Good comparison thanks. I own a U87ai and run it through a Chandler Redd47 tube pre. All recordings sound like a record and minimal post processing is required. I think it’s a great pairing, and I also think the presence boost can be tamed easily especially with the amazing UAD plugins in console so the difference with the vintage one is negligible.
I used to love U87 vintage. But today I really wonder how fuller and natural it sounds. With U87 you can not only hear sound waves but you can also watch them. Thanks for cool comparison of these cms. .
@@ZPJ_Studio No doubt it is still a standard for professional studios. I don't know why did naumann discontinued it. They should reproduce the U87 vintage again.
Depending on the microphone preamp, the U87ai is not necessarily better. The main difference between the two mics, besides the double vs single mic capsule, is the transformer in the U87ai. The TLM-103 in transformerless but if you have transformers in the mic preamp you are using than the difference in sound is negligible. You may want to invest in a better preamp first before moving up to a U87ai. Even a Soyuz Launcher inline preamp, which has a transformer, will make a considerable improvement in sound for a much lower price point.
@@serdar.saglam I recommend the Soyuz Launcher (with an SSL VHD if you happen to have one), used will do, instead of going straight into the interface. Of course, if you have extra money to spare, a Neve 1073 pre is an excellent choice.
@@ZPJ_Studio I believe an external pop filter would affect the sound less than the internal foam filter does, plus would prevent plosives. I find it sounds much better without the internal foam filter. Although, when mic not in use, It would be better to cover it with something because capsule gets exposed, like on stock TLM 103 which doesn't have internal foam by default.
Any of them work fine if the performance is decent. Of course if you bought a U87 twenty years ago then it's great, but otherwise not worth the expense.
The U87 vintage is great of course, but the TLM 49 is smoother with a mid-forward boost to it. Would be interesting to see you review that one and compare it with these mics.
Singing raw with no processing the order would be.... Vintage 87, TLM -103, 87ai, TLM - 102...In a mix with light compression and proper reverb I am sure it would be this order....Vintage 87, U87ai, TLM-102, TLM - 103. My buddy who is a tenor has a TLM -102 and he sounds amazing all day long on it and he sounds unnatural with the TLM -103. I am a baritone and for spoken word I use my TLM -103 all day long. The high end evens out my voice across the whole mic. I can't describe it. it sounds amazing. For Pop, crooner and soft vocals I use the TLM -103. For Rock or loud vocals like Pearl Jam, Creed or Godsmack (to name a few) I use my AKG C414 XLII because with the 40hz cut my voice is spot on. I hope this can help out a fellow high range Baritone. I watched your separate videos on the TLM-102 , 103...TLM 102 needs a room that is sound treated and the 103 seemed mostly fine out of the box. Of course treated rooms are optimal for any serious studio. The Vintage mic you have is absolutely amazing. The U87ai sounds very "BOXY" to me. I am almost scared to pull the trigger on a 3700 dollar U87ai and might opt to go with a Soyuz FET17 instead at 2/3rds the price. But who am I kidding I love Nuemanns so I am sure I would end up with the U87ai...but like you have commented elsewhere the 3700 dollars is better used elsewhere in a better Compressor, Preamp, audio interface chain.
I always wonder how much of the difference between the Vintage and the new U87Ai's is because of all the smokers that used to be in the room when the Vintage ones were being used back in the day haha Maybe they all just have a bit more residue on them
U87 vintage for the win!
The 102 at the very end sounded a little warmer than the 103. Great analysis!
Thank you for the feedback.
Good comparison thanks. I own a U87ai and run it through a Chandler Redd47 tube pre. All recordings sound like a record and minimal post processing is required. I think it’s a great pairing, and I also think the presence boost can be tamed easily especially with the amazing UAD plugins in console so the difference with the vintage one is negligible.
True!
Agree, the ai Version needs a preamp with transformers to tame it's slight harshness. My pick is usually A-Designs Pacifica paired with the U87ai.
I used to love U87 vintage. But today I really wonder how fuller and natural it sounds. With U87 you can not only hear sound waves but you can also watch them. Thanks for cool comparison of these cms. .
It's my pleasure.
The Vintage U87 definitely takes the cake over the uU7ai.
@@ZPJ_Studiomine too.
