BeesNeez B87i C Special offer Special offer

Product description

Text by BeesNeez

For many years, the Neumann* U87 through its many revisions has found a place among the most usable studio microphones of all time. In fact, it is the only model that has been continually made since its release almost 50 years ago! Of the many revisions, the favourite is the original early model U87i. Why did this version of the U87 become the favourite? It was the overall musical tone that was much less sterile than the current U87Ai that helped the U87i become the most sought after and highest valued U87 model. In the used market these days, the buyer’s first question is always: “Is it the one with the battery compartment? If so, I’ll take it!”

Clones, clones, clones — they are everywhere! So, what makes ours different? We at BeesNeez are the only microphone company to make the capsule, circuit, and the transformer for a clone version of the U87i. Other companies are restricted to buying these most important parts. For them, this means you get what you get. For us however, this is not, nor has never been, the case. If we want to make a mic, we make the most important parts ourselves to ensure the end result is exactly what we’re looking for.

We decided to make the cardioid-only version to keep the signal chain as short as possible. We managed to source a decent supply of original NOS (end of life) 2N3819 Fets to help us achieve the desired time period sound of the U87i.

The U87i became the most-sought-after, highest-valued U87 model. With the B87i, we’ve made it our sincere effort to do justice to this original classic.
Circuit Design

We at BeesNeez are the only microphone company to make the capsule, circuit, and the transformer for a clone version of the U87i. Other companies are restricted to buying these most important parts. For them, this means that you get what you get. For us however, this is not, nor has never been, the case. If we want to make a mic, we make the most important parts ourselves to ensure the end result is exactly what we are looking for.

Our BeesNeez B87i capsule is perfectly matched to the circuit and transformer. We wind a strip wound Mu Toroid transformer that affords us high permeability to reach low frequencies with ease, as well as achieve super smooth highs that are airy, but never strident. The original U87 used a UI Mu Core with a ratio of 9.5:1, whereas nearly all of the clones made today use a 13:1 or 14:1 ratio transformer. These ratios both lower the output of the clone and make the high frequencies more present.
Sonic Characteristics

Why did the original early model U87i version of the U87 become the favourite? It was the overall musical tone that was much less sterile than the current U87ai that helped the U87i become the most sought after, highest valued U87 model. With the BeesNeez B87i, we have made it our sincere effort to do justice to this original classic.
Build Quality

We decided to make the cardioid-only version to keep the signal chain as short as possible. We managed to source a decent supply of original NOS (end of life) 2N3819 Fets to help us achieve the desired time period sound of the U87i.

Specifications
Acoustical Operating Principle: Pressure gradient transducer
Directional Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Range: 15Hz-20kHz
Sensitivity at 1kHz into 1 kOhm: 28 mV/Pa
Rated impedance : 200 ohm
Rated load impedance: 1 kOhm
Equivalent noise level: 23dB
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted: 12dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: 71dB
Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted: 82dB
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%: 117 dB
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%: with Pad 127 dB
Maximum output voltage: -8dBu
Dynamic range of the microphone amplifier, A-weighted: 110 dB
Supply Voltage P48: 48V ± 2V
Current Consumption P48: 0.9 mA
Connector: XLR3F


* BeesNeez Pro Audio has no affiliation with Neumann / Georg Neumann GmbH.