Which is better? Virtual Neumann U87 or Real Neumann U87

[@swavycrazekid]

you might have the most calming voices i ever heard

[@davidpulver1348]

I am in my studio. I can hear a significant difference in the 6-7k range. The sibilance gets shaved off nicely with the real Neumanns. I would just slap soothe2 on it to get it closer.

[@frankiii4847]

These people have beautiful speaking voices

[@Joel_Powell]

I just purchased my L22 (got it yesterday). I was already very happy with the purchase, but hearing these comparisons I am even more thrilled with my decision! Great work!

[@NRVE8]

wow, I just got a L22 and this is crazy good to hear. the u47 emulation sounds most like the real u87 for sure. Nobody would ever know the difference unless you told them.

[@DavinzzieMusic]

I am listening in my studio at the moment, and although I am a happy Sphere owner, I have to admit that I like the sound of the real Neumann on every comparison to the modelled mics. My control room is very well treated and my main monitors are PSI A-21M's.

[@voscripts]

The flexibility of the sphere is incredible though. Thanks for watching!

[@mike42441]

I agree

[@DavinzzieMusic]

@@voscripts small update. I switched from my RME 802 to the Rupert Neve Designs 5211 for the L22 and the Portico II for my u87 and that makes a huuge difference. They are almost equal now. Almost, because I still love my u87 a tiny bit more for the u87 sound (duh). However, the versatility of the L22 is almost unbeatable, especially when you pair it with a high end pre-amp.

[@jmclane27]

@@DavinzzieMusic I'm a sphere owner too and I've been going back and forth on the bae 1073mp(dual of course) or buying 2 of the 511 for a lunch box. You love the rnd 511 sound though?

[@DavinzzieMusic]

@@jmclane27 Not the 511, the 5211 dual mic preamp. It is awesome!

[@xaosnox]

I'm really glad I found this channel. Subscribed! I had EXTREMELY high expectations for the L22, and after working with it for a couple of months, I have to say it has surpassed my expectations in every way. Only thing to keep in mind is that it is a heavy mic, and you'll want strong booms with counterweights or weights on the stand because it'll tip even a pretty heavy boom stand if you get it more than 2 feet off center. Other than that, this mic produces shockingly good results, even from lazy mic placement. After using it, I'd only want an U87 if it was priced low enough that I could sell it and get more Sphere L22s! Yes, the U87 in this video had a bit more heft and weight, but every U87 is different, and the differences here are not far outside what I'd expect from unit to unit of the same mic. Also, just a tip for the future, it may be best not to change camera angles when changing mics. The visual switch makes it harder for the brain to focus on the auditory differences. But, if you are going to do them, don't you think it might be better to show the talent from the side of the mic being used instead of the opposite side? When they L22 audio was playing, the U87 was closer to the camera, and vice verse. I found that confusing. Great video, though.

[@voscripts]

Thanks for the feedback. We're cutting a video now and will take the angles into consideration. The L22 is indeed a heavy mic. For others who maybe interested in this mic, we put out an earlier overview video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3Sqp36bitWaaq8. Thanks for the listening and thanks for the sub! All the best.

[@xaosnox]

@@voscripts Thanks for the link! When I'm not using my L22, I love to watch other people's experiences with it to make sure I'm not living in a dream world. Everyone seems to appreciate it as much as I do!

[@christophersanders9523]

To me, the modeled U47 was nearly a dead ringer for the real U87. Am I crazy?

[@marsf]

That's exactly what I thought too.

[@VOByRobbins]

@@marsf Ditto! wow!

[@voscripts]

Interesting. We’ll have to go back and listen again ourselves. Not surprising though as the u87 is born out of the lineage of the 47.

[@dornmusic]

This is exactly what I noticed!!

