U87 or DLX?

[lpalvare20955]

Hey guys looking for advice.

I’m going to upgrade my studio microphone and I’m stuck between the u87 and dlx. Obviously I know you guys are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of both. My questions is… is the u87 worth paying the extra 2k?

[Hugh Robjohns]

Not sure where you are in the world.

The UA DLX is around £1500 in the UK, while the Neumann U87ai is just about £2500. So a £1000 cost difference.

Is the U87 worth it? Depends what you want. Selectable tonal flavours, or a mic with a long proven track record for sounding great in a mix?

[sonics]

Very different, in some ways!

If you have clients that will only sing into your '87, or having a Neumann is the difference between a paid job or not, then get one. If you need one occasionally, hire one.

For flexibility and superb sound, get the UA. As an all-rounder in a small-budget studio the UA has a lot going for it. (I think it's very good indeed.)

Plenty of other great mics come to mind at those prices, too.

If you're recording your own voice and are the picky type, you'll need to hire both and make your decision after using them.

[Wonks]

The U87 has a track record of keeping its value or even increasing slightly, whilst I doubt the UA will do so well in a few years time. Not an issue if you plan to keep them, but if you find you don’t get on with your chosen mic, the U87 will almost certainly turn out to be the better investment.

[sonics]

The U87 has a track record of keeping its value or even increasing slightly, whilst I doubt the UA will do so well in a few years time.

Whilst no-doubt true, the best choice is the one that works for recording with. Most people I know never sell their U87s.

Hence try them out first.

[lpalvare20955]

Not sure where you are in the world.

The UA DLX is around £1500 in the UK, while the Neumann U87ai is just over £2k. So a £500 cost difference.

Is the U87 worth it? Depends what you want. Selectable tonal flavours, or a mic with a long proven track record for sounding great in a mix?

They go for $3200 here in the U.S. as I’d rather buy new.
And true, I guess I’m stuck between getting the industry standard and versatility. I know I’ll probably end up getting both.

[lpalvare20955]

Very different, in some ways!

If you have clients that will only sing into your '87, or having a Neumann is the difference between a paid job or not, then get one. If you need one occasionally, hire one.

For flexibility and superb sound, get the UA. As an all-rounder in a small-budget studio the UA has a lot going for it. (I think it's very good indeed.)

Plenty of other great mics come to mind at those prices, too.

If you're recording your own voice and are the picky type, you'll need to hire both and make your decision after using them.

Exactly and that’s what I’m stuck on. But realistically I probably should go with the DLX and once the reputation grows maybe buy a 87.

[sonics]

But realistically I probably should go with the DLX and once the reputation grows maybe buy a 87.

Yes, if the DLX will work better for you initially, that's a good plan. It's fantastically versatile IMO.

[rggillespie]

I luckily managed to get a Lewitt 1040 second-hand, for much less than a new U87 and it can very highly recommend it. Its very versatile and seems to have options to cover almost any conceivable task. Not sure of the current cost compared to a U87 where you are, but perhaps its worth considering especially if you can find one second hand.

[Arpangel]

If someone said "get me a microphone, I just want a microphone" I’d say here’s a U87, all I can say is stop thinking about it, if money isn’t a consideration, you know what the choice should be.
I don’t own a U87, but I have used them many times on my own recordings, they just sound "right" set it up and go, forget about it, the microphone isn’t in question.

[Bob Bickerton]

I’m unfamiliar with the DLX but as you’re aware, the U87 is an industry standard. The question to ask is will this be used for yourself, or as a generic mic for any vocalist that uses your studio?

If the former, then I’d consider trying a few different mic options to find one that best suits your voice.

If generic, well there’s lots of potential alternatives. I have a U87, but if I wanted only one ‘generic’ vocal mic it would be the Microtech Gefel UMT 70 S.

Why? Well it gets used on more voices than the U87 in my studio, simple as that!

Oh and it’s half the price of a U87!

Bob

[Hugh Robjohns]

Oh and it’s half the price of a U87!

Not quite such a good deal in the UK. U87 is around £2,500 and the UMT70S is about £1500.