Neumann TLM 103 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone

The Neumann TLM 103 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is known for its clarity and detail. It has a cardioid polar pattern, which means it is most sensitive to sound coming from the front and rejects sound from the sides and rear. This makes it ideal for recording vocals or solo instruments in a studio setting.

The TLM 103 has a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz and a maximum SPL of 138dB, which means it can handle loud sources without distortion. It also has a low self-noise of only 7dB-A, which allows for recording of quiet sources without adding unwanted noise.

The TLM 103 has a sleek design with a nickel finish and a grille that protects the capsule from damage. It also comes with a shock mount to isolate the microphone from vibrations and a wooden box for storage.

Overall, the Neumann TLM 103 is a high-quality microphone that is well-suited for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and other sources in a studio environment. Its clarity and detail make it a popular choice among professional recording engineers and musicians.

Key Features of the Neumann TLM 103

• Large Diaphragm Condenser: Equipped with a large-diaphragm capsule, the Neumann TLM 103 captures sound with exceptional precision and sensitivity. This condenser microphone is renowned for its ability to faithfully reproduce vocals, instruments, and various sound sources with incredible detail and transparency.
• Cardioid Polar Pattern: The cardioid polar pattern of the TLM 103 ensures focused sound capture while effectively rejecting off-axis noise and ambient sound. This pattern allows for greater isolation and control over the recorded source, making it ideal for studio vocal recording, instrument miking, and podcasting.
• Wide Frequency Response: The microphone’s wide frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz captures the full spectrum of audio, from deep lows to shimmering highs. This extended frequency range ensures accurate reproduction of the source material, providing a natural and balanced sound.
• Low Self-Noise: The Neumann TLM 103 boasts an impressively low self-noise level, allowing for pristine recordings even in quiet environments. This characteristic is essential when capturing subtle nuances and quiet passages, ensuring that your recordings are free from unwanted noise and hiss.
• High SPL Handling: With a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) handling of 138dB, the TLM 103 can effortlessly handle loud sound sources without distortion or overload. This capability makes it suitable for recording powerful vocals, drums, brass instruments, and guitar amplifiers.
• Transformerless Circuitry: The microphone features transformerless circuitry, which contributes to its transparent and uncolored sound reproduction. This design choice ensures that the captured audio remains true to the original source, providing a faithful representation of the recorded material.
• Robust Construction: The TLM 103 is built to withstand the demands of professional use. Its robust construction and high-quality components ensure durability and longevity, making it a reliable choice for studio environments and live applications.
• Versatile Applications: This microphone excels in a wide range of applications. Whether you’re recording vocals, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, broadcast narration, podcasts, or voice-overs, the TLM 103 delivers exceptional results across various genres and audio setups.

Immerse yourself in the world of professional audio recording with the Neumann TLM 103 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone. With its pristine sound quality, versatile performance, and robust construction, this microphone is an essential tool for capturing every nuance of your audio source. Experience unparalleled audio fidelity and elevate your recordings to the next level with the TLM 103 from Neumann, a trusted name in audio excellence.

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Neumann TLM 103 – A Modern Classic

The TLM 103 has quickly become one of the biggest successes in Neumann’s history. Its pristine, clear sound is a modern update on the classic U87. The TLM 103 is a transformerless cardioid condenser microphone with a gentle presence boost for a stunningly direct sound with breathtaking definition and ultra low noise.

Neumann TLM 103 – The New Standard

Introduced in 1997 as an affordable alternative to the venerable U 87, the TLM 103 has since become a modern classic in its own right. Today, the TLM 103 defines the standard by which contemporary studio microphones are measured. Its classic tapered headgrille design gives the TLM 103 a distinct Neumann look.

The Neumann TLM 103 is a cardioid microphone with a large diaphragm condenser capsule derived from the classic K67/87 capsule of the legendary Neumann U 87. However, the TLM 103 has a slightly more modern voicing with a wide presence boost for frequencies above 5 kHz. Its very direct yet refined sound is perfect for vocals, and solo instruments that pop out of the mix without effort. Of course, the TLM 103 also has the famous authoritative midrange that has become the hallmark of Neumann microphones and made them the number one choice in studios around the world. A unique feature of the TLM 103 is its impressively deep yet controlled low end, perfect for sonorous voices and powerful bass instruments.

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE

The TLM 103 has set new standards for technical performance, too. With an incredibly low self-noise of only 7 dB-A , it is among the quietest microphones available. And its high sensitivity of 23 mV/Pa, ensures ultra low noise even with budget preamps and audio interfaces or vintage tube equipment. At the same time, the TLM 103 can handle enormous sound pressure levels of up to 138 dB without the need for preattenuation. Its vast dynamic range of 131 dB makes the TLM 103 a very easy to use studio microphone as it will capture anything from a soft whisper to a thunderous bass drum without adding noise or distortion.

As a member of Neumann’s TLM series, the TLM 103 works with a transformerless output stage, which minimizes transmission losses and ensures a very immediate, uncolored sound, true to the original, as well as a clear, powerful bass response, even at highest signal levels.

APPLICATIONS

The TLM 103 was primarily designed for project studios and broadcast use, but due to its outstanding performance was soon embraced by renowned studios as a more modern sounding alternative to the U87 e.g. for speech, vocals, drums, guitar amps, and piano. The TLM 103 is also often used as a spot mic in classical recordings e.g. for cello and double bass.