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Post by chessparov on Aug 1, 2021 14:26:49 GMT -6
A number of German WW1/WW2 Submarines had these U numbers...
Chris
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ericn
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Balance Engineer
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Post by ericn on Aug 1, 2021 17:43:44 GMT -6
I've been comparing my Serrano to an old U87. The old U87 sounds way more metallic than the Serrano!
The U87 does provide peace-of-mind, though.
That thing was greater than anything when it came to creating depth!😎 |
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Post by Ward on Aug 2, 2021 6:27:58 GMT -6
The batteries died in my dark-o-meter. Otherwise, I'd give you a proper reading. Mine are working! I would give it a 5.5 on a scale of 1-10. Fantastic at sibilance rejection. Mixed message there plinker. Which one works better for you on male vocals? Martin, my bro, you would be thrilled. It's almost identical to my 1973, my favorite. Less cutting than the 1971. Has ALL the weight. I had considered a replacement Heiserman capsule but I'm good with it for now. And, Martin John Butler, Carlos guarantees customer satisfaction. Bottom line: The value in this microphone is very high! (Serrano is not a client of mine) |
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Post by Martin John Butler on Aug 2, 2021 8:07:43 GMT -6
Good to know Ward, thanks. The 87 I used for 12 years was made in 1981, and it was killer. Too bad I had to sell all my gear a long time ago, its all highly sought after vintage now, ha!.
It was simply perfect all the time on almost everything. Even the truly great high end mics I've tried are not as consistent when it comes to all around work.
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Post by enlav on Aug 2, 2021 21:29:19 GMT -6
And here I was hoping new activity in this thread was more teasing for a new take from Serrano on a certain other Neumann microphone.
Instead, I get to experience the temptation of buying the 87 a second time.
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ericn
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Balance Engineer
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Post by ericn on Aug 2, 2021 21:39:46 GMT -6
And here I was hoping new activity in this thread was more teasing for a new take from Serrano on a certain other Neumann microphone. Instead, I get to experience the temptation of buying the 87 a second time. Second time, ha that’s nothing I had a client with a gambling problem every time he was up he bought an 87 and sell it rather than have his legs broken funny enough his bookie was a client to, I sold him 4 87’s over 7 years and I know It was not his first nor his last. |
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Post by the other mark williams on Aug 3, 2021 0:18:00 GMT -6
And here I was hoping new activity in this thread was more teasing for a new take from Serrano on a certain other Neumann microphone. Instead, I get to experience the temptation of buying the 87 a second time. Patience. Patience. |
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Post by OtisGreying on Aug 14, 2021 0:16:45 GMT -6
Anyone else feel like they can hear the "Neumann hug" (mic compression) in their Serrano? I feel like its totally there after singing vocals on it for awhile. I am at my home setup and not my main setup so I could be wrong but I feel like the mic has that Neumann tightness that I feel is the most elusive characteristic of the clones I've tried. Wondering if Carlos can comment on this aspect of the mic and if he addressed it intentionally or if it just happened. Most clones I've tried just resonate to the moon in the lower and mid frequencies. I feel the Serrano really has some of that expensive tightness I lust after in a great mic. Curious to hear if you guys feel the same or maybe I'm hearing things.
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Post by chessparov on Aug 14, 2021 1:34:19 GMT -6
Honestly, I trust the "ear judgement" of those here (on this thread) who've heard the Serrano 87 in person...
More than the recent video posted at RGO, between the various 87 styles.
Chris
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Post by gwlee7 on Aug 14, 2021 7:27:16 GMT -6
I am going to liquidate some “lesser” mics and add a Serrano 87 to the locker. Like Chris, I totally trust the ears and judgment of the people here. It’s not like something being the “flavor of the day” at some other places.
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Post by Bat Lanyard on Aug 14, 2021 17:29:19 GMT -6
I am going to liquidate some “lesser” mics and add a Serrano 87 to the locker. Like Chris, I totally trust the ears and judgment of the people here. It’s not like something being the “flavor of the day” at some other places. Same on the ears and recommendations here. I have an S87 waiting at home, if flight weather delays ever allow us to get back there from vacation. |
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Post by bossanova on Aug 17, 2021 12:34:55 GMT -6
1st post. Hi!
