Originally released to improve upon the ubiquitous U 87 studio staple, the black Neumann U 89 i MT 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