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[dvmusic]

Hi everyone,
I recently purchase this used Neumann U87Ai. When I tested it, it sounded great, so I didn't bother to look at the circuit layout inside.

It is still sounding great to my ear today; however, I decided to open it and found out the inside of it looks quite different from other U87Ai out there- even the badge is a bit too dark blue in color.

I'm not to sure whether mine is an original, or modded or a fake. Has anyone seen this type of U87Ai before?
Please help me.
Thank you so much for your time.

[dvmusic]

Here is another picture (the DC board-side).

[klaus]

This mic is a fake.
What gives it away, even to a person unfamiliar with component layout:

1. The off-color (in difference to stark-white), rough-surface head board

2. Phillips screws to mount the two circuit boards against the frame (Neumann uses slot screws)

3. The coil at the center of the DC board - a round, black component with a hole in the center-see photo attached - is missing

[dvmusic]

Thank you so much for reply Mr. Klaus.
I guess it is a bad luck for me then. However I have another original U87 and when I compare the sound to it. It sounds almost identical, that is why I didn’t bother to check the inside. However thanks again for your time and your input.

[RuudNL]

These U87ai copies were offered on Ali Express for about $600. I hope you didn't pay too much...

[margaritadewis]

Remember that variations in appearance can exist due to changes in manufacturing processes over time, and not all U87s will look exactly the same. If you provide more specific details or share images of the microphone, audio enthusiasts in relevant communities may be able to offer more tailored advice.

[klaus]

The DC-circuitboard with the tell-tale missing coil (see earlier post) has always looked the same through the years.
As long as this part is missing, you have a guaranteed fake in front of you.

How fitting to the subject of this thread:
Shortly after posting I researched "Margarita Dewis" (who is using an Alanis Morissette avatar), and after a careful read of "her" posts, here and on other PSW forums, did it dawn on me that these responses were generated by an AI bot.

I am getting better at identifying generic patterns of phrasings and sentences in AI-generated posts: they sound somewhat logical, but have zero calories, i.e. do not add an ounce of new information.

Looking at "her" other posts on PSW you will see what I mean...

[afterlifestudios]

Good eye, Klaus. I fear for the future...

[MYN]

I also think that with the current crop of Neumann fakes coming out of Aliexpress, if a used gear listing on Reveb or Ebay or wherever, doesn't show the inside of the mic, but the wooden mic box is visible in photos, the way that box is constructed is a dead giveaway that the Neumann for sale is not the real deal.
Neumann boxes are better built and have better hardware.

[klaus]

Can you post a side-by-side box comparison, printing out the differences?

[MYN]

Sure. In fact, here is a recent video [created by the author, KH] that shows the differences between the Neumann box and the current, typical Chinese-made "Neumann" box. Once you see the differences, they are pretty easy to spot with a few different "tells".

https://youtu.be/Ke7elq2o0gA?si=Xf9aT7POD6aac_yM