U 89 i

From Neumann:

The U 89 i is a universal studio microphone combining classic transformer coupled circuit topology with a state of the art Neumann capsule. Its linear yet smooth response has made it a prime choice for voice over and speech, but thanks to five selectable polar patterns, low noise and distortion, it covers almost any recoding situation in any genre.

The U 89 i combines advanced capsule technology with classic transformer coupled electronics. The result is a very versatile large diaphragm condenser microphone for all studio applications. Its features include five selectable polar patterns and a two-stage low cut as well as a switchable 6 dB preattenuation for extreme sound pressure levels of up to 140 dB without unwanted distortion.

The U 89 i is similar in appearance to the legendary Neumann U 87 but smaller in size and lighter weight. This is no coincidence: Introduced in 1980, the U 89 i was conceived with the goal to improve upon the classic Neumann U 87. While the latter has remained the world’s most beloved large diaphragm condenser microphone, the U 89 i is indeed technically superior in many respects. Not only can the U 89 i handle much higher sound pressure levels, it also has a more flexible low cut filter (lin, 80Hz, 160 Hz) to suppress rumble and compensate for the proximity effect. And in addition to the three main polar patterns, omni, cardioid, and figure-8, the U 89 i offers two intermediate positions, wide cardioid and hypercardioid.