How to Make Your Own DIY U87 Vintage Condenser Mic

Neumann's "holy grail" of workhorse condenser mics is now closer within reach than ever before, thanks to a capsule and body from /www.microphone-parts.com and circuit boards from Dany Bouchard (vintagemicropho...).
For more info, including the cost and options for this project, check out the full post at www.diyrecordin...
DIYer Matthew Jenkins walks us through his build, employing parts from Cinemag (cinemag.biz) and Mouser.

[@ameann]

"The mic's first assignment was to record the voiceover for this video". Absolute class :) That made me smile. I had no intention of completing this project, but watched the whole video and enjoyed it.

[@neve1064]

I agree an audio comparison to an original U87 or an U 87 ai would drive home the impetus to start this project, specifically for newbies. I read over a decade ago that the capsules available just weren’t up to emulating the sound of an original or ai U87. Perhaps that has changed?

[@arconeagain]

The biasing of the fet is very important. So when you install the resistor/s, they must measure pretty close.

[@ryanpeplinski1884]

What does it sound like? Maybe do a comparison?

[@congi]

You inspired me to build 6 microphones!! Thanks!

[@tankmaster1018]

haha just out of curiosity why 6? Why not 5 or 7? lol

[@congithu5026]

tankmaster1018 Learning progress. Stereo pairs, FET version, tube version.. Friends also asking me to build more for them, so now I'm on 8th microphone.

[@MrPolpaccino]

How much does this Build costs?

[@congithu5026]

Depends. New circuit cost about 100 US$ and quality capsule for another 100 US$.

[@A_Class216]

Pietro D around $500 depending on if you have a mic body already and where you purchase the capsule from. Capsules range 200 and up

[@Rendraco79]

Hello there. When i read the final text in the video, i just confirm what i just were thinking in the last 3/4 parts of the video length... Excellent! ..."like a sir."!

[@the20226pm]

You never say yourself a adio-engineer or producer or whatever people these days considered as. You are the coolest. They can't compare.

[@diyrecordingstudio]

That's crazy, awesome mic build. I'm building the S12 from mic parts at the moment. Their kits have changed a bit since this vid!

[@jamescooley7224]

Fantastic! That looks so much easier to assemble than it would have been back n the day.

[@Fwuzeem]

I now have to make one of these, they're truly excellent

[@TrentCrawfordMusic]

Fantastically done sir! It all seemed straight forward ( to a complete diy newb ) until that end part with the trim pot! Will re watch and attempt! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@aneeqkalson5550]

how did it go?

[@DarrenForbes]

Here is a mic question? How does one match a pair of microphones? Can a set of microphones be tweaked to be a matched pair after the fact?

[@AmonForatto]

It would be nice to have some tests after done!

[@YouTubestopsharingmyrealname]

He recorded the voice over for the video with the microphone he built.

[@unskilledcraftsman4313]

+Casey Hagist - Nope. He recorded the video with a Marantz handheld recorder.

[@YouTubestopsharingmyrealname]

UnskilledCraftsman that was the receiver that the Mic was hooked into.

[@migalito1955]

Cool beans. I may do this myself after I clear all the other projects off the to do list.

[@skaylars]

Can you include an entire part list of the components you used? Im having a hard time finding it, might be because I'm new to this. But i'm willing to try and make one of these myself even though I dont have a lot of experience with it. Beside that, this video is awesome and thank you for sharing this!

[@corymcleod934]

Go to the link he has on diyrecordingequipment and then right below the video there is "PCB components from Mouser" click on it and it is a cart with all the components. They're a bit more expensive than before, i think there might be unnecessary duplicates. there's a photo tutorial i found online, google "mic and mod u87 diy build instructions" It should be the second result.

[@Wizardofgosz]

There is redundency built into the current BOM. Now that I know that next time I can save money.

[@NeveSSL]

Nicely done! Thank you for making this video.

[@ericpaone9114]

Could explain what your settings of your multimter were for the bias? I'm at the final stages of my build but i am unsure how to properly bias it. I can see how everything is connected, I just dont understand where the signal is coming from and what settings i should be measuring with. Thanks!

