A Tube U87
An enhanced and richer sounding version of the most popular microphone of all times, the Stam Audio SA-87T is a cross breed between a Sony C-800G and a vintage Neumann U87i microphone. With so many companies coming out with U87 replicas we decided to do something a little different and take this microphone to the next level at it was not easy task. After trying dozens of tubes and transformers we settled with the best sounding formula to make this classic microphone even more exciting.
The Capsule
Tuned by hand and tested individually each Stam Audio SA-87T comes with a custom Braingasm K67 capsule. The K-67 which is also used on our SA-87i and SA-800G has the exact same frequency response and timbre has a vintage K-67 capsule from the 70’s. This is the most important part of the microphone and 80% of it’s sound. Each capsule is carefully selected after thorough inspection, vocal tests and precision sweeps to produce the same frequency response.
The Tube
Each SA-87T comes with a NOS European 6AU6 tube which are hand selected and auditioned as the largely contribute to the low mids and smooth top end of the microphone. Unlike other cheaper currently made tubes a good NOS valve will never sound strident nor harsh and won’t lack critical low-mid information missing on most modern tubes.
The Output Transformer
At Stam Audio sound quality comes before profit. A custom UK-made Sowter output transformer is used in every unit. The Sowter transformer is made is identical to an original U87 output transformer in both it’s construction, frequency response and harmonic content. Combined with a European NOS tube and a custom-made K67 capsule the SA-87T is simply a step above any other microhpone at it’s price range.
The Circuit and Power Supply
The SA-87T comes with a black shock-mount, a pad switch,a low cut switch and a modern solid state design power supply which is virtually noiseless and can be used both on 115V and 230V.
100% satisfaction guarantee – if you don’t love your SA-87T, we’ll refund you
The SA-87T comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. This allows you to get it into your studio and see how it impacts upon your recordings. If you love it (and we think you will!), great… keep the unit and create amazing music with it. If not, no problems. Just send it back to us and we’ll fully refund your purchase. Don’t worry, whichever way you decide to go we will remain friends.
Matt Corsi –
I received this mic in early March, 2023. I have tested it on vocals and as a room mic and it has exceeded all expectations! The tube stage adds a richness that is blended well with the more typical U87 sound, not overly “tube” sounding, not under-stated either. Bass response is solid, top end is shimmery and airy more so than a standard U87. The mids are where this mic stands out compared to a solid state U87. It has more of a U47 quality than a U67 quality, in a very good way. This mic is incredible regardless of price and with the reasonable price point I highly recommended it! I have owned and frequently used a Neumann U87, a U47, and an M269 so my ears know the originals. The SA-87T is a blend of the highest quality legendary mics and unlike other offerings in the market. It is versatile and suitable for a huge range of applications. I ran it through a bunch of mic pres (Avalon 737, Stam 1073 MPA, Stam 312t, Heritage HA-73EQ, CL 7602 MKII, Manley Core, Focusrite ISA, Daking, SSL, Chandler, and UA 4-710) and they all added different colors showing the versatility of this mic. Way to go Josh! I should have purchased a pair!
Kenneth Bailey –
A U87 and C800 hybrid? This should be interesting.
Spencer –
As a singer and someone with a very discerning ear (mixing and mastering is my day job), I’ve never quite found the microphone that suited my voice perfectly until now. I find myself just compressing, no EQ required. The 87T has beautiful low end warmth and a perfectly sweet, smooth top end. The mids are slightly scooped which at least in my voice gets rid of all of the unneeded mud. In shirt, I’m in love with this mic and this will definitely not be my last piece of gear from STAM
Michael Vanzetten –
Once again Joshua has nailed a unique treasure a tube U 87 ha that’s Josh all over who would think of it , this young mastermind has its ridiculously unique people say it’s an u87ish u67ish 800 ish no it’s simply its own thing that works !!
