Neumann TLM103

Neumann TLM103 Microphone

If you ask any audio engineer to name a top microphone brand, “Neumann” will likely be their answer. Follow that up by asking for a specific model, and you’ll probably hear “U87.” There are few professional studios without at least one or two U87s in their collection, alongside other Neumann microphones. The U87 is instantly recognizable by its distinctive, slightly conical body and its unique wedge-shaped grille (see the separate box in this article for more information on the U87).

So what keeps Neumann at the forefront of the microphone industry? Their success can be attributed to a relentless focus on detail in both the mechanical and electrical design of their capsules, amplifiers, and enclosures. Neumann microphones have built a reputation for being durable, dependable, and while they might not always offer perfect transparency, they have a distinctive, musical quality that shines across a wide variety of sound sources, making them invaluable tools in the creative process.

Introducing The TLM103

Many smaller professional and home studios dream of owning a collection of Neumann microphones, but the high cost of models like the U87 often puts them out of reach. The TLM103 was created to solve this issue by offering a streamlined version of the U87 at a significantly lower price—about one-third of the cost.

While the TLM103 is less versatile than the U87, offering only a fixed cardioid polar pattern, it makes no sacrifices in design quality. Its versatility appeals to a wide range of users, from professional broadcasters and studios to high-end home setups. In fact, in certain key areas, the TLM103 even surpasses the performance of the U87, including the latest U87Ai model.

At first glance, the TLM103 closely resembles the U87, but with a shorter, more compact body replacing the larger, conical design of its predecessor. The iconic wedge-shaped wire mesh grille remains the same as on the U87. In essence, the TLM103 can be seen as a simplified version of the U87, with some of the more expensive features stripped away, but still retaining much of its core quality.

Internal Workings

The TLM103’s large-diaphragm capsule, known as the K103, is directly derived from the K87, which has been a staple in the U87 and U67 microphones since their introduction. Given that both the U87 and U67 are multi-pattern microphones, the K87 capsule consists of two cardioid elements placed back-to-back, allowing for internal switching that adjusts the diaphragm outputs to create different polar patterns.

However, the TLM103 is designed with a fixed cardioid polar pattern. The K103 capsule in this microphone essentially represents the front half of the original K87, while still retaining the back electrode and single-diaphragm assembly. This simplified design reduces complexity, allowing the TLM103 to be produced at a lower cost than the U87.

The capsule is mounted on a rubber suspension, which is attached to a small circular circuit board located just below the microphone’s grille. This board is supported by a specially designed rubber ring that further isolates it from vibrations. The head amplifier electronics are integrated into this double-sided circuit board, which uses surface-mount components to keep everything extremely compact. This compact design eliminates the need for the long, tubular body seen in the U87, allowing the TLM103 to have a much shorter and more streamlined form. In fact, apart from the XLR output connector and a short ribbon cable, the bottom 30mm of the casing is left empty.

One of the standout features of the TLM103 is its incredibly low self-noise. Thanks to the TLM circuitry (refer to the ‘More On TLM’ box for details), the microphone’s equivalent SPL is a mere 7dB A-weighted, according to the DIN/IEC 651 standard. This is notably quieter than the U87Ai, which has a self-noise rating of 12dB A-weighted in cardioid mode (already 6dB quieter than earlier versions of the U87). The U87’s noise increases when using its other patterns (omni and figure-eight) due to the contribution of the rear half of the capsule.

Another remarkable feature of the TLM103 is its ability to handle peak signal levels up to 135dB SPL at 0.5% distortion. By contrast, the U87Ai can only manage 127dB SPL even with its 10dB pad engaged. This high SPL tolerance eliminates the need for a pre-attenuator in the TLM103, further reducing costs. It’s worth noting that switches, such as those used for pads, are surprisingly expensive components.

In terms of electrical sensitivity, the TLM103 is slightly lower than the U87Ai, rated at 21mV/Pa, meaning it may require about 3dB more gain. However, the output level remains high compared to many other microphones, so this slight difference is unlikely to pose an issue. The TLM103 is powered exclusively by a standard 48V phantom supply, with no option for internal batteries as seen in the original U87s, and it draws a current of 3mA.

Hands On

The TLM103 comes in a sturdy wooden case with a hard foam insert, providing excellent protection for the microphone during storage and transport. Though a cable is not included, Neumann assures that the microphone is resistant to capacitive loading and long cable runs, allowing you to use a high-quality cable without issue.

