Neumann TLM 103

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Large diaphragm microphone

Capsule design based on the legendary U 87
Cardioid pick-up pattern
Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
Field transfer factor at 1 kHz at 1 kOhm: 23 mV/Pa
Nominal impedance: 50 Ohm
Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V
Weight: 450 g
Colour: Nickel
Includes SG1 swivel joint and wooden case

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3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since November 1999

Item number 127970

Sales Unit 1 piece(s)

Tube No

Switchable Polar Pattern No

Omnidirectional No

Cardioid Yes

Figure-8 No

Low Cut No

Pad No

shockmount included No

USB Microphone No

$911

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Low-noise version of a true classic

The Neumann TLM 103 – shown here in its nickel finish – is widely considered to be a modern update of the classic Neumann U87, which is no coincidence: Like the renowned studio legend itself, the "transformerless microphone" TLM 103 is also a large-diaphragm condenser microphone and uses a very similar capsule. In comparison, however, it offers a much lower noise profile and is more resistant to clipping – as well as being less expensive. However, not much has been changed with regard to the high-grade circuit design and the elegant exterior. Thanks to its fixed cardioid polar pattern and a moderate boost in the presence frequency band, the TLM 103 is perfect for singers – in fact, voices of all kinds – who want to make themselves heard in a modern mix. However, many acoustic instruments such as guitars, pianos, wind instruments, or drum kits will also benefit from this mic's precise and well-defined sound reproduction.

From a whisper to a shout

The Neumann TLM 103 will dazzle listeners with its exceptional technical specifications: It has an outstanding self-noise level of only 7dB-A, and its sensitivity is 23mV/Pa. Provided the recording space is acoustically optimised, even the quietest instruments or a gentle whisper can be recorded without audible background noise – if there is any noise in the signal path, it's certainly not the microphone! At the other end of the spectrum, the TLM 103 can handle sound pressure levels of up to 138dB. Without any pre-attenuation, it transmits loud horns, drums, or cranked guitar amps with absolutely zero distortion. The fact that the bass range remains defined and powerful even at these volumes is due in part to the electronically balanced output stage, which replaces the traditional transformer.

Perfect for the studio

The pricing of the Neumann TLM 103 means it is aimed squarely at ambitious amateur musicians and smaller project studios. The microphone genuinely does perform more than respectably even with less expensive pre-amps and audio interfaces; as such, it is very popular with radio and podcast studios, where the deeply sonorous voice recordings created by the proximity effect can really shine. When combined with high-quality outboard gear, the Neumann TLM 103 is a welcome "special guest" in many professional sound studios, used both for vocals and for miking up instruments. With an acoustic response that emphasises the presence band while remaining rounded and fully defined, the Neumann TLM 103 continues to be one of the most popular microphones for actors, voice artists, and advertisers.

About Neumann

Georg Neumann GmbH was founded in Berlin in 1928 - and is certainly one of the most famous brands of microphones in the world. However, this is not the company's only sphere of activity. For many years, the versatile inventor and pioneer Georg Neumann was also involved with vinyl record cutting machines and the development of rechargeable batteries. The technology he developed is still the basis for this now crucial and rapidly expanding market. What is more, for many years the company built highly personalised sound control systems for broadcast studios/theatres and concert halls, and for several years also studio monitors. In 1991, Neumann became part of the Sennheiser group of companies, and in 1999 was the first German company to receive the Technical Grammy for their overall technical achievements.

A great stage presence too

According to the company's own literature, the Neumann TLM 103 is also capable of producing great sound at live concerts – although it might be better to limit its use in live setups to Classical concerts, acoustic gigs, and theatrical performances, so that the precious Neumann doesn't get damaged if things get rowdy! Either way, the Neumann TLM 103 genuinely is an excellent choice for many instruments – be it live or in the studio – because of the way it gently boosts the frequency range between 5 and 15kHz. It works wonderfully as an outrigger for the cello or double bass, and is also suitable for upright and grand pianos and other acoustic instruments. Despite being primarily designed for speaking and singing, the Neumann TLM 103 could also be usefully employed as a drum overhead, or even in front of a guitar or bass amplifier.

In the spotlight

K103

It has been widely reported that the microphone capsule in the Neumann TLM 103 is the same as in the U87. However, this is only a half-truth – quite literally. The capsule of the U87, which is variously referred to as a K67 or K87, consists of two diaphragms, one at the front and one at the back, so that the mic can also be used for other polar patterns (omnidirectional, figure-of-eight). The TLM 103, on the other hand, uses only the front half of the K67/87, making it solely capable of the cardioid pattern. However, since many U87 owners use their microphone as a cardioid in most cases anyway, this isn't too much of a downside. By reducing its inner workings to the bare essentials, the electronic circuitry has also been made simpler and thus cheaper to produce. Of course, this does nothing to detract from the famous Neumann quality.

85 Customer ratings

5 74 Customers 4 7 Customers 3 2 Customers 2 1 Customer 1 1 Customer

4.8 / 5

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47 Reviews

Microphone Rolls Royce

Ian N. 17.10.2013

Straight from the presentation box, there's no mistaking the phenomenally high Neumann quality, and I fully expect many, many years of absolute perfection from this mic. Used only for studio vocals, the single sided capsule fits the bill perfectly. The only criticism I have is the rather short barrel, making mounting in a Rycote shock mount slightly awkward (but far from impossible). I would have no hesitation in buying another if the need arose.

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Great mic

Anonymous 17.10.2015

Excellent vocal mic for all sorts of voices / styles. Bright but not overly sibilant and has real Neumann character.

Sounds great on many other sound sources like drum room, strings, percussion, wind instruments etc.

Owned for about 4 years and never let me down.

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Neumann TLM103

Spari 02.11.2020

Neumann TLM103, great mic for vocals and acoustic instruments also, build like a tank, very accurate and transparent.
I would recommend it also for deep (baritone and bass) male voices because of clean and detailed low end.
Only con (if I can call it a "con") is that sometimes this mic sound a little bit harsh on sound "s" but you can easily get rid of that using a DeEsser

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Don't hate me...

Eli Thorne 18.06.2020

I did a blind test of this against a TLM102 and prefferd the 102! Both sound great, of course, and the differences were really only obvious when you listened to them head to head. The 102 was warmer without being boomy. Personally, i like to have a low cut as well. I'm a voice actor, but haven't got the space to build a whole soundproof booth, so a low cut helps me pick up less rumble from the environment.

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Neumann TLM 103

Large diaphragm microphone