[@xaosnox]

I noticed some very subtle differences, but they were in favor of the L22. I think the mic they modeled was of better quality than the Neumann they were using. I know the U87-TK model sounds extraordinary compared to even the regular U87 model, let alone most of the U87s in use today. I'd say maybe

[@bisibela]

great comparison.. differences are academic. in applications such as music, cant tell a difference between the two in a mix.. i frequently listen and critique and enjoy the music. i am not thinking which mic the singer is singing into

[@mike42441]

Thanks for this vid - I immediately subscribed !! I liked the original U87 over all of the modeled mics. To me, the U87 sounded warmer and very natural, while most of the models sounded a little brighter and a tad thinner in the mids. I'm thinking a good equalizer could help fine tune the L22 and clean up those subtle nuances. To me, the modeled U47 sounded the best of all the models, hands down. I'm still going to buy the L22 and have one on backorder now. Thanks TL for this great versatile mic with groundbreaking post-recording options !!

[@voscripts]

Thanks for the sub. Many people like the U47 model best too. We agree, the Townsend is very versatile. When you do get yours, watch for static and breakup. It seems some people are having issues which may be cable related. .

[@iamantoniofernandez]

Fantastic and enlightening comparison. Thank you so much!

[@voscripts]

Thank you

[@gstapleton]

These are beautiful sounding mics.

[@ChivasKimber]

Yea I need this mic. Geez it's good

[@EricsonPresents]

Listening on my Focal Trio 6Be's, the 47 sounded pretty close to the U87...My mic should be here in about a month from Sweetwater! Thanks for the vid!

[@voscripts]

Awesome. Let us know what you think of your purchase!

[@Pearl2k10]

hi mid frequency in model version is grainy vs 87 and either hi emphasis or lack of low mid is noticeable

[@TheRookie738]

I just purchased one from a pawn shop for $190.00. While the salesperson stepped away, I googled the price 😮 She even had the cord, I swipped my card so fast that the store alarm and fire detector went off!!! I couldn't get home fast enough to try it out. Its nice, all of my other mics are in jeopardy!

[@kannon3979]

This is scary good 😲 No one will ever know what you use unless you tell them but the Sphere is a homerun in my book.

[@SVN62534]

No, wrong. People will know that it's not the real u87 and they will immediately stop listening to the song because obviously we all know that if your vocals don't have a 0.001 dB boost at X/Y/Z frequency then the song isn't considered a song anymore but plain garbage. That's obvious knowledge in the music industry. I'm a huge fan of music myself and I know from experience that if a snare in a song doesn't have a 0.0005 dB boost at around 5 kHz with a vintage SSL board EQ then it simply can not be considered a song.

[@gtr1983]

The real U 87 sound just slightly smoother at the top end and have a bit more weight, however would be hard pressed to tell the difference in a mix.

[@migueld8970]

I didn't "hear" much of a difference but I did "feel" that the Neumann always had a richer vibe.

[@voscripts]

“Feel” is often the difference in mics. Thanks for watching.

[@konafama]

L22 lacks some of the low end detail of the real. And, I wonder if that would suit a lower male voice well..particularly in a small home studio booth? The L22 seemed closer matched on the female voice than the male voice on my monitors. Thanks, great comparison. Townsend labeled L22's have dropped in price since UAD bought them out adn rebranded the L22 as the DLX. Sphere and DLX are the exact same device here in 2023, just rebranded. Hmmm, C414,TLM103, L22/DLX or U87ai (which would have a little more presence) -for bartone male VO?

[@danielrucker6350]

would love to see a comparison on the slate vs townsend (especially with the sony). great job

[@soopacenter]

I wanna see this test with post compression and eq. This is where the price difference will start to show.

[@voscripts]

We’ve considered that but it doesn’t show case the mics raw abilities and rather our engineering abilities. We may add a download link in the future for people to play with on their own. Thanks for watching and the suggestion.

