Advice for Building a U87 Clone

[Lakewood]

I would be very interested.

Already sold

 

[Barry Hufker]

"A warning for the UT87twin: I have had one here but I returned it to the seller the same day... It sounds nothing like a U87."
@RuudNL
Thank you for posting this statement. I am glad OP has the benefit of your direct experience. I would be sad if he had taken my advice and had been disappointed.

 

[ccb]

The United Twin87 I had was well built and had the voltage to the cap switch which was unique, sensitivity to duplicate 8 or 28 mv/pa, and there was the common mod for U87 also the RF filter can be added (modern87) or off (old 87).
Seems most like the classic old U87, lower sensitivity/aka output..less hot.

But I do not have U87 side by side so is it in "sound", I don't know. Im not trying to sell this one but found the "modification" interesting.

 

[micolas]

The United Twin87 I had was well built and had the voltage to the cap switch which was unique, sensitivity to duplicate 8 or 28 mv/pa, and there was the common mod for U87 also the RF filter can be added (modern87) or off (old 87).
Seems most like the classic old U87, lower sensitivity/aka output..less hot.

But I do not have U87 side by side so is it in "sound", I don't know. Im not trying to sell this one but found the "modification" interesting.

@RuudNL is right.

https://groupdiy.com/threads/advice-for-building-a-u87-clone.86242/post-1136767

UT Twin-87 cannot sound like U87.
Even if it had the same capsule and circuit as the U87, because of the headbasket (shape, dimensions, meshes), capsule position, body, etc., it cannot sound the same.

 

[SubSpec]

@RuudNL is right.

https://groupdiy.com/threads/advice-for-building-a-u87-clone.86242/post-1136767

UT Twin-87 cannot sound like U87.
Even if it had the same capsule and circuit as the U87, because of the headbasket (shape, dimensions, meshes), capsule position, body, etc., it cannot sound the same.

Soooo...

Who has recommendations on a donor body I might attempt to swap the headbasket from to my Twin87?

I don't expect anything will just fit, but it appears the dimensions of the Twin are similar to the standard 87 style body sizes all over Ali so perhaps something might work. I just don't want to order any random body and get some plastic thing.

I don't have any gripes with the sound of the Twin, I like it well, but I don't have any other 87 style mics (aside from modded Perception) and would be interested to see how it changed the sound.

Edit to add:
Though M&M don't have the best rep 'round these parts, they do sell a standalone '87 style headbasket and the published specs match the Twin's dimensions. Unless some has a solid suggestion that comes out to be less bucks I may just go that route.

 

[micolas]

Soooo...

Who has recommendations on a donor body I might attempt to swap the headbasket from to my Twin87?

I don't expect anything will just fit, but it appears the dimensions of the Twin are similar to the standard 87 style body sizes all over Ali so perhaps something might work. I just don't want to order any random body and get some plastic thing.

I don't have any gripes with the sound of the Twin, I like it well, but I don't have any other 87 style mics (aside from modded Perception) and would be interested to see how it changed the sound.

As we are in a group of DIY enthusiasts, I would make my own handmade headbasket ( it doesn't matter if it doesn't look great aesthetically )
and do tests. I like to do this, I like to experiment, even @kingkorg often makes heabaskets that are as acoustically transparent as possible but that electromagnetically shield the capsule (Faraday cage).
Then, depending on the results I would buy (or not) a suitable body/headbasket.
The closest to the original U87 are
HL-95 (and HL-77)

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EwgQbZ5

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EwJeehD

 

[Geariatric]

Unless you have your heart set on building a clone, I'd readily buy a United Studio Technologies Twin 87. You get a vintage and modern U87 sound for $449 (currently on sale). I own a Signal Art Technologies U48 (the sister company to United), and have corresponded with Chad Kelly (owner). He is an ethical, dedicated, knowledgeable person who makes some clever, well-made products. My U48 is very well done and sounds great. Granted, the Twin doesn't look like an 87, but it sounds like one (two actually). This is my best advice.

Video with audio examples:
Website: UT Twin87 | United Studio Technologies

Don’t want to stray too much from the topic, but since he was mentioned, just wanted to add that I’ve also had nothing but good experiences with Chad Kelly. He’s a meticulous and trustworthy guy.
Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have paid much attention to the United stuff, but for his involvement.
However, I’m sad to say I haven’t tried any of their stuff in person, because I’ve been a little disappointed by what I’ve heard in YouTube vids I’ve checked out. (Not a perfect way to judge, I know, but usually close enough with comparisons to help me decide if something’s worth checking further into.)

Please keep us posted on the headbasket swap, @SubSpec! Very interested in seeing how it goes.
Enquiring minds want to know!

 

[OSSO AUDIO]

Soooo...

Who has recommendations on a donor body I might attempt to swap the headbasket from to my Twin87?

I don't expect anything will just fit, but it appears the dimensions of the Twin are similar to the standard 87 style body sizes all over Ali so perhaps something might work. I just don't want to order any random body and get some plastic thing.

I don't have any gripes with the sound of the Twin, I like it well, but I don't have any other 87 style mics (aside from modded Perception) and would be interested to see how it changed the sound.

Edit to add:
Though M&M don't have the best rep 'round these parts, they do sell a standalone '87 style headbasket and the published specs match the Twin's dimensions. Unless some has a solid suggestion that comes out to be less bucks I may just go that route.

I agree with micolas,

Recently bought one of these units U87 Clone Donor body's (https://a.aliexpress.com/_EwgQbZ5 HL-95). Even came with a U87ai nameplate sticker for the base, which is a nice touch.

 

[SubSpec]

Well, I hacked an M-Audio Nova headbasket onto a Twin87. I didn't expect the results to be quite so poignant, but from all I've heard 'round these parts I shouldn't be surprised the headbasket has such an impact.

Here's a thread on the subject:
https://groupdiy.com/threads/united-twin87-headbasket-experimentation.87826/