Designed as a budget-friendly alternative to the heralded U 87 microphone for project studios, producers, and vocalists, the black Neumann TLM 103 MT is a large-diaphragm condenser mic offering the classic Neumann sound with elevated presence to impart a crisp, clean, and full tone. It boasts a capsule based on the U 87 married to pristine transformerless circuitry, allowing it to handle high SPLs up to 138 dB without distortion while maintaining superbly quiet self-noise of just 7 dBA.

The combination of the transformerless output stage and heightened treble response makes the TLM 103 a great choice when the sound source needs to clearly cut through the mix. The mic's compact body is ideal for positioning it in tight spots such as over a snare, inside a kick drum, or in front of a small guitar amp. By utilizing a cardioid polar pattern, the mic can effectively reduce ambient noise or instrument bleed behind the mic. The TLM 103 MT comes with a secure, space-saving swivel mount and a wooden box.

For Speech, Vocals, and Instruments    Cardioid Pattern Reduces Ambient Noise    Large-Diaphragm Condenser Capsule    Capsule Derived from U 87 Microphone    Transformerless for Fast and Clear Sound    138 dB Max SPL, 7 dBA of Self-Noise    Wide Presence Boost above 5 kHz    Includes Swiveling Stand Mount    Includes Wooden Box    48V Phantom Powered

Introduced in 1997 as an affordable alternative to the venerable U 87, the TLM 103 has since become a 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 a top choice in studios around the world. A special feature of the TLM 103 is its impressively deep yet controlled low end, perfect for sonorous voices and powerful bass instruments.

With an incredibly low self-noise of only 7 dBA, the TLM 103 is among the quietest microphones available. And its high sensitivity of -32.5 dBV ensures ultralow 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 pre attenuation. 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.

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 U 87 for speech, vocals, drums, guitar amps, and piano. The TLM 103 is also often used as a spot mic in classical recordings for cello and double bass.

• Large-diaphragm condenser capsule derived from the classic U 87 microphone
• Balanced sound with enhanced presence
• Cardioid pattern reduces background noise
• Transformerless circuitry with high SPL capability
• Extremely low self-noise of only 7 dBA
• XLR 3-pin output
• 48V phantom powered
• Includes swivel mount and wooden box

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I recently bought a Canon Rebel T6i and would like to do a travel video and record some of the comments those who are on the tour with me. Can this connect to the camera or does it need to connect to something else and be coordinated during editing?

A: This mic is designed to work with the phone and is not compatible with your camera unless used with this adaptor:The SC3 3.5mm TRRS to TRS Adaptor for smartLav from Rode allows you to connect the output of your smartLav microphone to a 3.5mm TRS equipped device, such as a camera or audio recorder. It features color coded, gold-plated connectors, with gray indicating the TRRS input, in addition to shielded construction.From CANON: It is possible to use a microphone that supports plug-in power (which is supplied from a camera to the microphone) (EOS REBEL T6S / EOS 760D, and EOS REBEL T6i / EOS 750D support plug-in power-type microphones.)

Q: 2. compatible with iphone 8?

A: Yes if you use the adapter below: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1280795-REG/apple_mmx62am_a_lightning_to_3_5mm_headphone.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

Q: 3. Will this mic work when it's directly plugged into a Zoom H1?

A: The Smartlav+ features a 3.5mm TRRS connector not directly compatible with standard audio recorder inputs. An adapter such as the Rode SC3 is required.

Q: 4. Does this work with the regular headphone jack to lightning adapter for an iPhone 7?

A: Hello Lorenzo, yes it does. The lightning adapter for the iPhone 7 is a TRRS connection as is the SC6 from Rode. In the case that you only need one SmartLav+ you can store the SC6 and plug the SmartLav+ in directly to the apple adapter.

Q: 5. Does this mic work when plugged into a Sennheiser G2 or G3 wirless transmitter?

A: Yes

Q: 6. Do this microphone works whit the transmitter an receiver of the -rode wireless lavalier film kit?

A: Hello Guillermo, out of the box, no the SmartLav+ would not work. The SmartLav+ has a TRRS 1/8" connection and the TX-Belt has a 1/8" TRS connection. If you would like to convert the SmartLav+ for this, you simply need the SC3 adapter cable from Rode. However, the Filmmaker comes with the Rode Lavalier in box.

Q: 7. How long is the cable ?

A: It is 1.2m long.

Q: 8. Is this a condenser microphone? Product seems misleading as condenser mics need phantom power but this does not have that and it claims it has professional sound.

A: This is an electret plugin microphone, it runs on plugin power from smartphones and tablets. plugin power is variable between 2.7 and 4.5 volts.

Q: 9. Is this microphone compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone?

A: The mike is compatible but the app is not so you need to use a third-party app

Q: 10. Can the nut at the end of the jack be removed so that it can plug into a 3.5 mm lockable transmitter?

A: No, this microphone has a TRRS connector that will not work with wireless transmitters.