[@soopacenter]

@@voscripts that would be AWESOME

[@JustMamba]

I think what most people mean when they say this is if this emulation mic takes compression and eq as well as the real thing... Alot of cheap mics sound good then you start to proccess the the vocals and they start to break apart and get harsh. More expensive mics don't do this.. I think a good test is to use same eq and compression settings and compare then That way your not comparing the engineer but the mic since its supposed to emulate these mics so same eq should sound similar and that way you can test the mics limits

[@colindayo]

Gave this a real world test by listening over a moderately small speaker at normal or office listening levels and the differences were barely there. I’m expecting to hear more when I play this in the studio, but my gut feeling is that the average listener or even booker is not going to be caring one iota whichever mic you use. All sound clean and clear. It might be more revealing to see how they stand up to the typical processing that they might meet in post prod. Or seeing how they react with some different pre-amps. KZbin always does something to the sound anyway so that might be further masking the differences. Another thing to take into account is the sound in your cans. If you’re feeling a better vibe and that’s looping back to your performance, then great. And then again, there is a certain satisfaction and professional pride that comes into play when you’d using an authentic classic mic - and even that can feed into your performance. My takeaway? On a mobile device or small speaker it’s quite shocking how homogenous these samples sound. I’m tempted to try the Sphere system, but I’m such an inveterate fiddler that it could be a deep wide rabbit hole. There are just so many parameters available that you can use in search of that golden tone for your voice in your room. Hmmmmm…….

[@chrisjakob25]

thanks for this video. very helpful and professional

[@voscripts]

thank you.

[@Lutzifer31337]

the u47 simulation was nearest to the real neumann imho. All the others were a bit more sibilant and a bit less "open". But the differences are very minimal and all different recordings sounded really nice. The really small differences will be exaggerated for most music recordings though, as there will be different amounts of compression added, that will show more of the differences in the quality of a mic.

[@JonManness]

Either mic will do the job if you own one already, but the value, versatility, and most importantly sound of the L22 is pretty mind-blowing. I also agree with another comment that the modeled U47 sounded the most like this U87.

[@gurumajuindonesia]

yesss Me too, that U47 simulation is the closest one, almost similar low end

[@riktascale4]

The sphere modeled U47 is the real thing!

[@MinisterTravis]

Should redo with the update of the u87ai emulation! I have this mic and its is amazing!

[@khalilroukoz]

sphere sounds thin , tested it against warm cx12 and I wanted to throw it outta my studio, or i might just keep it bc it lights up lol,cool little toy but i preferrer dedicated mics specially tubes!! Thanks for the video!

[@orangemaniabrother2232]

I liked the sphere most the time on this, more clear and focussed, U87 sounded a little subdued (smoother?). Though I will say that I don't hear much difference in the different emulations except the c800g one lol

[@Metalpazallteway]

Agreed

[@chrisdavis9334]

u87 is more flat and more low end on it that's really the main difference other than that sounds very close, what will make a bigger difference is when the vocals are mixed

[@bradenburke5383]

Sold my u87ai for the sphere. best decision ever.

[@valorous123]

Hi sir great video,just few questions if you can answer please, How does this mic sound on its own no emulations,if you recording in an untreated room not a bad sounding room actually but not professionally treated is that safe to go with this mic for tracking vocals,and is it a good investment for someone who isn’t as experienced with mics or will it be too much to handle for a newbie I was just thinking to buy a mic then I thought if you spending 800 pounds on a mic why not stretch your budget a bit and get this mic instead and one more thing when I say tracking vocals I am talking full on pro radio ready finished songs that we going to be recording out there your advise from your experience please. Regards

[@voscripts]

