Neumann U87 Ai vs. Neumann TLM49

Versus

Sep 24

Should you get the Neumann U87 Ai or the TLM49? I don't know what you should do, I'm not your dad! But in this video I provide spoken word samples, background noise tests, distance tests, as well as electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and singing tests, and then I share my opinions. I hope this helps you understand the differences between this microphones sonically and in the spec department so that you can make a more informed decision if either of these is right for you.

Recording Settings
Interface: Universal Audio X8
U87 Gain: 30dB (+2.7dB in Post)
TLM49 Gain: 38dB (+2dB in Post)
Conversion: 24-bit / 48khz

NEUMANN TLM49
Cost: $1,695
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: -38dB
Self Noise: 12dBA
Max SPL (0.5% THD): 110dB
Impedance: 50-ohms

NEUMANN U87 AI
Cost: $3,750
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: -31dB to -34dB
Self Noise: 12dBA - 15dBA
Max SPL (0.5% THD): 127dB
Impedance: 200-ohms

Buy the Neumann U87 Ai Affiliate Link)
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/u87ai
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3XAwJP9
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/276800?partner_id=23899
Amazon: https://geni.us/u87aikit

Buy the Neumann TLM49 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/tlm49
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/tlm49
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3zGwR7M
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/194633?partner_id=23899

Buy the Universal Audio X8 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/uax8
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/4gALxGg
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/446926?partner_id=23899

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

00:00 - Intro to Versus Series
00:25 - Build Quality
01:08 - Blind Comparison
02:20 - Microphone Spoken Word Test (Price / Specs)
03:32 - Polar Pattern Samples
04:10 - Background Noise Tests
04:36 - Distance Tests
05:21 - Isolated Music Tests
06:32 - Multi-Instrument Music Test
09:02 - Winner & Use Case Discussion
11:16 - Summary

Neumann U87Neumann U87 AiNeumann U87AiNeumann TLM49U87 vs TLM49U87 Ai vs TLM49Neumann ComparisonWhich Neumann is Better?Best Neumann for VocalsBest Neumann for GuitarBest Neumann for AcousticBest Neumann for Singing

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing.

https://www.bandrewscott.com/

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