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Studio Microphone

TLM 103 mt

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

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Suited for:

Max. SPL
138 dB
S/N Ratio
87 dB
Sensitivity
23 mV/Pa

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

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
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

Cardioid TLM 103 Cardioid TLM 103
TLM 49 Set

EA 1

Shock Mount

EA 1
TLM 49 Set

EA 4

Shock Mount

EA 4
TLM 49 Set

PS 15

Popscreen

PS 15
TLM 49 Set

PS 20 a

Popscreen

PS 20 a
TLM 49 Set

WS 87

Windscreen

WS 87
TLM 49 Set

MF 3

Table Stand

MF 3
TLM 49 Set

MF 4

Floor Stand

MF 4
TLM 49 Set

MF 5

Floor Stand

MF 5
TLM 49 Set

STV 4

Stand Extension

STV 4
TLM 49 Set

STV 20

Stand Extension

STV 20
TLM 49 Set

STV 40

Stand Extension

STV 40
TLM 49 Set

STV 60

Stand Extension

STV 60
TLM 49 Set

Z 26 mt

Shock mount

Z 26 mt
TLM 49 Set

MNV 87

Auditorium Hanger

MNV 87
TLM 49 Set

DS 120

Double Mount

DS 120
TLM 49 Set

SG 2

Stand Mount

SG 2
TLM 49 Set

IC 3 mt

Microphone Cable

IC 3 mt
TLM 49 Set

IC 4

Microphone Cable

IC 4

TLM 103

Color nickel

CAT. NO. 8430

TLM 103
  • TLM 103 Microphone
  • SG 2 Swivel Mount
  • Wooden Box

TLM 103 mt

Color black

CAT. NO. 008431

TLM 103 mt
  • TLM 103 mt Microphone
  • SG 2 Swivel Mount
  • Wooden Box

TLM 103 Mono Set

Color nickel

CAT. NO. 008508

TLM 103 Mono Set
  • TLM 103 Microphone
  • EA 1 Shock Mount
  • Aluminium Case

TLM 103 mt Mono Set

Color black

CAT. NO. 008509

TLM 103 mt Mono Set
  • TLM 103 mt Microphone
  • EA 1 mt Shock Mount
  • Aluminium Case

TLM 103 Stereo Set

Color nickel

CAT. NO. 008501

TLM 103 Stereo Set
  • 2 x TLM 103 Microphone
  • 2 x EA 1 Shock Mount
  • Aluminium Case

TLM 103 mt Stereo Set

Color black

CAT. NO. 008502

TLM 103 mt Stereo Set
  • 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 Studio Set
  • TLM 103 Microphone
  • EA 1 Shock Mount

TLM 103 mt Studio Set

Color black

CAT. NO. 008544

TLM 103 mt Studio Set
  • TLM 103 mt Microphone
  • EA 1 mt Shock Mount

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

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The Incident Takes Delivery of a TLM 103

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The Late Show with David Letterman

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

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The TLM 103: A Desert Island Microphone

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Soul Days: Dobie Gray and the TLM 103

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Awardwinning New Age group RASA uses Neumann mics

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John Wheeler and the TLM 103 as Partner

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George Manney from Geo Sound uses Neumann

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Turning a Love of Vintage Microphones into a Burgeoning Recording Business

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The New Classic - an Oxymoron?

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Beth Waters and the Neumann KMS 105

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

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

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

Videolink

Awards

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.

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