RECORDING August 2022 - 22

REVIEW
United Studio
Technologies UT Twin87
Why choose between vintage and
modern when you can have both?
REVIEW BY ALEX HAWLEY
B
ased in Baton Rouge, La., United Studio Technologies started in
2018 with a mission to build classic microphone reissues with no
compromises. At the time of writing, United currently offers two
models: the UT FET47 and the UT Twin87, the later is on review today.
Inspired by the iconic Neumann U 87, the UT Twin87 sets itself apart
from other clones on the market with a unique twist. We'll look at how the
UT Twin87 stands on its own and how it stacks up against its inspiration.
Two for One
The UT Twin87 is a twin-circuit, largediaphragm
condenser microphone. It's
designed to recreate vintage and AI
variants of the legendary Neumann U
87. There is no shortage of U 87 clones
or remakes on the market, but United is
the first to combine both circuits into one
microphone. It's not accomplished with
a simple EQ filter, either. UT Twin87
is designed with two separate circuit
topologies that you can switch between
on the fly. Each circuit polarizes the
capsule according to the original
models, capturing a truly authentic
approach for both designs.
Authentic Components
UT Twin87 is made with high-quality
components, including a proprietary
large-core, custom-wound output transformer.
It's notably larger than the output
transformer found in Neumann models,
which United says was a decision to enhance
low-frequency dynamic response
and avoid any design bottlenecks.
The capsule is K87 style with a
custom 24k gold-sputtered dual-diaphragm
/ dual backplate design. It
also features WIMA film capacitors,
metal and carbon film resistors and
hand-selected transistors.
22 RECORDING August 2022
One thing that caught my eye is the
head basket shape. Rather than the classic
tapered edges of the U 87 head basket,
the UT Twin87 employs a bit more
of a generic circular shape. This is likely
to avoid design patent infractions, but
United measured and reproduced the
actual mesh gauges from the original
60s U 87, which accounts for some of
the sound signature.
Another exciting aspect United designed
into the UT Twin87 is the true-cardioid
mod. When the mic is set to cardioid
mode (it has the option of omni or figure-8
as well), it bypasses the pattern select circuitry
altogether and decouples from the
rear diaphragm of the capsule. United
claims this technique yields a " cardioid
function that is slightly hotter, more pure,
and boasts a better signal-to-noise ratio. "
In Use
I find it most valuable to evaluate microphones,
especially those designed in
the image of studio icons, on their own
before making any direct comparisons.
I am deeply familiar with the sound of
the U 87, but I put that reference to the
side until I had a chance to get to know
the sound of the UT Twin87 first. I tested
both circuits on voice, acoustic guitar
and grand piano.
Vintage Workhorse
The vintage setting is slightly warmer,
much smoother, and more forgiving
than its modern counterpart. I found its
character to be more well-rounded for
various sources. On acoustic guitar, it
sounds full and balanced through the
midrange and has a smooth and natural
top-end. This was the story for every
source I tried-that is why I view the
Modern Edge
The modern circuit on the UT Twin87
has a bright and forward character. It can
cut through mixes like a hot knife through
butter, with balanced mids, a top-end
sheen, and a tight bottom end. An edge
to the upper midrange contributes to its
ability to cut through the mix, around 5
or 6 kHz, giving it a polished sound for
voiceover work, pop or hip-hop vocals.
The modern setting also lends itself
nicely to grand piano. I only had one for
testing, so I couldn't try any stereo miking
techniques, but placing it a few feet back
from middle C captured a balanced image
of the entire piano. It yields a high
degree of detail and doesn't need too
much shaping to drop into a full mix. In
some cases, like acoustic guitar, I found
the brighter character a bit distracting and
sought a bit lower-midrange energy and
vibe, for lack of a better term. But that's
where the vintage circuit comes in ...
RECORDING August 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of RECORDING August 2022
