Neumann TLM 103 Studio Set

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Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Capsule design modelled on the legendary U 87 Ai
Acoustic mode of operation: Pressure gradient receiver
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
Max. SPL (sound pressure level) for k < 0.5% 3: 138 dB
Equivalent noise level , A-weighted (rel. 94 dB SPL): 87 dB
Requires +48 V phantom power
Dimensions (diameter x length): 60 x 132 mm
Weight: approx. 450 g
Colour: Nickel
Incl. EA1 elastic mount
Matching case: art. 494135 (not included)

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3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since October 2004

Item number 174067

Sales Unit 1 piece(s)

Tube No

Switchable Polar Pattern No

Omnidirectional No

Cardioid Yes

Figure-8 No

Low Cut No

Pad No

shockmount included Yes

USB Microphone No

14.690 kr

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Neumann TLM 103 Studio Bundle

14.990 kr

Low-noise version of a true classic

The Neumann TLM 103 – this variant has a nickel finish, and comes in a set with a microphone shock mount to minimise impact noise – is widely considered to be a modern update of the classic Neumann U87, which is no coincidence: Like the renowned studio legend itself, the "transformerless microphone" TLM 103 is also a large-diaphragm condenser microphone and uses a very similar capsule. In comparison, however, it offers a much lower noise profile and is more resistant to clipping – as well as being less expensive. However, not much has been changed with regard to the high-grade circuit design and the elegant exterior. Thanks to its fixed cardioid polar pattern and a moderate boost in the presence frequency band, the TLM 103 is perfect for singers – in fact, voices of all kinds – who want to make themselves heard in a modern mix. However, many acoustic instruments such as guitars, pianos, wind instruments, or drum kits will also benefit from this mic's precise and well-defined sound reproduction.

Neumann TLM 103, with microphone shock mount

From a whisper to a shout

The Neumann TLM 103 will dazzle listeners with its exceptional technical specifications: It has an outstanding self-noise level of only 7dB-A, and its sensitivity is 23mV/Pa. Provided the recording space is acoustically optimised, even the quietest instruments or a gentle whisper can be recorded without audible background noise – if there is any noise in the signal path, it's certainly not the microphone! At the other end of the spectrum, the TLM 103 can handle sound pressure levels of up to 138dB. Without any pre-attenuation, it transmits loud horns, drums, or cranked guitar amps with absolutely zero distortion. The fact that the bass range remains defined and powerful even at these volumes is due in part to the electronically balanced output stage, which replaces the traditional transformer.

Large-membrane condenser microphone Neumann TLM 103

Perfect for the studio

The pricing of the Neumann TLM 103 means it is aimed squarely at ambitious amateur musicians and smaller project studios. The microphone genuinely does perform more than respectably even with less expensive pre-amps and audio interfaces; as such, it is very popular with radio and podcast studios, where the deeply sonorous voice recordings created by the proximity effect can really shine. When combined with high-quality outboard gear, the Neumann TLM 103 is a welcome "special guest" in many professional sound studios, used both for vocals and for miking up instruments. With an acoustic response that emphasises the presence band while remaining rounded and fully defined, the Neumann TLM 103 continues to be one of the most popular microphones for actors, voice artists, and advertisers.

About Neumann

Georg Neumann GmbH was founded in Berlin in 1928 - and is certainly one of the most famous brands of microphones in the world. However, this is not the company's only sphere of activity. For many years, the versatile inventor and pioneer Georg Neumann was also involved with vinyl record cutting machines and the development of rechargeable batteries. The technology he developed is still the basis for this now crucial and rapidly expanding market. What is more, for many years the company built highly personalised sound control systems for broadcast studios/theatres and concert halls, and for several years also studio monitors. In 1991, Neumann became part of the Sennheiser group of companies, and in 1999 was the first German company to receive the Technical Grammy for their overall technical achievements.

A great stage presence too

According to the company's own literature, the Neumann TLM 103 is also capable of producing great sound at live concerts – although it might be better to limit its use in live setups to Classical concerts, acoustic gigs, and theatrical performances, so that the precious Neumann doesn't get damaged if things get rowdy! Either way, the Neumann TLM 103 genuinely is an excellent choice for many instruments – be it live or in the studio – because of the way it gently boosts the frequency range between 5 and 15kHz. It works wonderfully as an outrigger for the cello or double bass, and is also suitable for upright and grand pianos and other acoustic instruments. Despite being primarily designed for speaking and singing, the Neumann TLM 103 could also be usefully employed as a drum overhead, or even in front of a guitar or bass amplifier.

