UT Vintage87: a cardioid-only 87-style condenser for $399

United Studio Technologies has introduced the UT Vintage87, a reduced version of its UT Twin87, which in turn is modelled on the Neumann U87. The new model keeps the same sound goal but drops the pattern switching, which allows a lower price.

Capsule, transformer and parts

The microphone uses the company's own UT-K87 capsule, a K87-style dual-diaphragm, dual-backplate design. Its body is milled from brass, the diaphragms are made of six-micron Japanese PET film with a 24k gold-sputtered surface, and each capsule is assembled in a clean room.

The output transformer is a large-core unit wound in the USA and developed by United itself. It takes cues from early German transformer designs, uses nickel laminations throughout and, according to the company, has close to four times the metal mass of the transformers usually found in 87-style microphones. United links this to high headroom and a low-frequency response that holds up over long cable runs.

The manufacturer also lists hand-picked transistors, metal and carbon film resistors with tight tolerances, and several capacitor types: polystyrene, tantalum, multilayer ceramic and WIMA film.

Differences from the UT Twin87

• Fixed cardioid pattern instead of selectable patterns.
• Slightly hotter output and lower self-noise, according to the company.
• A switchable RF filter, which United says is a first for a vintage-style 87 design.

Co-founder Chad Kelly said the Vintage87 is built from the same components as the Twin87 and only loses features some users do not need.

The UT Vintage87 is priced at $399 or €529, with shipping planned for the first quarter of 2026.