Neumann Tlm103 Cardioid Condenser Microphone - Nickel

I always assumed that Neumann microphones would be outside my budget; it was a surprise to discover that the TLM103 was, not only affordable, but had the frequency curve that best suits my voice which tends to be a bit muddy in the lower mid range. The TLM103 has a transparency and clarity that brings out vocal qualities that were previously hidden.

Already Noticing a Difference

I would probably be considered 'talent' as opposed to 'tech'. Which is to say, I don't have any sound studies or, at least for me, difficult to understand terms to describe why this mic is better. I can only attest to the finished product. I've used roughly half a dozen mics of varying degrees of quality for voice work over the years and finally decided to give the 103 a try. With other mics I was used to making quite a few tweaks and learning the sweet spots for mic placement and mouth placement. While that is still necessary with the 103, it is far less time consuming. I was instantly aware of the warmness my voice had when I used this mic the first time. Where other mics would strain to come through on delivering the details of my voice the 103 seemed to ... MoreI would probably be considered 'talent' as opposed to 'tech'. Which is to say, I don't have any sound studies or, at least for me, difficult to understand terms to describe why this mic is better. I can only attest to the finished product. I've used roughly half a dozen mics of varying degrees of quality for voice work over the years and finally decided to give the 103 a try. With other mics I was used to making quite a few tweaks and learning the sweet spots for mic placement and mouth placement. While that is still necessary with the 103, it is far less time consuming. I was instantly aware of the warmness my voice had when I used this mic the first time. Where other mics would strain to come through on delivering the details of my voice the 103 seemed to effortlessly convey it. I'm early in the process but my first finished recording is def better with the details. I am one of those folks that doesn't really like the sound of my recorded voice, this mic made me think Wow, this sounds really good. Don't be afraid of the price if you can swing it and are ready to move up. I would def recommend this mic and in fact, this is the first mic I have ever been impressed enough with to review.

Best mic in my locker now!

I used Neumann U87, U67, U47 back in my early recording days in the 90s. I couldn't afford them then and can't afford them now, but the new TLM versions are spot on. This 103 is so much like the clarity and presence I would get from the U87. I love it and will never be without it!

Buy this now, on the fence rapper!!!

This is the Mike bros @ gals! Lots of confusing information out here between singers and rappers my .02 Singers are looking for warm tonal quality and a mike to "help" their vocals shine as rappers need a mike that wont distort under yelling @certain frequencies and wont add any character to ones voice, but captures the nuances that make ones vocals unique, cheaper Mikes drop the ball on this. Get information from someone in your genre of music or be confused. I also noticed that this Mike takes eq gates and autotune soooo much better. Believe it or not I could even hear the quality differences between headphones I didn't notice with my nt1! The u87 is NOT worth it if you don't record guitars drums or other instruments. Just be done with it buy this mic pair it with ... MoreThis is the Mike bros @ gals! Lots of confusing information out here between singers and rappers my .02 Singers are looking for warm tonal quality and a mike to "help" their vocals shine as rappers need a mike that wont distort under yelling @certain frequencies and wont add any character to ones voice, but captures the nuances that make ones vocals unique, cheaper Mikes drop the ball on this. Get information from someone in your genre of music or be confused. I also noticed that this Mike takes eq gates and autotune soooo much better. Believe it or not I could even hear the quality differences between headphones I didn't notice with my nt1! The u87 is NOT worth it if you don't record guitars drums or other instruments. Just be done with it buy this mic pair it with a good preamp and record a professional album!!! Snatch this mic!!!

Good vocal mic, but not for everyone

This is obviously a good vocal mic as it is highly regarded and a modern classic. However, it's not a one size fits all as most all mics are not. This is not overall bright as others have mentioned. With eq you can give it a more modern sound, but if you want something bright with a nice top end from the start you may need to look elsewhere. Overall a good mic though for the price.

