A big price difference. Is it worth it?

  • Thread starter Thread starter manytunes
  • Start date Start date
M

manytunes

New member
I was eyeballing a Neumann U87 new for around $3500 US. I also see many microphones under $1000.

Is the price difference between a U87 and say a AT 4050 really worth it? This inquiring mind wants to know. I would like to achieve sound quality on par with great sounding vocal recordings for male and female voices.

Thank you for your time.
 
IMHO, no. At the other end of the spectrum the flood of $200 large diaphram mics are mostly junk (with very few exceptions).There are plenty of mics around $500 to $1000 that are first class performers. Don't get me wrong, a U-87 is a fantastic mic but you could get four 414's for what the Neumann costs.
 
Well...

...the general terms the answer would be a DEFINITE YES, the Neumann IS worth the money. BUT....... the practical answer is some talent is better suited to an SM58, rather than a Neumann. It all depends on the artist....

It certainly doesn't hurt to have a Neumann in your mic arsenal :), but you still need a variety of mics of differing levels of calibre to accommodate a variety of singers.

Bruce
 
If you have to ask: No.
Even if you don't have to ask: Probably No.
If you love the sound of the U87 for a particular application and absolutely must have it: Yes.
 
Assessing value is a never ending process when buying gear. I must admit I'm not qualified to pass judgement on a U87 - I don't own one. In fact a KSM32 and an AT4047 are the most expensive mics I own. However, I do base all my gear purchases on a basic premise. How long till this equipment pays for itself?

It seems to me a $3000plus mic is pointless unless you have an equally high quality mic pre, a sonically maximized recording environment, quality effects, monitors, cables, etc. etc. etc.

Then you need the type of clients - or marketing plan for your own material to pay for all that gear.

I have seen many recording studios come and go - primarily because everyone has to have the latest greatest gear, normally financed by bank loans, and then lo and behold the gear doesn't pay for itself. My studio doesn't make much - it certainly can't support me, but it does pay for itself.

Is a U87 worth the price? For some sure, for most I doubt it.
 
VERY ! good points Mikeh.
And I do agree only ...... you would be surprised how many people will want to walk into a studio that only owns a U87 or a Pro Tools set up or a Apogee converter etc.. etc...

To many of my studio owner friends have brought Pro Tools just for that reason.
They have spent money they don't have. So it's a bit of a catch 22.
 
VERY ! good points Mikeh.
And I do agree only ...... you would be surprised how many people will want to walk into a studio that only owns a U87 or a Pro Tools set up or a Apogee converter etc.. etc...

To many of my studio owner friends have brought Pro Tools just for that reason.
They have spent money they don't have. So it's a bit of a catch 22.
 
I agree, it is a catch 22. An old business saying is "you have to spend money to make money". However, in our "business" we don't have a unique product, we don't have a large diversified customer base and we have way too much "friendly" competition.

I have lost potential business because I don't have a fancy studio (hell, my vocal booth is a 5'x5' area surrounded by curtains). I just try to sell the "relaxed atmosphere" and the fact that I will work (more hours than I bill) to provide what the customer wants - with what equipment I have. If that's not enough to bring em in, well fine. I started my studio for me (then I realized I had to "make money to spend money").

I know I'm preaching to the choir. By the way, I have learned much from some of the people who contribute to this site - my thanks to you.
 
I thought I might bring up the thought "you'll know if you need one". As I have been learning more about this recording stuff, I find that more and more of my new gear is to address a shortcoming in something I already own. I bought my first condenser mic after seeing that I couldn't get the sound from a dynamic, or a small diaphram mike. I would presume that over time I will eventually learn the differences between my KSM, and (fill in your favorite high end mic) AKGs, and someday, Neumans.

The Neuman is worth what it costs, but it won't be worth it to you unless you know *why* you want it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top