R/E/P > Klaus Heyne's Mic Lab
New Neumann U87 Capsules: Finally A Turn-Around in Quality?
soapfoot:
The early 2013 Neumann K67 we installed in our third U67 a couple of weeks ago sounds (so far) very much like our other two U67s (with original capsules).
It's possible that my ear is not as discerning as Klaus's, and it's possible we need even more time to evaluate before an undiscovered subtle difference manifests itself, but... thus far, impressions of this new Neumann capsule are very favorable-- it does not seem inferior in any way to our other U67s.
NelisB:
Hi Klaus,
Was the capsule you reviewed a K870/K67 (three wires) or K87 (four wires) capsule? My friend just ordered one, he could choose from a 3- and a 4-wire type. I guess that has to do with the isolated backplates?
Thanks, Niels
klaus:
It's clear from my post you cited that I was referring to a K870/67 (three wires), not a K87 (four wires).
There is no build difference between the two types of Neumann double backplate capsules. They always sounded similar in any given era.
The type of lead-outs or the backplate spacer configuration (aluminum-conductive, or plastic-non-conductive) does not affect the sound, though it could be argued that the lower polarization voltage applied to a K87 will ameliorate the harshness of the capsules of that era I was complaining about.
NelisB:
Hi Klaus,
About a year ago Ben Sneesby wrote me that one of the reasons for the "inferior' sound of the U87ai, (next to the electronics) is that the diaphragm tension is too high. Do you think it's possible that a lowered tension of the diaphragm causes the renewed sound of your new K870?
Have you used more K870's in the meantime?
Thanks, Niels
klaus:
It is my opinion that the diaphragm tension causes most of the hardness in the mids and the lack of low end. There are secondary issues with the quality of late model U87Ai sub-boards (starting with circuit #04) but as soon as you pop in a good capsule, even in a brand-new mic, half of the problems are gone.
I have not installed enough recently made capsules to have a firm opinion whether the tension issue has been solved*, but if the trend of the ratio of frequency-balanced capsules to hard-sounding capsules continues, we are on the right track. I will report back when I have enough of a statistical sample to generalize with confidence.
*for those with little time to read on: as of February 2021, the tension problem has not been solved.
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