[@jukpulfer]

daaamn! as a german native, I have to say, your pronounciation was on point

[@djordjeblaga7815]

von "rott" mal abgesehn ;D

[@l_shaun_bunds_l]

Rawt... harsh and terse... maybe he means a native who has moved to Germany. 🙊

[@Xtn1Insecticide]

The clones don’t sound nothing like an actual U87 it’s true, I’ve tested them. I put it down to metal foundry/ metallurgy differences but this is still a great project for making & experimenting with your own designs cheaply

[@LPFan4]

So do they sound subjectively "worse" in comparison? How would you describe it?

[@Frank55]

Nothing beats a Neumann microphone capsule. But for most people, a different capsule is just 'good enough'...

[@Subgunman]

Don’t these mikes use a tube preamp on the original U87's? Tube preamps provide some of the best sound quality for both condenser as well as ribbon mikes.

[@dale116dot7]

@@SubgunmanThe U87 is solid-state, it uses a single FET and a coupling transformer.

[@dale116dot7]

The transformer probably isn’t a perfect match and there is a resonance between the coupling capacitor, amplifier output impedance, and transformer, though that isn’t the biggest thing. The K87 has a handful of critical things that many aftermarket capsules don’t get right. The glass beading of the Neumann backplate is different than many clone capsules and if the tensioning isn’t quite right, the K87 is underdamped so that is critical. A M7/K47 is not underdamped so there is more tolerance for diaphragm tension on that design. A “re-skin” on a real Neumann capsule which I have done a handful of still sounds weird if the tension isn’t right so definitely that is a very large factor. Wrong pre-tension before coating or running the coating too quickly so the Mylar gets too hot during the process can cause uneven tension as well.

[@harryray5885]

All this new gear sounds fantastic...only for most music to go unheard and if it does its through a cell phone speaker.

[@MichaelNatrin]

Awesome stuff. Thank you so much for the detail and full explanation on everything!

[@beefkababb]

I have completed the build except for attaching the capsule wires. I don't see a location for connecting them. Can you help me out with this? Thank you.

[@SheikhJasim]

Hi,i have u87 ai microphone. But now it is damaged.Can you help me rebuild this microphone as like this please.i am a vocal artist from Bangladesh

[@PetersonGoodwyn]

Yes, there is a link to the BOM in the post linked in the description to the video.

[@JordisonLucas]

Hi friend . I have shure 55s microphone vintage 1957 not found. Can you help me to repair ? I not have idea if the capsule fail or another component. The capsule test disarm in resistence valor is 30 ohms. Tnkyou

[@robertostman2075]

ok so all was fine till you got to the end where you mention the resistor/s... could you clarify this part pls?? and what about those ppl ho do not have a multimeter...

[@GGGNVideos]

Great show man. I'm very interested in that sort of construction, plus, I'm German. Great show explaining that colour code :-)

[@peterbrandt7911]

Me too, but I wished he hadn't used that old Faktur font :).

[@vadimmartynyuk]

Audio comparison to real u87 ?

[@AlecsCash]

Not even close.

[@zackstewart4109]

@@AlecsCash I've sweep tested and A/B'd a lot of mics against the u87ai and this combo should be close. A mic with a very similar capsule and very similar circuit will at least sit the same in the mix and be the same "tool in the tool-chest".

[@nate_creates]

Alecs Cash Fanboy located.

[@Wizardofgosz]

@@AlecsCash Does 97% count as "even close"?

[@reekrodriqguez6552]

Zack Stewart Then what’s the point of the mod? It’s close but not at the same level

[@FilmForger]

Interesting......but how about a sound comparison test with a U87?

[@alphanumeric1529]

What is the total cost of the build?

[@Jayofobp]

+alpha numeric The capsule depending on if you want to go RK47 or RK7 are either $110 or $130 these you can be added without changing the circuitry depending on the Mic. If you go for the RK12 or RK87 they are the same price as the other 2 capsules but require the circuitry which is $110 so your total if you went all in for a better capsule and circuitry is $240. I built a RK87 from a MXL V250 a few weeks ago and the difference it Amazing.

[@rendilly]

+jayare kight can you build me a mic?

[@alphanumeric1529]

+jayare kight Thanks for the info.

[@Jayofobp]

Multi Media Freeks sure I can. Depends on what you are going for and what you are upgrading

[@rendilly]

+jayare kight [e-mail] please email me

[@7libras297]

Someone on the site said it was around $350 to clone. The price of a real U87 is around $3,000 so ya lol good video

[@Wizardofgosz]

If you're buying good parts like a Peluso capsule and transformer, the parts come out to about $575. It's not magic, the rest of the components are just common electronics parts. Caps, resistors, etc.... Neumann builds lovely mic bodies machined to serious standards, so using a less expensive body saves money here. The commonly used body is about $150 of the aforementioned price. Is it as nice as the Neumann? No. Does it need to be? No. The 150 one I've seen is plenty substantial. The rest is just how good the clone of the actual circuit is. And the circuit boards being used here are EXACT clones of a particular vintage U87 circuit. I think he cloned a circuit from a 1970s U87. So German capsules are between $600 and $800. Is the Peluso as good as the Neumann? Well, a friend of mine who is a well respected tech in the audio industry (he is known by everyone) uses Peluso capsules to replace capsules in any German mics he repairs unless otherwise instructed by the client. The Peluso U87 capsule is about $266. It is as good as the Neumann? My friend thinks so. But objectively is it? Maybe, maybe not, but if it's 97% there NO ONE is going to notice the odd 3%. So yes, if you use good components, these are faithful reproductions of a U87. They sound amazing. This IS NOT a clone of the modern U87ai, which has a different amplifier circuit and puts out about 8 dB more gain. So it is a little quieter, but the circuit is a clone of the real U87 I work with in one of the studios where I work, and give me that circuit all day long.

[@Wizardofgosz]

I just built two of these and I think I have more like 625-650 tied up in parts to build one. We also have a proper vintage U87 at the studio where I sometimes work. One of these days soon I am going to compare the two I built with one another, and each one individually to the vintage 87. I'll upload the files somewhere without saying which test is which, and you can listen and make your guesses.

[@thanksmomstudio]

@@Wizardofgosz Interested in hearing this!

[@Wizardofgosz]

@@thanksmomstudio So I just learned our real U87 needs work, so we gotta fix it before I can do that A/B!

[@thanksmomstudio]

@@Wizardofgosz Okay, let us when it happens!

[@RockVoltz]

Hey, is there a tutorial or steps for installing all the electronic components into the board? I found a list of parts that someone commented on the diyrecordingequipment post, but I wouldn't know where each part goes.

[@FeelinThursty]

I came here thinking I'd just need a shoebox and some copper wire! This is NOTHING like making a pop filter....

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

Well, to be fair this is a copy of a Neumann U-87, one of the most expensive and high quality mics there is. If you just wanted to build a mic, you could just take the parts out of a cheap mic and make a nice housing for it or something like that. Or you could buy a microphone element and build a mic around that. That should be easier. Or, you could learn how to solder electronics. Once you do it, you can do it. Start with a kit and work your way up to more difficult projects like this.

[@chrisw5742]

@@PaulTheSkeptic A couple plastic cups and a piece of string.... :-P

[@LTJR.]

@@chrisw5742 Hmmm? Beer bash at the kite show.... I'm on it old chum!

[@stanhenryscott2487]

An odd question, but Peterson, have you any experience with a 1977-vintage Sony ECM-33F small diaphragm condenser? I've recently listened to one and was left wondering what could I possibly want which that Sony doesn't provide? On a more envious note, I've an Amateur radio friend whom recently attained a U-87 for $20 from a Pawn shop and it's in pristine condition. I don't believe I like him anymore... ;-)

[@marcdraco2189]

I've never met him and I already hate him! :)

[@Gguy061]

Is advancing computer software making microphones obsolete? An app can do a lot of things a mic can

[@symph1744]

Great fun to build them for sure, but they never sound like an actual U87, Ive heard so many clones..

[@francisgarde]

Please update the pcb components part of the build as there are parts that are already at end of lifecycle thanks!

[@Qman509]

does anyone know what size the MuMetal can is to shield the transformer in the base of the mic?

[@echolectricstudios2870]

can you please post the html document that listed the parts that you used building yours. I see really cheap parts that I am interested in, but these are not listed on the website you provided. The prices seem a bit different. It's looking like this will cost me about $520 total, is this correct?

[@caseykreines1790]

Hey I really enjoyed the video! I was just wondering, as a total beginner to diy recording gear, what level of difficulty you would rate this at? Is this something that someone like me can achieve after a couple beginner projects or is it more complicated than that? Thanks!

[@PlatinumMastering]

It’s relatively complex you need to make sure you know where the cables are going and able to error free build to avoid burning parts

[@dwayneaguiar1148]

Cool video brother.🥁😎🥁..

[@pierpa_76pierpaolo]

Best mic capsule to make a homemade contact microphone? I have the esisgency to test some materials and among them is brickwork\pietra, etc. ;i can you help? Thank you.

[@FUFUWO]

"And it works well on some vocalists" LMAO

[@stupiddumb182]

What is funny about that?

[@cozmovox]

over four decades singers have complained about the u87 because it makes them sound like gay ducksSSS.....

[@FUFUWO]

@@cozmovox hahaha

[@WestHaddnin]

@@cozmovox source?

[@cozmovox]

@@WestHaddnin Sinatra (Frank)

[@EvLoutonian]

Great work! This concise video is quite helpful as a reference, thanks you!

[@StreamBot121]

Nice video, the first one which I saw ' this video is now over'

[@infinitx1330]

I made a diy condenser mic using lm358 opamp, I added 5 condenser mic capsules in parallel , but the output reduced drastically, could you please tell me what might have caused it?

[@AldoSchmedack]

Try a higher end op-amp, AD or Burr Brown.

[@thedjruiner]

I think that's what they call a matched pair, have the capsule matched however and build them exactly the same, calibrate them to your hearts desire :)

[@th3drizzl378]

wow very nice. I have extensive soldering skills and background with circuit boards. can u somehow post up the final list of what parts worked and where you get them. I ask because I noticed u mentioned things like u had to get a different screen etc. is there somewhere to see exactly what u in the end used? I love the look off this one and would love to make one. thanks for any help!

[@SpartanJoe193]

How much is a genuine U87 Capsule? I'm using a BM800 rn so I'm gonna use it as the donor body.

[@Dreamside91]

I can solder all the electronics of a Fender Strat. How much harder is this project? A lot?

[@iviaverick52]

I have an unused GXL3000 laying around, would that be suitable for a donor mic with this project? I din't hear any steps specifying connecting the polar pattern, DB pad, or low cut switches.

[@tecno8335]

How bout just buying a wa 87 its really close and it only cost 350 - 450 used on reverb.

[@isaackhaw9418]

Hi. Is it possible to see a more detailed demo on the calibration part?

[@maylightbewithyou]

Hi, first, do you think you could do a video of a vocalist singing into the mic? Secondly, how much would you charge to make one of these for me? Thanks.

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

Build one. You can do it.

[@scootergreen3]

But will the switches work on the donor body? Won't the donor body have to be the exact body matching with the circuit board etc. This video is really helpful and great by the way.

[@Isaacthompson]

Sounds great! Thanks so much.

[@charlesklein7232]

i use a microphone that is plugged into a desktop computer in the microphone plug on the back of the motherboard and i use audacity in ubuntu 16.04. i can here the microphone but it is not loud enough. their is a thing called "48V Phantom Power Supply" but this is for Laptop which does not give the microphone its full 5 watt power. on my desktop it has that and so i was told that it would not allow me to increase volume. but could i use a "PRE-AMP" before i plug into the computer to increase its volume. or basically how do i increase volume.

[@davids4568]

Buon giorno caro amico, mi puoi dire dove si puo' trovare per comperarla la basetta porta componenti circuito stampato grazie

[@JayGamzTV]

Good Day sir I want know if that upgraded capsule are working to BM-800 condenser?

[@TWANGROCKS]

I'm checking prices and getting 159.00 for the capsule.. etc. way high. what's up?

[@th3drizzl378]

Is there anywhere to buy a complete kit anymore? Most places seem to not sell the kit anymore. Pref looking for the u87ai replica. Any help would be awesome!!

[@Wizardofgosz]

Microphone parts has a kind-of U87 full kit. microphone-parts.com/products/s3-87-microphone-kit

[@kentvandervelden]

Neat project. Nice sound.

