Neumann TLM 103 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with Wood Box Case, Nickel

Having quickly become one of the biggest successes in Neumann's history, the TLM 103 delivers pristine, clear sound; a modern update on the classic U87. It's a transformerless cardioid condenser microphone with a gentle presence boost for a stunningly direct sound with stunning definition and ultra-low noise. This particular model, the TLM 103, comes in a Nickel finish, and includes an NT 1 microphone stand mount as well as a woodbox carry case.

The New Standard

An affordable, updated alternative to the venerable U 87 introduced in 1997, the TLM 103 has since become a modern classic in its own right. Today, the TLM 103 defines the bar to which contemporary studio mics are measured. Its classic tapered headgrille design gives it a distinctive Neumann look.

It's a cardioid-patterned microphone with a large diaphragm condenser capsule that's derived from the legendary Neumann U 87's classic K67/87 capsule. However, it features a slightly more modern voicing with wide presence boost for frequencies above 5 kHz. It offers a very direct-yet-refined sound that's great for vocals, and enables solo instruments to effortlessly pop out of the mix. Of course, it also comes with the famous authoritative midrange that has become the hallmark of Neumann mics and made them the top "go to" microphones used studios worldwide. A unique feature of the TLM 103 is its impressively deep-yet-controlled low end, ideal for sonorous voices as well as powerful bass instruments.

Technical Excellence

Setting new standards in technical performance as well, its incredibly low self-noise of only 7 dB-A puts it among the quietest microphones you'll find. And its high 23 mV/Pa sensitivity ensures ultra-low noise even used with budget preamps and audio interfaces or vintage tube gear. Simultaneously, it can handle enormous sound pressure levels of up to 138 dB with no need for preattenuation. The mic's vast 131 dB dynamic range makes it a very easy-to-use studio mic, as it'll capture anything from a soft whisper to a thunderous bass drum with no noise or distortion. It employs a transformerless output stage, minimizing transmission losses and ensuring a very immediate and uncolored sound, true to the original, plus a clear, powerful bass response, even at the highest signal levels.

Applications

Primarily designed for project studios and broadcast use, but thanks to its outstanding performance, it was soon embraced by renowned studios as a more contemporary-sounding alternative to the U87, e.g.: for speech, vocals, drums, guitar amps, and piano. Also, the TLM 103 is often used as a spot mic in classical recordings, e.g.: for cello and double bass.

Neumann TLM 103 Includes:

• TLM 103 cardioid mic with K 103 capsule, Nickel finish
• SG 1 mic stand mount
• Woodbox case

Neumann TLM 103 Features:

• Large diaphragm capsule derived from the classic U 87 microphone
• Balanced sound with enhanced presence
• Consistent cardioid pattern
• Transformerless circuitry with high SPL capability
• Extremely low self-noise: only 7 dB-A

Neumann TLM 103 Specifications:

• Housing color: Nickel
• Acoustical operating principle: Pressure gradient transducer
• Directional Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kOhm: 23 mV/Pa = –32.5 dBV ± 1 dB
• Rated Impedance: 50 Ohms
• Rated load impedance: 1 kOhms
• Equivalent noise level, CCIR *: 17.5 dB
• Equivalent noise level, A-weighted †: 7 dB-A
• Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% ¹: 138 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR (re. 94 dB SPL) ²: 76.5 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (re. 94 dB SPL) ³: 87 dB
• Maximum output voltage: 13 dBu
• Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V ± 4 V
• Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938): 3 mA
• Matching connector: XLRF 3-pin
• Weight: approx. 450 g
• Diameter: 60 mm
• Length: 132 mm

Notes:

* According to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting according to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS

† According to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting according to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS

¹ Measured as equivalent el. input signal

² According to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting according to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS

³ According to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting according to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS