The Neumann TLM 103 is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone that boasts a capsule drawn from the U 87 and transformerless circuit.
It has a gorgeous design that’s sturdy and compact. It has a clean style with no filter switches, polar pattern selection, or pads. Its color variants, matte black and satin nickel look legendary, though we’d prefer the satin nickel as it’s the color most associated with Neumann microphones.
It has a classic and soothing Neumann sound making it one of the best mics for professional use or studio recordings because of its reduced self-noise. It has always been used for classic recordings with a vast dynamic range. Also, it is pretty robust for live stage performances.
This is a transformer-less microphone. Yes, it does not have a transformer. That’s what these ‘TLM’ letters mean. When you have a transformerless mic, the output gets replaced by an electronic circuit.
Buying Guide
Not all mics sound great on any source, and it is largely subjective. But, regardless of the application, most Neumann mics have a wide-ranging sound with low noise, excellent detail, and depth.
Nonetheless, we’ll give away everything you need to know when getting a mic. Remember that choosing the right microphone is primary for any application, the rest just falls into place.
Polar Patterns
The polar pattern is the shape of the mic’s sensitivity field. In other words, the directions from which the mic accepts and declines the incoming sounds.
A microphone that is open to all directions will respond to all sounds coming from every direction. A bi-directional mic, aka Figure 8 mic, responds to sounds coming from East or West and rejects sounds coming from North and South.
When thinking of the mic categories, there are three types of microphones with different polar patterns: cardioid, super-cardioid, and hyper-cardioid. These are specialized in rejecting the sounds coming from the rear axis or off-axis.
Frequency Response
A mic’s ability to respond to specific frequencies tells you about the frequency range that a mic will catch. This range is denoted by its lowest and highest frequencies, measured in Hertz.
A mic with a range of 80 Hz to 150 Hz is a good choice for a vocal microphone. However, if you want to record the snares and toms, you may pick a mic with a low end of frequency down from 30Hz.
Responsive Curves
The responsive curves tell you about the range a mic can reproduce. The performance it showcases is what gives the microphone its character.
The shape or the dB graph measures the mic’s frequency responsiveness, and it is a response curve. Starting from 0 at the low end and dropping back to 0 at the high end, it appears like a curve when graphed.
There will be peaks and dips at specific points within the overall curve, which gives the mic a character and makes it appropriate for specific applications.
Sensitivity And SPL-Handling Capacity
Sensitivity refers to how low sound a mic can detect, and the same is expressed using altered systems and applications. Keeping the systems aside, the lower the number, the greater sensitivity.
SPL refers to “sound pressure level,” and the figure is expressed in decibels (dB).
It identifies the maximum sound level the mic can handle, which is precisely the opposite of sensitivity.
And if you wish to use the mic with heavy musical instruments, you must pick one with an average level of 100 dB and an SPL level around 130dB.
Proximity Effect
Most of the time, the proximity effect is not considered as a significant specification. However, the proximity effect is what causes the bass frequencies to get more profound and pronounced as the sound source gets closer to the mic. It is usual for a sound engineer to use a mic with a high proximity effect as it will be an easy catch for the mic to bring out the bass tones.
In general, the condenser mics produce more proximity effects compared to the dynamic ones.
Features and Benefits
Of all the microphones in Neumann’s catalog, this U87 is probably the best and the most popular mic. This is a multi-pattern condenser mic used on almost everything, starting from spoken to singing voices in full orchestrated events. It is equipped with a roll-off fitter, which lessens the proximity effect when used closer to a sound source.
We gave you an overview of the product now. Let us see what features does the Neumann TLM 103 has:
Large Diaphragm Cardioid Microphone
The Cardioid Mic has a rough heart shape and is most sensitive to the sounds coming straight or from the sides. However, it declines the vibration coming from the opposite 180 degrees the mic is aimed at.
Supercardioid mic accepts a bit more sound from the 180-degree field but declines more from each side. On the other hand, the Hypercardioid accepts sound from 180-degree but declines any coming from 90-270 degrees.
