Neumann TLM 103 Review
Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- 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
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 4,981 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Neumann TLM 103. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Neumann TLM 103. For example, 85% of 227 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Neumann TLM 103 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 102 Reviews
Great all around mic
Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Christian Hermida on Guitar Center
The Neumann TLM 103 has to be one of the industry standards for a good all around mic. We have 4 of these babies at our studio and they haven't failed us yet. No matter what application, the TLM 103 can make any recording sound natural and warm. The 103 has that crisp sound with a bit of that classic warmth known by Neumann mic enthusiasts. Pair this mic with a great pre amp, and you have an amazing pristine recording, especially for vocals. Some even say, this mic is a bit too clean but it all depends on your preference. Honestly, for its price this is the only mic you'll need in a project studio. It's multipurpose and very affordable! Great job Neumann. ... More
It really is that good.
Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by J on Guitar Center
I debated this purchase for weeks, but I was tired of messing around with other mics for years, and spending so much time EQ'ing and post processing them to get professional results. I am now extremely glad I bought it and would do so again. Pros: - Jaw-dropping clear and detailed sound. - Dead-quiet, practically zero self-noise. - Very sensitive, but somehow it rejects stray background noise better than my other cheaper condenser. With the levels set properly, and getting somewhat close to this mic (but where it still sounds great), it rejects stray background noise almost as well as my SM7B. - Vocals in particular sound amazing through this mic. I was reluctant because some reviews said it was too bright or sibilant. Not at all for my voice. The tonality has a similar richness and warmth as my SM7B, but with a lot more high-frequency detail, and smooth but crisp transients. Simply put, this sounds every bit like a pro studio mic. - The presence lift in the highest frequencies gives the mic a beautiful "air"/sparkle, which makes EQ'ing it for a mix a breeze. It's very typical to boost those frequencies with EQ after the fact to make a vocal pop, but this mic does it on its own straight from the source. You can always EQ out detail if you don't want/need it... but it's hard to add back if it's not there. - It's a beautiful mic and the build quality is everything you'd expect from a Neumann. Comes in a nice wooden case and has a solid heft to it. - It sounds fantastic for singing vocals, but if you're into VO work, it also has a beautiful proximity effect warmth when you get in close to it. The sound thickens up without any boominess or muddiness. It just gets fatter and warmer but retains all the crispness and sparkle. Cons: - Price. But you get what you pay for in this case. If you're tired of messing around trying to get your vocal recordings sounding professional and polished, even after you've already got a good pre-amp and lots of experience with compression, EQ, reverb, etc... this mic will likely get you the rest of the way there. And, it's an investment you will use for many years. ... More
A Go-To Mic For Everything
Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Aaron Strumpel on Guitar Center
I've tracked with the 103 for the past 4 years and have completely loved it. It with a nice ribbon (and if you're getting fancy, a 57 or md421 dynamic) will be incredible on electric guitar. I consistently use it on acoustic as well as vocals. It's transparent enough to not be annoying to use all over the place, yet it's got enough character to be well used in a prominent spot. Love it!
Already Noticing a Difference
Neumann TLM 103 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Reviewed by tobias m. on B&H Photo Video
I would probably be considered 'talent' as opposed to 'tech'. Which is to say, I don't have any sound studies or, at least for me, difficult to understand terms to describe why this mic is better. I can only attest to the finished product. I've used roughly half a dozen mics of varying degrees of quality for voice work over the years and finally decided to give the 103 a try. With other mics I was used to making quite a few tweaks and learning the sweet spots for mic placement and mouth placement. While that is still necessary with the 103, it is far less time consuming. I was instantly aware of the warmness my voice had when I used this mic the first time. Where other mics would strain to come through on delivering the details of my voice the 103 seemed to effortlessly convey it. I'm early in the process but my first finished recording is def better with the details. I am one of those folks that doesn't really like the sound of my recorded voice, this mic made me think Wow, this sounds really good. Don't be afraid of the price if you can swing it and are ready to move up. I would def recommend this mic and in fact, this is the first mic I have ever been impressed enough with to review. ... More
It's great and so is B&H
Neumann TLM 103 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Reviewed by Joe on B&H Photo Video
First a comment about B&H - this was my first purchase with them and I couldn't be happier with their professionalism and excellent customer service. Now as for the mic - it wins my WOW factor award. I was flip flopping between the 102 and the 103. I read reviews and watched comparison videos. I mainly was in the market for a great vocal mic for recording. I first opted for the 102 mainly to save some money. I thought it was real good but I was still curious about the 103 so I called B&H and asked about their return policy. Based on that discussion, I bought a 103. When it arrived, I still had the 102 and was able to compare the two mics myself. Hands down winner - the 103. Richer and vibrant. So I returned the 102. If I was in a position to keep both, I would have because I would use the 102 for recording guitar amps among other things. Some day, I'll buy a 102. But for vocal recording, OMG, the 103!!! And like I said at the beginning, B&H has awesome customer service. Plus the payboo card saves sales tax. I'll be a repeat customer for sure. ... More
Ads
Excellent mic
Neumann TLM 103 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Reviewed by Carlos on B&H Photo Video
I'm not exactly a master of all microphones, but I own a couple of TLM103s and maybe 6 other types of condenser mics. These mics sound fantastic. They're pricey, so if you have over $1,000 to spend on a microphone, I'd recommend getting one of these to produce a really clean recording of pretty much anything. I use it to record vocals, drum sets, other percussion, acoustic and electric guitars (paired with other mics), and it always sounds great. I've always used with the Neumann shock mounts.