Great mic

I don't know how this mic made it to SDOD (actually SDOH), but what an incredible bargain! I wish I would have bought another one at that price.Pair it up with a good preamp and an interface with a good DA/AD converter and you won't be sorry. I have it going into a SSL VHD pre --> UAD Apollo Twin --> PC, and it just sounds amazing, so crisp and clear. So far have only used it on vox but that is what I bought it for. I had been researching for a good vocal mic for quite a while, so I was ready to pull the trigger when I saw it on SDOH.

It really is that good.

I debated this purchase for weeks, but I was tired of messing around with other mics for years, and spending so much time EQ'ing and post processing them to get professional results. I am now extremely glad I bought it and would do so again.Pros:- Jaw-dropping clear and detailed sound.- Dead-quiet, practically zero self-noise.- Very sensitive, but somehow it rejects stray background noise better than my other cheaper condenser. With the levels set properly, and getting somewhat close to this mic (but where it still sounds great), it rejects stray background noise almost as well as my SM7B.- Vocals in particular sound amazing through this mic. I was reluctant because some reviews said it was too bright or sibilant. Not at all for my voice. The tonality has a ... MoreI debated this purchase for weeks, but I was tired of messing around with other mics for years, and spending so much time EQ'ing and post processing them to get professional results. I am now extremely glad I bought it and would do so again.Pros:- Jaw-dropping clear and detailed sound.- Dead-quiet, practically zero self-noise.- Very sensitive, but somehow it rejects stray background noise better than my other cheaper condenser. With the levels set properly, and getting somewhat close to this mic (but where it still sounds great), it rejects stray background noise almost as well as my SM7B.- Vocals in particular sound amazing through this mic. I was reluctant because some reviews said it was too bright or sibilant. Not at all for my voice. The tonality has a similar richness and warmth as my SM7B, but with a lot more high-frequency detail, and smooth but crisp transients. Simply put, this sounds every bit like a pro studio mic.- The presence lift in the highest frequencies gives the mic a beautiful "air"/sparkle, which makes EQ'ing it for a mix a breeze. It's very typical to boost those frequencies with EQ after the fact to make a vocal pop, but this mic does it on its own straight from the source. You can always EQ out detail if you don't want/need it... but it's hard to add back if it's not there.- It's a beautiful mic and the build quality is everything you'd expect from a Neumann. Comes in a nice wooden case and has a solid heft to it.- It sounds fantastic for singing vocals, but if you're into VO work, it also has a beautiful proximity effect warmth when you get in close to it. The sound thickens up without any boominess or muddiness. It just gets fatter and warmer but retains all the crispness and sparkle.Cons:- Price. But you get what you pay for in this case. If you're tired of messing around trying to get your vocal recordings sounding professional and polished, even after you've already got a good pre-amp and lots of experience with compression, EQ, reverb, etc... this mic will likely get you the rest of the way there. And, it's an investment you will use for many years.

The Perfect Mic for Voice-Over

This is the perfect mic for voice-over. It's crystal clear and warm for female voices. At least with my tonal voice, it fits me just right. I was debating about going cheaper when it came down to choosing my first XLR mic but these days if you want to be competitive in this crowded industry - there's nothing wrong with upgrading to one of the best mics in the voice-over industry. You won't be disappointed when you buy this mic. I certainly have no regrets! I love my TLM 103 and I'm never going back to my old USB mic ever again.

This is a good mic for the money.

I do voice-overs at home and also at commercial studios. Of all the mics I've ever recorded into at the studios, I liked how my voice sounded in the Neumanns the best, so I always hoped to own one, but $3200 was more than I could justify spending. This one fit the bill. It doesn't have multiple patterns, which I don't need for voice-overs anyway, but it does have the same guts as some of the higher end Neumanns (or so I've been told), and the sound is really good. Some mics love certain voices. My new Neumann loves mine, so it's mutual admiration. I'm good. Crystal clear high ends, and VERY low noise compared the my previous SE 2200a (which was also a good mic, but lacked the depth and definition the Neumann gives me).