Why does Scratch Studio use the Neumann U87ai microphone for vocals?

Just after the first Covid lockdown, we were asked to host a recording session over a bank holiday weekend with American artist Damon C Scott. Damon was in Liverpool for the weekend with an Executive producer. The visit was to perform at a gig in Liverpool, but it was decided they would seek out a flexible studio locally to lay down a number of tracks to fill any downtime.

At Scratch Studio we are always willing to learn and although Damon was happy with the equipment we had for him to use, he suggested our next step should be to purchase the Neuman U87ai.

Damon C Scott is probably most famous as the vocalist on "Look Right Through", which is a song by American record producer Storm Queen. It was first released on October 19 2010, and has been remixed twice. On Youtube, the viewing figures are over 31 million. 

As I am sure you can imagine getting advice from a professional artist with that background, we would be foolish not to take the advice. We made every effort to purchase the microphone as soon as possible. 

Our research confirmed that the U87ai is widely considered the industry-standard microphone for recording vocals, frequently chosen for its ability to produce a "radio-ready" sound that sits on top of modern, heavy-bass mixes. Its reputation as a "workhorse" means it is a reliable choice for professional studio environments, ensuring high-quality, consistent results across various voices. 

The purchase of the microphone is not the only purchase to make the best of the artist's voice. 

To get the most out of it, a good preamp (such as a AMS Neve 1073) is often recommended to capture its full character. Yes, we bought this preamp and made sure the room was treated appropriately too. 

Damon was right of course, and we are very grateful to him. The Neumann U87ai produces a fabulous "Industry Standard" Sound that we trust implicitly. If you are a professional or looking for a "no-compromise" sound, we consider the U87ai as a  "record-ready" investment.