My Experience
Neumann TLM 103 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Reviewed by Ramis A. on B&H Photo Video
Just want to say that I am an amateur and record songs for my church. Recently we rented Neumann TLM49 for our small recording studio together with Universal Studio Solo 610 Mic Preamp And we had wonderful experience with that set. Incredibly rich sound it is almost unbelievable. (I would say better then reality ;) if you understand what I mean ) So we decided to buy something for us instead of renting and we end up with cheaper but new version of this Neumann TLM 103 together with Universal Studio 710 Preamp. What I could say that it is nice mice, but not even close to TLM49. This one is Not as sensible as TLM49 and sound is not as reach. So my verdict is : if you have a little extra money it is better to buy a used TLM49 then a new TLM103 Hope it helped someone! ... More
Great Mic!
Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by DawnC on Guitar Center
This is a great mic to add to your collection. I highly recommend getting the anniversary package, so you get the case & shock mount together, great savings opportunity. This mic is great on vocals or instruments, very versatile. It's a winner in my studio!
What more can be said about Neumann mics... they are amazing!
Neumann TLM 103 Stereo Set
Reviewed by Jeff D. on Reverb
First, I'm biased... I have been using Neumann mics (as a recording artist) almost exclusively in professional recording studios for about 30 years. I swore I would never become a home-recording musician, but then it happened... by necessity. I first purchased something other than Neumann and was really happy with the end result, but as I started recording my second home release I wanted the nuanced transience to be there and the mic self-noise to "not" be there. This is now my second purchase of a pair of stereo Neumann mics in the course of 5 months (KM 184) and I can't begin to express how happy I am that I made the upgrade. They make the recording process magical! I know there are so many amazing mic companies with equally amazing mics on the market, but my familiarity and experience with Neumann products made the decision-making process a no-brainer... a U87 will be next when the budget can handle it. ... More
Hard to Tame
Neumann TLM 103 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Dennis B. on Reverb
Had this through a UA LA610 which did make it sound good many times. Didn't like this with Acoustic. It was just harsh. On Vocals, most of the time, I had Sibilant issues that I had to tame (turning mic slightly to the side, or fixing with a plugin deesser) Some main vocals I got right, but it needs a vocal booth bigtime. The top end that is exaggerated in this mic really picks up a LOT of outside noise! So I used a big closet with lots of clothing and that really tamed it. It did fantastic for background vocals. I'd have kept it as ONE of my mics, but as a hobbyist wanting one do-it-all mic, this is NOT the "one". Pass and get a WA87 or something if you're in that cheaper market. I went up to a U87, but when I toyed around with the WA87, it was loads better. I also got a Slate VMS which killed this mic 10x easier to record with. Leave this mic to professionals with a huge mic locker. ... More
Buy this now, on the fence rapper!!!
Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Zeo rapper on Guitar Center
This is the Mike bros @ gals! Lots of confusing information out here between singers and rappers my .02 Singers are looking for warm tonal quality and a mike to "help" their vocals shine as rappers need a mike that wont distort under yelling @certain frequencies and wont add any character to ones voice, but captures the nuances that make ones vocals unique, cheaper Mikes drop the ball on this. Get information from someone in your genre of music or be confused. I also noticed that this Mike takes eq gates and autotune soooo much better. Believe it or not I could even hear the quality differences between headphones I didn't notice with my nt1! The u87 is NOT worth it if you don't record guitars drums or other instruments. Just be done with it buy this mic pair it with a good preamp and record a professional album!!! Snatch this mic!!! ... More
Awesome mic
Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Abhik on Guitar Center
This mic is serious, it picks up sound from all spectrum evenly with body and clarity. However as advertised, it has a boosted top end, which although is hardly a problem but needs to be managed at certain circumstances. So for sparkly instruments it might sizzles a bit but can be very easily EQ'd into your mix. 90% of the time you don't have to do anything, for the other 10% maybe a little bit. Overall it sounds brilliant and highly recommended.Very happy with this mic
Outstanding microphone
Neumann TLM 103 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Martin G. on Reverb
This microphone reveals the best qualities of your voice and makes it much easier to nest it in the mix. I was using a beta 58 (mostly I play live) just for sketching out originals and practicing vocals and I didn't know what I was missing. Wow. The TLM is a whole new world of vocal goodness revealing the resonance, tone, and sibilance of your voice. It makes it much easier to work on your vocals as you can hear all the subtle nuances. For me, I just roll back the 200 hz a bit and roll off the lows as a low cut and it sounds great. I have read other reviews that comment on the lack of a a mic roll-off switch but this not an issue for me as all the digital mixing software out there has great eq control so it's better to do it there. Such a great microphone! ... More
Could not be happier with my TLM 103!
