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 recording 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 two-stage low cut as well as a switchable 6 dB pre-attenuation 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 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 (lin, 80Hz, 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 hyper-cardioid.
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 uncoloured. This is quite extraordinary for a large-diaphragm microphone.
Features
- Universal studio condenser microphone
- Five directional characteristics: Omnidirectional, wide-angle, cardioid, hyper-cardioid, figure-8
- High linearity for all polar patterns
- Uncoloured off-axis response
- Compact size
- Requires +48v phantom power
- Switchable pad and two-stage low cut
- Frequency range of 20Hz - 20kHz