United Studio Technologies UT Twin87 Condenser Microphone

Two great mics in one! Not just another '87 clone, the UT Twin87 lets you flip between Vintage and Modern circuitry to get the sound you want on any source.

The 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 United Studio Technologies' own large-core, custom-wound, US-made output transformer, a 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.

Vintage, or modern? The UT Twin87 finally ends the debate over the definitive vocal microphone with a new answer: both.

Twin Circuit Topology:

The UT Twin87 offers the authentic sonic capabilities of both "87-style" microphones in one package. United extensively measured component values and types, and circuit differences between 'golden reference' specimens of the very earliest available microphones of this style, as well as some of the final revisions produced. These variations were studied, documented, and their audible differences were carefully teased 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 nearly half a century.

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

In Modern mode, the capsule is polarized at a higher voltage using an FET oscillator circuit as found on later revisions of the classic mic, yielding 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 yields a louder, slightly brighter and more articulate response, with an extended top end reach and a more 'up-front' character.

A Custom United UT K87 Capsule:

The UT Twin 87 features United's own custom-made K87 style, dual diaphragm/dual backplate capsule. The UT-K87 capsule is precision milled from brass, skinned with 6 micron Japanese PET film (mylar), and has 24k gold sputtered membrane. The capsules are skinned in a laboratory clean-room environment.

In Vintage Mode, the capsule is polarized simply by normal phantom power voltages (+48v, optimal), and utilizes an insulated backplate design to polarize the front and back sides separately. In Modern Mode, the capsule backplates are connected, and the polarization voltage is raised (slowly, and gently) up to about 63 volts using a specially designed boost circuit.

Custom United Transformers:

United looked at many iterations of the original German output transformer used in this type of microphone, drawing inspiration particularly from some of the older, larger frame designs. Knowing that the size of a transformer can sometimes be a limiting factor, United developed their own custom-wound part which has nearly four times the metal mass found in any "87-style" microphones. This part truly ensures that there are no bottlenecks or weak links in the design, and that nothing is lost in translation as the signal is passed out of the microphone and down long cable runs. Their transformer sounds open, with high headroom, and clear, three dimensional sound and will never impede low frequencies.
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-Type: Condenser Microphone
-Diaphragm: Dual-diaphragm, 6 micron, 24k gold sputtered Mylar (PET film)
-Capsule: UT Series, 34mm brass, insulated dual backplate K87
-Power Supply: +48v Phantom Power (via XLR)
-Ground: Pin 1 XLR (required)
-Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
-SPL: 117dB (no pad), 127dB (with pad) @ .5% THD
-Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure 8, Omni
-Output Impedance: 27O
-Amplifier Type: Field Effect Transistor
-Self noise: <10dB (cardioid setting, no pad, no HPF)
-Output: Custom-wound UT Series transformer, made in USA
-Body: Nickel electroplated, solid milled brass
-High Pass Filter: 80hZ (12dB down point)
-Pad: -10dB
-Connector: 24k gold plated XLR, pin 2 HOT, pin 1 GND
-Mount: Suspension type shock mount (included)
-Dimensions:
- Height: 220mm / 8.6''
- Diameter: 55mm / 2.2''
- Shockmount Depth: 190mm / 7.5''
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 3 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 18 x 7 x 7 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): UTtwin87

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 845-378-1189
Email: sales@raddist.com
Web: http://www.raddist.com/contact.php

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (1 ratings)
Submitted July 5, 2023 by a customer from yahoo.com

"Definitely recommend this mic!!!!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
A few months back, I was heavy in the market for some home studio upgrades, one being a new mic. After shopping around trying to get a great mic that matched my budget and taste, I came across the United UT Twin 87. Checked out the specs and some reviews from other people and decided to take a leap on faith. Hands down one of the best decisions I’ve made! This mic is literally a Swiss Army knife. I primarily use it on vocals and what I like about it is its mid and high detail and I don’t necessarily have to process a lot in post. I would definitely go as far as saying it’s up there with the Neumann but with subtle differences. My only gripe is that it doesn’t come with a hard case. United really did it with this mic! Highly recommend.
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