The Sphere sounds great using no emulation. When not using emulation, you’ll want to use only the front capsule which is set by default to a cardioid polar pattern. A colleague of ours used a sphere for the vocals on an entire album and only after it was complete did they realize they’d been using the microphone without emulation. It sounds great in a well-treated room, and it should sound fine in a less-than-perfect acoustic space. That being said, if you’re completely new to pro audio this product may be a bit more complicated to work with. It isn’t complicated in a general sense, but for someone starting from zero it might be a bit more to grasp than someone with a passing knowledge of proper microphone technique and usage. When using the Sphere software, it’s less “plug-and-play” than a traditional microphone, but if you do your research it really isn’t a complicated microphone when all is said and done. I would say that I’d recommend it for a beginner if you’re willing to put in some extra effort in understanding microphone usage in general (polar patterns, types of microphones and why you might use a particular type for a certain application, how the sphere operates to model polar patterns, axis, and proximity using two capsules, etc.) and if you’re technologically proficient enough to calibrate the microphone properly. Thanks for watching!

[@valorous123]

@@voscripts thank you ever so much for your detailed response,I am willing to learn and my main usage out of this mic will be tracking vocals and send it to producer who is on distance and for that reason I need a mic that can give us open and modern sound for tracking vocals my budget and options go between this mic or clones like vanguard 13 tube mic or u47 clone cm47ve done by advance audio,I heard a tube mic in action love that big sound but this mic gets tempting as it seems buying multiple mics in one mic and since I have Apollo twin as my interface this can be a good combo but I am not experienced as much as you would like to be in order to decide between a tube mic or sphere and given my situation I really needed some advice on this before I go and invested in anything. If you can advise anything that can possibly make my decision easier will be much appreciated Just subbed your Chanel too,wish you grow more and more Many thanks sir

[@Bauf_Beats]

just add a little compression and everything will become clear

[@BroccoFranzese]

U can hear the differance once you have trained your ear

[@jmclane27]

Been a Sphere owner for a year now. Love this mic. It still surprises me sometimes what it can do with the software outside of just modeling. Not saying they sound like perfect matches. But more than close enough...and for the price you're literally getting about 40 models and the potential for virtually any type of mic you could want. Great investment if you love quality & versatility

[@voscripts]

Plus the sphere sounds great on its own. ( without modeling)

[@jmclane27]

@@voscripts that's a fact

[@IceManGav1]

I feel like 67 emulation sounded a lot less harsh then the 87 🤔🤔

[@davidlindsay6573]

I am only listening to my tv speaker atm but I still like the real u87 over the sphere. If I can hear the difference on my tv between the 2 u87's and I'm sure the difference would be easily discernable in my studio

[@ernieg]

U87 Just has a Subtle thickness to it that the Townsend cant duplicate. but a lil. EQ might fix that.

[@federicolopezmusic]

Very nice but the real test is in singing. You need to push the capsule to hear how it truly reacts

[@voscripts]

Thanks for watching! These comparison videos are meant for voice actors and engineers working in voice over to compare the sound of different microphones for the specific application of voice over recording. Thanks again!

[@federicolopezmusic]

@@voscripts I work with voice actors daily (I run a small studio) so I watched this demo very closely. The simulations are quite convincing - I was just making a broader consideration.

[@dashmastering8811]

Thanks for the shootout it is very well done, unbiased and the source being a voiceover is actually a very good point of comparison. I found in my room with great acoustics, speakers and high-end converters that the Townsend was thinner and less smooth in each instance no matter what model it was trying to replicate. A bit in the same way that plugin that emulates hardware always lack the warmth of the original analog unit, the Townsend gets the flavor but systematically sounds thinner and more sterile. If I'd be a vocalist I would definitely buy a Neumann instead of the Townsend. Now for someone who needs a lot of microphones (but not at the same time) why not? But for $1,500 you can get several really good microphones that are authentic and have the vibe that emulation system lacks. Especially from Akg and ATK you can get much more bangs for your bucks or get one and a better preamp.

