Dachman Audio DA87i (DIY kit for U87) • Unboxing & first impressions

[@jeremycarroll451]

A one stop shop for components for the build sounds like a great idea. Most people want an easy way to make the mic, not a challenge. So, it gets my thumbs up.

[@pop_polizei]

Sure, as I said, it’s very convenient. Thanks for your comment!

[@Wizardofgosz]

Hand choosing the quality of your components has its advantages also.

[@zzarap4ik]

@@pop_polizei how much cheaper will it cost to buy all components by own?

[@HerbieSoul]

yes , please build it !!, I like this product option because it saves time !! a most valuable resource!!

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Yes, build it pl.

[@WeaponsRemorse]

i'm building a 990XF mod right now with a K47 cap can't wait for it to be done

[@officialdiomer]

I thought this was gonna be a great video until I realized you never posted any sound samples or comparisons to the real thing. I have a U87 and I was curious to hear the shootout from you, just as others were in the comments. I never leave comments like these but it’s a bummer you didn’t add what really matters - how it sounds. At the end of the day, we’re supposed to use these mics to make music or content. You did do a great job with how you put together the video, so I don’t wanna take away from that. But a microphone video with “first impressions” that don’t include any sound samples is misleading. After all, what is a microphone supposed to do? I hope you’re making something valuable with your mics.

[@carlosfernandes8919]

O som destes clones de u-87 sao identicos ao u-87 original. Eu tenho uma capsula da china de 50 dorales, e um circuito marchal mxl , e o som já é identico. Mas o meu microfone , nao tem figura 8 , nem omini, somente funciona parte da frente , cardioide.. Agora , imagina essa empresa PIEZZO , que faz melhor que original.

[@raymota4515]

LET ME GET THIS RIGHT you want to hear samples gone thru several stages of digital processing, including mp3 squish, to listen to in headphones or 3" table top speakers to make a critical judgement on how to spend money for your next golden eared critics? All righty then go ahead on bro. It should sound great on far dx am radio so I'm told.

[@officialdiomer]

@@raymota4515 do you leave this comment on every microphone review?

[@KeithJCarberry1]

​@@raymota4515 you can hear the difference in tonality between two microphones on youtube. its actually extremely easy, depending on the mic. sure there's compression and processing, but you know they start with a source right? besides, anything you MAKE with the microphone will probably also be digitally processed, including mp3 squish, and be listened to on youtube with headphones or 3" table top speakers. so its actually the perfect scenario to hear a comparison

[@Shim267]

Based on my time and skillset I'd prefer supporting the DIY scene as much as possible. That being said I do believe there's a space for each option to exist.

[@irawardofficial]

My opinion is, I like both worlds. Of course I support the DIY community hands down because I am a technician, but what about those who can't or don't own the equipment to build one? Dachman is for the novice and DIY is for advanced :).

[@FlexXx_x_x]

Definitely supporting the DIY Scene

[@michaelharmon8731]

Thanks for the video. This Dachman DA87i looks a whole lot like the SA87, even the black sticker on the bottom that seems to already be peeling off on day one.

[@matthewblue7839]

Definitely do the build and a shoot out. The thing about the kit is you get everything all at once and instructions for its specific build. The downside of diy is that ordering can be frustrating, all parts may not be available etc.. Paying a somewhat higher price to get a complete kit that you can just build has some efficiencies.

[@drdhavalpandya660]

It's a wonderful vdo you have given & would be beneficial to many creative ppl, who are ready to put in efforts to make his own creation, many thanks to you for encouraging right ppl by showing the easy way. 👌👌

[@4711shaun2]

so did you build it? maybe do a folow up vid with sound clips?

[@adamhanney]

Fantastic production quality here, been wanting to see and hear someone test this mic since I first saw it. Please make a follow up with some sound examples compared to your vintage 87! That would be so helpful coming from someone with your attention to detail!

[@pop_polizei]

Thanks, Adam! I would love to make a second part, but it takes quite a lot of time...

[@cabanu]

More than a year 😂

[@elijahmant2855]

Very interesting video. Nicely presented also. Thanks, Man.

[@ciekaweurzadzenia]

Can you provide the PCB schematic picture?

