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Neumann U87 Serial Number Guide 2026
How to identify U87, U87A, and U87 Ai variants by serial number — and spot a counterfeit before you buy. The transformer-coupled original (serial <28,000) commands 20–60% more than the U87 Ai.
The Neumann U87 has been in continuous production since 1967, making it one of the longest-running microphones in history. Three distinct variants were manufactured across that time, each with different electronics, a different noise floor spec, and different collector appeal — and each carries a specific serial number range that makes identification straightforward.
Counterfeits are a real market problem — the U87 is one of the most-faked professional microphones ever made, with convincing replicas circulating on Reverb, eBay, and in local classifieds. This guide gives you the information to identify exactly what variant you have, read the serial number correctly, and verify authenticity before money changes hands.
Where Is the Serial Number?
The serial number is stamped directly into the base plate — the flat circular metal disc at the bottom of the microphone body. It is not on a label; it is struck into the metal itself. Neumann serial numbers are purely sequential — a higher number means a later production date.
Below ~28,000
U87 (original)
1967–1986
Transformer-coupled
~28,000–40,000
U87A
1986–1993
Solid-state output
40,000+
U87 Ai
1993–present
Lowest noise floor
How to Spot a Counterfeit U87
Counterfeit U87s circulate widely. These checks can be done from photos when buying remotely.
1
Capsule inspection (most reliable): Shine a flashlight through the headgrille. A genuine K67/K87 backplate has fine, individually punched holes — dozens of small dots. Counterfeit capsules use a woven metal mesh (grid pattern). Ask for a macro photo if buying remotely.
2
"Made in Germany" on the base plate: Every genuine Neumann U87 across all 55+ years of production has "Made in Germany" stamped on the base plate. No exceptions. If absent, or if it appears as a sticker, the unit is not genuine.
3
Logo stamped into the body: The Neumann logo and model text are engraved or stamped into the microphone body's metal — depth you can feel with a fingernail. A printed, painted, or decal logo is a counterfeit indicator.
4
Serial consistency: The serial number should match the variant label: a unit labeled "U 87 Ai" should have a serial above 40,000. Mismatches indicate fraud or parts mixing.
5
Weight check: Genuine U87 Ai units weigh approximately 500 g (1.1 lb). Counterfeits are commonly lighter — 300–400 g. Easy to check in person.
Neumann U87 Variant Guide
#1
U87 (original)
1967–1986 · Serials ~1,000–28,000$1,800–$4,500
Best for: Collectors and engineers who want the original transformer-coupled character
Transformer-coupled output stage; K67 capsule; no switchable polar pattern label printed on the body. Early units have a subtly warmer character appreciated by many engineers. The transformer adds harmonic character that the later solid-state output stage does not reproduce — this is the primary reason collectors pay a premium.
What to check used: The original transformer-coupled circuit is why collectors seek this variant specifically. Near the boundary serial (~27,500), inspect the body labeling and output transformer (visible if you remove the headgrille) to confirm the variant definitively.
Best for: Players who want original Neumann sound with lower self-noise than the U87
Same K67/K87 capsule as the original; updated solid-state electronics removed the output transformer; "U87A" printed on the body. Slightly lower self-noise than the original. Often the "forgotten" variant — less sought after than the original for its transformer sound, and less abundant than the U87 Ai.
What to check used: Strong used-market value in practice despite lower collector profile. If the unit is near the ~40,000 boundary, verify by the body label: U87A should say "U87A," not "U 87 Ai" (with space before Ai).
Best for: Professional and home studios — the safest used purchase, most supported variant
Improved self-noise spec (15 dB-A vs 18 dB-A); updated headgrille design; label reads "U 87 Ai" — note the space before "Ai". Current production model. Most common on the used market and easiest to authenticate. New units ship with a Neumann-branded shockmount and aluminum carry case.
What to check used: The U87 Ai is the easiest to authenticate (widest support knowledge) and the safest to buy used. Factor in the value of original accessories: EA87 shockmount and aluminum carry case add $150–$250 to fair market value when present.
Base plate photo: Ask for a photo of the base plate — serial number and 'Made in Germany' must both be clearly visible.
Serial-to-variant match: Confirm the serial number matches the variant label (U87 <28k, U87A 28k–40k, U87 Ai 40k+).
Capsule inspection: Request a macro photo of the capsule through the headgrille — look for fine punched holes (genuine), not a woven mesh (counterfeit).
Logo check: Confirm the logo is stamped into the body metal with depth you can feel — not a decal or sticker.
Service history: Ask for service history — capsule contamination and XLR corrosion are the most common defects on used U87s.
Weight check: Genuine U87 Ai units weigh approximately 500 g (1.1 lb). Significantly lighter units may be counterfeit.
Original accessories: Verify original accessories: Neumann EA87 shockmount and aluminum carry case (U87 Ai current production). Missing accessories subtract $150–$250 from fair market value.
Budget for service: Budget $100–200 for a professional service from a Neumann-qualified technician if the unit has not been serviced recently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I read my Neumann U87 serial number?
The serial number is stamped on the base plate — the flat circular metal disc at the bottom of the microphone body. It is a purely sequential number: serials below ~28,000 are original U87 units (1967–1986); 28,000–40,000 are U87A units (1986–1993); 40,000 and above are U87 Ai units (1993–present).
What is the difference between U87, U87A, and U87 Ai?
The original U87 (1967–1986) uses a transformer-coupled output stage and a K67 capsule, giving it a slightly warmer character. The U87A (1986–1993) replaced the output transformer with a solid-state circuit and has marginally lower self-noise. The U87 Ai (1993–present) further reduced self-noise to 15 dB-A and updated the headgrille design. All three share the same fundamental capsule technology; the differences are in the output electronics and noise floor.
How do I spot a fake Neumann U87?
Inspect the capsule through the headgrille with a flashlight — a genuine K67/K87 backplate has fine, individually punched holes. Counterfeit capsules typically use a woven mesh layer. Every genuine U87 says "Made in Germany" on the base plate. The Neumann logo on the body is stamped or engraved into the metal — never a sticker or decal. The serial number should be consistent with the production era the seller claims.
Is the original U87 worth more than the U87 Ai?
In most cases, yes. The transformer-coupled original U87 (serial <28,000) typically commands 20–60% more than a comparable U87 Ai on the used market, primarily because of its output transformer character. However, condition matters enormously — a perfect U87 Ai at $2,500 may be a better practical buy than a worn original U87 at $2,000 that needs a capsule service.
Where is the Neumann U87 serial number located?
The serial number is on the base plate of the microphone — the flat circular metal disc at the bottom. It is stamped directly into the metal, not printed on a label. On very early units (serials below ~5,000) the stamping may be shallow; on later units it is more deeply struck.
What should I check before buying a used Neumann U87?
Verify the variant and serial number first. Then ask for: (1) a photo of the base plate with the serial clearly visible, (2) a photo of the capsule through the headgrille with a flashlight — check for fine punched holes (real) vs mesh (fake), (3) a photo of the "Made in Germany" stamp on the base plate, (4) any service history. For high-value purchases, request a recording test or arrange an in-person inspection. Factor in $100–200 for a professional service from a Neumann-qualified tech.
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