I had some questions for those who have owned vintage U87s and the S87 (as well as experienced ears in general). I’m debating whether to splurge my mic budget on a new or gently used 87ai or divide it between something like an S87, a quality analog pre, and maybe an AA tube mic (for example). I’m all set on dynamic mics and I mostly record retro singer songwriter music one instrument at a time, occasionally 2 live vocals at once. This is all for my personal use, not to bring in outside clients or anything like that.
1. Are you still feeling good about the s87 being a “close enough” clone of the vintage u87 to replace it for those duties?
2. How is the off axis response? (turned just to the side, 1-2 inches above or below off center, standard singer/VO pointing down from 12” above, etc). There aren’t many comparisons and that’s one of the only points that sticks out to me because I tend to experiment with mic position for tone shaping.
3. VO people: does it stack up to the u87 standard for your work? If it’s good, what pre have you been pairing it with?
4. Vintage heads: How does it fare for that early 70s Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, etc sound on vocals?
[added] 5. How does it sound in Omni?
Any or all answers appreciated. Thank you!
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Post by robschnapf on Aug 17, 2021 12:39:25 GMT -6
Back when I was surrounded. 87s, in the 80s and 90s, I was so bored of them that I always tried to find something else. Now when I’m around an old 87, which isn’t often, I love em.
87 Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder.
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Post by gwlee7 on Aug 17, 2021 12:45:29 GMT -6
1st post. Hi! I had some questions for those who have owned vintage U87s and the S87 (as well as experienced ears in general). I’m debating whether to splurge my mic budget on a new or gently used 87ai or divide it between something like an S87, a quality analog pre, and maybe an AA tube mic (for example). I’m all set on dynamic mics and I mostly record retro singer songwriter music one instrument at a time, occasionally 2 live vocals at once. This is all for my personal use, not to bring in outside clients or anything like that. 1. Are you still feeling good about the s87 being a “close enough” clone of the vintage u87 to replace it for those duties? 2. How is the off axis response? (turned just to the side, 1-2 inches above or below off center, standard singer/VO pointing down from 12” above, etc). There aren’t many comparisons and that’s one of the only points that sticks out to me because I tend to experiment with mic position for tone shaping. 3. VO people: does it stack up to the u87 standard for your work? If it’s good, what pre have you been pairing it with? 4. Vintage heads: How does it fare for that early 70s Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, etc sound on vocals? [added] 5. How does it sound in Omni? Any or all answers appreciated. Thank you! I suggest if singer - songwriter is the vibe you are after the serrano will be amazing. Look and see if you can find The Other Mark William's samples of the Serrano. I can't remember if they are in this thread or a separate one. Gorgeous |
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Post by chessparov on Aug 17, 2021 19:33:40 GMT -6
Serrano 87 plus AA CM800T (Modern R&B sound)... Would cover a ton of basses.  Chris P.S. Useful Arts Hornet looks like a fun one-for a Pre!  |
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Post by the other mark williams on Aug 18, 2021 19:00:07 GMT -6
I am going to liquidate some “lesser” mics and add a Serrano 87 to the locker. Like Chris, I totally trust the ears and judgment of the people here. It’s not like something being the “flavor of the day” at some other places. Same on the ears and recommendations here. I have an S87 waiting at home, if flight weather delays ever allow us to get back there from vacation. Methinks you’re going to dig it. |
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Post by Bat Lanyard on Aug 18, 2021 19:09:03 GMT -6
Same on the ears and recommendations here. I have an S87 waiting at home, if flight weather delays ever allow us to get back there from vacation. Methinks you’re going to dig it. This thing has some serious heft. Haven't put it up on anything yet, but that'll be soon.  |
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Post by the other mark williams on Aug 18, 2021 22:17:54 GMT -6
Methinks you’re going to dig it. This thing has some serious heft. Haven't put it up on anything yet, but that'll be soon. Really looking forward to hearing your thoughts, as well as the outcome... |
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Post by Bat Lanyard on Aug 18, 2021 22:32:04 GMT -6
This thing has some serious heft. Haven't put it up on anything yet, but that'll be soon. Really looking forward to hearing your thoughts, as well as the outcome... Thanks, the other mark williams, I appreciate that. Nick (singer) will be here next week to finish three songs. Looking forward to the whole process.