In the spotlight

K103

It has been widely reported that the microphone capsule in the Neumann TLM 103 is the same as in the U87. However, this is only a half-truth – quite literally. The capsule of the U87, which is variously referred to as a K67 or K87, consists of two diaphragms, one at the front and one at the back, so that the mic can also be used for other polar patterns (omnidirectional, figure-of-eight). The TLM 103, on the other hand, uses only the front half of the K67/87, making it solely capable of the cardioid pattern. However, since many U87 owners use their microphone as a cardioid in most cases anyway, this isn't too much of a downside. By reducing its inner workings to the bare essentials, the electronic circuitry has also been made simpler and thus cheaper to produce. Of course, this does nothing to detract from the famous Neumann quality.

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Neumann TLM 102 Studio Set

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181 Customer ratings

5 160 Customers 4 17 Customers 3 3 Customers 2 0 Customers 1 1 Customer

4.9 / 5

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96 Reviews

Amazing mic

DKAofficial 27.05.2021

Ok. first of all Thomann did a great job delivering the mic in great package, on time, without any problems. This is great, since not many companies keep the amazing customer satisfaction on such a high level. Kudos for this! When it comes to the mic? I have upgraded from Rode NT2A, and what I have noticed is that the clarity is amazing. Rode was great for keeping the vocals in the mix - but it was just one of the instruments, and nothing above that. TLM is cristal clear. It shines over the tracks and you can definately notice that vocal is the main instrument. You dont have to sing much to get the mic's attention, since it is a beast. BUT! you need to do a little of EQ and compression to make is glued to the final track, but the outcome is extraordinary. The highs are present, mids are sitting right on, but what I love is the bottom. It fights for the presence so much that you feel it is right on the spot without that muddiness. Going from Rode to Neumann is like buying a 1st class ticket on any airline. More room, better service, and quality. Thank you Neumann, thank you Thomann. This will be a great journey!

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It's smaller than I thought lol

Isabelle19 20.03.2021

It's very small fits in my hand, and I'm a very petite woman, but the sound is amazing, I upgraded from a Rode NT1-A because of a horrible distortion around the 3K-5K area. That mic didn't fit my voice whatsoever, so I decided to make the splurge on this one. I was very doubtful that it would make a huge difference but god was I wrong! it totally changed the tone to a more appealing almost velvety sound, this one fits my soprano voice way better, I'm so happy I purchased it.

So far I see no cons, the pros are an excellent sound quality from the get-go. I ordered online and it got to my house in exactly two weeks with the standard shipping method.
The microphone is not cheap, but It fits higher voices so beautifully that In my opinion, It's worth it. I recommend it!

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My first Neumann

Barry Junius 07.12.2022

Well, I have my small home studio and work with recording and editing stuff. I use steinberg mic that include in the recording bundle around 5 years back, and then I have AKG Perception 100 that had many good review and all serve the purpose well, no complaint.

But as I look at many review I decide to saving some bucks to buy this TLM 103 instead of 102. For my scale, this one is a giant leap for me cause higher models won't fit my budget. Okay, from the first impression I immidiately felt like this one is a quite bright mic but the highs is very smooth. I noticed very well because for years I use cheap low end mic that always quite harsh in the top end (especially the steinberg tho it's still good mic for the price). But this 103 is fantastic.

Mid and low end captured very well also. The built quality is insanely well and felt like it will be last at least for 20 years or so if it's well maintained. The shockmount is also very sturdy and duper solid, it's expensive yes, but it's quite speak the volume. Happy with this purchase.

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Not my favorite

h a v 30.07.2015

Not sure why this mic became so popular, as I don't find its character useful on enough sound sources to warrant the price. It has a lot of weight in the lower frequencies, and a lot of sparkle on top. The lower mid is rather scooped, so you essentially get a smiley face type of character. This can of course be useful, but in real life this is mostly for getting dull sound sources to rise and shine.

I think it's excellent on raspy male voices that need all the clarity they can get. I've also used it on upright bass, and on some occasions on some acoustic guitars that needed to be brought to life. It would probably have been good in front of a kick drum, if it had been equipped with a pad. It hasn't, and its output is really hot as it is?so in front of louder sound sources, it will basically give you line level signal which is not something all microphone preamps are comfortable with. So it's useless for drums.

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Neumann TLM 103 Studio Set

Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone