Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary Microphone with Shockmount and Case

This Anniversary package includes a Neumann shock mount, aluminum case, and the super-low-noise TLM 103 fixed-cardioid condenser -- great on vocals and more.

Go ahead, splurge a little and treat yourself to the Anniversary edition of the versatile Neumann TLM 103 microphone. What sets the Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary set apart from the standard TLM 103 offering is its accessories: it comes with a dedicated shock mount and lightweight aluminum case, instead of a stand mount and wooden box.

Ideal for capturing vocals (especially male vocals), voiceovers, acoustic guitars, and more, the affordable TLM 103 is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone featuring a transformerless circuit, low noise, high sound pressure level (SPL) handling, and a capsule based on the company's classic, significantly more expensive U87 mic capsule. A no-brainer choice for anyone wanting that Neumann sound without a high price tag, this large-diaphragm condenser mic will do the job for a range of applications, from home recording to professional broadcasting and commercial recording studio use.

A Versatile Performance Mic

The TLM 103 boasts a large-diaphragm capsule with a fixed cardioid pattern that draws in sound at the front of the microphone and rejects sound from the rear. When capturing vocals, recording instruments like the acoustic guitar, doing interviews, and so forth, a cardioid mic is often the way to go. With this Neumann microphone, off-axis sounds are rendered naturally while isolation is increased.

Looks and Sounds Like a Neumann

Its K 103 large-diaphragm capsule, based on the K 87 from the company's U 67 and U 87 microphones, read more has a flat frequency response up to about 4 kHz, and above that, a wide flat 4 dB presence boost. So that you know it's a Neumann, the TLM 103 is addressed from the front and is marked with the red Neumann logo on the body of the microphone.

Look Ma, No Noise!

This mic features a very low self-noise level (7 dB-A / 17.5 dB CCIR), making it possible for even the smallest signals to be reproduced basically noise-free. Able to handle SPL up to 138 dB without distortion, the TLM 103 boasts a dynamic range of 131 dB.

The microphone keeps plosives, pops, and other unwanted noises in check, thanks to its large wire mesh headgrille, which protects the capsule. To further prevent noise from interfering with the mic's performance, the TLM 103's entire internal construction is elastically mounted. What's more, the capsule is set on an elastic mount.

Since its frequency range actually reaches below 20 Hz, the lowest of low bass signals are reproduced without coloration. It's because of this low frequency extension that the TLM 103 is more sensitive to structure-borne interference and wind noise.

TLM Technology for Optimal Operation

The "TLM" in the mic's name is short for "transformerless microphone." Transformerless means that the microphone's usual output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. Neumann notes that as with traditional transformers, TLM technology ensures good common mode rejection and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signal.

Features:

- Large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone ideal for capturing vocals (especially male vocals!), speech, and acoustic instruments
- Pressure gradient transducer with single-diaphragm capsule
- Elastically mounted to prevent additional noise
- Transformerless circuitry for a clean, balanced audio signal
- Extremely low noise of 7 dB-A for nearly noise-free operation
- Frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and max SPL of 138 dB
- Large wire mesh headgrille protects capsule from pops and plosives
- An affordable, capable mic for home recording and professional studios alike
- Includes shock mount and aluminum case

The TLM 103 offers highly detailed, accurate sound and superior impulse response, allowing it to reproduce your music and vocals without any noticeable coloration. Professional design and quality details make this Neumann mic an incredible value for the price.
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- Acoustical Operating Principle: Pressure gradient transducer
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency range: 20 Hz-20 kHz
- Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm: 21 mV/Pa
- Rated impedance: 50 ohms
- Rated load impedance: 1000 ohms
- Equivalent SPL CCIR 468-3: 17.5 dB
- Equivalent SPL DIN/IEC 651: 7 dB-A
- S/N ratio CCIR 468-3: 76.5 dB
- S/N ratio DIN/IEC 651: 87 dB
- Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%: 138 dB
- Maximum output voltage: 13 dBu
- Dyn. range of the mic. amplifier DIN/IEC 651: 131 dB
- Supply voltage: 48 V +/- 4 V
- Current consumption: 3 mA
- Matching connector: XLR 3F
- Weight: approx. 500 g
- Diameter: 60 mm
- Length: 132 mm
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Black
Shipping Weight: 8.25 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 7 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 008509
Nickel
Shipping Weight: 8.5 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 7 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 008508

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 860-598-7555
Web: https://www.neumann.com/en-en/contact/

Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary Microphone

The TLM 103 is the ideal large-diaphragm microphone for all professional and semi-professional applications requiring the utmost in sound quality on a limited budget. It's the mic for everyone who, despite budget limitations, does not want to do without the uncompromising Neumann sound.

This special Anniversary Set includes the Neumann EA1 shock mount and a deluxe aluminum case.

Features:

- Large diaphragm cardioid microphone
- Pressure gradient transducer with one-diaphragm capsule
- Transformerless circuitry
- Extremely low noise: 7 dB-A
- Includes swivel mount
- Straightforward handling for home recording and professional studios
- High-quality professional equipment for limited budgets
- Includes Neumann EA1 shock mount and aluminum case

Must-Have Mic for Many Applications

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.

Cardioid Polar Pattern

The TLM 103 is equipped with a large diaphragm capsule with cardioid pattern. By focusing on this pattern used in most recording situations the attenuation of unwanted rear sound has been optimized. Off-axis sounds are rendered naturally while isolation is increased. This also leads to a high feedback suppression when the microphone is used in live situations or where loudspeaker playback is a factor.

K 103 Capsule Based on the K 87 Capsule

The TLM 103 is addressed from the front, marked with the red Neumann logo on the microphone body. The K 103 large diaphragm capsule is based on the K 87, well known from the U 67 / U 87 microphones. The capsule has a flat frequency response up to about 4 kHz, and above that, a wide 4 dB presence boost. The large wire mesh headgrille protects the capsule from plosive sounds and effectively prevents pop noises. These characteristics are achieved without resorting to corrective resonance effects. Therefore, the microphone maintains an excellent impulse response and reproduces the finest details of music and speech without coloration.

Extremely Low Noise

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. As it is capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 138 dB without distortion, the TLM 103 provides a dynamic range of 131 dB, according to DIN/IEC 651. 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.

Sensitive to Low Bass Signals

The entire internal construction is elastically mounted to attenuate any structure borne noise that could interfere with the TLM 103's operation. Furthermore the capsule is set on an elastic mount. The frequency range reaches below 20 Hz; thus, even very low bass signals are reproduced without coloration. Due to this low frequency extension, the TLM 103 is more sensitive to structure borne interference and wind noise. For such cases, the WS 87 windscreen is available as an accessory. For close vocal use, the PS 10 or PS 20 pop screens are recommended.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. (45 ratings)
Submitted May 18, 2005 by a customer from aol.com

"Great Mic, especially for the cash..."

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
May go up to the next level of MICS...U87 eventually when finances dictate. For the money, this is a great buy!
Sound
Great sound with a LA-610 Preamp in my 002 set up...Sounds good on acoustic guitar as well as lead vocals...

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Pop/Rock
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