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Universal Audio Bock 187 is a premium large-diaphragm cardioid FET studio condenser microphone, hand-built at UA's Custom Shop in Santa Cruz. It uses minimalist Class A FET circuitry with a large Cinemag output transformer, and carries a Fat mode boosting 10 Hz to 400 Hz, a 120 Hz low cut and a -10 dB pad. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 16 kHz within 2 dB with a maximum SPL of 125 dB at 1% THD.
A golden-unit FET condenser, built to the good example rather than the average.
The Bock microphones are UA's Custom Shop line, hand-built in Santa Cruz, California and designed by David Bock. Bock spent years repairing and measuring vintage microphones, which is where the phrase "golden unit" comes from: among any batch of a classic model, a few examples measure and sound noticeably better than the rest, and those are the ones that become famous.
The design goal was to build to that best example rather than to the average, and then to correct the shortcomings the originals had. That is why each Bock carries modern additions the vintage units did not: a Fat switch for low-end weight, pads, filters and in some models a high frequency contour.
These are not modeling microphones. There is no plug-in layer and no software involved. The character comes from the capsule, the tube or FET stage and the transformer, and it is present the moment the microphone is plugged into any preamp.
Universal Audio still hand-builds this line in California to the original circuit designs rather than licensing the name out. The company was founded in 1958 by M.T. "Bill" Putnam, who designed the 1176 and the 610, and was revived in 1999 by his sons with the original schematics and, in several cases, the original test gear.
At a Glance
| Type | Large-diaphragm cardioid FET condenser |
| Circuitry | Minimalist Class A FET |
| Transformer | Large Cinemag output |
| Fat mode | Low-end boost, 10 Hz to 400 Hz |
| Low cut | 120 Hz |
| Pad | -10 dB |
| Maximum SPL | 125 dB, 1% THD |
| Power | 48 V phantom |
| Included | Premium wood storage case |
What Does the Large Cinemag Transformer Contribute?
Low-frequency headroom. A larger output transformer saturates less readily at low frequencies, which means the bass stays defined on loud, low sources rather than smearing. Universal Audio specifies it as delivering rich bass and increased low-frequency headroom, and it is part of why the 187 handles 125 dB SPL.
Who Is the Bock 187 For?
Studios wanting a hand-built FET condenser as a primary vocal microphone, and engineers who prefer FET to tube for its speed and lower noise floor. The 125 dB maximum SPL also makes it usable on loud sources where a tube microphone would be at risk.
What Is a Golden Unit?
Among any batch of a classic microphone model, a small number of examples measure and sound noticeably better than the rest, and those become the sought-after ones. David Bock designed this line to that best example rather than the batch average, then added the pads, filters and Fat mode the originals lacked.
What Comes With It?
A premium wood storage case. Universal Audio sells the shockmount separately, and we stock the UA mic shockmounts in silver and black.
Connections
| Connector | XLR |
| Power | 48 V phantom |
Specifications
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 16 kHz, plus or minus 2 dB |
| Maximum SPL | 125 dB SPL at 1% THD |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Circuitry | Minimalist Class A FET |
| Output transformer | Large Cinemag |
| Fat mode | Low-end boost between 10 Hz and 400 Hz |
| Low cut | 120 Hz |
| Pad | -10 dB |
| Power requirement | 48 V phantom |
Why Universal Audio?
Universal Audio was founded in 1958 by M.T. "Bill" Putnam, the engineer who built the first recording console with integrated equalization and effects sends, and who designed the 1176 and the 610. The company was revived in 1999 by his sons and now does two things: it still hand-builds analog hardware in California, and it licenses and models the classics from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, Lexicon, Studer, Ampex and others rather than emulating them without authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a genuine Universal Audio product?
Yes. Victory is a veteran owned dealer in Miami and units ship new in original packaging with full manufacturer support, including software registration rights.
Is this covered by warranty?
Yes. This unit carries the full Universal Audio manufacturer warranty, registered to you as the original purchaser. Call 844-687-4208 for the current term.
Is this a modeling microphone?
No. The Bock line is analog throughout. There is no plug-in layer and no software, so the character is present on any preamp the moment it is plugged in.
Where is it made?
Hand-built at Universal Audio's Custom Shop in Santa Cruz, California, to designs by David Bock.
What does the Fat switch do?
It boosts the low end between 10 Hz and 400 Hz, adding weight without touching an equalizer. It is one of the modern additions the vintage originals did not have.
Why Buy From Victory Musical Instruments?
Victory Musical Instruments is a pro audio and musical instrument dealer in Miami, Florida. We support churches, schools, studios and working musicians across South Florida and ship nationwide. Every unit is new in the original factory packaging with full manufacturer support. Call 844-687-4208 to check lead time, request a quote, or arrange local pickup.