1968 Neumann U87 Vintage Microphone - The Hit Factory NYC - Original K87 Capsule

Recently cleaned/serviced by Neumann/Sennheiser, works perfectly and is ready for studio use. An extraordinary piece of recording history. Offered here is an exceptionally early 1968 Neumann U87, manufactured near the beginning of production of one of the most celebrated studio microphones ever created. What makes this particular example especially interesting is its direct connection to New York City's legendary The Hit Factory recording studios, its approximately 20 years of continuous ownership, its recent professional servicing by Sennheiser/Neumann, and the inclusion of its preserved original 1968 capsule. A Direct Connection to The Hit Factory I acquired this microphone directly through Pro Audio Design in Rockland, Massachusetts, during the liquidation of equipment from New York City's legendary Hit Factory recording studios around 2005. At the time, I worked at a nearby recording studio and had an established professional relationship with Pro Audio Design, which supplied our vintage recording equipment. I personally visited their facility shortly after the equipment arrived from The Hit Factory, before the collection had been fully inventoried or offered for public sale. They let me see all of the equipment from The Hit Factory all piled up in their large locker room prior to any of it being available to the public. It was an extraordinary assortment of microphones and professional recording equipment gathered together in their facility representing decades of professional recording history. Having contacted them early in the liquidation process, I specifically requested one of the oldest and best-sounding Neumann U87 microphones available. They selected this 1968 example, which I purchased directly and have personally owned ever since. The microphone still retains its original Hit Factory identification sticker and inventory barcode, preserving a tangible connection to one of the most celebrated recording facilities in music history. An Early 1968 Neumann U87 Introduced in 1967, the Neumann U87 quickly became one of the defining microphones of professional recording. This particular example dates to 1968, placing it among the earliest years of U87 production. Its serial number has been verified as dating to 1968 (Sennheiser document included in the purchase). The microphone represents the original vintage U87 generation, predating the later U87 Ai revision. For recording engineers, vintage microphone enthusiasts, and collectors, these early examples are especially interesting because of their place in the history of professional recording. Recently Serviced by Sennheiser/Neumann The microphone has recently returned from professional service at Sennheiser/Neumann. It underwent a thorough cleaning and was confirmed to be fully operational. This is a functioning vintage studio microphone, not simply a historical display piece. The microphone retains the cosmetic characteristics and original studio identification markings associated with its age and professional history. Two Neumann Capsules Included An especially noteworthy feature of this sale is the inclusion of both the currently installed capsule and the preserved original capsule. Currently installed capsule: A genuine Neumann replacement capsule installed circa 2012. Additional original capsule: The original 1968 capsule that was removed when the replacement was installed, preserved separately in its protective container. The original capsule is included as a historical component of the microphone. At the time of repair in 2012, Sennheiser chose to replace the capsule so the original might function if properly cleaned etc. but I'm unsure of the original capsule's actual functionality. The inclusion of the original capsule provides an unusual opportunity to retain an important original component alongside a fully operational microphone. A Remarkable Combination of History and Functionality This microphone offers several characteristics that are rarely found together: Genuine early-production 1968 Neumann U87 Serial number verified as dating to 1968 Direct provenance from The Hit Factory recording studios in New York City Original Hit Factory identification sticker and inventory barcode Acquired through Pro Audio Design during the studio equipment liquidation Approximately 20 years of continuous personal ownership Recently cleaned and confirmed fully operational by Sennheiser/Neumann Genuine Neumann replacement capsule installed circa 2012 Preserved original 1968 capsule included separately A Piece of Recording History The Hit Factory was one of the most celebrated recording studios in the world, associated with an extraordinary range of influential artists and recordings. For someone who appreciates vintage Neumann microphones, the history of professional recording, or the opportunity to own a distinctive piece of studio heritage, this is an especially interesting instrument. A remarkable early Neumann…