Neumann TLM103 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The Neumann TLM103, written TLM 103 by the manufacturer, is a fixed cardioid large diaphragm condenser with 7 dB-A of self noise, 23 mV/Pa sensitivity and a 138 dB maximum SPL, covering 20 Hz to 20 kHz at about 450 g. This listing is the microphone on its own.

Seven decibels of self noise

Self noise of 7 dB-A is the headline figure and it is genuinely low, lower than the U 87 Ai's 12 dB-A in cardioid. That matters on quiet sources: a solo acoustic guitar, a voiceover recorded at a distance, room ambience. The noise floor you hear on those recordings is the microphone's own, and on the TLM103 there is very little of it.

Sensitivity is 23 mV/Pa and maximum SPL is 138 dB, which covers loud sources without a pad.

One pattern, on purpose

The TLM103 is cardioid only. There is no pattern switch, no pad and no low cut filter. That is a design decision rather than a cost saving: fewer switches means fewer components in the signal path, and for the large majority of studio work, cardioid is the pattern actually used.

If multiple patterns are needed, the TLM107 offers five with a 141 dB SPL ceiling, and the U 87 Ai offers three.

Which TLM103 listing to order

Three versions of this microphone are listed. This one is the microphone by itself. The Mono Set adds the EA 1 elastic suspension, which is the shock mount that isolates the microphone from stand and floor vibration. The Stereo Set supplies two microphones for stereo recording, drum overheads, piano or room pairs.

If the microphone will sit on a stand in a room with any foot traffic, the elastic suspension is not optional, so the Mono Set is usually the more sensible buy over the bare microphone.

Specifications

• Type: Large diaphragm condenser, transformerless
• Polar pattern: Cardioid, fixed
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 23 mV/Pa
• Self noise: 7 dB-A
• Maximum SPL: 138 dB
• Pad and low cut: Not fitted
• Weight: About 450 g
• This listing: Microphone only

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