leigh

The best mic pre for Neumann U87

One of the most sought after studio microphones - Neumann U87, paired up with one of the most coveted studio mic preamps - Avalon VT737. Is this the Posh and Becks of studio land? It seems so, because just about everytime a U87 leaves Factory Sound, there's a lovely Avalon pre under the proud new owner's other arm. Does everyone do it because everybody's doing it?

Perhaps. But when we asked Leigh (who plays far more often in a studio than the rest of us) why they are a match made in heaven, he said "news to me..."

So why then Leigh, do so many people buy them at the same time? "Simple, they're both top of their class, and everyone knows what they sound like". Since he seemed to have all the answers, we got Leigh to write a few words:

"The U87 has long been regarded by the industry as the utility microphone of choice. For example...Problem: I have 6 pieces in my drum kit and I have 6 U87s at my disposal. Problem solved: put six U87s on the drum kit. The U87 has all the most useful polar patterns with smooth and airy, (but not crisp) tones, which is the Neumann signature sound we have all become used to hearing on our favourite records. The U87 has been in production for decades and classic artists from each have used the U87 in the studio. From Metallica to Michael Jackson and then to Amy Winehouse. The U87- A true winner."

Yes, so that sounds great Leigh, but what about the '737'? "...it is responsible for the round, sinewave bass pulses we hear on many hip hop records. The VT737 gives you a full channel of discrete, class A valve tone. By no means 'transparent' it imparts the Avalon sound on your signal. Adjectives such as rich and creamy spring to mind. For those of us who are unfamiliar with the term discrete, when used in an electronic context it means that the device in question contains no little black silicone chips by the name of 'integrated circuit'. The Integrated circuit (IC) performs the job, in one small chip, of a traditional circuit comprised of many 'discrete' electronic components, ie resistors capacitors and diodes. IC's can have a detrimental effect on your signal. So the VT-737 is built the traditional way, all class A, extremely inefficient, but sounds awesome."

So there you have it. Two great bits of gear, with no further clues as to why they're so often paired up. If you've got a better idea...let us know! For the record, other notable pairings we've seen in recent times include Neumann TLM103 with Universal Audio LA-610 (either original or 'MKII' version), AKG C414 with loads of different preamps, and then there's the Australian-made Rode mic range that seem to begin by getting plugged straight into a DAW, and then down the track get matched with anything between a Joe Meek Twin Q, something tasty from TL Audio, and more.

Oh, and thanks to Leigh for his input, too. Probably unfair that we threw this pic of him in from our Christmas Cruise last week.