[@carlcress1]

I think that “all in kits” are a great starter for newbs to build confidence. I have built many mics from scratch and it’s a lot of research in order to complete a quality clone. It would be nice to get a kit like this to give my head a break although I’d change the capsule to something that specs a little better.

[@pop_polizei]

Yes, replacing individual components in such a kit is another good option, of course. Thanks!

[@dylanj8676]

Generally the capsules aren't too bad. It's kind of hard to screw up a K67 capsule. When you need to use expensive capsules is when you're building a C12/251/C414 clone with a CK12 capsule because the Chinese ones have nothing to do with a real one except where the wires are placed.

[@davidgamel1811]

Great video. I'm thinking about buying a kit like this. I am wondering what higher quality capsules may be available for this kit? Peluso is the only one I have found on eBay. I normally use a C414, but after a few amp mods and pedal builds I am ready to tackle something like this. Thanks!

[@pop_polizei]

There are also great capsules by Heiserman, BeesNeez, Maiku and the likes.

[@Wizardofgosz]

Very nicely done video. Great presentation and narration. Yes, please build it and make a video. I do a lot of DIY and I am one of the few people who enjoys sourcing my own parts for projects like this. Finding unobtanium components (like original NOS Motorola and Fairchild 2N3819s for this mic) is FUN for me. I like the kits where you get a PCB and a PDF and you're on your own. I guess since I don't ACTUALLY hunt (animals), this "thrill of the hunt" for cool components replaces that for me. I have quite the love affair with Mouser! :-) I think their kit looks nicely put together and will make a nice build. No idea what the quality of the capsule is like, but they were definitely going for an AMI feel with the yellow tape around their transformer. I look forward to another video.

[@pop_polizei]

Thanks, Richard! I was also thinking AMI, but I have no further info on the transformer they used in the kit. And yeah, sourcing parts can be fun, but also nerve-wracking sometimes, can’t it? 😄

[@Wizardofgosz]

​@@pop_polizei The only nerve-wracking part for me is the extended shipping times that have happened within the last year due to Covid. I routinely buy PCBs from Denmark and custom metal panels from Germany, and it's been taking a long time. In fact for a while Deutsche Post was REFUSING to ship to the US *AT ALL* because of something stupid Trump did. Right around that time I had 50 Pot-shaft-adapters on order from Banzai music and it took me 3 or 4 months to get them. But in general, no, I don't find it nerve-wracking at all. Just as DIY has introduced me to many people, and I've made many new friends, hunting down vintage component stores online has done the same thing for me. I've found many cool places to look for vintage parts and made many new friends. Such a fun hobby. And I'm following in my dad's footsteps who spent a lot of his life building home hifi equipment and such.

[@MrMuppetbaby]

I just wanted to say, have you built it and can you compare it to the original? That's what I was hoping to see. Thanks, Tod

[@brandonbuell3519]

Wonderfully objective review. Thank you!

[@brandonbuell3519]

Also, to answer your question, I would rather support the DIY scene and others who have actually lead the way on kits like this. Plus it's cheaper to source your own parts.

[@pop_polizei]

Thanks, Brandon. Glad you like it. 🙂

[@gRosh08]

To me, it is pretty cool for the absolute newbie and a fun stepping off point. The "Vintage" rabbit hole goes deep and it cost a great deal for a trip down and back up. Cheers!

[@TheSteveBoyd]

I'm very skeptical of that capsule. The absolute MOST important part of any mic, and it appears to be a cheap knock-off from China. Having said that, I can't make any conclusions because I just spent 15 minutes watching a video for a DIY U87 clone, and I haven't heard the thing yet. This is my first time watching your channel, but I'm assuming there's a build & comparison video forthcoming? Otherwise, what's the point?

[@audioworksstudio]

Hi there. Thanks for the video. At the end did u get a chance to test the mic and whqt are your impressions matching It With the original Neumann? Thanks!!

[@streetracingmiscreant8589]

I think that I am going to end up going with the OPR U87 1:1 Clone. It’s more expensive, but the capsule is german and it sounds like this guy at Open Plan Recording really takes pride in his builds, and to be honest, I just don’t want to mess with a kit.

[@banditman142536]

great video sir. Yes please build it online for us to watch.