@@ZPJ_Studio No doubt it is still a standard for professional studios. I don't know why did naumann discontinued it. They should reproduce the U87 vintage again.
I could hug you man... nice video
Thank you for the Positive Feedback!
very good, thank you
Thank you for the comment.
Thanks I have the tlm103 and I’m saving for the u87
Why is naumann not reproducing U87.
Depending on the microphone preamp, the U87ai is not necessarily better. The main difference between the two mics, besides the double vs single mic capsule, is the transformer in the U87ai. The TLM-103 in transformerless but if you have transformers in the mic preamp you are using than the difference in sound is negligible. You may want to invest in a better preamp first before moving up to a U87ai. Even a Soyuz Launcher inline preamp, which has a transformer, will make a considerable improvement in sound for a much lower price point.
I am gonna buy 102 or 103 and i will use it directly to audio interface’s preamp. Should i buy extra mic preamp?
@@serdar.saglam I recommend the Soyuz Launcher (with an SSL VHD if you happen to have one), used will do, instead of going straight into the interface. Of course, if you have extra money to spare, a Neve 1073 pre is an excellent choice.
Thanks 🙏
You have to try the TLM 102 having put out the internal grill filter, It's way better!
@@jimis3167 Wouldn’t that leave it more susceptible to plosives?
@@ZPJ_Studio I believe an external pop filter would affect the sound less than the internal foam filter does, plus would prevent plosives. I find it sounds much better without the internal foam filter. Although, when mic not in use, It would be better to cover it with something because capsule gets exposed, like on stock TLM 103 which doesn't have internal foam by default.
@@jimis3167 Good to know! Thank you for the feedback!
@@ZPJ_Studio You're welcome! I highly recommend you give it try like this and make a comparison with TLM 103, It would be a more fair comparison.
Any of them work fine if the performance is decent. Of course if you bought a U87 twenty years ago then it's great, but otherwise not worth the expense.
@@breakburrito They are decent mics tho.
Hi, good presentation 💪, i use 103 and u87ai... preparing to buy u87 Vintage... (i need next 100 mixes to get it :P) gr.from Poland. Artur
Glad to have helped.
What will you use the vintage U87 for? Vocals or instruments? Or perhaps both?
The U87 vintage is great of course, but the TLM 49 is smoother with a mid-forward boost to it. Would be interesting to see you review that one and compare it with these mics.
It's on my list of mics to get.
Singing raw with no processing the order would be.... Vintage 87, TLM -103, 87ai, TLM - 102...In a mix with light compression and proper reverb I am sure it would be this order....Vintage 87, U87ai, TLM-102, TLM - 103. My buddy who is a tenor has a TLM -102 and he sounds amazing all day long on it and he sounds unnatural with the TLM -103. I am a baritone and for spoken word I use my TLM -103 all day long. The high end evens out my voice across the whole mic. I can't describe it. it sounds amazing. For Pop, crooner and soft vocals I use the TLM -103. For Rock or loud vocals like Pearl Jam, Creed or Godsmack (to name a few) I use my AKG C414 XLII because with the 40hz cut my voice is spot on. I hope this can help out a fellow high range Baritone. I watched your separate videos on the TLM-102 , 103...TLM 102 needs a room that is sound treated and the 103 seemed mostly fine out of the box. Of course treated rooms are optimal for any serious studio. The Vintage mic you have is absolutely amazing. The U87ai sounds very "BOXY" to me. I am almost scared to pull the trigger on a 3700 dollar U87ai and might opt to go with a Soyuz FET17 instead at 2/3rds the price. But who am I kidding I love Nuemanns so I am sure I would end up with the U87ai...but like you have commented elsewhere the 3700 dollars is better used elsewhere in a better Compressor, Preamp, audio interface chain.
Thank you for the well detailed comment. It is very much appreciated. 🎛️🎚️🎙️+❤️=📀
I always wonder how much of the difference between the Vintage and the new U87Ai's is because of all the smokers that used to be in the room when the Vintage ones were being used back in the day haha Maybe they all just have a bit more residue on them
Well, I guess we will never know now with all the non-smoking rooms and all. Haha
🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻
I loved the sound of all them 😂😂 i think TLM 102 lacking in the low end
Yes. So true!
Tlm2 winer
For the price, it’s a really good microphone.
What is your suggesion betwin tlm 103 and u87 ai