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Neumann TLM 103 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Matte Black

Large-diaphragm Condenser Mic with Wooden Box - Matte Black
$1,195.00

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Neumann TLM 103 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Matte Black
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Make Pristine Recording with This Low-noise Mic

The Neumann TLM 103 large-diaphragm cardioid condenser mic boasts a capsule drawn from the U 87 and transformerless circuitry — not to mention classic Neumann sound! The TLM 103 is a great mic for any pro or project studio use and, due to its minimal self-noise, it's been used for classical recordings with a wide dynamic range, sampling (especially for very low amplitude sources), and Foley work. This mic is also robust enough for the live stage, as Jack White has employed the TLM 103 to mic amps in live situations.

Cardioid pattern to limit bleed

The cardioid TLM 103 utilizes a tried-and-true transformerless circuit found in high-end Neumann microphones to achieve its otherwise unattainable low self-noise and the highest sound pressure level transmission possible. 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. And at this price there's no reason not to have a pair!

Classic design for transparent sound

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 5kHz, and above that, a wide flat 4dB 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 TLM 103 maintains an excellent impulse response and reproduces the details of music and speech without coloration. With the incredibly low self-noise level of the TLM 103 even the smallest signals are reproduced basically noise-free. As it is capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 138dB without distortion, the TLM 103 provides a dynamic range of 131dB (A-weighted).

Neumann's TLM technology

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.

Neumann TLM 103 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone Features:

  • Matte black finish
  • Large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone
  • Pressure gradient transducer with with one-diaphragm capsule
  • Transformerless circuitry
  • Extremely low noise
  • Includes swivel mount
  • Minimal self-noise
  • Frequency range: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Rated impedance: 50 ohms
  • Rated load impedance: 1 kohms
  • Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%2: 138dB
  • Wooden box and stand mount included
  • Requires +48V phantom power

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Max SPL: 138dB SPL
  • Output Impedance: 50 ohms
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 87dB (A weighted)
  • Self Noise: 7dB (A weighted)
  • Connector: XLR
  • Color: Matte Black
  • Power Source: 48V phantom power
  • Dimensions: 5.2" x 2.36"
  • Weight: 1 lb.
  • Included Accessories: Swivel Mount, Wooden Case
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 008431

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

103 mic

Love this mic
Music background: Audio Engineer
Rated 5/5

Best Microphone For Voice!

This is the fullest and smoothest sounding microphone in the world! I can't afford it but I am in the process of selling my organs to pay it off because the sound is worth every penny! If they asked for more I would pay it! Also, if you are thinking of getting the U87 or Lewitt 1040 over this... Don't. The TLM 103 is the best microphone! There is no math or science that exists to put any other mic in or above its place.
Music background: Mastering Engineer
Rated 5/5

My Baby

Perfect mic. Small but heavy and amazing sound. Picks up anything your ears would. I love how portable it is. I got the shockmount for my home studio. but i leave the one that it comes with in the case which is also amazing because just carrying the case around i have a mic and shockmount in my hands. i dont know what other mic can do that so compactly with such an incredible sound. I would bet if i dropped the case off my roof with the microphone inside all the externals would be completely in tact (obv i wouldnt do that, just for reference as to how well its put together). Sounds amazing crisp neumann handles my lows well and adds a broadcaster touch that i love and can be eqed to your liking in post. some people dont like the boost at 10k, but me as a man with a deep voice (not boasting just saying to give you an idea) i have a good range but i dont get as high as torry lanes so i havent noticed the boost much and or found it bothersome or cool. but i do notice that low presence which is exactly i was looking for. This mic was made for me, it was everything i was looking for to complete my black and red studio it fits the vibe. its versatile, its mobile, its awesome, its asthetic, it models a u87 capsule and sounds very similar to an 87. Which i do plan on purchasing as a birthday or a record sales gift to myself. this is definitely the best thing before that. went back and forth on this mic and the sony c 100 and the Wa 8,000. i eliminated the 8,000 because i didnt want something to warm up as I like to be inspired and record boom. its also not mobile at all, i plan on being on the road as an artist and have presets dedicated to my baby (tlm 103) that i can be anywhere in the world with my laptop and record. but the sony was hard to say no to. i had seen some videos, and it sounded awesome. I own a sony camera and it is awesome. the brand has a great reputation with me. But there was everything saying yes to me about this neumann. if its good enough for 50+ professional musicians i knew i couldnt go wrong. i wanted something with a personality, a little bit of grit and color going through the ranges, i felt that the sony offers a professional studio grade accurate recording, but music is more of a feeling for me and i was banking on the fact that this 103 would compliment my voice and I was right. I think the three mics i contemplated were all wonderful and could see myself investing in all of them at some point to try and possibly keep. but i went with this 103 as a male with a low pitched voice and its been wonderful I cant wait to share my music with the world. Im glad I went for the black. its simply a gorgeous microphone. in my opinion the most gorgeous one for my asthetic. (my la220 is also very beautiful tho)
Music background: Seasoned
Rated 5/5

Remarkable Clarity

Having never owned a mic of this quality in my home studio, I was significantly blown away. Now, don't get me wrong, I have used exceptional mics in the pro studios in Hollywood where I spent a good deal of my younger days. But, when I listened back to some vocal takes recently, I was completely shocked. This mic generates extraordinary clarity that you'll hear immediately. When asked by my sales engineer, Erik, what I thought of the mic, all I could say to describe it was 'complete transparency'. I bought this mic for vocals, and I could not be happier. I'm certain there are mics that approximate Neumann's line of mics for less money, but I decided I wanted the quality of the real thing. Cheers!
Music background: Singer / Songwriter
Rated 5/5

No Regrets after 22 years!

I've recorded vocals, voice-overs, radio spots, theatre effects, acoustic instruments and for 22 years it has been my go-to microphone for the highest quality in a studio mic. Love it.
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