Therefore, polar patterns play a huge role, especially when working in a busy or noisy setting. And using these mics will exclude other sounds except the singer’s voice. Hence, preventing the signal from producing feedback.
Pressure-Gradient Transducer with One Diaphragm Capsule
The large-diaphragm capsule has a flat frequency and is based on the K87, with a response rate of 5Hz, and a wide flat 4 dB presence boost.
The capsule is protected by a large mesh-like wire grill which keeps it safe from plosive sounds and prevents pop noises.
Transformerless Circuit
Extremely Low-Noise: 7 Db – A
The Neumann TLM 103 is capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 138 dB without any distortion. It has a 7 dB A and 17.5 dB CCIR, which dramatically reduces the self-noise level to the extent that the minor signals are produced noiseless.
- Polar Pattern
The large capsule pattern is helpful in most recording scenarios. This increases the off-axis sound while the isolation is increased. The large diaphragm is again the reason for high feedback suppression when using the mic for live performances.
- Operational Safety:
The entire internal construction is specially and elastically engineered to attenuate any structural noise that can potentially interfere with the TLM 103’s operation. And yes, the capsule is placed on an elastic mount.
The frequency range goes below 20Hz, and hence, very low signals are generated. As it has a low-frequency extension, the TLM 103 is way more sensitive to structural intervention and wind noise.
Social Proof
In the field of audio recording, the Neumann TLM 103, like all of Neumann’s microphones, has become a legend. Since its introduction in 1997, this microphone has sparked a lot of interest.
Great for Home Studio Setup
The TLM 103 attracted a lot of interest because it was sold as a less costly version of the U 87. The TLM 103 gained a lot of attention after people learned how clean and straightforward it sounds.
Industry-Standard Product
The Neumann TLM 103 has a lot of 5-star reviews on Amazon. It’s the ultimate choice of buyers to the extent that. Positive reviews by users depict that Neumann TLM 103 is worth your money.
Great Product at Reasonable Pricing
Alternatives
Shure SM57
The Shure SM57, also known as the “studio workhorse,” is a legendary microphone and a “desert island” alternative for many sound engineers worldwide. This microphone features Shure’s iconic Unidyne III capsule technology and is a top cardioid microphone.
The Shure SM57 is a perfect choice for both studio and stage. The die-cast metal body is what adds weight to the mic and the much-lauded toughness. It can withstand almost all sorts of abuse, be it dropped from a height or knocked over. This is an excellent alternative for the Neumann TLM 103.
Pros
- Modern technology
- High durability
Cons
- Low industry standardization
- Specifications
- Transformer: Shure 51A303
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does Neumann TLM103 need phantom power?
Almost every audio interface that features mic inputs will also support phantom power. Because only some microphones require phantom power, audio interfaces have a manual switch for turning it on and off.
The Neumann TLM 103 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. You will need a power supply to make it operate on its functions. Hence, you will need a mic input that will be able to supply phantom power.
Who uses Neumann TLM 103?
Now, to understand this point, we may have to shower some technical terms.
As mentioned above, this TLM uses a noise level of 7 dB(A). In simpler words, this mic can accept even the faintest vibrations and make them audible.
Thus, this is appropriate and best suited for vocalists and audio production in HD demanding shows and instrumental tracks.
Are expensive mics worth it?
Sometimes, expensive microphones serve the best results. However, less costly mics often sound great on something but terrible and horrific on others. It may require a bit of EQ to extract the sound desired within a mix.
Conclusion
This article introduced you to all the features of Neumann TLM 103. It is a mic with essential and natural character, which tends to sound warm and full rather than faint and clinical.
Though it may not be entirely accurate, it is undoubtedly musical and can be effortlessly used while recording. The polar pattern is on a different level of accuracy as it comes with the large diaphragm capsule. Furthermore, it picks up good front and back declination shared with a clear off-axis pick up. It is prone to structural rumbles and wind noises. Moreover, the high pass filtration of your mixer can be used effortlessly and effectively.
Although the microphone does not incorporate its switchable filter, the internal amplifier shows no sign of distress from low-frequency signals.
