Sound Pure's Take
A quality and faithful reproduction of the famous U-87i.
From Other (Miscellanous Used/Vintage/Consign)
A replica of one of the most popular condenser microphone in history
The SA-87i is an exact sounding replica of the finest vintage U87 we could find. After repairing, testing and shooting out dozens of original U87’s for over a decade we stumbled across a 1979 rev 16 that sounded incredible on every single source so we decided to replicate it.
We tested every single capsule under the sun and combining them with different transformers and circuit values the SA-87i finally come to live and we managed to make it indistinguishable from our beloved vintage U87 microphone to the very last detail, and for the first time, at a price that makes it affordable to anyone.
The SA-87i is NOT made in China
Unlike any other clone in the market, the SA-87i does not use a low-cost chinese output transformer and it’s made by 100% by hand at our lab in Chile. This ensures each capsule is carefully tested by a small team and that every SA-87i we make sounds exactly the same.
Making this mic by hand in Chile allows us to use the much needed Sowter 1303F output transformer which gives this mic it’s unique character and coloration just like it’s vintage counterpart as well as premium Vishay capacitors on the audio path and hand soldered polystyrene capacitors, which are more stable and much more linear in the top end.
The main shortcoming with current offerings is polarization voltage. While current models feature 60V, the vintage units were rated at 48V. The lower voltage of polarization makes the capsule sound more musical and mellow as well as increasing the microphone’s headroom, hence making it less susceptible to distortion.
We have remained 100% faithful to the original vintage circuit and schematic and have made no compromise in parts which ensures you are getting the best sounding microphone possible.
- Braingasm K-87 capsule
- True to the original vintage schematic (rev 16)
- UK-made Sowter 1303F output transformer
- Vishay Capacitors
- Polystyrene capacitors
- Low Cut
- Pad
- Omnidirectional, cardioid and figure 8
- Custom microphone holder
- Hand made in Chile
- Flight case
Warranty
This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.
Returns
Try Before You Buy: take it home, commit only when it's right. Program details →
You may also like
Browse Vacuum Tube →
Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC
Come hear it in our control rooms.
Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.