Neumann U 87 Ai micro à condensateur large membrane (nickel)

Damn.

I was hoping to believe the reviews/ads that say "As good as a U87!" "I actually prefer the Yellow Snow 87!"

I was hoping to send it back, finally happy, convinced that it wasn't THAT good a mic and I didn't have to gulp and cough up all that money.

Insert expletive of your choice here.

I have a few decent mics including a TLM103.

This mic is simply in a different league when connected through a Metric Halo interface. Its so good that I am sending the TLM103 to get checked out by Sennheiser.

Expensive? Jeez yes. Worth it? Unfortunately, yes. I have only used it so far on male and female vocals, but its rich, detailed output and, well, uncompromising honesty, is in a class of its own.

So I am keeping it.

Sh*t.