Now let me tell yah I live in Australia I’m 62 I say this because when I first looked at Stam Audio it was pre COVID and I was worried dealing with, out of all places Chile with a young dude claiming what he claims in regards to his products , But let me tell you through my dealings with Joshua thru all the tough days Joshua is rock solid a beautiful person that stands with integrity reg his honesty. Now I own the Stam sa3a, sa47 mk1, sa23a+ , sa800g and now the u87t , let me tell yah none of them will be up for sale until I croak it! What I look for in audio gear so I hope this helps you I’m not big noting myself but I work hand in hand with BBC and ABC audio techs I look at componentry Stam is stacked with it I like to see things of creditable value such as Sowter transformers ,Ami tranny’s the capsules he uses are always up with latest best ,
Also the wiring soldering is impeccable that means a lot a real lot reg noise and reliability issues now these old ducks who build for me lol they know their eyes are failing so hats off to the young
At the end of the day if you wan,t real value I am very happy with what I got sure I’m not bagging other companies I love Audioscape their excitement and their products but I can only say what I know in regards to the workmanship and the component level of Stam in comparison to expected standards of former BBC protocol of work they would commission out to audio builders and Stam Audio would very tidyly cut thankyou , I give the rights to Josh to give my email to anybody genuinely interested please note I’m not affiliated or I have not met Joshua but I give credit where it’s due
paulcheeba (verified owner) –
I bought a pair within days because Josh sent me one to test and they are some of the most unique and powerful mics I have heard. I own over a hundred mics including Vintage Neumann’s. Genuine C800G’s and most you can imagine, it’s crazy but when I heard these they blew about 90% of my locker away. They sound huge, larger than life and unlike anything else. I’ll be using them on vocals, drums and lots of various instruments, they’re a new staple in my live room and I’m really excited. Cheers Josh!
Melopsmusic (verified owner) –
I started with stam audio hardware with the sa2a comp, i was blown away !!! So i was confident in the quality of stam audio. When i received the SA 87T mic, it was like an incredible sensation. All i was looking after was there, and more !!!! Natural sounding, incredible and accurate bottom, perfect mediums, and the high is just so smooth and Never sibilant. Depth, power,… i couldn t be able to have enough words to say how this mic is great, the best of all i ever heard. Stam audio people are reactive and very very kind also. Our studio will get more stam audio for SURE 😊😊😊
Angelo “Ace’Lo” Jackson –
I love this mic..plan and simple. Stam/Josh did an amazing job with this!! My other mics have been collecting dust since receiving mine.
terrywalton23 –
I got this microphone last month. Due to family issues I hadn’t been able to test it. Josh as he does, checked to make sure I was happy with the microphone. So, I tested it. I have used Neumann U-87 microphones. I have used a lot of high end microphones. This microphone is the equal if not superior to most. It is so clear and really captures the nuances of what you’re recording. I did vocals and acoustic guitar. I just used the SA-87T directly into my DAW. It sounded like it was record ready. I used no pre-amps or plug-is. I then plugged it into my Neve 1073 and used a 1176 type plug in. It was still awesome. But I think I liked the microphones sound as is, with no pre-amps or plug ins. I have been blown away by every piece of Stam Audio gear I have tried. The SA-87T may be marketed as a U-87 clone with a tube, but it is in a class of by itself and is superior. I could go on and on about how good it sounds. And at the. end of the day that is what’s important, the sound. You can’t go wrong buying this microphone. Thank you Josh and the Stam Audio team for all you do.
Hoang Long Nguyen –
Just got this microphone after months of waiting. Wait time around 10 months, but it was very well worth. The tube sounds phenomenal. I have worked with plenty of mics, very well working tube emulators (they sound great too), but nothing comes close to the real thing.
Mids and lows are extremely rich, and the highs clean as a fresh pair of sneakers. This will seriously rival any high-end mic (and definitely out-do in terms of value).
Absolutely stunning work. This might very well be my ‘forever’ mic.
Support was great as well. Joshua and his team seem to care a lot, especially about craftsmanship (to the demise of impatient people), but for those who can wait I promise it will be worth.
