VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

FinMac · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 9:53 am Post subject: How good is a Vintage U-87?

Someone around here, in Finland, wants to sell or trade their Vintage U-87 from 1973.

It has been serviced in Germany in 1988 if I remember correctly.

Is there any significant difference between these older U-87's and the newer ones?

Any thoughts to what the value would be? Is there anything I need to be aware of or ask?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Mac
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Lee Gordon · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 2:44 pm Post subject:

I'm guessing an older one is less likely to be a Chinese counterfeit. Smile

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Charles Nove · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 4:34 pm Post subject:

The older U87s are quite noisy when compared with the newer U87 ai version.
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Frank F · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 6:17 pm Post subject:

I would take another U87 Purple Badge (known as a Vintage, the next version is known as the Classic) over an AI any day, any time, any where.

The classic U87 is superb in it's reproduction of the human voice. It cuts through the mix with a feel and clarity which cannot be reached with the AI's almost pristine sound.

The differences begin in the capsule, move into the amplifier circuit and then the EQ circuit of the Vintage/Classic U87 vs. the AI.

What to watch for? Serial number. BEFORE buying this microphone check with Nuemann on THIS mic and it's history. Find out if this mic has ever been repaired and what was changed on/in the microphone. Determine if the capsule is an original with original skins. IF you are really, really, really lucky you might get a battery included version Vintage Purple Badge. If so make sure you have additional batteries included.

Before contacting Neumann/Sennheiser open the mic and look at the bottom of the PC board. Note what you see besides the serial number, this is important when contacting the manufacturer.

Make sure all capacitors and resistors are not broken or brown with over-powering marks (they should not look as though have been over heated).

Plug it in and listen to the mic without speaking... record a couple of minutes of audio. Now speak into the mic for at least 30 seconds... record what you are saying.

The U87 requires specific voltage and amperage, make sure you preamp is capable of giving you what is required.

That about does it. Whoops almost forgot the most important part of what to look for with a Vintage/Classic U87 microphone: Prepare to be WOWED and have fun!!! You may have the best microphone made for what you do.

Frank F
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FinMac · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 8:37 pm Post subject: Wow!

Thanks gents for the thoughts and especially to Frank.

That was exactly the kind of information I was looking to get!

Bullseye!

It's the U87i. Phantom can be switched from external to internal (battery).
Does this sound like the Purple Badge version you mentioned, Frank?

The mic is in another city so I now proceed with caution.

Mac
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www.scottsvoiceover.com - An American voice in Finland

"If you want to get to the top, you have to get off your bottom". (Unknown)

DeadDillo · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 4:31 am Post subject:

The way Frank talks about it, you would think its a fine wine!
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Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

Remember those large diaphram mics pick up everything so have good acoustics to record.

FinMac · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 6:46 am Post subject: Room is in good shape

Thanks for the tip Eddie, the room is in pretty good shape now. Just got some nice Bass Traps!

Mac
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www.scottsvoiceover.com - An American voice in Finland

"If you want to get to the top, you have to get off your bottom". (Unknown)

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

my only caveat is be prepared for the possible cost of a capsule repair/replacement in the near or not too distant future.

FinMac · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 6:59 am Post subject: Thanks Rob

Thanks for the warning. Will check with the guy what was done in 2008 when he sent it to Germany.

Mac
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www.scottsvoiceover.com - An American voice in Finland

"If you want to get to the top, you have to get off your bottom". (Unknown)

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Great opportunity though, and of course a legendary mic. Have fun! And of course some people here might really enjoy postings of some audio samples!

FinMac · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 7:05 am Post subject: Let's see if I get it or not!

Well, if we work out a deal then I will post something for your ears.

Mac
_________________
www.scottsvoiceover.com - An American voice in Finland

"If you want to get to the top, you have to get off your bottom". (Unknown)