Neumann TLM 103-MT-SET Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with Aluminum Case, Black

Part of their TLM series, and one of the biggest success stories in Neumann's history, the TLM 103, delivers pristine, clear sound; a modern update on the classic U87; 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 mt Mono Set, comes in a Matte Black finish, and is supplied with an EA1 mt microphone stand shock mount as well as a stylish and durable aluminum carry case.

The New Standard

Manufactured as 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, it's among the microphones that defines the bar to which contemporary studio mics are measured against. The classic tapered headgrille design imparts a distinctive Neumann look.

A cardioid-patterned microphone with a large diaphragm condenser capsule, its derived from the legendary Neumann U 87's classic K67/87 capsule. However, it delivers 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 is its impressively deep-yet-controlled low end, great for sonorous voices as well as powerful bass instruments.

Technical Excellence

It's setting new standards in technical performance as well, with an incredibly low self-noise of only 7 dB-A, putting it among the quietest mics available. 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 without the 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's equipped with a transformerless output stage, minimizing transmission losses and ensuring a very immediate and uncolored sound that's true to the original, plus a clear, powerful bass response, even at the highest signal levels.

Applications

It was primarily designed for project studios and broadcast use, but thanks to its remarkable 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. It's also often used as a spot mic in classical recordings, e.g.: for cello and double bass.

Neumann TLM 103 mt Mono Set Includes:

• TLM 103 mt cardioid mic with K 103 capsule, Matte Black finish
• EA 1 mt mic stand mount
• Aluminum case

Neumann TLM 103 mt Mono Set 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 mt Mono Set Specifications:

• Housing color: Matte Black
• 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