200 and sE2300 condensers. Both models are fitted with a hand-built 1-inch capsule with a maximum SPL of 125 dB.
Meanwhile, you can still tackle louder sources with the help of the -10 and -20 dB pad settings. In addition, there are high-pass filter points available at 80 and 160 Hz allowing you to remove any vibration from the signal.
Both the sE2200 and sE2300 will help you capture vocals and guitars cleanly. However, the sE2300 has multipattern functionality, so you can use it in more ambient overhead configurations.
Warm Audio WA-87
The WA-87 is a meticulous recreation of the classic Neumann U87 at a fraction of the cost. Starting with the discrete components, the vintage K87-style capsule, and a Cinemag output transformer, the WA-87 has all the hallmarks of the original.
Recording loud sources is possible with a maximum SPL of 125 dB and this can be extended with the -10 dB pad switch. In addition, with a NOS Fairchild transistor and WIMA/Nichicon capacitors, you can tell the parts are carefully selected.
Overall, the WA-87 follows Warm Audio’s philosophy, delivering a classic recording tool at a price most musicians can actually afford. If you’re looking for the U87 sound on a budget, this is a great option.
Neumann TLM 103
In the 1980s, transformerless microphones began to grow in popularity. In today’s post-production-centric era, mics like the TLM 103 are great tools for getting the glistening modern vocal sound that we hear on pop records.
Although the sound is brighter, the TLM 103 still features a capsule design inspired by the K87. This ensures that your performances will have a wide frequency range and well-articulated dynamics.
Besides its slightly more hyped sound, the TLM 103 can also be easily powered by the average audio interface mic preamp. Overall, this makes it a worthy U87 alternative.
Universal Audio Sphere
The Universal Audio Sphere mic modelling system provides a platform for recreating the sound of a wide range of classic microphones ranging from the vintage U87 to the Shure SM7 and many more.
In addition, the Sphere system has many other benefits like Dual-Mode, IsoSphere, and stereo recording (with the Sphere DLX). The expandable mic collection is an attractive feature and the fact that you can switch mics after recording is impressive.
What’s more, when combined with the Universal Audio Apollo interfaces, you can use the low-latency DSP stage to access a range of vintage preamps when recording.
Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387
The Atlantis FC-387 from Silicon Valley’s Lauten Audio is an extremely versatile FET condenser designed to become the workhorse in your home studio especially for vocal recording.
The flexibility of its design starts with the multiple polar patterns, the three different voicing modes (forward, neutral, and gentle), and the ability to boost the gain (+10 dB) for entry-level audio interfaces.
With its impressive feature set, the Atlantis is capable of recreating a U87-like sound with its gentle voicing setting. Moreover, it can fit into any level of studio from a hobbyist setup to a more high-end one.
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