[@bestkenny]

The mic body with all that details like switchers and engraving signs is used also for Rodes clone of neumann. Check the older Rode NT2

[@pop_polizei]

Not quite. I also happen to have the older NT2, and the body is slightly different.

[@pumpdumpster]

I have never build a microphone, but would sure like to. As an amateur musician and a beginner in microphone building, to me a kit is a perfect place to start. And I am sure the more knowledge one gets, the more you want to choose specific parts, so you do not buy a kit. And I am super sceptical about old gear sounding superior to new gear, there is a lot of BS to drive up prices.

[@kehindea]

Apart from this kit where can we get the parts?

[@pop_polizei]

I have a few links in my video description. 🙂

[@pumpdumpster]

I think that this looks like a great kit for me. I am not a beginner diy, but I think it is too much to choose components individually. You seem to know a lot about this subject, so to me, your recomendation is important, and you speak nicely of the kit. To me, Dachman seems to have put a lot of effort to make the kit easy to assemble, you get a case for the microphone, and that deserves a lot of praise. On the other hand, you have the experienced diy people, and I believe a lot of them would not touch this kit for any price - because they want to choose their specific components, because they know their components will sound muuuuuuuuch better than the kit. And that is the joy of diy. Some prefer the kit, and some prefer to choose everything by them selves. BTW the real world is full of examples of people that had success with marketing something they did not invent themselves. Xerox invented the computer mouse, but Steve Jobs saw the potential!! And he could have lost, if the mouse was not well received. And thanks to you for sharing this interesting review, I really enjoyed it - all of it, including your personal opinions. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@tomasspacey6828]

Hello, i really like your video and your attitude. IMO what would justify such a kit and approach is truly great result. If this thing somehow really sums all the experience and knowledge and bring something like truly as good as it can get clone in that price range then IMO its great achievement and service. Lately I have been listening to many other company clones and so far nothing has satisfied me. So if this one gets it closer ... well my respect and thanx. But does it ???

[@timjaacks]

Great video, thanks for sharing it! I would love to see you building this thing. :-)

[@pop_polizei]

Tim! What a nice surprise! 🙂 Thanks for your comment!

[@ramencurry6672]

Gorgeous microphones

[@felixdorn21]

What a nice video! well done man. We need more content like this here :) cheers

[@pop_polizei]

Thanks a lot, Felix!

[@unterwasserbeatboxer]

I just bought an allready finished DIy 87-Clone and I am so curious how it will sound on my own recordings. The samples were really promising and I will get some stereosamples with sidebyside U87 original-recordings, what will be very valuable for me, because I can't affort an original. Now i see that I could do it on my own. So tempting. I see that point of supporting the DIY community, I do that on the digital side with own creations since years and I have no time left to really go deep into this microphone topic. So where is the middle way? Could i let an experienced DIYer choose the components with some room for experiments and pay for that project? I am open for new ideas :-). Thank you for the great video!

[@pop_polizei]

Well, a start would be to visit the Group DIY forum, get to know some people there, and ask for suggestions.

[@unterwasserbeatboxer]

After listening closer I can hear the differences more and more... But its still the recordings. I am so curious, if I will like how the microphone sounds compared to my other microphones. I ordered two capsules from China, one 47 and one ck12 clone and will test them in cheap condenser mics. So I will have a lot more experiences in a few weeks.

[@dylanj8676]

The owner of Dachman is actually quite honest about the origin of parts if you ask him. He posts on GroupDIY. Very different from how companies like Maiku and Peluso where they give you some BS about how their capsules are superior to the Chinese ones because they allegedly skin them themselves.

[@paulmccloud]

The devil's in the details. What the German engineers at Neumann know versus everyone else building clones makes the real thing what it is. Yes, you can clone the circuit and use the same components, and you'll get close. But the capsule and headbasket contain secrets that others can only observe but not understand. You can bet that legendary German engineering has gone into every component of their product with a fine toothed comb. I think it would be fun to build this mic, but I have no illusions of it being an exact clone copy of the original. If Dakman Audio can source the components and produce a nice kit, more power to them. As long as they are not doing anything illegal, and in fact offering truthful statements where they got inspiration from, where's the beef? Some like to source their own materials to save money and make experiments, and that's cool too. Personally, I'd rather find my own capsule, but I'm pretty sure he has other choices as well now. So far, I've not seen a perfect copy of the U87 anywhere, so if you want to have the best you'll have to get your hands on the original and pay the premium price.

