NEUMANN TLM 103

Product overview

The NEUMANN TLM 103 is a transformerless large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a cardioid pattern and a gentle presence boost: a modern studio standard with a stunningly direct sound, breathtaking definition and ultra-low noise.

Introduced in 1997, the TLM 103 has become a modern classic in its own right, with the classic tapered headgrille that gives it the distinct Neumann look. Its large-diaphragm capsule is derived from the K 67/87 capsule of the legendary Neumann U 87, with a slightly more modern voicing: a wide presence boost above 5 kHz, the authoritative Neumann midrange and an impressively deep yet controlled low end. With a self-noise of only 7 dB-A, a sensitivity of 23 mV/Pa and a maximum SPL of 138 dB, it captures anything from a soft whisper to a thunderous bass drum without adding noise or distortion. It is available in nickel (TLM 103) and matte black (TLM 103 mt).

Key features

• Capsule design derived from the legendary U 87 A: the K 103 large-diaphragm capsule
• Consistent cardioid pattern, addressed from the front marked with the Neumann logo
• Broad presence boost of 4 dB above about 5 kHz for enhanced sound definition
• Extremely low self-noise: only 7 dB-A
• Transformerless circuitry with high SPL capability: up to 138 dB without pre-attenuation
• High sensitivity of 23 mV/Pa and a maximum output voltage of 13 dBu
• Balanced XLR 3 output, 48 V phantom powering (P48, 3 mA)
• Delivered in a wooden box with the SG 2 swivel mount
• Two finishes: nickel and matte black (mt)

A modern classic sound

The TLM 103 has a very direct yet refined sound that is perfect for vocals and solo instruments that pop out of the mix without effort. The K 103 capsule has a linear frequency response up to some 5 kHz with a wide, flat presence boost of 4 dB at the top end, while the famous Neumann midrange and a deep yet controlled low end suit sonorous voices and powerful bass instruments. No resonance effects are used, so transients of music and voice are reproduced without distortion.

Technical excellence

With an equivalent noise level of only 7 dB-A, the TLM 103 is among the quietest microphones available, and its high sensitivity of 23 mV/Pa keeps noise ultra-low even with modest preamps and audio interfaces or vintage tube equipment. At the same time it handles sound pressure levels of up to 138 dB without the need for pre-attenuation, for a dynamic range of 131 dB.

Transformerless output stage

As a member of Neumann's TLM series (Transformerless Microphone), the TLM 103 replaces the output transformer with an electronic circuit that maintains excellent common mode rejection. This minimises transmission losses and ensures a very immediate, uncoloured sound, true to the original, with a clear, powerful bass response even at the highest signal levels.

Applications

Primarily designed for project studios and broadcast use, the TLM 103 is used by renowned studios for speech, vocals, drums, guitar amps and piano, and is often used as a spot microphone in classical recordings, for example for cello and double bass.

In the box

• TLM 103 microphone (nickel) or TLM 103 mt microphone (matte black)
• SG 2 swivel mount
• Wooden box

Available versions

• TLM 103: nickel, Cat. No. 008430
• TLM 103 mt: matte black, Cat. No. 008431

NEUMANN TLM 103: frequently asked questions

What polar pattern does the TLM 103 have?

A consistent cardioid pattern. The microphone is addressed from the front, which is marked with the Neumann logo.

Does the TLM 103 need phantom power?

Yes. It is phantom powered at 48 V ± 4 V, 3 mA (P48, IEC 61938). Any P48 supply that provides at least 3 mA per channel is suitable.

How quiet is the TLM 103?

Its equivalent noise level is only 7 dB-A (17.5 dB CCIR), with a signal-to-noise ratio of 87 dB A-weighted re. 94 dB SPL.

What is the difference between the TLM 103 and the TLM 103 mt?

Only the finish: the TLM 103 (Cat. No. 008430) has a matt satin nickel finish and the TLM 103 mt (Cat. No. 008431) a matt black finish. Both come in a wooden box with the SG 2 swivel mount.

Where can I buy the NEUMANN TLM 103 in India?

The NEUMANN TLM 103 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Lead vocals in a project studio

Singers and producers recording vocals at home or in a project studio.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the TLM 103 on the SG 2 and connect it with a balanced XLR cable.
2. Switch on 48 V phantom power at the input.
3. Face the front (Neumann logo) to the singer and place a pop screen in between.
4. Set the gain with the loudest passage of the song and record.

Tip: The 23 mV/Pa sensitivity keeps noise low even with modest preamps.

Workflow 2: Speech and broadcast

Voice-over, podcast and radio presenters.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the microphone in the SG 2 or the optional EA 1 elastic suspension.
2. Switch on phantom power.
3. Position the speaker in front of the logo side, slightly off-axis to reduce plosives.
4. Record a short test with normal speech and set the level.

Tip: Test with normal speech, never by blowing into the microphone.

Workflow 3: Acoustic guitar and solo instruments

Recording solo instruments that must stand out in the mix.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone in front of the instrument, front side facing it.
2. Use the cardioid pattern to keep room sound from the rear low.
3. Move the microphone until the balance of body and detail sounds right.
4. Record and compare takes.

Tip: The broad presence boost above 5 kHz adds definition without extra EQ.

Workflow 4: Guitar amps and drums

Recording loud sources close up.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone close to the speaker or drum.
2. No pre-attenuation is needed: the TLM 103 handles up to 138 dB SPL.
3. Set the preamp gain so the input does not clip.
4. Record.

Tip: With 131 dB dynamic range the TLM 103 captures loud sources without adding distortion.

Workflow 5: Spot microphone in classical recordings

Classical engineers adding detail to cello, double bass or piano.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the TLM 103 near the instrument as a spot microphone.
2. Use the EA 1 elastic suspension on stage floors to keep out structure-borne noise.
3. Blend the spot signal with the main microphones.
4. Check the low end: the amplifier is linear below 20 Hz.

Tip: Very long cables do not affect the sound; a high-frequency fall-off appears only well beyond 300 m.

Workflow 6: Location recording with battery power

Recording where no mains power is available.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the TLM 103 to the BS 48 i battery supply.
2. Insert a 9 V battery (IEC 6 F 22).
3. Connect the supply output to the recorder.
4. For unbalanced inputs, connect pin 3 of the supply output to earth.

Tip: The BS 48 i-2 powers two microphones for stereo recordings.