Manley Reference Cardioid Vs Neumann U87 Ai

In this video is put the Manley Reference Cardioid Mic up against the Neumann U87 AI for rap vocals. I used both mics on an Apollo Twin X with no unison pre amps.

Audio Samples Start At- 6:50

Latest song recorded on the Manley Reference Cardiod Mic ⬇️⬇️

Purchase Mics here ⤵️⤵️

Manley Reference Cardioid-


Neumann u87 Ai-

Rode Video Mic NTG (Mic I used for this video)-

Audio Interface I Used-

[TearDropsir]

IMO: I don't know whether it was the delivery or sound but I prefer the Manley Reference Cardioid purely for vocals.

[jjboogie]

Love both actually. The Manley is more 3 dimensional with a bit of that beautiful high end saturation halo. The Neumann sounds smoother and warmer. I dig both. Great comparison.

[AriesProductions]

I like the u87 the manley sounded a little thin and bright I really preferred the U 87 but I want both mics

[jermainesmith]

Damn... IDK. I do like the natural sound of the u87.

[Iamshaunsutton]

The U87 is way fuller which is what I prefer because I can always subtract with eq’ing. It’s better to have everything there so you can subtract later.

[angelvox]

I own the Manley Ref C. On your vocal... I much prefer the Neumann U87 to be honest.

[JayDay]

The manley is actually smoother to my ears it just has that expensive extended modern top end sound. You have to get a pre with both mics. 1073 for manley. 737 for 87

[learnwithjahsun]

I never heard of either brand until clicking this video - I'm a novice. I just searched Manely and your video came up. I liked both for different reasons. The Neumann sounded more full, yet distant. What we're used to. The Manley sounded more personal, purer in a way. Felt like you were a person. Great video, Yo!

[barryzito]

The Manley is an exciting microphone strictly because it's so bright in the presence frequencies and pops out of the mix. I have used both and prefer the 87 and I have a nasally voice as well. The sibilance on the Manley can be difficult to tame. Both incredible microphones nonetheless.

[StevenSoto]

U87 sounds smoother. The Manley gives you more of a rugged and nasty vibe ( which is fire though ) it gave much more grit to the vocal.

[OverdriveMusic]

Amazing camera and lighting work! I put a Mullard 12AX7 ECC83 in my Manley Ref C. Blows the stock tube away!!!

[BanderaFilmsAndMusic]

Awsome comparison. I'd go for the Neumann and get a tube preamp to give it what I feel it needs, like the Manley Core. I think that could be an increidble match.

[DMKahn]

For me the U87 just sounded so smooth. I'd be willing to bet all you'd need is a very broad 1-2dB cut in the mids in the 300-800hz range and a small 1dB boost in the 12k range and the U87 would be mint. In the mix, it just sounded natural, and smooth. The Manley is cool, but it's missing some of that smoothness in the top and even in the low mids. Bless

[MannyXO]

U87 is the perfect canvas for processing quite frankly. Love it way more. Fuller too

[KyleMechlinski]

Manley sounds good without any analog for sure right out of box

[TheDbrice]

Both microphones perform wonderfully. I believe it's a matter of taste. They both cut through the mix well. I did enjoy the tone and color that was achieved with the Manley as a matter of taste. The U87 is a beast as well. You know that you're getting a great signal in with such a great and iconic sounding microphone. That being said, the boost in higher freq's added a clarity that I really liked and I think I'd go for the Manley in this shoot out. Thanks for the vid.

[SoundReserveStudio]

Owned 2 u87ai’s and traded my last one for the Manley with no regrets!

[alproductionz]

u87sounds more upfront that make the vocals sound more controlled. the Manley sound open with more top end sounds like a background/chorus mic

[gatorbullproductions]

I own both and I must say the U87 sits better for that song. Can’t go off one song and say I like this mic more then the other one.

[bighusk]

That u87 sounded way better in my opinion!