Neumann TLM 103 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by John R. on Reverb
I am a musician, private lesson teacher, and hobbyist home-studio recording engineer. Having used an AT4040 as my only large diaphragm mic for the last 6 years, I grew accustom to it's sound and felt like (and still do) it packs a big bang for the buck (around $300). This is my first step into the ~$1000 mic range and boy am I happy! Even though I don't hear any huge differences on basic spoken work tests I've done to compare the two mics, in a mix is where it really shines. Sounds amazingly clear, articulate, and cuts through a mix perfectly without being too harsh. Also recorded sax parts with it and MAN! What a sound. Can't go wrong with this--especially if you can find a decent deal on a used one. ... More
A very clean vocal mic
Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Matt on Guitar Center
The TLM 103 Anniversary is a great vocal mic for the price. It is clear, smooth, and durable. While this is not my "go to" mic, it is better than 90% of the U87 rip offs. This mic will give you a professional and clear vocal sound. It is easy to eq, and you should have no problems getting the best out of your vocalist with this microphone.
Excellent all around mic for pretty much anything!!!
Neumann TLM 103 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Jesus F. on Reverb
Although, I knew what I was getting from the YouTube demos and reviews, this thing still surprised me. It's that Neumann sound! Now, I'm not saying it's exactly what everyone wants in a mic, but I would say to those people, why not? It's a great sounding mic, and although I knew it was supposed to have that Neumann silkiness, I was surprised that it lived up to every expectation exactly how I thought it should for it's reputation. I am only running through a simple preamp and I don't even know what more I can do to make the tracks sound more polished. As long as it's recorded well, and the source sounds good, it sounds great out the gate. Very satisfied with this buy. I'm a believer in the Neumann brand now, 100%. ... More
Microphone review
Neumann TLM 103 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
So far I have used the TLM 103 to record a male vocal and acoustic guitar. I am delighted with my purchase.... I had already recorded a vocal using another similarly priced AKG product and I rerecorded it with the 103 and I was very pleased with the result. To be fair the AKG went through a Demeter mic pre and the 103 went through a BAE 1073 MP, so no doubt that brought something else into the equation, but either way I was delighted with the new vocal recording. I also tried the acoustic guitar with the matched stereo pair of 103s and it was beautifully alive and crisp. The Anniversary matched stereo pair came with two shock mounts in a very swish aluminum case which for fussy people like me has it's own delight. As of now I can't find anything wrong with the TLM103. ... More
A very versatile vocal mic
Neumann TLM 103 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Reviewed by Marc Silk on B&H Photo Video
I have used the TLM 103 for over 15 years. It is a very versatile vocal mic. I use it for voiceovers, animation character recordings, movie trailers, sung vocals, subtle narration, high energy commercials - this mic will take what you give it. Warm, crisp, does the job very well.
Voice Over Silk
Neumann TLM 103 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Jack B. on Reverb
I had a 416 hanging for years but recently wanted to try a LDC in the booth for a while. After trying the c414, e100s, U87, I chose the TLM 103. It sounded every bit as good (although slightly brighter) as the u87, but with less noise. While I'm sure I'll be using the 416 on an equal amount of jobs, the TLM 103 has found itself as an equal, and a for sure forever microphone.
Huge upgrade for my recordings
Neumann TLM 103 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Reviewed by Christopher on B&H Photo Video
I've used the TLM 102 for a long time for home recording. I made the decision to upgrade to the TLM 103, and I won't look back! The detail this microphone gets is stunning! I've used this on both male and female vocals, as well as acoustic guitar, and sax. WOW!!! This purchase has taken my home recordings to a new level. It must be said though that B &H was fantastic to deal with. Their customer service is second to none! Thank you B & H!!!
