Condenser microphones are an essential tool for any music producer or audio engineer.
They capture audio with clarity and accuracy, and they’re essential in recording studios around the world.
Two of the most popular condenser microphones on the market are the WA-87 and U87.
In this article, we’ll compare the two mics and help you decide which one is the right choice for your recording needs.
Condenser Microphones
The WA-87 and the U87 are both highly-regarded condenser microphones that are widely used in professional recording studios.
The U87 has been around since 1967 and has been a staple in the industry ever since.
The WA-87, on the other hand, is a newer microphone that was released in 2016.
Both mics are known for their clarity and accuracy, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
In this article, we’ll compare the two mics in detail and help you determine which one is right for your recording needs.
The WA-87 Condenser Microphone
The WA-87 is a condenser microphone that was released in 2016 by Warm Audio.
It’s a recreation of the classic Neumann U87, but it’s priced much more affordably.
The WA-87 uses a custom-made capsule that’s designed to emulate the sound of the U87’s K87 capsule.
It has three polar patterns (cardioid, omni, and figure-8), and it has a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz.
The microphone also has a -10dB pad and a low-frequency roll-off switch.
The U87 Condenser Microphone
The U87 is a condenser microphone that was first introduced by Neumann in 1967.
It’s been used on countless recordings over the years and is widely regarded as one of the best condenser mics ever made.
The U87 has three polar patterns (cardioid, omni, and figure-8), and it has a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz.
It also has a -10dB pad and a low-frequency roll-off switch.
Frequency Response
When it comes to frequency response, both the WA-87 and U87 have a flat response curve from 20Hz-20kHz.
This means that they capture audio with accuracy and clarity across the entire frequency spectrum.
However, some users have reported that the WA-87 has a slightly brighter top-end compared to the U87, which can be beneficial in certain recording situations.
Sensitivity
The WA-87 and U87 have similar sensitivity levels, with the WA-87 having a sensitivity of -45dB and the U87 having a sensitivity of -36dB.
This means that they both require a similar amount of gain to achieve a suitable recording level.
Polar Patterns
Both the WA-87 and U87 have three polar patterns: cardioid, omni, and figure-8.
The cardioid pattern is most commonly used for recording vocals and other solo instruments, while the omni pattern is suitable for capturing ambient sound and room tone.
The figure-8 pattern is ideal for recording two sources simultaneously, such as a vocal duet or a guitar and vocals.
Noise Floor
The noise floor refers to the amount of background noise that a microphone picks up when no sound is being produced.
Both the WA-87 and U87 have a low noise floor, which means that they’re suitable for capturing quiet and delicate sounds.
However, some users have reported that the WA-87 has a slightly higher noise floor compared to the U87.
Self-Noise
Self-noise refers to the amount of noise that a microphone generates when it’s turned on but not picking up any sound.
The WA-87 has a self-noise level of 10dBA, while the U87 has a self-noise level of 12dBA.
This means that the WA-87 generates less noise than the U87 when it’s idle.
SPL Handling
SPL handling refers to a microphone’s ability to handle high sound pressure levels without distorting or clipping.
The WA-87 has a maximum SPL handling of 125dB, while the U87 has a maximum SPL handling of 127dB.
This means that the U87 can handle slightly louder sounds than the WA-87 before distortion occurs.
Price
One of the most significant differences between the WA-87 and U87 is their price.
The U87 is a high-end microphone that typically costs around $3,200, while the WA-87 is a more affordable alternative that costs around $600.
This makes the WA-87 an excellent choice for home studios and smaller recording setups that are working with a tighter budget.
Build Quality
Both the WA-87 and U87 are well-built microphones that are designed to last for many years.
However, the U87 has a more rugged and durable build quality compared to the WA-87.
This is partly due to the fact that the U87 has been around for much longer and has been extensively tested and refined over the years.
Applications
Both the WA-87 and U87 are versatile microphones that can be used for a wide range of recording applications.
They’re both suitable for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, drums, and other instruments.
However, some users prefer the U87 for certain applications, such as classical music recordings or voiceover work, while others prefer the WA-87 for its brighter and more present top-end.
Conclusion
Overall, the WA-87 and U87 are both excellent condenser microphones that are suitable for a wide range of recording applications.
They both have flat frequency responses, multiple polar patterns, and low noise floors, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
The U87 has a more rugged build quality and slightly better SPL handling, but it comes with a much higher price tag.
The WA-87 is a more affordable alternative that has a brighter top-end and a slightly lower noise floor.
Ultimately, the choice between these two microphones will depend on your recording needs and budget.
FAQs
- What does SPL stand for?
- SPL stands for sound pressure level, which refers to the intensity of sound in decibels.
- What polar patterns does the U87 have?
- The U87 has three polar patterns: cardioid, omni, and figure-8.
- Can the WA-87 be used for professional recordings?
- Yes, the WA-87 is suitable for professional recordings and is used by many musicians, producers, and engineers.
- What is the difference between the WA-87 and U87?
- The U87 has a more rugged build quality, slightly better SPL handling, and a higher price tag compared to the WA-87.
- Is the WA-87 a good microphone for home studios?
- Yes, the WA-87 is an excellent microphone for home studios and smaller recording setups due to its affordable price and versatile sound.
- Can the WA-87 be used for live performances?
- While the WA-87 is primarily designed for studio recordings, it can be used for live performances in certain situations. However, it may not be as durable or rugged as other microphones that are specifically designed for live use.