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Neumann TLM 103-MT Large Diaphragm Cardioid Microphone, Black, XLR

£9.9£99Clearance
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The TLM has a transformerless FET-based circuit. The more legendary Neumann mics (U-87, U-67) have high quality transformers, which undoubtedly add some character to the sound. They also have a second element, which allows the additional omni and figure eight patterns, but the cardioid pattern that the TLM has is what gets the most use, in my studio at least. When I got the chance to compare the TLM to a U-87, there was a difference, but it was much, much smaller than the difference between the KSM-32 and the TLM. Let’s face it. When it comes to microphones, Neumann is king. This German company is over 91 years old and has earned their reputation by producing some of the finest microphones in the industry. Neumann microphones for the most part, are very expensive. However, one of the most popular microphones from Neumann in recent times is the more affordable, Neumann TLM 103 studio condenser microphone. Our only criticism in terms of its build is that the mesh grille seems a bit fragile. Other owners of the TLM 103, have reported that the grille is especially prone to dents. This should come as no surprise as the grilles are usually very sensitive on most microphones. Price Match: ESV will not be beaten on price and to ensure this they offer a Price Match Guarantee*. The frequency response is flat as pancake in cardioid, with a lift at 12Khz (gently starting from about 8Khz), In omni there are a couple of dips at about 4kHz and 7kHz, which Neumann cite as the critical ‘s’ sound bands. Neumann also claim the grill mesh is acoustically optimised to reduce pop sounds. I still think I would always use a pop filter. Why risk?

Overall, a fantastic vocal mic that can also shine for many other instruments. Not the cheapest, and not as good as a U-87, but it's definitely a winner for those who can afford it. Compared side‑by‑side with a standard U87, which had enjoyed a typically varied life, I preferred the brand‑new TLM103 with its slight edge in terms of clarity and subtlety. However, the two mics exhibited very similar characters indeed, and I would be inclined to put the few small differences down to the age gap between them rather than anything more fundamental. Final Opinion The TLM103 is, of course, a complete impossibility — it has supposedly been designed to a project studio price whilst retaining the qualities of Neumann's top‑flight, large‑diaphragm U87.This cookie stores user-like settings for the chat system provider, which are required for our online chat service. Trusted Shops Due to minimal self-noise: on-air mic for radio/broadcast, very low amplitude signals, radio drama, sampling, foley/sound effects The unbeatable sound quality of Neumann TLM 103 maintains an excellent impulse response and reproduces the finest details of music and speech without coloration, and it’s very useful for fricative singers.

Neumann has stated that their microphones are manufactured in ultraclean room conditions, meeting “the highest international standards”. Their microphones undergo vast amounts of testing during manufacturing. Their capsules can undergo over 50 different tests before final assembly. As with most condenser microphones, the TLM 103 is certainly a microphone you’ll want to take great care of and be extra cautious of, avoiding any potential drops. Inside the TLM 103 The letters TLM stand for "transformerless microphone". With TLM technology the usual output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. As with traditional transformers, it ensures good common mode rejection, and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signal. " The TLM 102 has its advantages too - it has a tighter response in the lows and mids. So, it could be an amazing mic for rap and hip-hop because it'll take the sonic levels without giving too much mud and proximity effect in the lows.

Due to the universal cardioid pattern, straightforward handling, extremely low self-noise level, the TLM 103 is predestined for all demanding applications from home recording to professional broadcasting and commercial recording studios. In fact, the TLM 103 outperforms the famous U87 with lower self-noise and a higher max SPL. The TLM 103 measures at 7 dB for self-noise while the U87 is 12dB. In our mic tests, that is a noticeable difference. If an item can not be repaired, a similar alternative product or cash discount (as defined in this policy) will be offered

Self noise is 15/12/14 dB-A for Omni/Cardioid/Figure of Eight, not quite as good as its more modern designed brethren. Sensitivity at 1kHz into 1kohm is 20/28/22 mV/Pa for Omni/Cardioid/Figure of Eight – very healthy indeed. We're in a world where Behringer and SSL are making everything in China nowadays. Apple's famous "Designed in..." strategy might hide the fact that their products are mass-produced, but that's not the case with Neumann. Which is great! Point and shoot! This cardioid mic is a wonderful addition to any radio station or voice over studio's setup! It is great because of it's sweet proximity effect and is as easy to use as any cardioid only solid state mic should be, all you do is add phantom power and turn up the gain! Due to the universal cardioid pattern, straightforward handling, extremely low self-noise level, and finally, the price, the TLM 103 is predestined for all demanding applications from home recording to professional broadcasting and commercial recording studios.The U87ai is often cited as ‘the voice over microphone’, ‘the go-to singer’s microphone’, or ‘the best orchestral spot microphone’, and is even many people’s default piano microphone. With just 7 dB-A / 17.5 dB CCIR the self-noise level of the TLM 103 is so reduced that even the smallest signals are reproduced basically noise-free. It is capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 138 dB without distortion. U87s, especially those that have lived a bit, all have their own unique subtleties. Questions or Comments? The TLM 107 is the new innovative kid in the family and has some rather jazzy options. It sports a softer more rounded look than the traditional Neumann, slightly aping the look of the classic M49, and measures 14.5cm, with a diameter of 6.5cm. The weight is very similar to a TLM 103 at 445g. There are a few factors at play between the TLM 102 vs 103. They’re identical in terms of features (i.e., they have none); as far as size goes, the 103 is the bigger and heavier of the two. Really, though, sound quality should be more of a concern than size.

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