United Studio Technologies UT Twin87

THE DEFINITIVE VOCAL MICROPHONE.

The debate is finally over.

The UT Twin87 captures the essence of both the original classic and modern incarnations of the “87-style” microphone design. For the first time ever, United has created a microphone that duplicates both circuits, and can reconfigure itself on the fly for an exceptional reproduction of the sonic capabilities of both microphones. The UT Twin87 features our own large-core, custom-wound, US-made output transformer, our own custom made 24k gold sputtered dual diaphragm/dual backplate K87 style capsule, and a whole assortment of selected, premium components such as polystyrene, tantalum, multilayer ceramic, WIMA film capacitors, metal and carbon film resistors, and hand-selected transistors.

Vintage, or modern? The UT Twin87 finally ends the debate with a new answer — both.

TWIN CIRCUIT TOPOLOGY.

The UT Twin87 offers the authentic sonic capabilities of both “87-style” microphones in one package. United extensively measured component values and types, and circuit differences between ‘golden reference’ specimens of the very earliest available microphones of this style, as well as some of the final revisions produced. These variations were studied, documented, and their audible differences were carefully teased out. No mere ‘EQ/boost’ circuit or digital gimmick would cut it — the UT Twin87 literally toggles between two discrete ‘87 style circuit topologies, separated by nearly half a century.

In Vintage mode, the UT Twin87 polarizes its capsule directly by phantom power voltages, taking advantage of an insulated, dual backplate capsule design — just as the earliest “87-style” microphones did. The high-Z and de-emphasis circuitry use all of the same component choices as the original. This yields a slightly warmer, softer and forgiving sound.

In Modern mode, the capsule is polarized at a higher voltage using an FET oscillator circuit as found on later revisions of the classic mic, yielding a higher capsule sensitivity and feeding a hotter signal into the amplifier circuitry. Its high-Z and de-emphasis circuitry likewise use all of the same component choices as much later “87-style” designs. This yields a louder, slightly brighter and more articulate response, with an extended top end reach and a more ‘up-front’ character.

CUSTOM UNITED TRANSFORMERS.

United looked at many iterations of the original German output transformer used in this type of microphone, drawing inspiration particularly from some of the older, larger frame designs. Knowing that the size of a transformer can sometimes be a limiting factor, United developed their own custom-wound part which has nearly four times the metal mass found in any “87-style” microphones. This part truly ensures that there are no bottlenecks or weak links in the design, and that nothing is lost in translation as the signal is passed out of the microphone and down long cable runs. Their transformer sounds open, with high headroom, and clear, three dimensional sound — and will never impede low frequencies.

United’s custom-wound, US made transformer is built with large, all nickel laminations. While they could have used a smaller or less expensive transformer; they simply refused to compromise.

CUSTOM UNITED TRANSFORMERS.

United looked at many iterations of the original German output transformer used in this type of microphone, drawing inspiration particularly from some of the older, larger frame designs. Knowing that the size of a transformer can sometimes be a limiting factor, United developed their own custom-wound part which has nearly four times the metal mass found in any “87-style” microphones. This part truly ensures that there are no bottlenecks or weak links in the design, and that nothing is lost in translation as the signal is passed out of the microphone and down long cable runs. Their transformer sounds open, with high headroom, and clear, three dimensional sound — and will never impede low frequencies.

United’s custom-wound, US made transformer is built with large, all nickel laminations. While they could have used a smaller or less expensive transformer; they simply refused to compromise.

Painstakingly recreated

During the inception of the UT Twin87, United Studio Technologies cast a wide net to test, measure and record the finest 87-style specimens from the last 50 years stretching back to the earliest vintage models available.

Following this research a new “definitive” 87 microphone was created featuring custom 24k gold sputtered dual diaphragm twinned with dual backplate K87-style capsule, a large core custom wound output transformer, and a proprietary assortment of premium components including multilayer ceramics, tantalum and WIMA film capacitors.

Twin topology

UT Twin87 features two classic sounds in one. Its vintage mode polarises the capsule directly from phantom power a warm and forgiving sound, while modern mode polarises at a higher voltage creating a louder, brighter and overall more articular response for extended top end and an up-front presentation.

Main Features

Specifications:

• Type: Condenser Microphone
• Capsule: UT Series, 34mm brass, insulated dual backplate K87
• Diaphragm: Dual-diaphragm, 6 micron, 24k gold sputtered Mylar (PET film)
• Power Supply: +48v Phantom Power (via XLR)
• Ground: Pin 1 XLR (required)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure 8, Omni
• SPL: 117 dB (127 dB w/ Pad) @ <.5% THD
• Output Impedance: 27 Ω
• Amplifier Type: Field Effect Transistor
• Self Noise: <10 dB (cardioid setting, no pad, no HPF)
• Output: Custom-wound UT Series transformer, made in USA
• Body: Nickel electroplated, solid milled brass
• High pass filter: 80hZ (12dB down point)
• Pad: -10dB
• Connector: 24k gold plated XLR, pin 2 HOT, pin 1 GND
• Mount Suspension type: shock mount (included)
• Dimensions: Height: 220mm / 8.6 in.
• Diameter: 55mm / 2.2 in.
• Shockmount Depth: 190mm / 7.5 in.