Used Neumann U 87

🇩🇪Neumann1967–presentStill in productionAlso known as: U87, U87 Ai, U 87 Ai
For sale now:133 listings
Price range:$1,498–$12,800
Most common:excellent

About the Neumann U 87

The Neumann U 87 is the most widely recognized large-diaphragm condenser microphone in recording history. Introduced in 1967, it has served as the default vocal and instrument mic in professional studios worldwide for over 55 years. Three distinct variants were produced across its production history: the original U87 (1967–1986), the U87A (1986–1993), and the current U87 Ai (1993–present). Each variant has a unique serial number range, making it possible to identify exactly what you have — or what a seller is offering — without relying on documentation alone. The U87 Ai is the most common on the used market; the original transformer-coupled U87 is prized by collectors for its slightly warmer character. If you're considering a used unit, knowing how to read the serial number and spot a counterfeit is essential — the U87 is among the most-counterfeited professional microphones ever made.

Tone Character

Warm, open, detailed; transformer-coupled original has slightly more color; Ai is cleaner at 15dB self-noise

Buying Guide

  • 1Identify your variant before buying: original U87 (serial <28,000), U87A (28,000–40,000), U87 Ai (40,000+). Each has different noise characteristics and collector value.
  • 2The serial number is stamped on the base plate of the microphone. Neumann serials are purely sequential — the number tells you the production era precisely.
  • 3Authenticate before you pay: genuine U87s have "Made in Germany" on the base plate, a K67/K87 capsule with fine backplate holes (inspect with a flashlight — a mesh layer means fake), and a Neumann logo stamped into the body metal, not applied as a sticker.

Typical Used Price Range

$1,400–$2,800based on recent market data

Prices vary based on year, condition, modifications, and seller. This range represents the majority of used listings we track across multiple marketplaces.

For Sale Now

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Neumann U87 Variants & Serial Number Guide

The U87 has been manufactured continuously since 1967 with three major variants. Use the table below to identify which version you have — or are considering buying — before making any decision.

VariantYears ProducedSerial RangeKey IdentifiersAvg Used Price
U87 (original)1967–1986~1,000–28,000Transformer-coupled output stage, K67 capsule, no switchable polar pattern label printed on the body; older units have a distinctive warm character.$1,800–$4,500
U87A1986–1993~28,000–40,000Same K67/K87 capsule as the original, updated solid-state electronics, "U87A" label printed on the body. Marginally lower noise floor than the original.$1,500–$3,200
U87 Ai1993–present40,000+Lower self-noise spec (15 dB-A vs 18 dB-A), updated headgrille design; the label reads "U 87 Ai" — note the space before "Ai". Current production model.$1,498–$3,500

How to Read Your Serial Number

The serial number is stamped on the base plate of the microphone. Neumann serial numbers are purely sequential — a higher number always means a later production date. If your serial is below 28,000 and the body says "U87" (not U87A or U87 Ai), you have the original transformer-coupled version, which typically commands a premium of 20–60% over the U87 Ai on the collector market.

How to Spot a Counterfeit U87

  • 1Inspect the capsule with a flashlight through the headgrille — a genuine K67/K87 backplate has fine punched holes; counterfeit capsules often use a single woven mesh layer.
  • 2"Made in Germany" appears on the base plate of every genuine U87 across all production years.
  • 3The Neumann logo is stamped or engraved into the metal body — not applied as a sticker or decal.
  • 4The serial number should be consistent with the variant claimed: a unit labeled "U87 Ai" with a serial below 40,000 is a red flag.
  • 5Weight check: genuine U87s weigh approximately 500 g (1.1 lb). Counterfeit units are often noticeably lighter.

Want the full breakdown? Read our complete Neumann U 87 serial number & authentication guide →