Designed as a budget-friendly alternative to the heralded U 87 microphone for project studios, producers, and vocalists, the nickel Neumann TLM 103 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 comes with a secure, space-saving swivel mount and a wooden box.

TLM 103 Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic    Rycote InVision Studio Kit with USM    Gold Studio XLR Male to Female XLR Cable    RF-C20 Studio Isolation Filter    RFMS-580 Reflection Filter Tripod Stand    Includes SG 2 Microphone Stand Mount    Mounting Hardware    Wooden Box

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. Will this work with an AKG 414 XLS? That mic has more of a tappered square shape.

A: Yes, the Rycote InVision Studio Kit with USM can be used with the AKG C414 XLS Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone.

Q: 2. Do we know anything about the weather-/moisture-resistance for this mic?

A: The manufacturer has not listed any information regarding weather- or moisture-resistance for the Rycote OM-08 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone. It does not include any type of built-in protection against weather or moisture.

Q: 3. When I click in the box it says the set has limited warranties on the items already is this true?

A: The items in this vocal studio kit do have manufacturer's warranties included.

Q: 4. How does this mic handle "popping p's"?

A: The Neumann TLM-102 does include an integrated pop filter, which may address the popping p's, depending on the individual and proper use. A choice of additional Pop Filters may be viewed/ chosen here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/656902-REG/Neumann_TLM_102_NICKEL_TLM_102_Large_Diaphragm_Studio.html/accessories These are favorites: B&H #: KM23956B B&H #: RYIVUPF

Q: 5. Product Highlights mentions that there Includes Elastic Suspension Shockmount However, in In The Box it is absent. Might be an error. Does it or does it not come with the shockmount?

A: The Auray suspension shockmount came with the kit order for me.

Q: 6. Can you hang a U87 upside down using this shockmount?

A: The Diameter of the Neumann U87 is too large to fit this shock mount. A model that would work is the Auray SSM-NMN Suspension Shockmount for Neumann Microphones, B&H # AUSSMNMN.

Q: 7. What is the difference between the 103 vs 103MT vs 103D?

A: The TLM103 is the microphone only, the TLM103MT is the kit (stand, reflection filter, etc.) and the TLM103-D is the digital version, which is no longer available.

Q: 8. Hello, would this fit on a Neumann 89i respectively over a Neumann WS89?

A: This windscreen is designed to fit over the Rycote 45/100, which is a foam shield for 2.17" diameter mics. Since the Neumann U89i is 1.8" in diameter, this windscreen will be too large for the WS89.

Q: 9. Will this shock mount connect to the OC white proboom elite without an adapter?

A: Yes it will

Q: 10. Can I use this mic for rap vocals or any type of music vocals??

A: This mic is great for rap vocals. It has great clarity and sound.