These are more rock tunes, so doing drums at my friend's studio. Can't wait for that. I'll be taking the Serrano out there as well as the Heiserman 47t. Just for shits and gigs.
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Post by the other mark williams on Aug 18, 2021 22:33:51 GMT -6
1st post. Hi! I had some questions for those who have owned vintage U87s and the S87 (as well as experienced ears in general). I’m debating whether to splurge my mic budget on a new or gently used 87ai or divide it between something like an S87, a quality analog pre, and maybe an AA tube mic (for example). I’m all set on dynamic mics and I mostly record retro singer songwriter music one instrument at a time, occasionally 2 live vocals at once. This is all for my personal use, not to bring in outside clients or anything like that. I answered you via PM, but I thought I'd answer briefly here, as well, for future people who might find this thread. 1. Are you still feeling good about the s87 being a “close enough” clone of the vintage u87 to replace it for those duties? Yes. Quality-wise, yes. If I were in a different situation where having some "Neumann" badges around would help get/retain clients, or if I had the extra $ to spend (spoiler alert: I don't), I would get a vintage Neumann instead. If I were doing more corporate work and could directly expense out something like a mic, I would probably get a new Neumann with a warranty. I'm not in any of those situations at the moment, though, and am very happy with my Serrano 87. The quality is there. 2. How is the off axis response? (turned just to the side, 1-2 inches above or below off center, standard singer/VO pointing down from 12” above, etc). There aren’t many comparisons and that’s one of the only points that sticks out to me because I tend to experiment with mic position for tone shaping. I went into more detail on this via PM, but I think the "sweet spot" is really good on the Serrano 87. I use it in Figure-8 a lot, and stuff doesn't sound weird to me off-axis. Obviously I'd use cardioid or omni if I were tracking a vocalist who likes to move around more. 3. VO people: does it stack up to the u87 standard for your work? If it’s good, what pre have you been pairing it with? I actually use it for VO quite a bit, and it's really good. It's not noisy. It doesn't have the insane proximity of something like an SM7. I use it with my Stam 1073MPA most often, but it might sound even better with my Weight Tank WT-72. But even with a flatter, faster, more "modern" preamp, the Serrano doesn't get "essy," which is a tall order. It's good for VO. 4. Vintage heads: How does it fare for that early 70s Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, etc sound on vocals? I haven't recorded anyone with it who's close enough to that camp to make an intelligent statement. But if I were trying to achieve that, I'd want some more transformers in my signal path. Probably going through my Zulu would get me in that direction. [added] 5. How does it sound in Omni? It sounds great in omni. I love omni, I just don't get to use it as much as I'd like. Any or all answers appreciated. Thank you! Happy to help, brother. Welcome to RGO. |
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Post by hadaja on Sept 4, 2021 16:07:23 GMT -6
Just used the Serrano 87 on an acoustic guitar I thought it sounded pretty much what my 1970's U87 sounded like before I sold it.
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Post by notneeson on Sept 4, 2021 16:13:19 GMT -6
Just used the Serrano 87 on an acoustic guitar I thought it sounded pretty much what my 1970's U87 sounded like before I sold it.
Really liking my Serrano on my D28. |
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Post by sirthought on Sept 6, 2021 14:16:36 GMT -6
I've been happy with the Serrano 87 so far. I bought two. Used them recently with a singer songwriter for both acoustic and vocal. The setup and results were instantly high quality.
I've never used a vintage 87, but I have used the modern ones. This gives you an equal peace of mind using a professional mic that can be a workhorse for multiple sources. Totally worth it.
I think anyone with the debate on to buy an actual Neumann 87ai versus multiple Serranos, or a Serrano and other gear, is too wrapped up in the brand. That brand is powerful, but not as impactful as having more tools to do good work. There's no compromise in this mic.
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Post by cserrano on Sept 23, 2021 11:04:23 GMT -6
Greetings! If you haven't already, please check out Tape Op magazine's review of the Serrano 87! RIGHT HERE! Warmly, Carlos |
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Post by kcatthedog on Sept 23, 2021 11:42:35 GMT -6
Good review: congrats!
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