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Neumann U 89 i Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone (Nickel)

SKU
U89I
$3,295.00

Product Highlights:

  • For Vocals, Speech, and Instruments
  • Five Selectable Polar Patterns
  • Dual-Diaphragm Condenser Capsule
  • High Linearity and Low Noise
  • Transformer-Coupled Circuitry
  • -6 dB Pad
  • Switchable 80/160 Hz Low-Cut Filter
  • Optional Shockmount Reduces Vibration
  • Includes Wooden Box
  • 48V Phantom Powered

 

Originally released to improve upon the ubiquitous U 87 studio staple, the black Neumann U 89 i large-diaphragm condenser microphone merges quintessential transformer-coupled, low-noise circuitry with an advanced capsule design that offers uncolored off-axis response and five selectable polar patterns, all with high linearity. This puts the U 89 i MT high on the list of desirable mics for a range of applications such as vocals, voice-over, and multi-instrument duty.

The K89 dual-diaphragm capsule is built to deliver a smooth and balanced sound in any of its polar patterns—omnidirectional, figure-8, cardioid, wide cardioid, or hypercardioid. Plus, the mic provides a switchable -6 dB pad that allows it to capture SPLs up to 140 dB without distortion, and a low-cut filter at 80 or 160 Hz for controlling buildup of low-frequency content. The U 89 i MT comes with a wooden box; spider-style shockmounts and compact hard mounts are available separately.

The Pursuit of Perfection
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.
 
A Modern Classic
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.
 
Building the Perfect Beast
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.
 
Dual-Diaphragm Condenser Capsule
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.
 
Applications
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.
 
Features at a Glance
  • 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
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Items Included:

  • Neumann U 89 i Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
  • Wooden Box
  • Limited 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty

 

More Information
SPECS

Neumann U 89 ISpecs

Key Specs
Element Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid / Figure-8 / Hypercardioid / Omnidirectional / Subcardioid/Wide Cardioid
Controls
Polar Pattern, Pad, Low Cut/HPF
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
134 dB (.5% THD)
140 dB (.5% THD, with Pad)
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin Male
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Microphone
Sound Field
Mono
Element Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid / Figure-8 / Hypercardioid / Omnidirectional / Subcardioid/Wide Cardioid
Orientation
Side Address
Circuitry
Solid-State
Pad
-6 dB
High-Pass Filter
80 Hz
160 Hz
Filter & EQ
Low-Cut Filter: 80 Hz / 160 Hz
Gain Adjustment
No
Controls
Polar Pattern, Pad, Low Cut/HPF
Performance
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
134 dB (.5% THD)
140 dB (.5% THD, with Pad)
Sensitivity
-42 dBV (at 1 kHz into 1 Kilohm)
Equivalent Noise Level
17 dB (A-Weighted)
28 dB (CCIR)
Connectivity
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin Male
Power
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Operating Voltage
48 V (Phantom Power)
Physical
Color
Nickel
Dimensions
ø: 1.8 x L: 7.3" / ø: 4.6 x L: 18.5 cm
Weight
14.1 oz / 400 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.4 lb