The New Standard Introduced
in 1997 as an affordable alternative to the venerable U 87, the TLM 103 has since become a modern classic in its own right. Today, the TLM 103 defines the standard by which contemporary studio microphones are measured. Its classic tapered headgrille design gives the TLM 103 a distinct Neumann look.
The TLM 103 is a cardioid microphone with a large diaphragm condenser capsule derived from the classic K67/87 capsule of the legendary Neumann U 87. However, the TLM 103 has a slightly more modern voicing with a wide presence boost for frequencies above 5 kHz. Its very direct yet refined sound is perfect for vocals, and solo instruments that pop out of the mix without effort. Of course, the TLM 103 also has the famous authoritative midrange that has become the hallmark of Neumann microphones and made them the number one choice in studios around the world. A unique feature of the TLM 103 is its impressively deep yet controlled low end, perfect for sonorous voices and powerful bass instruments.
Technical Excellence
The TLM 103 has set new standards for technical performance, too. With an incredibly low self-noise of only 7 dB-A , it is among the quietest microphones available. And its high sensitivity of 23 mV/Pa, ensures ultra low noise even with budget preamps and audio interfaces or vintage tube equipment. At the same time, the TLM 103 can handle enormous sound pressure levels of up to 138 dB without the need for preattenuation. Its vast dynamic range of 131 dB makes the TLM 103 a very easy to use studio microphone as it will capture anything from a soft whisper to a thunderous bass drum without adding noise or distortion.
As a member of Neumann’s TLM series, the TLM 103 works with a transformerless output stage, which minimizes transmission losses and ensures a very immediate, uncolored sound, true to the original, as well as a clear, powerful bass response, even at highest signal levels.
Applications
The TLM 103 was primarily designed for project studios and broadcast use, but due to its outstanding performance was soon embraced by renowned studios as a more modern sounding alternative to the U87 e.g. for speech, vocals, drums, guitar amps, and piano. The TLM 103 is also often used as a spot mic in classical recordings e.g. for cello and double bass.
- Large diaphragm capsule derived from the classic U 87 microphone
- Balanced sound with enhanced presence
- Cardioid pattern
- Transformerless circuitry with high SPL capability
- Extremely low self-noise: only 7 dB-A
The nickel TLM 103 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone from Neumann is a cardioid microphone that features low self-noise and high sound pressure level transmission. The capsule, derived from that used in the Neumann U 87, has a cardioid pattern, is acoustically well-balanced, and provides great attenuation of signals from the rear.
The TLM 103 is equipped with a large-diaphragm capsule with a cardioid pattern. By focusing on this pattern, 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.
The TLM 103 is addressed from the side. The mic's large-diaphragm capsule is based on the K 87 and has a flat frequency response up to about 5 kHz, and above that, a wide flat 4 dB presence boost.
The large, wire mesh head-grille protects the capsule from plosive sounds and effectively prevents pop noises. These characteristics are achieved without resorting to corrective resonance effects. The microphone maintains a great impulse response and reproduces details of music and speech without coloration.
With just 7 dB-A and 17.5 dB CCIR, the self-noise level of the TLM 103 is so reduced that even the smallest signals are reproduced almost noise-free. It is capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 138 dB without distortion.
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 entire internal construction is elastically mounted to attenuate any structure-born noise that could interfere with the TLM 103's operation. The capsule is set on an elastic mount and the frequency range reaches below 20 Hz, allowing even very low bass signals to be reproduced without coloration. Due to this low-frequency extension, the TLM 103 is more sensitive to structure borne interference and wind noise.
- Large-diaphragm capsule with cardioid pickup pattern
- Pressure gradient transducer
- Transformerless circuitry
- Low noise
- Straightforward handling for home recording and professional studios
