S-87 Microphone Kit

The S-87 is one of our most popular DIY microphone kits. It is a premium studio condenser based on the sound of the Neumann U87 / U87 Ai. In contrast to the U87, the S-87 has higher sensitivity, lower noise, lower distortion, and greater headroom. "My [S-87] mic build worked the first time I plugged it in and sounds great—as good as other mics I have costing more than double the kit’s price." So says Barry Rudolph, author of more than 200 gear reviews for MIX Magazine. Applications The S-87 is an all-purpose microphone. The list of applications below are sources for which the mic shines -- but due to its neutral voicing, it can be used on a wide variety of sources with great results. Voiceover (both commercial and narration) Vocals Percussion Drum Overheads Orchestra / Ensembles Foley Circuit Description & Options The S-87 mic has an internal switch that can be configured at build time as either a Cardioid/Omni polar pattern switch, or as a 10dB pad. All parts for both options