A sophisticated, world-class professional tool
The Neumann U 89 i is a further development of the classic U 87 and is specifically designed for use in conjunction with it. A total of five polar patterns, a two-stage low-cut filter and switchable pre-attenuation ensure maximum versatility with this microphone. The circuitry is closely related to that of the U 87, um bspw. ensuring a consistent overall sound, whether in an M/S configuration or when using both microphones for separate recording tracks. However, the U 89 um has a 17 dB wider Grenzschalldruckpegel than the U 87 – equivalent to seven times the sound pressure level – and achieves a linear frequency response even well outside the microphone’s axis.
The dream team of audio technology
Due to the K89 capsule, which differs from that of the U 87, the U 89’s Frequenzgang is significantly more even and does not exhibit the peak in the upper presence range at around 8 kHz found in the U 87. Instead, Neumann has managed to achieve a subtle attenuation at around 7 kHz in the U 89 microphone. Its sound character therefore produces much less presence and has a more mellowing effect; signal types that, in the range um 8 kHz, tend to exhibit peaks that are often difficult to control in the Mix can be captured without any problems using the U 89, even at close range. Foremost among these are, of course, Hihat s and cymbals, but also certain vocal timbres with over-emphasised ‘s’ sounds or strings that sometimes tend to sound harsh. Thanks to this – and, of course, due to the exceptional flexibility of the U 89 i – the two large-diaphragm condenser microphones, the U 87 Ai and the U 89 i, complement each other perfectly.
