Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone

The New Standard for Home Recording and the Music Industry: TLM 103

The Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone : The mic for everyone who, despite budget limitations, does not want to do without the uncompromising Neumann sound. Cardioid directional characteristic and very low self-noise. The TLM 103 is the ideal large diaphragm microphone for all professional and semi-professional applications requiring the utmost in sound quality on a limited budget.

By utilizing the tried and true transformerless circuit found in numerous Neumann microphones, the TLM 103 features yet unattained low self-noise and the highest sound pressure level transmission. The capsule, derived from that used in the U 87, has a cardioid pattern, is acoustically well-balanced and provides extraordinary attenuation of signals from the rear.

The Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone is available in satin nickel and matte black. Delivery includes an SG 1 metal swivel mount and a wooden jeweler’s box.

Applications

Due to the universal cardioid pattern, straightforward handling, extremely low self-noise level, and finally, the price, the TLM 103 is predestined for all demanding applications from home recording to professional broadcasting and commercial recording studios.

Polar Pattern

The TLM 103 is equipped with a large diaphragm capsule with a cardioid pattern. By focusing on this pattern – used in most recording situations – the attenuation of unwanted rear sound has been optimized. Off-axis sounds are rendered naturally while isolation is increased. This also leads to a high feedback suppression when the microphone is used in live situations or where loudspeaker playback is a factor.

Acoustic Features

The TLM 103 is addressed from the front, marked with the red Neumann logo on the microphone body. The K 103 large diaphragm capsule is based on the K 87, well known from the U 67 / U 87 microphones.The capsule has a flat frequency response up to about 5 kHz, and above that, a wide flat 4 dB presence boost.

The large wire mesh head grille protects the capsule from plosive sounds and effectively prevents pop noises. These characteristics are achieved without resorting to corrective resonance effects.

Therefore, the microphone maintains an excellent impulse response and reproduces the finest details of music and speech without coloration.

Electrical Features

With just 7 dB-A / 17.5 dB CCIR the self-noise level of the Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone is so reduced that even the smallest signals are reproduced basically noise-free. It is capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 138 dB without distortion.

The letters TLM stand for “transformerless microphone”. With TLM technology the usual output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. As with traditional transformers, it ensures good common mode rejection and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signal.

Operational Safety

The entire internal construction is elastically mounted to attenuate any structure borne noise that could interfere with the TLM 103’s operation. Furthermore, the capsule is set on an elastic mount. The frequency range reaches below 20 Hz and thus even very low bass signals are reproduced without coloration.

Due to this low-frequency extension, the TLM 103 is more sensitive to structure borne interference and wind noise. For such cases, the elastic suspension EA 1 and the windscreen WS 87 are available as accessories. For close vocal use, the PS 15 or PS 20 pop screens are recommended.

Application Hints:

• A universal cardioid mic
• Vocalist recording
• Announcer’s mic for broadcasting/voice over
• Due to minimal self-noise: on-air mic for radio/broadcast, very low amplitude signals, radio drama, sampling, Foley/sound effects
• Home recording and project studios
• Spot mic for wind instruments, strings, percussion, guitar amps, drum overhead

Features:

• Large diaphragm cardioid microphone
• Pressure gradient transducer with one-diaphragm capsule
• Transformerless circuitry
• Extremely low noise: 7 dB-A
• Includes swivel mount
• Straightforward handling for home recording and professional studios
• High-quality professional equipment for limited budgets

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• Acoustical operating principle: Pressure gradient transducer
• Directional pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency range: 20 Hz ... 20 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm: 23 mV/Pa
• Rated impedance: 50 ohms
• Rated load impedance: 1 kohms
• Equivalent noise level, CCIR: 17.5 dB
• Equivalent noise level, A-weighted: 7 dB-A
• Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR (rel. 94 dB SPL): 76.5 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (rel. 94 dB SPL): 87 dB
• Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%: 138 dB
• Maximum output voltage: 13 dBu
• Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V ± 4 V
• Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938): 3 mA
• Matching connector: XLR3F
• Weight: approx. 450 g
• Diameter: 60 mm
• Length: 132 mm