Serrano 87 Microphone

Good questions. Yes, now available is a recently updated version of the Serrano 87. In short, the updated and newly named Serrano Vintage 87 is ever so closer to the vintage Neumann U87i that I used to model the Serrano 87 after. This is not only because of a different capsule and transformer but also because of values changed in the circuit (feedback circuitry.) The updated version has a slight increase in the low and low-mid frequencies and further smooths and reduces high frequencies. Does it sound better than the original Serrano 87? No, but it is even more accurate to the vintage Neumann 87i. Accuracy in this case does not necessarily translate to better sound and I would state that both versions are of the same sound quality. If I had to rate it on a scale I would say the new version is around 97-99% accurate while the older is 95-96%. It's subtle.

To be transparent, I was having some issues with quality control of the previous capsule and at times would even have to audition up to 4 capsules before finding one that sounded right. It was too much unnecessary hassle. The Serrano Vintage 87 now uses a K87 that has a much better quality control process. Regarding the transformer now made by Cinemag, while it is even more accurate than the previous one, a big reason in switching to Cinemag has to do with them making pin-out (instead of wired) versions of transformers, which makes assembling a lot easier. I would not say that is it "better" sound quality than the previous but the earlier transformer has a little bit less low end than the new Cinemag. The quality of the older one was also excellent, just like the new one. I quietly started using this capsule and transformer since last December and they are present in Seawell's review of the Serrano 87. 

Since I had various configurations that differed slightly, I noticed it caused some people confusion, understandably. With the first batch of 10 that were made with a platinum membrane, to other ones that were slightly brighter or darker, to even more that started to use a new capsule, I decided it would be helpful to standardize a new and freakishly accurate version and name it the Serrano Vintage 87. I would say it is natural that I learned over that past couple of years an exact configuration, with many factors in mind, of what the final version should be. I now make them all to the same configuration. 

Hi Chris, you have the new Cinemag. 

I love these mics. I've got a pair I ordered around the end of Jan, beginning of Feb 2022, #10071 & #10074.

Just out of curiosity can you tell me which transformer/capsule went into these?

Just a plug for those with the pre-Vintage design, I’ve learned quite a bit regarding the different sounds that the Serrano can pull off over the year that I’ve owned one.

For example, and with the caveat that I don’t *think* I’ve ever personally used a 60s/70s vintage u87, the top end on mine going straight into an interface is just a tad brighter/more open than I associate with older 87 sound from records but it’s the kind of thing that can really work for modern pop vocals. If I want it darker and thicker, I can run it through my 1073 style pre or something tube modeled ITB (like the Neold73/76). If I want “in your face” I can put up a pop shield and get right up on it, though this is not recommended with my sibilance. The IK Mic Room has a great 87-> 67 de/re convolve setting for getting the sound in that ballpark.

Or, and this is what I’ve started doing lately, record clean in the best space that I can through a transparent pre with everything flat and sculpt the sound that I want using clean, digital EQ afterward. With some creative top-end EQ and Little Plate (thanks for reminding me about that one gang) I’ve managed to land on a very mid-70s classic rock vibe that I love. (Think 74-76 era Kiss with the sound of the Double Platinum mixes.)

All this as a way of saying that the original design still gives you a lot to work with to shape the sound to your liking, including bringing it closer to the sound of another 87 variation that you might have in your head.

^ The first album was tracked at Bell Sound and there are photos of the group singing into what look like 87s, and the vocals for the second album were tracked at The Record Plant, so 87s are a good guess there as well.

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Hi Carlos, I purchased s87 in Feb 2022 and liking so much. Now I'm considering add another s87 for using drum OH as well though do you think is the new updated version is same values of the circuit to my s87? I read previous post that the capsule/transformer is same updated version but changing value of the circuit thing is not clear to me. Of corse I don't expect matched pair stuff but wanna make it sure.