Studio Microphone

TLM 103

A modern studio standard

Capsule design derived from the legendary U 87 A
Consistent cardioid pattern
Broad presence boost for enhanced sound definition
Extremely low self-noise

COLORS AND VARIANTS

Suited for:

Max. SPL

138 dB

S/N Ratio

87 dB

Sensitivity

23 mV/Pa

DESCRIPTION

A Modern Classic

The TLM 103 has quickly become one of the biggest successes in Neumann’s history. Its pristine, clear sound is a modern update on the classic U87. The TLM 103 is a transformerless cardioid condenser microphone with a gentle presence boost for a stunningly direct sound with breathtaking definition and ultra low noise.

Dealer Description

TLM_103x1_desktop_TLM-103-Macro-01_Neumann-Studio-Microphone_G

TLM_103x1_desktop_TLM-103-Macro-02_Neumann-Studio-Microphone_G

TLM_103x1_desktop_TLM-103-Macro-03_Neumann-Studio-Microphone_G

TLM_103x1_desktop_TLM-103-Macro-04_Neumann-Studio-Microphone_G

TLM_103x1_desktop_TLM-103-Frontal_Neumann-Studio-Microphone_G

TLM_103x1_desktop_TLM-103-mt-Frontal_Neumann-Studio-Microphone_G

TLM_103x1_desktop_TLM-103-In-Front-Of-Guitar-Amp_G

TLM_103x1_desktop_TLM-103-Acoustik-Bass-Frontal_G

TLM_103x1_desktop_TLM-103-Double-Bass-Close2_G

TLM_103x1_desktop_TLM-103-Recording-Wristwatch_G

TLM_103x1_desktop_TLM-103-With-Popscreen_G

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

DATA & DIAGRAMS

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, CCIR¹⁾	17.5 dB
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted¹⁾	7 dB-A
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%²⁾	138 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR (re. 94 dB SPL)¹⁾	76.5 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (re. 94 dB SPL)¹⁾	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	XLR 3 F
Weight	approx. 450 g
Diameter	60 mm
Length	132 mm

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

2) measured as equivalent el. input signal

Diagrams

Cardioid TLM 103

ACCESSORIES

EA 1

Shock Mount

EA 4

Shock Mount

PS 15

Popscreen

PS 20 a

Popscreen

WS 87

Windscreen

MF 3

Table Stand

MF 4

Floor Stand

MF 5

Floor Stand

STV 4

Stand Extension

STV 20

Stand Extension

STV 40

Stand Extension

STV 60

Stand Extension

Z 26 mt

Shock mount

MNV 87

Auditorium Hanger

DS 120

Double Mount

SG 2

Stand Mount

IC 3 mt

Microphone Cable

IC 4

Microphone Cable

DOWNLOADS

ORDER INFO

TLM 103

Color nickel

CAT. NO. 8430

TLM 103 Microphone
SG 2 Swivel Mount
Wooden Box

TLM 103 mt

Color black

CAT. NO. 008431

TLM 103 mt Microphone
SG 2 Swivel Mount
Wooden Box

TLM 103 Mono Set

Color nickel

CAT. NO. 008508

TLM 103 Microphone
EA 1 Shock Mount
Aluminium Case

TLM 103 mt Mono Set

Color black

CAT. NO. 008509

TLM 103 mt Microphone
EA 1 mt Shock Mount
Aluminium Case

TLM 103 Stereo Set

Color nickel

CAT. NO. 008501

2 x TLM 103 Microphone
2 x EA 1 Shock Mount
Aluminium Case

TLM 103 mt Stereo Set

Color black

CAT. NO. 008502

2 x TLM 103 mt Microphone
2 x EA 1 mt Shock Mount
Aluminium Case

TLM 103 Studio Set

Color nickel

CAT. NO. 008545

TLM 103 Microphone
EA 1 Shock Mount

TLM 103 mt Studio Set

Color black

CAT. NO. 008544

TLM 103 mt Microphone
EA 1 mt Shock Mount

CHOOSE OTHER PRODUCT

Suited for:

Max. SPL

138 dB

S/N Ratio

87 dB

Sensitivity

23 mV/Pa

Reviews

"You can be sure that any noise you hear through this mic is either coming from the source or your mic pre."
EQ 5/1998

"The Neumann TLM 103 sounded great on both male and female vocals ... smooth, full, tight warm in the mids and accurate - but with a characteristically bright. Neumann ´sheen´ on the high end ..." "This is a premium microphone characterized by an open, articulate, very natural sound ..."
Electronic Musician

" ... the typical Neumann sound is always there. Silky highs and balanced mids, supported by a rich bass foundation."
Keyboards 2/2000

" ... sounds excellent, with the flawless workmanship that is typical of Neumann." (German download)
Keys 2/1998
Download PDF

" ... I never felt I was using a ´budget´ microphone."
Mix 2/1998

"Neumann sound for less than US$ 1.000. May be this will shake up the on-air microphone business after all these years."
Radio World 7/1998

"This mic has a self-noise level so low that you can almost hear the grass grow." "Whether or not to recommend a microphone of this type is not the issue. Rather, the real question is whether it wouldn´t be better to buy two right away ..." (German download)
Soundcheck 12/1998
Download PDF

"Der Klang der Hauptstadt" - TLM 103 review
bonedo.de, German
Link

Neumann TLM 103 Testbericht - Moderner Klassiker für Ambitionierte
delamar (German)
LINK

WHAT OTHERS SAY

The Incident Takes Delivery of a TLM 103

Download PDF

The Late Show with David Letterman

Download PDF

"For the first time in 10 years I heard the organ as it is supposed to sound.."

Download PDF

The TLM 103: A Desert Island Microphone

Download PDF

Soul Days: Dobie Gray and the TLM 103

Download PDF

Awardwinning New Age group RASA uses Neumann mics

Download PDF

John Wheeler and the TLM 103 as Partner

Download PDF

George Manney from Geo Sound uses Neumann

Download PDF

Turning a Love of Vintage Microphones into a Burgeoning Recording Business

Download PDF

The New Classic - an Oxymoron?

Download PDF

Beth Waters and the Neumann KMS 105

Download PDF

"... the TLM 103 is a phenomenal microphone..."

Download PDF

Jack Garzonio Shows You the Legendary Neumann Microphone Collection at Studios 301!

Videolink

Awards

TEC AWARD 1998

Keys Leser Award 2013

Studio Sound Award 1999

PAR Excellence Award 1997

Radio World Cool Stuff Award 1998

WARNING (for California residents only): This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. For more information go to: www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

Studio Microphone

TLM 103

COLORS AND VARIANTS

DESCRIPTION

A Modern Classic

The New Standard Introduced

Technical Excellence

Applications

DATA & DIAGRAMS

Diagrams

Cardioid TLM 103

ACCESSORIES

DOWNLOADS

ORDER INFO

TLM 103

TLM 103 mt

TLM 103 Mono Set

TLM 103 mt Mono Set

TLM 103 Stereo Set

TLM 103 mt Stereo Set

TLM 103 Studio Set

TLM 103 mt Studio Set

CHOOSE OTHER PRODUCT

Reviews

WHAT OTHERS SAY

Awards

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