Best U87 Alternatives & Clones: Cheap Vocal Microphones For Home Studios

The Warm Audio WA-87 is not based on the modern Neumann U87ai, rather it’s based on its vintage counterpart. The original vintage model had a bit more of a crunchy high-end and isn’t as bright as the modern U87ai.

Since the WA-87 also takes very well to EQ and compression, brightening it up is no problem. The Warm Audio WA-87 comes in a very nice wooden box. Included is a shock mount (with spare elastic bands), as well as a smaller microphone clip for those super-tight recording situations.

Since picking up the WA-87, I’ve used it on almost every recording session I’ve had at my home studio. I switch between that and the Shure SM7b depending on the singer and style.

The custom K87-style capsule is notable for its construction; precision milling from brass and a 24k gold sputtered membrane contribute to its quality. The large-core, custom-wound output transformer also adds to the mic's headroom and clarity, ensuring that low frequencies are not compromised. 

In practice, the C-80 performs reliably, producing clear and detailed recordings that require minimal processing in post-production. When paired with high-quality preamps like the Avalon 737, the C-80 achieves a richness that is typically expected from much pricier microphones.

In terms of sound quality, the AT4050 delivers a balanced response. The upper and mid-range frequencies are clear and transparent, while the low-end is rich and well-defined. Compared to the AT2020, which I previously used, I noticed a significant improvement in the bottom-end response, making the AT4050 suitable for a wider range of vocal types and instruments.

When comparing the AT4050 to the Neumann TLM102, which is in a similar price range, I found that the AT4050 outperformed it in low-frequency response. Its price point, while competitive, may still be considered high for those just starting recording.

Peluso is a boutique microphone company that does make a lot of wonderful mics! Weighing in at a substantial heft, the construction of the P12 feels solid, with all components fitting securely.

In terms of audio performance, the P12 captures an airy top end and maintains a clean low frequency response, qualities reminiscent of the original C12. After using the microphone for vocal recording, I found it to be particularly forgiving, making it suitable for breathy or intimate singing styles.

With that in mind, the P-87 sounds very thin and almost tiny when comparing back to a real U87. The high end is very brittle. You need a lot of EQ to smoothen out the high end. It’s not exactly harsh, but definitely fragile and weak sounding around 10k.

This microphone comes with a velvet bag, a shock mount, hard mount, a foam wind screen, and a flight case. I wish it was presented with a wooden box like the WA-87, considering the price point. The flight case is nice.

In my experience, the MA-200 excels at capturing a wide range of sound sources, from vocals and acoustic guitars to percussion. Its large diaphragm produces warm and full-bodied audio, effectively avoiding the harsh high-frequency artifacts typical of many modern condensers. When paired with a quality preamp, like my Heritage Audio '73 JR, the mic delivers mixes that are warm and require minimal equalization.

If you’re not looking for a clone, I suggest checking out the Mojave MA-200. This is a tube condenser microphone, so it’s a little different from the U87, but is very similar to the U67. Mojave Audio is company owned by world-renowned microphone makers Royer. It’s a solid choice for versatile recording applications.