[@ablackman2990]

+Kent A. Vander Velden sounds like shit

[@NapierThompson]

I've just been to the site. Which capsule do you buy to replicate the U87? None of them are called U87. What is the difference between them? This is all great info but there is not enough info here for us to replicate what you are doing. :-/

[@Jayofobp]

+Napier Thompson the RK87

[@jvonnjvonn4688]

Napier Thompson I say just save ya money or ask around in person not internet or get the tlm 49-67 used atleast you get something for ya money

[@reekrodriqguez6552]

JAY love But these mods are better

[@jamesbomd3503]

NOW IAM ON LOCK-DOWN I THOUGHT THIS IS THE PERFECT PROJECT FOR ME, IAM A JEDI NIGHT WITH A SOLDER IRON ! I GIVE UP BELIEVING I COULD DO THIS AROUND THE 2:30 MARK OF THE VIDEO.

[@JimTheKid]

why lol its easy

[@magicman3801]

Hi, I just received a T.Bone sc 450 ( newest version ) but there's a broken cable inside... It's the red one which is wired to the Capsule ( membrane ) and to the circuit... => Can you/anybody tells me where does the red cable is wired on the circuit please ?? Thanks.

[@timtaylor7731]

awesome job!!!

[@mephistovonfaust]

If that voice over was recorded through the mic I'd rather not try it... The sound was awful and nothing compared to a real U87.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Very well made video. You know your stuff. Keith Kuhn

[@Varoon2]

I love the song at the end xD

[@jeffmclowry]

I did search to see what Neumann u87 mics go for and they are around $3500. Realizing that prices change and other variables that each person can run into, how much was your total expense for building this mic? Thanks!

[@Wizardofgosz]

I have about 625-650 in my build. I used very high quality parts all the way around.

[@AGVersace100]

what is the total cost of the build ? around / under the 300-400€ mark?

[@webstercat]

At Mouser Electronic I see where to order parts but when I put in Project U87 as a search term the final price is MERCHANDISE TOTAL: $67.31 (USD) I don't know which or how many parts to order. Your build says 19.22. How did you come to that price? I'd start on this today but I'm very confused on what to purchase.

[@grumblekin]

It's 19.22 on top of the cost of the mic body, capsule and other stuff. The 20 bucks is for PCB components.

[@realdeal2958]

how much is the capsule?

[@Daniel-qo9uv]

relly cool video ware can't I buy the case [ body ] for the Neumann U87

[@Zweyback]

I am from Germany and I really enjoyed the part when you translated the colours :D the result sounds pretty good to me, could you maybe upload some music footage?

[@PSORIK]

Кто в курсе, где можно приобрести отдельно капсюль К67

[@jezebelspencer4443]

how do you think about the stellar vintage mic?

[@snippletrap]

is this the same mic you're using for the voice over? if so, sounds nice.

[@The7nUp]

Do you do this on a regular basis? as in assigned work?

[@BigFatCock0]

I have no idea what any of this means.

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

Ha ha. Start out with some guitar pedals or something. A fuzz box or something is a great first project. Buy a good soldering iron and a kit. Welcome to the wonderful world of DIY electronics.

[@kieranblacker]

Just started my wonderul journey into electronics, just finished a Midi Guitar pedal board. Already have a long list of projects! It's Great fun!

[@TheOgi22]

Audio test?

[@Wizardofgosz]

What value did you end up having to use when you finally put the two resistors in series to replace the variable resistor?

[@Michael_Chao]

Not a fixed value, because each set of other errors is different, and this value is calibrated to this error

[@Wizardofgosz]

@@Michael_Chao I am aware of this. I asked what value they used IN THIS BUILD, which has an actual answer. No idea what the point of your reply was.

[@Michael_Chao]

@@WizardofgoszWhen the drain voltage reaches 10.5V, the value of the adjustable resistance is the answer

[@Michael_Chao]

@@Wizardofgosz U87 Ai RS 2K-7K

[@Michael_Chao]

@@Wizardofgosz I make U87 clones every day in China, so you can ask me any questions

[@InnerveyKosmos]

now the sound test, thats what matters at the end

[@Wizardofgosz]

Also, what manufacturer's 2N3819 did you use?

