Inexpensive mic closest to U87

[mandocaster]

I know the U87 is much maligned, and that many Chinese mics have capsules that are similar. Which do you thing sounds the closest, say in the sub $500 range?

 

[ozraves]

None. Sorry. It's like asking which model of Kia rides like a Bentley.

 

[bigwillz24]

Mandocaster.....

You shouldn't go out looking for a fight.

I predict one will be along soon...

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

A karaoke mic processed with the "Neumann U87" preset of the antares mic modeller.

(apologies of you're after serious responses)

 

[mandocaster]

Well, I wasn't very serious...

 

[Warhead]

A sub $500 U87 would do it...!

War

 

[adclark]

Check out the ADK Vienna. The Hamburge is a bit darket like a U47. The Vienna has a clearer top end. Check out MacMidi. They have great prices on ADK Mics and others as well. ADK Vienna Here's a review of both the Hamburg and Vienna Review

 

[Myriad_Rocker]

How bout just looking at some mics that are in your price range and choosing one that suits your voice? There are a lot of good LDC's out there at or below that price point.

 

[jeff5xo]

A karaoke mic processed with the "Neumann U87" preset of the antares mic modeller.

(apologies of you're after serious responses)

Now that's a great answer!!!!

 

[qbert1]

A interviewe in Tape Op a while back felt the Rode NT2 was a good stunt double for the 87. I've never used one (just a NTK), but thought I could help. Sorry if I broke the sarcastic answer chain...

 

[mandocaster]

I was feeling kind of sheepish...

 

[c7sus]

A interviewe in Tape Op a while back felt the Rode NT2 was a good stunt double for the 87. I've never used one (just a NTK), but thought I could help. Sorry if I broke the sarcastic answer chain...

I don't know if it sounds like a U87 but the original NT2 is a nice mic without the usual top-end sizzle a lot of the cheaper condensors seem to exhibit.

Sounds great on my Martin D-35L and D-45L Custom.

For a darker flavor check out the Rode NTV. They went away in 2001 or so but still can be found on ebay. Same edge-terminated capsule as the Classic, and the Jenson transformer in the PS costs more than the cap on the NTK!

 

[analogelectric]

Check out the ADK Vienna. The Hamburge is a bit darket like a U47. The Vienna has a clearer top end. Check out MacMidi. They have great prices on ADK Mics and others as well. ADK Vienna Here's a review of both the Hamburg and Vienna Review

Is "darket" a typo? If you mean "'darker' like a U47" than that's just crazy talk. The Neumann-Telefunken U47 longbody tube is crystal clear, way more than any consumer priced mic I've ever heard. Did you mean the U87 as opposed to the U47? Regardless, I still haven't heard a mic that sounds like my U87.

-- Adam Lazlo

 

[Big Kenny]

u86 or u88 come the closest

 

[bigwillz24]

Doesn't wunder make a clone?