Warm Audio WA87 vs Neumann U87: Which is Better?

Which microphone is better? We compare the Warm Audio WA87 vs Neumann U87 to see how they perform and which one is the best for broadcasters and podcasters.

Warm Audio WA87 vs Neumann U87

The Neumann U87 is widely used in the radio industry. It's pretty much considered one of the best microphones available. But can the Warm Audio WA87 replicate that signature sound at a fraction of the cost?

Warm Audio WA87

The WA87 is a reproduction of the classic U87 but at a quarter of the cost. It’s commonly used in recording studios for voice-overs, music, and live radio due to its range.

It's a fantastic all-purpose studio microphone for advanced setups. The build and sound quality for the price are superb. Whether you are recording podcasts, voice-overs, music sessions, or broadcasting live, this has something for everyone.

Neumann U87

The U87 is based on the very popular U67 which was used by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. It's fair to say that this is a pretty iconic microphone.

Just like the WA87, it’s a great all-purpose mic so it doesn't matter whether you are recording vocals or instruments with it. It makes everything sound great. Its wide range means you can use it to record voice-overs, broadcast live on your radio station, pick up instrumentals like acoustic guitars and pianos, and even capture ambient noises.

Which is Better?

Personally, I think the U87 has more presence and clarity to vocals, but it also feels overly "EQ-ed" and modified like it’s going through a mixer.

The WA-87, on the other hand, is very close to the U87 in terms of performance. It sounds more natural with a warmer tone. You can probably match it with a little EQ or post-production editing if you are trying to replicate the U87.

Honestly, both sound very similar and it can be hard to tell them apart at times. Although, the WA87 keeps up with the U87 in terms of audio quality. For the price and overall performance, the WA87 is really hard to beat.

What do you think? Which one do you prefer? Let us know in the comments. For more reviews like this then join the Radio.co Blog Newsletter.