The U87 microphone has long been a staple in professional voiceover and audio recording, offering unparalleled clarity and accuracy. Known for its ability to capture a wide range of frequencies, it is especially favored for its detailed midrange and smooth high frequencies, making it a top choice for both voice talent and engineers. This versatility allows it to perform exceptionally well in various recording environments, from studios to remote setups.

Key Features:

  • Three selectable polar patterns: omni, cardioid, and figure-eight.
  • High sensitivity for capturing subtle vocal nuances.
  • Low self-noise for clean recordings in diverse soundscapes.

Applications:

  1. Voiceover for animated films and video games.
  2. Commercial and audiobook narration.
  3. Radio broadcasting and podcasting.

"The U87 is an industry standard due to its ability to handle various voice types while providing a transparent and natural sound profile."

Whether for broadcast purposes or artistic voice recordings, the U87 consistently delivers high-quality results, earning its reputation as one of the most reliable mics in the market.

Feature Specification
Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL 127 dB
Self-Noise 12 dB(A)

How to Set Up U87 for Optimal Performance in Your Studio

The Neumann U87 is a renowned microphone, prized for its clarity and precision in voiceover work. To ensure that you're getting the most out of this iconic mic, it's essential to properly set it up in your recording space. While the U87 is designed to handle various sound sources, fine-tuning its placement, settings, and environment will significantly impact your recording quality. Here’s how to optimize the U87 for voiceover recording in a professional studio.

Before diving into specifics, it's important to understand the U87’s versatility. It features multiple polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8) that can be adjusted depending on your recording needs. This flexibility allows you to tailor the microphone's response for different acoustic environments and vocal types. Below are essential steps and considerations for achieving the best possible results when using the U87 for voiceover recordings.

1. Microphone Placement and Polar Pattern

  • Positioning: Place the U87 approximately 6-12 inches away from your mouth, aiming the mic slightly off-axis to avoid plosive sounds. Adjust this distance based on the tone and volume of your voice.
  • Polar Pattern Selection: For most voiceover applications, cardioid mode is ideal. This pattern focuses on the sound in front of the microphone and reduces unwanted background noise from the sides and rear.
  • Mic Height and Angle: Ensure the microphone is positioned at mouth level and angle it slightly downwards or upwards to minimize reflections from surfaces in front of you.

2. Acoustic Treatment

Even the best microphone won't perform at its peak if the recording environment is poorly treated. U87’s sensitive nature means that untreated rooms with hard surfaces will cause unwanted reflections, making the recording sound muddy.

  • Room Treatment: Use soundproofing materials such as bass traps and diffusers in the corners of your room. Absorption panels on walls and ceilings will help reduce reflections that might color the recording.
  • Pop Filter: A pop filter is essential for eliminating plosives (hard "P" and "B" sounds). Position it between your mouth and the microphone to reduce these disruptive noises.

3. Gain Staging and Preamp Settings

Setting the right input gain is crucial for preventing distortion while maintaining clarity. The U87 requires a high-quality preamp to perform optimally. Here's a quick guide for setting your gain correctly:

  1. Gain Level: Set the preamp gain to achieve a healthy input level. Aim for peaks around -6 dB to -3 dB on your DAW to ensure clean, distortion-free recordings.
  2. Preamp Choice: Use a transparent preamp that complements the U87’s natural frequency response. Some preferred options include the Universal Audio 610 or the API 512c.

4. Additional Settings and Tips

Setting Recommendation
High-Pass Filter Engage the high-pass filter at around 80 Hz to eliminate low-end rumble and unwanted room noise.
Attenuation Pad Use the -10 dB pad if you're recording louder sounds or in a high-pressure level environment to avoid distortion.

"The U87 is a sensitive microphone, and proper setup ensures that its detailed response captures the nuances of your voice without picking up unwanted background noise."

How to Set Gain and Levels for Clear Voiceover Recordings with U87

The Neumann U87 is a classic microphone, well-known for its natural, accurate sound reproduction, making it a top choice for voiceover work. Achieving clear and balanced recordings with the U87 involves setting proper gain and levels, as these can significantly impact the quality of the voice captured. Without the correct adjustments, your recordings might be too quiet, distorted, or lack the clarity needed for professional results.

To ensure the best possible outcome, it's essential to monitor and adjust both the input gain on your audio interface and the output levels during the recording process. Too much gain will cause clipping, while too little can result in weak or muffled recordings. The goal is to find a balance that captures the voice’s full dynamic range without any distortion or excessive noise.

Key Steps for Setting the Right Gain and Levels

  • Set the Gain on Your Audio Interface: Begin by adjusting the gain on your audio interface or preamp. Start with the gain knob at a lower setting and gradually increase it while monitoring the input levels on your recording software.
  • Monitor Input Levels: Aim for input levels that peak around -6dB to -3dB. This range allows the microphone to capture the full range of your voice without distortion.
  • Use a Pop Filter: A pop filter helps minimize plosives and sudden bursts of air, which can overload the microphone’s sensitivity and introduce unwanted distortion.
  • Check for Clipping: Continuously monitor the recording to ensure that the signal doesn’t clip. If the levels are consistently in the red zone, reduce the gain until the signal is stable.
  • Maintain Consistent Distance from the Microphone: Stay at a consistent distance (around 6–12 inches) to maintain even recording levels and prevent fluctuations in volume.

Optimizing Levels During Recording

  1. Adjust Your Voice Dynamics: If your voice has a wide dynamic range, practice maintaining a consistent volume while speaking. Avoid sudden loud noises that can overload the mic.
  2. Check Post-Processing Levels: After recording, use a compressor or limiter to smooth out any volume fluctuations, ensuring an even output without introducing clipping.
  3. Consider Room Acoustics: A room with minimal reflection and background noise will help maintain cleaner recordings at lower gain settings.

Important: Always perform a test recording before starting the session to ensure that the gain levels are correctly set for your voice. A test will also help identify any unwanted noise or distortion that can be corrected before recording the entire voiceover.

Quick Reference Table: Ideal Gain Settings for U87

Microphone Gain Recording Level Recommended Adjustment
Low (10–20%) -20dB to -12dB Too low for clarity, requires adjustment
Medium (30–50%) -12dB to -6dB Ideal for most voiceover work
High (60–100%) -6dB to 0dB Risk of distortion, reduce gain if clipping occurs

Maintaining Your U87 Microphone for Longevity and Peak Performance

The U87 is a renowned microphone, favored by professionals for its exceptional sound quality and durability. However, like any high-end audio equipment, it requires proper care to maintain its performance over time. Regular maintenance will help ensure your U87 continues to deliver crisp, clear sound, and lasts for many years. Here are some essential practices to keep your microphone in top condition.

Maintaining the U87 microphone involves several key steps: keeping it clean, storing it properly, and checking for any potential issues regularly. Understanding the do’s and don’ts will allow you to avoid common pitfalls and ensure consistent, high-quality recordings. Below are some tips and practices that will help you preserve the longevity of your U87 microphone.

Cleaning and Handling

Proper cleaning is one of the most important aspects of microphone care. Dust and moisture can degrade the performance of your U87 over time. Follow these steps for proper maintenance:

  • Always use a soft, dry cloth to clean the microphone body.
  • Never touch the microphone’s diaphragm with your hands; oils from your skin can damage it.
  • If you need to clean the grill, use a gentle brush to remove dust.

Storage Recommendations

When not in use, storing the microphone properly is crucial for its longevity.

  1. Store your U87 in its original case when not in use.
  2. Keep the microphone in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
  3. Avoid placing the microphone near heat sources or in areas with high humidity.

Regular Checkups and Testing

To ensure your U87 is always performing at its best, periodically check the following:

  • Examine the cable for wear and tear, and replace it if needed.
  • Check the connectors for any dust or debris that may cause signal issues.
  • Test the microphone in different environments to ensure there is no distortion or loss of sound quality.

“A well-maintained microphone is an investment that will continue to perform for years, providing exceptional sound quality for every recording.”

Quick Reference Table

Maintenance Task Frequency
Clean the body Every 2-3 weeks
Inspect the cable Monthly
Test microphone performance Every 6 months

By following these simple practices, you can ensure your U87 microphone delivers high-quality recordings for years to come.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Using the U87 for Voiceover Projects

The Neumann U87 is a popular choice for voiceover work due to its versatility and excellent sound capture. However, getting the best results requires more than just plugging it in and recording. There are several common mistakes that can affect the quality of the recording, and knowing how to avoid them is essential for achieving professional results.

Understanding the limitations and proper setup of the U87 microphone can help optimize its potential. Below are some key pitfalls to avoid when using this iconic microphone for voiceover projects.

1. Incorrect Microphone Placement

The placement of the U87 plays a critical role in the final sound. The microphone’s cardioid pattern picks up sound primarily from the front, but it can also capture unwanted room reflections if positioned incorrectly.

  • Avoid direct placement too close to the mouth: This can lead to distortion or harsh plosives.
  • Consider using a pop filter: A pop filter will help mitigate the impact of air blasts from “p” and “b” sounds.
  • Maintain proper distance: A distance of about 6-12 inches from the mic is generally recommended for most voiceover work.

2. Ignoring Acoustic Treatment

Using the U87 in an untreated room can result in unwanted reflections, reverb, and background noise, which can drastically degrade the clarity of the voice recording.

  • Soundproof your recording space: Minimize external noise from traffic, HVAC, or electronics.
  • Use absorption materials: Acoustic panels or foam can reduce room reflections that negatively impact the recording.
  • Test your room acoustics: Always listen back to check for any unwanted reverb or background noise.

3. Overloading the Preamp

The U87 is a sensitive microphone, and if the preamp gain is too high, it can lead to clipping and distortion, especially during louder passages.

  1. Set proper preamp levels: Ensure that the gain is set so that the recording peaks at around -6dB to -3dB.
  2. Monitor input levels: Use a reliable level meter to avoid overdriving the preamp.
  3. Use a high-quality preamp: Match the U87 with a suitable preamp that can handle its sensitivity.

4. Lack of Proper Headphone Monitoring

Not using good-quality headphones or failing to properly monitor recordings can result in missing subtle issues such as distortion, unwanted noise, or improper mic placement.

Always listen critically with high-fidelity headphones to catch any imperfections in real-time.

5. Overlooking the Use of High-Pass Filters

The U87 is very sensitive to low frequencies, which means it can pick up unwanted rumble or noise from the environment, such as air conditioning or vibrations from the floor.

Common Low-Frequency Issues Solution
Low-frequency hum Enable the high-pass filter on your interface or microphone.
Environmental noise Use a shock mount to reduce vibrations.