BeesNeez B87i Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

The U87i became the most-sought-after, highest-valued U87 model. With the B87i, we’ve made it our sincere effort to do justice to this original classic.

The BeesNeez B87i is a multipattern, phantom-powered microphone that has been created as a homage to the venerable original 1960’s era U87 microphone.  We have worked very hard to create the vintage tone that is loved by so many.  This microphone is no exception; it encompasses all that the 1960’s original version of the U87 was.

Noise is always an important consideration in a microphone.  To keep self-noise to a minimum, all switching is internal to the microphones structure.  This fantastic and novel approach has allowed the self-noise of our B87i to have a 3dB improvement over the classic.  Self-noise of a microphone wasn’t a big deal in the 1960’s as most tape had more self-noise than the microphone being recorded.  These days, however, with whisper quiet and crystal clear digital recordings, self-noise really does matter. The small switch bank is easily accessible and any changes of pattern, pad or high pass can be easily made in just a few seconds.

Our B87i microphone ships in a protective case.  This package also includes an elastic spider style professional shock mount.

Circuit Design

We at BeesNeez are the only microphone company to make the capsule, body and the transformer for a clone version of the U87i.  Other companies are restricted to buying these most important parts. For them, this means that you get what you get. For us however, this is not, nor has never been, the case. If we want to make a mic, we make the most important parts ourselves to ensure the end result is exactly what we are looking for.

Our BeesNeez B87i capsule is perfectly matched to the circuit and transformer. We wind a strip wound Mu Toroid transformer that affords us high permeability to reach low frequencies with ease, as well as achieve super smooth highs that are airy, but never strident. The original U87 used a UI Mu Core with a ratio of 9.5:1, whereas nearly all of the clones made today use a 13:1 or 14:1 ratio transformer. These ratios both lower the output of the clone and make the high frequencies more present.

Sonic Characteristics

Why did the original early model U87i version of the U87 become the favourite? It was the overall musical tone that was much less sterile than the current U87ai that helped the U87i become the most sought after, highest valued U87 model. With the BeesNeez B87i, we have made it our sincere effort to do justice to this original classic.

What’s Included:

▶  BeesNeez B87i Microphone
▶  BeesNeez Elastic Spider-Style Professional Shock Mount

Specifications:

• Capsule Type: BeesNeez B87i Microphone Capsule
• Frequency Range/Sensitivity: 15Hz – 20kHz
• Sensitivity at 1kHz @1 kohm: 20/28/22 mV/Pa
• Acoustic Operating Principle: Pressure gradient transducer
• Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8
• Equivalent Noise Level: 26/23/25 dB
• Equivalent Noise Level A-weighted: 15/12/14 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 68/71/69 dB
• Maximum SPL for THD at 0.5%: 117 dB (cardioid)
• Maximum SPL for THD at 0.5% with pad: 127 dB
• Maximum Output Voltage: 390 mV (-9.8 dBu)
• Dynamic range A-weighted: 110 dB
• Impedance: 200 ohm
• Power requirements: 120V/240V