[@aklthachem]

I think the U 87 has more deep sound for example when you compare between 2 screens witch one has more resolution . U87 is slightly better for the professional studio

[@raphaelherzig3316]

I agree, even listening on my tablet (I highly train my ears to do so) I notice the bass that the real one has. The sound seems a little thinner and cheaper on the emulation (talking about a very small detail, but could be a factor in consideration when aiming at very high end recording)

[@serbadork]

@@raphaelherzig3316 that’s pretty fixable with some EQ though, which is the big sell of this mic. It gets you a very large portion of the way there and then you kick it even farther past the edge with some EQ and tweaking. I own this mic and it takes to tweaking very very well!

[@Iracord]

Hello & Thanks! What is the "cloud" looking RTA metering software on the lower right under the Nugen at the beginning of the video!? Thanks a Lot...!!!

[@voscripts]

It’s the FFT readout module in Isotope Insight. It displays frequency and amplitude over time.

[@DanBires]

My favorite is when they do blind tests with mics no one can tell red from blue.

[@andy9999andy]

The U47 emulation is really close to the U87 on male and female, strange? It would be nice to have more of these tests, on other mics, it would help to find the real closest match in style and feel...

[@voscripts]

No, many think the u47 matches best.

[@harshverma7531]

Can you do the same with Slate ML-1 please, Original vs Townsend vs Ml-1 ? Thanks

[@voscripts]

We'll add it to the list but we have a bunch of mic slated ready.

[@harshverma7531]

@@voscripts I understand when you already have so many mics, it doesn't make much sense to try a new one. But just want to say, your videos and comparisons are the best ones on youtube. And a Slate vs Townsend vs real one will be great to hear.

[@voscripts]

Agreed. We want to hear that comparison ourselves. Thank you for the kind words. All the best.

[@johnngatho6520]

I'm wondering how the sphere compares to antelope edge duo mic...mmm

[@KommZumBattle]

I use the Edge Duo Bit the vst plugin from townsend and it is amazing

[@johnngatho6520]

@@KommZumBattle Interesting. So the chain is like: Edge duo > Townsend VST plugin > DAW ...?

[@KommZumBattle]

@@johnngatho6520 no edge duo into antelope zen go (here i just use the dsp plugin v76 preamp) -> Daw -> townsend plugin. i like the style of the townsend plugin more than the antelopes. And i have the opportunity to change the mic emulation later in the mix.

[@johnngatho6520]

@@KommZumBattle Thank you for that. I'll see how I'll try it out.

[@johnngatho6520]

I guess the edge solo now going for $395 may produce similar results..the cardioid takes.

[@franciscoa.sorianoperez7859]

What is the shelf life of Townsend Labs L22 Sphere?

[@voscripts]

With proper care, it should last indefinitely.

[@andy80sdrums]

Sphere is superior. More versatility, excellent sound on its own right, stereo recording possible with one mic, many models to emulate, half the cost of a real U87, LOWER noise floor...

[@CHANGXIANGJINXIU]

整体听感，原版低音更多些，已经有90%的相似度啦，我也买了一只，很喜欢

[@NBproductionspresent]

i own an l22 and have personally compared it to neumann and akg mics. in every aspect it is a better sounding microphone. it cannot sound exactly like every microphone but it can damn well out shoot them

[@soopacenter]

The truth always comes out when mixing. Tracking sounds great tho!

[@voscripts]

Yes but it’s helpful to start with a good source.

[@davealley1753]

I mean..... drop the modeled 87 into a mix and we are splitting hairs lol. 99% of listeners would have no idea, at all. They didn't care to begin with hahah, but even a side by side comparison isolated, on consumer gear, no one would be able to tell unless your an audio engineer or running a super slick home audio system/headphone rig.

[@1ELiMusic]

Sphere 87 sounds better. The highs are slightly higher giving it more clarity and presence.

[@jvisuals4345]

Is this a vintage u87 or u87ai?

[@tkelong3569]

The U87 obviously sounds better, warmer, rich, more tone rich, etc. hoWeVer; it’s close and I think I could repair the difference in 5-7 minutes with any eq vst. Thanks for the vid.

