BeesNeez The BeesNeez B87i Multi-Pattern Studio Condenser Microphone

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.  The original U87 was manufactured between the years of 1967 and 1986.

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.

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.

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.

Build Quality

We decided to make the cardioid-only version to keep the signal chain as short as possible. We managed to source a decent supply of original NOS (end of life) 2N3819 Fets to help us achieve the desired time period sound of the U87i.

Video Review by Seawell Studios

Video Review by Happy Mag

What’s Included:

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

Specifications