United Studio Technologies UT Twin87 Twin-Circuit Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

THE DEFINITIVE VOCAL MICROPHONEThe United Studio Tech UT Twin87 captures the essence of both the original classic and modern incarnations of the “87-style” microphone design. For the first time ever, United has created a microphone that duplicates both circuits, and can reconfigure itself on the fly for an exceptional reproduction of the sonic capabilities of both microphones.

The UT Twin87 features our own large-core, custom-wound, US-made output transformer, our own custom made 24k gold sputtered dual diaphragm/dual backplate K87 style capsule, and a whole assortment of selected, premium components such as polystyrene, tantalum, multilayer ceramic, WIMA film capacitors, metal and carbon film resistors, and hand-selected transistors.

Amazing Features • Best of both worlds with two legendary circuits in one microphone
• Omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-of-eight polar patterns
• Nickel electroplated, solid milled brass construction
• Elastic suspension shock mount included
• Switchable vintage and modern modes

Best of bothThe UT Twin87 gives you the authentic sonic capabilities of both “87-style” microphones in one. United extensively measured component values and types, and circuit differences between ‘golden reference’ elements of the very earliest available microphones of this style, along with some of the final revisions produced. These variations were studied, documented, and their audible differences were carefully phased out. No mere ‘EQ/boost’ circuit or digital gimmick would cut it — the UT Twin87 literally toggles between two discrete ‘87 style circuit topologies, separated by almost half a century.

Vintage modeIn Vintage mode, the UT Twin87 polarizes its capsule directly by phantom power voltages, taking advantage of an insulated, dual backplate capsule design — just like the earliest "87-style" microphones did. The high-Z and de-emphasis circuitry use all of the same component choices as the original. This offers a slightly warmer, softer and forgiving sound.

Modern modeIn Modern mode, the capsule is polarized at a higher voltage using an FET oscillator circuit as found on later revisions of the classic mic, with a higher capsule sensitivity and feeding a hotter signal into the amplifier circuitry. Its high-Z and de-emphasis circuitry likewise use all of the same component choices as much later “87-style” designs. This provides a louder, slightly brighter and more articulate response, with an extended top end reach and a more ‘up-front’ character.

Modern & Vintage In OneModern “87-style” microphones use an output filter designed to block RF and EM interference — much debate has taken place over the years as to whether this filter enhances or harms the sonics of the microphone. The UT Twin87 has also closed this debate, as the filter can be engaged/disengaged at any time, in either Vintage or Modern mode!

When the UT Twin87 is set to cardioid, another boutique modification is quietly engaged: the “true-cardioid mod”. Rather than operate in active (switched) cardioid mode like the standard design, the UT Twin87 will disengage the pattern select circuitry altogether and decouple from the rear diaphragm of the capsule. This features a cardioid function that is slightly hotter, more pure, and boasts a better signal to noise ratio.

With all of the extra features and high-end components, the UT Twin87 is truly an incredible microphone — but it’s real strength is it’s accuracy in providing the same sound engineers have grown to love in every variation of the “87-style” circuit.