[@griffinmusicinc]

I'm listening to this on a pair of Sennheiser HD 660 S. The Real mic sounds warmer. A little too warm for my taste. I would say it almost sounds muddy. Through my headphones, the Sphere sounds cleaner, as if you're listening to the person speaking in the same room as you. So no, the Sphere doesn't sound like the U87 at all to me. It sounds better.

[@voscripts]

Thanks for your comment. Nice headphones. Regardless the emulation, the sphere is great sounding mic on its own. The emulations are almost a bonus.

[@jamesakinola9792]

Except you are looking at the screen, I found it difficult to tell the difference. More importantly, at less than a fraction of the cost- this is not even something to debate.

[@jonezmusicgroup]

There's no comparison to the vintage sound.. I've watched SEVERAL videos and some come close, but I'd much rather have the Neumann over the modeling mic, but that's not saying I wouldn't buy one. Lol Out of all the modeling sounds, I think the Sphere 47, Sphere 49 & the Sphere 800 were the best sounds in the mic..

[@voscripts]

Agreed, and the Sphere 47 is my personal go-to for vocals, especially for voice-over. Thanks for watching!

[@LarryLobo]

Sphere sounds thin.

[@cubaseman1487]

For me Real U87 awesome. i listen with my iphone 13 pro max speakers😄

[@emmstudios1]

Closed my eyes and could here the changes,, Real has more fullness especially in the lows.. Wheres the V Mic is thin...

[@takey_official]

I think U87 has low freq more than sphere l22

[@tdoto]

idk why i like the l22 better!

[@tabodee]

To my ears the modeled Sony sounded almost identical to the real u87- even more so than the modeled U87.

[@jorgefrias7889]

I literally heard the same thing, nonetheless I'd buy this mic just because of the flexibility. Im a bit afraid you can catch analysis paralysis with so many options.

[@voscripts]

That is a very real concern at times.

[@TravisTellsTruths]

Modeled is immediately lacking low end on males vocal.

[@voscripts]

Thanks for watching and your comment. This observation will help others.

[@ZVBBV]

Exactly!

[@schoepsms]

U47 on the woman is best.

[@halcyo]

The real u87 just sounds much nicer, fuller, more free and less "held back". Something about the models always sound pinched off a bit.

[@rodolfobrant1538]

Neuman's quality is way way way better than TownsendLabs. The technology will probably catch up in 5 to 10 years. Let's see

[@honkytonk2010]

Yes the people speaking have amazing! Voices the real u87 is a bit darker hardly noticeable save your money and get the sphere also more choices

[@ChaceBonanno]

Idt the average listener would notice a difference

[@lunar5soundpainting]

The real Neumann U87 souded way more warm and full, unless the weird flatter uncoloured emulation.

[@cypressmuzik]

the U67 was the closest..

[@KristianDowling]

U87AI owners feeling a little insecure? ;-)

[@Skylinez999]

not really :D

[@jmclane27]

Most won't admit it but for the price point and the flexibility/versatility you have with the sphere...the 87 is damned near a novelty item. And if you really feel like there is "something"missing...a good preamp(that you would want for either mic) would easily fix that.

[@realtalkroscoeg]

No, where you’re being Fooled at is, u87 ai come to life in hardware, townsend will never come close 😂😂😂 I already tried lol

[@iamthebot99]

man i hear the difference though.... the original is waay better.... I wont be purchasing the sphere any longer. thanks for the video.

[@ovniproject]

Lack of basses

[@rylandweet7750]

All of the virtual ones sound so bad!

[@voscripts]

What do you think of the sphere without any modeling? @ 1:37.

[@rylandweet7750]

@@voscripts it’s still to bright and harsh on the top end... the mic should be priced $500 alone

[@voscripts]

Thanks for the feedback. It helps others as well. All the best and thx for watching.

[@thedome765]

Sphere sounds like crap no matter what its modeling

[@jvisuals4345]

Is this a vintage u87 or u87ai?