[@pop_polizei]

Thanks! I agree with everything you said. 🙂

[@yousher99]

How much this kit?

[@benperry490]

so its December about 9 plus months since this video was released have you built it yet or are to busy slammiing entrepreneurs or their ambition, ideas and marketing?

[@pop_polizei]

Never meant to slam anyone. Sorry if it comes across like this. I just wanted to make this review as detailed as possible, so I’m comparing the kit to a real vintage U87, listing pros and cons, and mentioning a few alternatives. Isn’t this what a good product review should be about?

[@erickarge1838]

Def do one building it. This was a very well done video tho. Loved it.

[@davidsillars3181]

Very useful. I was looking at a U47 clone kit from a French company, comes with ready built transformer, 700 euros. They seem to have their own factory, but how much is actually Chinese import I don't know. I'd love to see you build this! I can wire a guitar but a mic circuit board .. mmm.

[@pop_polizei]

Thanks David! Well, if you know how to wire a guitar, then you should try your hand at building a mic! Most kits come with detailed instructions, so you should be fine.

[@Scaynes1]

Nice Work!

[@pop_polizei]

Thank you! 🙂

[@---pp7tq]

Didn't check how much the whole kit costs, but as a beginner, if it's not much, I wouldn't bother collecting all necessary parts from various sources, though I understand your concern if such action would benefit original creators of parts in any way, and it would be even cheaper that way. Anyway, I'm really impressed by your video and commentary and really look forward to see your comparison. Actually, there are already assembled U87 clones on e.g. AliExpress for, let's say, reasonable price. If it's really worth it.

[@zzarap4ik]

AliExpress clones sounds very bad

[@gavinhammond3137]

But... how does it sound?

[@Rompler_Rocco]

I'll be the one who says "No, don't build it.". (But really, I'd love to see you build it!) 👍

[@AbsurdTV1]

Yes. Build it and sound compare with the original with a great singer. 🎉😊

[@kankantandikaigorotan1496]

nice one

[@keithneal4410]

I would to see a shoot out between a real U87 and Dachman U87.

[@sikwitit773]

For that price you can actually build your own for $350 by buy the actually parts and solder.

[@KeithCollins-k6j]

What’s the point of diy kits, if GTZ Audio sell fully built mics for 150$?

[@pop_polizei]

I haven’t tried a GTZ87 myself yet, is it any good? I have no clue which components they use, but I heard it is much noisier than a real U87. Also, it has one polar pattern (i.e. cardioid) only, no high pass filter, no -10dB switch. So you can’t really compare it to the DA87i. Anyway, there are lots of U87 clones out there, some of which even sell for way less than the GTZ87. But I guess you’d have to actually try one to make up your mind.

[@martinkulik9466]

you know there is another clone to u87 made famous on youtube which is akg100 that is no longer made. you might source one and make professional review as they go for as low as 30$ -80euro used. they were made popular by famous youtubers narrators and voice actors and supposedly it has similar frequency curve as u87. I read professional reviews from musicians from 10 years back when it was made who said it lacks the qualities of high end mics, but some people swear they are the best mics they have.

[@---pp7tq]

You mean AKG P120 and P100. They're very known and decent. That's true.

[@JR-lx8nn]

Lousy review as it is 1) merely a high school level unboxing, and 2) criticizes the kit provider for producing a kit from DIY ideas , and 3) fails to demo the product - dissing the kit without quantifying or substantiating any fault or issue, and without accounting for the cost of designing and manufacturing a large microphone body, manufacturing the circuit boards, gathering the individual circuit components, producing and printing the user guide, cost of making the lined storage box, packaging and quality checking the kit, and other costs of production. Those costs are significant and add up to serious folding money. Consider, too, the added value of convenience in receiving all parts at once, saving the builder from separately ordering all that stuff, himself. The narrator fails to mention or consider the value of the seller's time and knowledge putting it all together, and assuming liability for warranty claims. The video is chronically flawed because it fails to demonstrate how the finished microphone sounds - providing no clue whether it 1) sounds good or not, and/or 2) sounds anything like its namesake. The narrator complains the seller charges a fee for producing a complete kit, fails to demo the result - rendering it pretty much a simple unboxing. Sadly disappointing. I wonder if the narrator could produce as nice a product for substantially lower cost ... probably not and make a profit. Just saying ... disappointed. JT

[@natehaiden]

Yeah we need a shoot out

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Build pl.

