The U 89 i is a universal studio microphone combining classic transformer-coupled circuit topology with a state-of-the-art Neumann capsule. Its linear yet smooth response has made it a prime choice for voice-over and speech, but thanks to five selectable polar patterns, low noise, and distortion, it covers almost any recoding situation in any genre.

The U 89 i combines advanced capsule technology with classic transformer-coupled electronics. The result is a very versatile large-diaphragm condenser microphone for all studio applications. Its features include five selectable polar patterns and a low-cut filter (80/160 Hz) as well as a switchable -6 dB pad for extreme sound pressure levels of up to 140 dB without unwanted distortion.

The U 89 i is similar in appearance to the legendary Neumann U 87 but smaller in size and lighter in weight. This is no coincidence: Introduced in 1980, the U 89 i was conceived with the goal to improve upon the classic Neumann U 87. While the latter has remained the world's most beloved large-diaphragm condenser microphone, the U 89 i is indeed technically superior in many respects. Not only can the U 89 i handle much higher sound pressure levels, it also has a more flexible low-cut filter (80 or 160 Hz) to suppress rumble and compensate for the proximity effect. And in addition to the three main polar patterns (omni, cardioid, and figure-8), the U 89 i offers two intermediate positions, wide cardioid and hypercardioid.

Its K89 dual-diaphragm condenser capsule is an advanced design with an extended, very smooth frequency response in all polar patterns. Its diffuse-field response is very even, too, which is crucial for natural sounding recordings in reverberant environments. In other words, the U 89 i's sound balance remains intact as you switch between polar patterns, and any off-axis sound, including spill from other instruments, is picked up uncolored. This is quite extraordinary for a large-diaphragm microphone.

The U 89 i combines the sonic precision and linearity of a state-of-the-art small-diaphragm condenser microphone with the smoothness and flexibility of a large-diaphragm microphone. This makes the U 89 i a truly universal studio microphone. The U 89 i is an excellent vocal microphone, especially for trained professionals who prefer to have their voice captured in its natural beauty. For the same reasons, the U 89 i is a sought-after microphone for voice-over and film dubbing. U 89 i's combination of flexibility and superior off-axis behavior makes it an excellent choice for orchestral recordings, where it can be used as a main microphone or as a spot microphone for soloists and individual sections.

• Universal studio microphone
• Dual-diaphragm condenser capsule
• Five directional characteristics
• High linearity for all polar patterns
• Uncolored off-axis response
• Switchable -6 dB pad and 80/160 Hz low-cut filter
• XLR 3-pin output connector
• 48V phantom powered
• Includes wooden box
• Shockmount available separately

Microphone

Primary Applications: Studio Recording, Broadcast

Form Factor: Large Diaphragm Mic / Stand/Boom Mount

Intended Sound Sources: Vocals, Speech/Voice Over, Instrument

Sound Field: Mono

Operating Principle: Pressure Gradient

Capsule: Condenser

Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure-8, Hypercardioid, Omnidirectional, Subcardioid/Wide Cardioid

Pattern Selection: Switched (Adjustable on Mic)

Orientation: Side Address

Circuitry: Solid-State

Pad: -6 dB

High-Pass Filter: 

80 Hz
160 Hz

Tone Adjustment: None

Gain Adjustment: None

Indicators: None

On-Board Controls: High-Pass Filter, Pad, Polar Pattern

Windscreen: None

Performance

Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Maximum SPL: 

• 134 dB SPL (.5% THD)
• 140 dB SPL (.5% THD, with Pad)

Impedance: 150 Ohms

Load Impedance: 1000 Ohms

Sensitivity: -42 dBV at 1 kHz into 1 Kilohm

Output Level: .3 dBu (Max)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 

• 77 dB A-Weighted
• 66 dB CCIR

Equivalent Noise Level: 

• 17 dB A-Weighted
• 28 dB CCIR

Power

Bus Power: None

Operating Voltage:48 V ± 4 V (Phantom Power)

Operating Current Consumption: 0.8 mA

Physical

Mounting: Shockmount (with Optional Hardware)

Included Case: Hard Case

Included Filters: None

Operating Temperature: 32 to 158°F / 0 to 70°C

Operating Humidity: 0 to 90%

Storage Temperature: -4 to 158°F / -20 to 70°C

Dimensions: ø: 1.8 x L: 7.3" / ø: 4.6 x L: 18.5 cm

Weight: 14.1 oz / 400 g