TJ T –
Just got this in the mail – SA 87T – Josh was responsive over email and happened to have a unit in stock so I pulled the trigger on this fast.
First impressions: Test recordings on vocals came out incredibly smooth yet articulate – this mic punches leagues above its weight class. The presence on this isn’t overdone or sibilant. It maintains the qualities that make the U87 a staple utility microphone while adding a modern edge and clarity that’s reminiscent of a C800G.
A portion of what I think makes the U87 great is that it doesn’t seem to pick up or accentuate many resonant frequencies and as a result it’s easily manipulated with EQ – the SA 87T has this same quality and stays smooth throughout the frequency spectrum. A big improvement that the SA 87T has over the U87 is the lack of honkiness in the low-mid frequencies that can muddy up recordings – the low end on the SA 87T is tight and contained while still maintaining a great deal of body.
For reference, my current mic locker contains: a U87AI, SA 251, a custom made 251 with a Beesneez capsule & a custom built C800G clone (BA-8g) & I can see this mic becoming the new go-to for vocals.
Don Ritter – Covered Bridge Recording –
We have 2 at Covered Bridge Recording. They are becoming one of the favorites for vocals along with guitars etc. This makes about 20 pieces of gear we have from stam, with another 14 pieces on order. That should tell you what we think of stam audio
robert sheppard –
Hi all
Just came out of the studio with a huge smile after testing the SA87t. Upon unboxing, I immediately recorded a vocal pass head to head with my Lawson L47, itself a very respectable vocal mic. The Stam came away the winner due to it’s sumptuous interpretation of the mids on my voice.I always know when I’m in possession of a winning instrument when I really want to stay on it! I collapsed the shootout setup and headed for the next vocal track I could improve. Before any effects, comp,or ‘verb, the vocal passes sounded ready for prime time! Pretty sure this thing leaves a Neumann in it’s dust. Also, kudos to the Stam crew for getting everything else right re: shipping, money, communication.Thank you for being a great company!
Eduardo Alonso –
What a clever and pleasant surprise!
The Stam 87T for me is honestly the best value on high microphones on the martlet! Stam team was very creative and cost effective in putting this together, and you can’t beat this value for any studio.
This is like a cousin of the Sony Mic and the 87I at the same time! Super rich microphone, very detailed with the tube warm just enough to enrich a vocal, yet with its modern tad brightness to give it a different flavor than the most vintage tube microphones,
For its price is so close to the Sony mic that it’s almost unbeatable, and as always with Stam the built quality and sound profile is high end.
Again, it’s a great palette of sound to have for vocals that can pretty much suit any song, depending on what you want and the voice you’re working with, and adds a touch of modern sound that works very well for a change in many projects.
Best bang for the buck on high end mics on the market IMO, and exciting to seem Stam audio being more and more creative!
Benoit Langlais –
After more than 20 years of working with countless microphones, the SA-87T is by far the best I’ve ever had the chance to use. It’s a true masterpiece, inspiring, musical, and a joy to record with. I feel genuinely honored to work with such an exceptional mic.
The SA-87T is simply outstanding. In over two decades of recording, no microphone has impressed me this much. It’s beautifully crafted, sounds incredible, and elevates every session. Huge thanks to Stam Audio for creating this gem !!!
Leo Abrahams –
An exceptionally musical-sounding microphone, with a degree of detail, dimension and balance that would be impressive in a mic three times the price. All the accessories are excellent quality as well. I’m really delighted!
Von Shelstein –
This 87T is everything I thought it would be and more as a vocal microphone! After receiving it, I was shooting it out along side of the best high quality sensitive mics I own (a modded Neumann u87 from the late 80’s and a Warm Audio 251 with a NOS tube). It is now my favorite and one of my customers as well….. A true Winner! This microphone is a great choice!
K Pitchford –
I absolutely love this mic and it has become my go to favorite. As soon as I ran it through my preamp I was hooked. Joshua and his staff continue to bring innovative twists that are remarkable.