Neumann U87 versions

[mrtnasty]

Hi, I was wondering your all's opinions on the following questions:

1) Does a vintage u87 sound better than a current production u87ai?
2) Does an older u87ai sound better than a current production u87ai?
2b) If an older u87ai sounds better, what is the cutoff year for a better sounding one?
3) Does a vintage u87 sound better than an older u87ai?

Thanks,
David

 

[soliloqueen]

1. it sounds different, mostly due to anatomical differences in the capsule IME
2. it depends
2b. most people seem to agree online that u87ais between the mid 2000s and mid 2010s are a little light in the bass in comparison to units before and after. it's not a huge issue, but it's there. this is multifactorial. mostly, allegedly, it's a capsule tension issue, and also an issue with the daughterboard pcb they used. brand new u87Ais, again allegedly, sound about the same as ones from before they developed this issue.
4. it sounds different

current production u87ais are, as of 2021, broadly considered to be "pretty good" from what i've heard from others, and you can probably buy a new u87ai without worrying if you want. i don't know very much about neumann hardware after 1985 compared to people who keep more up to date

 

[RuudNL]

U87i vs. U87ai

 

[granger.frederic]

Hi, don't forget that HiZ parts are non encapsulated in the Ai...
I think the modification's worth the effort and cleans the sound...
Regards
Fred