Neumann U87 Serial Number Guide

How to identify U87, U87A, and U87 Ai variants — and spot a counterfeit before you buy.

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 has different electronics, a different noise floor spec, and different collector appeal — and each carries a specific serial number range that makes identification straightforward if you know what to look for.

This matters practically: the original U87 (pre-1986, transformer-coupled) regularly sells for significantly more than the current U87 Ai of equal cosmetic condition. And 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 (or are considering buying), read the serial number correctly, and verify authenticity before money changes hands.

U87 Variant Identification Table

Three major production eras. The serial number on the base plate is the authoritative identifier.

VariantYearsSerial RangeAvg Used Price
U87 (original)1967–1986~1,000–28,000$1,800–$4,500
U87A1986–1993~28,000–40,000$1,500–$3,200
U87 Ai1993–present40,000+$1,498–$3,500

U87 (original) (1967–1986 · Serials ~1,000–28,000)

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 original transformer-coupled circuit is the primary reason collectors pay a premium. The transformer adds harmonic character that the later solid-state output stage (U87A, U87 Ai) does not reproduce.

Average used price: $1,800–$4,500

U87A (1986–1993 · Serials ~28,000–40,000)

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.

The U87A is often the "forgotten" variant — less sought after than the original for its transformer sound, and less abundant than the U87 Ai. Strong used-market value in practice.

Average used price: $1,500–$3,200

U87 Ai (1993–present · Serials 40,000+)

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.

The U87 Ai is the easiest to authenticate (widest support knowledge) and the safest to buy used. New units ship with a Neumann-branded shockmount and carry case — factor this into value comparisons.

Average used price: $1,498–$3,500

How to Read Your Serial Number

The serial number on every Neumann U87 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 — each microphone received the next available number in production order. There are no factory codes or date encodings to decode. A serial of 15,000 is simply an earlier microphone than a serial of 35,000.

  • Serial below ~28,000: original U87 (1967–1986). Transformer-coupled. This is the version collectors seek.
  • Serial ~28,000–40,000: U87A (1986–1993). Transistor output, no transformer. The body label will say “U87A.”
  • Serial 40,000+: U87 Ai (1993–present). Lower noise floor (15 dB-A). Label reads “U 87 Ai” with a space before “Ai.”

Serial ranges are approximate — Neumann's production overlapped slightly at transitions. If a unit is near a boundary (e.g., serial 27,500), inspect the body labeling and output transformer (visible if you remove the headgrille) to confirm the variant definitively.

How to Spot a Counterfeit U87

Counterfeit U87s circulate widely. These checks can be done from photos if you are buying remotely.

These authentication steps are mandatory before purchasing any U87 listed below market price or from a seller with no feedback history.

  • 1
    Capsule inspection (most reliable): Shine a flashlight through the headgrille at the capsule. A genuine K67/K87 backplate has fine, individually punched holes — dozens of small dots. Counterfeit capsules use a woven metal mesh, which looks like a grid. Ask for a macro photo if buying remotely.
  • 2
    "Made in Germany" on the base plate: Every genuine Neumann U87 manufactured across all 55+ years of production has "Made in Germany" stamped on the base plate. No exceptions. If it is 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. They should have depth you can feel with a fingernail. A logo that is printed, painted, or applied as a decal 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. A unit with a serial below 28,000 should say "U87" on the body, not "U87A" or "U 87 Ai." Mismatches indicate either fraud or parts mixing.
  • 5
    Weight check: Genuine U87 Ai units weigh approximately 500 g (1.1 lb). Counterfeit units are commonly noticeably lighter — 300–400 g. This is easy to check in person and, combined with a shipping weight, can sometimes be assessed remotely.

Used U87 Buyer's Checklist

  • 1Ask for a photo of the base plate — serial number and "Made in Germany" must be visible
  • 2Confirm the serial number matches the variant label (U87 <28k, U87A 28k–40k, U87 Ai 40k+)
  • 3Request a macro photo of the capsule through the headgrille — look for punched holes, not mesh
  • 4Check the logo is stamped into the body, not a decal or sticker
  • 5Ask for service history — capsule contamination and XLR corrosion are common defects
  • 6Compare weight: U87 Ai genuine units weigh ~500 g; significantly lighter may indicate counterfeit
  • 7Verify original accessories: Neumann EA87 shockmount, aluminum carry case (U87 Ai current production)
  • 8Budget $100–200 for a professional service if the unit has not been serviced recently

Neumann U87 Listings For Sale Now

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Neumann U87 AI Condenser Microphone w/Shockmount 41103-S000058924

Neumann U87 AI Condenser Microphone w/Shockmount 41103-S000058924

$2,499.99good

Music Go Round

Vintage Neumann U87 Condenser Microphone w/ Rare Swivel Mount- 1960’s

Vintage Neumann U87 Condenser Microphone w/ Rare Swivel Mount- 1960’s

$4,999.00excellent

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Vintage Neumann U87 Condenser Microphone Sequential SN Stereo Pair. 1969. Original Accessories.

Vintage Neumann U87 Condenser Microphone Sequential SN Stereo Pair. 1969. Original Accessories.

$6,947.37excellent

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Vintage Neumann U87 Condenser Microphone Sequential SN Stereo Pair. 1983. Swivel Mounts. All Original!

Vintage Neumann U87 Condenser Microphone Sequential SN Stereo Pair. 1983. Swivel Mounts. All Original!

$12,400.00very-good

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2 x Vintage Neumann U87 - just restored by Gunter Wagner

2 x Vintage Neumann U87 - just restored by Gunter Wagner

$12,973.04very-good

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Vintage Neumann U87 Condenser Microphone Matched Stereo Pair! One SN Apart! 1971 U 87 With Swivel Mounts. Rare!

Vintage Neumann U87 Condenser Microphone Matched Stereo Pair! One SN Apart! 1971 U 87 With Swivel Mounts. Rare!

$12,800.00excellent

Reverb

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I read my Neumann U87 serial number?

The serial number is stamped on the base plate of the microphone — the flat circular metal piece at the bottom of the body. It is a purely sequential number, so a higher number means a later production date. 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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