[@oscarhuang3768]

3U CAPSULE

[@Fos3tex]

Studio 939 has pretty much gone belly up, which is very sad. They offered the best stuff.

[@Frank55]

Hahaha! Don't make me laugh! "Custom wound transformer", that you can buy everywhere (fastened on the PCB with tie-wraps...), "custom made Styroflex capacitors", Chinese microphone capsule... I am on the floor right now laughing! Did Dany need money again?

[@pop_polizei]

Not sure what you mean, but the kit isn’t from Dany. Only the current PCB is, and this will also change in the future.

[@keithneal4410]

Looks more like a RODE NT 2.

[@Sponers1]

i can get the parts for $230 and everything

[@GrotePVVfan]

A transformer 'hanging' in tiewraps? Are you kidding me?

[@pop_polizei]

I agree this is quite adventurous. 🤔

[@fibranijevidra]

I am very confused with this half done video. You've got a kit in your hands, that costs more than 700€, but you are talking about how Dachmanaudio is not fair. So, why did you support his business? This must be the first YT video about a kit without actually building it? Very strange!

[@pop_polizei]

I didn’t pay 700 €, it was way less when I bought it. I think 700 € is their price for a pre-assembled microphone. Also, back then I didn’t know yet what to expect and I was just curious about the kit. In fact, the idea for this video came up only after I had received the kit. 🙂 By the way, Dachman Audio no longer offer the DIY kit, as far as I can see, so showing how to build it has become kind of pointless. Anyway, thanks for your comment!

[@fibranijevidra]

@@pop_polizei Well, it wasn't pointless in the time when you have made a video, and asked do we wanna see a video of it. Regardless, when talking about a piece of gear, DIY or brand made, people expect aome kind of review, or comparison. Your main theme was ethics, which you should talk about considering all the community contributions, but not just that.

[@vicpico1]

Hi! It' a Great project to start the day. Specially, if the components are cheap. We have a lot of this on our local Web site shop, direct from China. I think every thing, know is made in China specially the New Covid virus. lol.. hahaha.. kidding only. Happy New Year. Thanks for sharing & info.

[@pop_polizei]

Which online shop do you mean? Would like to take a look. 🙂

[@Creativecoverz]

a microphone reproduces sound. so why cant we hear it? dont care about all the chit chat. get to the ACTUAL review.

[@pop_polizei]

This is why the video isn’t titled a ‘review’, it’s an ‘unboxing & first impressions’ video. 🙂

[@salatproduction4477]

Hahaha😂

[@robr471]

This video is a waste of time,. No actual audio comparison, he never even builds it.

[@chinmeysway]

i feel like all this lust and nostalgia for past gear is non innovative and holds creativity back. the clone world contributes to non inventive and non creative ways, and just builds up noymann's reputation at the end of the week. its all getting so redundant and boring! teaches people to not create new designs and ideas. art is movement!

[@ulvibinntli4484]

Dude you wasted everybody's time. Jesus. At least share the sound of the god damn mic!

[@pop_polizei]

Sorry to disappoint your expectations. There are already a few sound demos on KZbin, both by Dachman themselves and other reviewers. In my video, I simply aimed to show what’s in the kit for people interested in building the microphone. This being said, Dachman has changed the components in their DIY kit over time and are now no longer offering the kit! So a sound demo of my mic version wouldn’t be much of a help to anyone. Anyway, thanks for your comment.

[@Jjf109nine]

Hopefully Neumann files a copyright claim soon. It‘s just a waste of money, especially when you can get a Chinese Mic for less that sounds better.

[@pop_polizei]

With so many Neumann clones out there, I don’t think Neumann even cares. Have you tried the Dachman Audio yourself? Or why do you think a cheaper Chinese mic sounds better?