You can choose between a satin nickel or matte black finish for the mic. It also comes with an elegant plastic swivel stand adapter, which attaches via a threaded base and features a locking ring for precise angle adjustment. A variety of additional mounting accessories, including auditorium hangers and elastic suspensions, are also available separately.

If you consider the TLM103 as a quieter, more dynamic version of the U87 locked in cardioid mode, it’s a great value for its price. While a foam windshield isn’t included, the mic has a dual-layer wire mesh grille that does a decent job at reducing plosives and popping. Optional foam windshields and pop filters, such as the one used with the U89, can be purchased separately.

The microphone’s cardioid polar pattern is indicated by the signature red Neumann logo on the mic’s body. In basic listening tests, the pattern appears relatively narrow compared to, say, the Neumann KM86. According to the provided polar plot, the response dips by around 5dB at approximately 80° below 1kHz, with significant narrowing in the upper frequencies, as is common with large-diaphragm mics. Interestingly, the plot also reveals a hypercardioid tail above 8kHz at the rear.

In vocal tests, the TLM103 exhibited excellent rear rejection of up to 25dB, with off-axis sounds retaining much of their natural timbre. Although there is some tonal shift, it is smooth and without any harsh coloration.

The overall frequency response is open and natural, with a subtle warmth reminiscent of the classic U87 and U67. However, the bass response is controlled and not overly exaggerated. Proper placement is essential to prevent the proximity effect from overwhelming the sound. Despite a gradual roll-off below 60Hz, the TLM103 remains sensitive to structural vibrations and wind noise. For instance, during testing, the mic picked up footsteps when mounted on a stand with the included swivel mount. Therefore, it’s recommended to use an elastic suspension and quality foam windshield.

Similar to the U87, the TLM103‘s K103 capsule has a flat frequency response up to 5kHz, followed by a gentle 4dB presence boost up to 15kHz, after which sensitivity drops sharply. This presence boost provides the ideal balance of clarity and ‘cut’ in the mix without making the sound overly prominent. Correct placement is crucial, but the TLM103’s balanced nature makes it easy to achieve the desired sound with minimal effort. In terms of sound quality and usability, the TLM103 is almost indistinguishable from the U87, with the added benefit of lower noise and a wider dynamic range.

When compared side-by-side with a U87 that had seen years of use, the brand-new TLM103 had a slight edge in clarity and finesse. Nonetheless, both microphones displayed very similar characteristics, and the minor differences seemed more attributable to the age of the U87 than to any fundamental design variance.

Final Opinion

The TLM103 has a rich, open, and natural sound that leans towards warmth and fullness rather than being overly analytical or sterile. While it may not offer perfect accuracy, its tonal quality is undeniably musical, making it a valuable tool for enhancing recordings. Its cardioid polar pattern is impressively precise for a large-diaphragm microphone, offering solid front-to-back rejection and a clean off-axis response. However, the microphone is sensitive to mechanical noise and wind, making the use of an elastic suspension necessary to minimize rumble. A high-pass filter on your mixer can also effectively manage low-frequency noise, even though the TLM103 lacks a built-in switchable filter. Despite this, the internal amplifier remains untroubled by excessive low-end signals, even when pushed deliberately.

ralated article Neumann TLM103 Microphone

If you’re in the market for a high-quality, versatile microphone, the TLM103 should be on your radar, regardless of your level of experience. It carries the iconic Neumann badge, shares the sonic characteristics of the legendary U87 and U67, and is priced considerably lower. Seen as a quieter, more dynamic U87 locked in cardioid mode, the TLM103 offers outstanding value at about one-third of the U87Ai’s cost.

While there are many other large-diaphragm condenser microphones available that are perfectly adequate, few can match the sound quality of the classic Neumann models. Even fewer can compete with the TLM103’s combination of performance and price, making it a standout addition to the Neumann family.

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

Neumann’s “TLM” technology

The acronym TLM stands for “transformerless microphone.” In TLM technology, the conventional output transformer is substituted with an electronic circuit. This design effectively maintains excellent common mode rejection and shields the balanced audio signal from potential RF interference, similar to how traditional transformers function.

Neumann TLM 103 Features:

• Large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone
• Pressure gradient transducer with one-diaphragm capsule
• Transformerless circuitry
• Nickel finish
• Extremely low noise
• Includes swivel mount
• Minimal self-noise