iCON Pro Audio Space 87: The Studio Standard, Reimagined​

Clarity. Balance. Confidence.

There’s a reason certain microphones never leave the studio.

They just work.
On vocals. On instruments. On everything.

The legendary “87 sound” has been part of recordings like Bohemian Rhapsody, Thriller, and Heroes—shaping music with a tone that is clear, balanced, and unmistakably professional.

Artists and producers like Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Quincy Jones, Rick Rubin, and Brian Eno have trusted that sound for decades.

Now, the iCON Pro Audio Space 87 carries that legacy forward—refined, modernized, and ready for today’s creators.

A Legacy Rebuilt for Today’s Studio

First introduced in 1967, the original “87” microphone quickly became an industry standard.

Why?

Because it delivers something every creator needs:

  • Accuracy without harshness
  • Detail without fatigue
  • Versatility without compromise

The Space 87 was built with a clear intention:

Take the spirit of the original—and elevate it with modern innovation.

Large Diaphragm Capsule

At its core is a large diaphragm condenser capsule that captures:

  • Fine detail
  • Natural transients
  • Every nuance of your performance

Premium Signal Path

Every component plays a role in shaping your sound:

  • WIMA capacitors → High fidelity, low distortion
  • Fairchild resistors → Stability and precision
  • Cinemag transformer → Adds warmth and depth

The result:

A signal that is clean—but never cold.


The Sound Profile: Balanced and Honest

The Space 87 is all about truthful sound with musical polish.

Top End

  • Clear and open
  • Detailed without being sharp

Midrange

  • Balanced and natural
  • Perfect for vocals and dialogue

Low End

  • Tight and controlled
  • Supports without overwhelming

With its flat frequency response and high sensitivity, the Space 87 captures exactly what’s in front of it—no surprises, no hype.


 

How to Use It: Real Studio Workflows

This is where the Space 87 earns its place in your mic locker.


1. Vocals – Clean, Modern, Reliable

Setup:

  • Use Cardioid mode
  • Place 6–8 inches from the vocalist
  • Add the magnetic pop shield

Engage:

  • Low Cut if there’s rumble or proximity buildup
  • -10 dB Pad if the vocalist is very loud

What you get:

  • Clear, balanced vocals
  • Easy to mix
  • Works across genres

2. Voiceover & Podcasting

The Space 87’s low noise floor makes it ideal for:

  • Spoken word
  • Narration
  • Streaming

Tip:

  • Stay in Cardioid mode
  • Keep a consistent distance for even tone

Result:

  • Professional clarity
  • Broadcast-ready sound

3. Acoustic Instruments

Perfect for:

  • Acoustic guitar
  • Piano
  • Strings

Try this:

  • Use Omnidirectional mode for natural room tone
  • Use Cardioid for focused detail

You’ll hear:

  • Balanced frequency response
  • Accurate tone
  • Realistic space

4. Dual Sources & Creative Recording

Switch to Figure-8 (bi-directional) when recording:

  • Two singers facing each other
  • Interviews
  • Instrument + room reflections

Why it works:

  • Captures front and back
  • Rejects side noise
  • Creates natural separation

5. Loud Sources & Dynamic Performances

The built-in -10 dB pad helps when recording:

  • Loud vocals
  • Strong acoustic instruments
  • High-energy performances

It keeps your signal:

  • Clean
  • Undistorted
  • Controlled



Control at Your Fingertips


Three Polar Patterns
  • Cardioid → Focused, front-facing
  • Omnidirectional → Open, natural room capture
  • Figure-8 → Dual-direction recording
Low Cut Switch
  • Removes unwanted low-end rumble
  • Great for vocals and untreated rooms
-10 dB Pad
  • Prevents distortion on loud sources
  • Keeps headroom intact



Built Like a Studio Workhorse

The Space 87 isn’t just about sound, it’s built to last.

  • All-metal body for durability
  • Electroplated finish for a premium look
  • Shock-mounted capsule to reduce vibration
  • Low noise floor for quiet recordings

This is a microphone designed for daily use, session after session.


The Extras: Small Details, Big Impact


Magnetic Pop Shield
  • Quick, clean attachment
  • Controls plosives
  • Preserves vocal tone
Shock Mount
  • Reduces handling and stand noise
  • Keeps recordings clean
Metal Storage Case
  • Strong and protective
  • Ready for studio or travel


Solid-State vs Tube: Where Space 87 Fits

If the Space 251 is about vintage warmth…

The Space 87 is about modern precision.

Solid-state microphones (like Space 87):

  • Clean
  • Accurate
  • Consistent

Perfect for:

  • Professional vocal chains
  • Dense mixes
  • Detailed recordings


Practical Takeaways

  • Use Cardioid for vocals and voiceover
  • Use Omni for natural, open recordings
  • Use Figure-8 for dual sources
  • Engage Low Cut to clean up low-end noise
  • Use the -10 dB pad for loud sources
  • Take advantage of the low noise floor for intimate recordings


Final Thoughts: The Sound Engineers Trust

The Space 87 doesn’t try to color your sound too much.

It simply tells the truth, beautifully.

It’s the kind of microphone you reach for when:

  • You need consistency
  • You want clarity
  • You don’t want to fight your mix later

From vocals to full arrangements, from home studios to professional setups, the Space 87 is a reliable partner in every session.

Plug in. Press record. Trust what you hear.

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