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 two-stage low cut as well as a switchable
6 dB preattenuation 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 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 hypercardioid.
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 offers the best of both worlds: It 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 unique 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.
Universal studio microphone
Five directional characteristics
High linearity for all polar patterns
Uncolored off-axis response
Compact size
Switchable pad and two-stage low cut
Acoustical operating principle Pressure gradient transducer
Directional Pattern Omnidirectional, wide angle, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-8
Frequency Range 20 Hz ... 20 kHz
Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm 8 mV/Pa = -42 dBV ± 1 dB
Rated Impedance 150 ohms
Rated load impedance 1 kohms
Equivalent noise level, CCIR 1 28 dB
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted 2 17 dB-A
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% 3 134 dB
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% with preattenuation 4 140 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR (re. 94 dB SPL) 5 66 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (re. 94 dB SPL) 6 77 dB
Maximum output voltage 0.3 dBu
Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938) 48 V ± 4 V
Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938) 0.8 mA
Matching connector XLR 3 F
Weight 400 g
Diameter 46 mm
Length 185 mm