[@elysianfury]

I would be doing this with a lighter and a bent paperclip. Seriously though, I want to try this. Thanks for making the video

[@andrewjameswinkler]

I see a great river pre :) the u87 will sound breathtaking through that :)

[@VSPhotfries]

I never realized how short the span of affordable condensor mics was. The 90s? Yikes. I guess that does explain why my Dad was so excited to find those Rode mics popping up when I was younger - I assumed they were always in that price range. Nowadays, I love my super cheap BM80 clone. What an amazing time to be alive, where I surprisingly clean, responsive, and low-noise mic can be had for $16.

[@larrytate1657]

Lewitt and Miktek mics hold their own with ultra expensive mics imho. For a fraction of the price.

[@leoburnett3085]

Anyone able to recommend me somewhere that i can gain the knowledge to complete this kind of project?

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Probably the same place I'm going to go and get the knowledge. It will be in the next lifetime. LOL

[@mohamedhabib8982]

better than factory itself i doubt you r just one mate

[@Not-Only-Reaper-Tutorials]

P.S. i put on "my favorite" this website. I ask myself: where to find the bodies, where to find the capsules

[@peterbrandt7911]

Have you ever tried one of the cheap chinese capsules? Afaik Microphone-Parts uses them as well, but sort them out by Hand. Great project!

[@donnyten2041]

Are you sure they use "cheap chinese" capsules? I doubt they do. Kinda defeats the point of diying your own mic. Cheaper than branding of said product while utilizing higher grade components found in more expensive mics. Straight from their site "We manufacture a variety of premium capsules for condenser microphones. Whether you are repairing a broken mic, restoring a vintage mic, or upgrading an inexpensive mic, we can provide a broad selection of sonic choices." As far as I know those " cheap chinese' capsules are found already in almost all cheap sub 300 buck condensers

[@peterbrandt7911]

@@donnyten2041 I won't spread any falsehood, but I'm quite sure, that I heard Matt saying that himself in an interview, probably on Produce like a pro. The capsules I was talking about are around $30-40. And there's nothing wrong with that. CNC machines work precisely and if they check any capsule before selling, I'm ok with that. You can at least find capsules with the exact same look and name on Alibaba. And one last thing, I'm quite sure, that a small company like this wouldn't be able to produce capsules for that price by themselves.

[@prodbydramatic]

could I take a usb audio techinica and convert it to xlr?

[@fusion-music]

Anyone notice a weak solder joint at 8:16 - 8:20mins - the RT connection labelled 1 especially, but there is a host of poor soldering. Could be trouble ahead. Mic sounds very nice, despite the cost and home build. To design technology well cost money, hence high price tag. To rip off someones hard work (clone) is far easier, hence low cost. Good project.

[@Silverheartsmusic]

+Fusion Music Agreed - see the cold solder joint clearly at 8:20. You have to watch these where you have alot of copper going to the pad like a ground signal or wire. Suggest applying flux, iron re-touch there and clean with alcohol.

[@Scott-dx7uc]

could you do a U87 and TZ Stellar x2 comparison?

[@DefiantStevo]

I'm with ellis boyd on that - How much to make me one too?

[@leonardconstant]

Yes, the mic's first recording was this video's voice-over.

[@rawstarmusic]

Why doesn't microphones have an EQ? They can have a one level low-cut. Some mic's are boomy so I would want to shape it on the mic. Same goes for head-phones, why are there no built-in EQ? Some head-phones are bass-boosted and are bad for clarity of speech.. Interesting video thanks. So it's mostly adding double membranes? What is the cheapest mic to buy that successfully replicate U87?

[@andrewmcewan9145]

you cant because the sound is created from the inclosure and drivers for head phones if the incloser around the headphone changes so does its sound stage also the size of the driver effect the bass ant the trebles ex on a good home theater the tweeters are not much bigger than an over ear headphone cup but the subwoffer can be over a foot wide

[@rawstarmusic]

I have headphones with to much bass. I can put an EQ between the output and the headphones so the same chip could be in the headphones instead without having an extra box.

[@francisgarde]

How can I contact this person to possibly get a mic done for me? thanks!

[@emailme23]

i can get you one

[@takismail]

just wanted to ask you one thing , why do i make it myself if its gonna cost me the same price as a mic in the market ?

[@wokeupinapanic]

You realize that a U87 is multiple thousands of dollars, right? This costs maybe a TENTH of the price. Smh...

[@IroquoisPliskin]

0:35 Is it made by Shinra company?