NEUMANN TLM 170 R

Product overview

The NEUMANN TLM 170 R is a multi-pattern large-diaphragm studio condenser microphone: a truly universal microphone for even the most demanding recording situations, with five directional patterns that may also be remote controlled via the optional N 248 power supply.

The TLM 170 R combines technical excellence with the smoothness and flexibility of a large-diaphragm capsule. Over an enormous dynamic range of 130 dB it offers a remarkably linear frequency response, both on- and off-axis, in each of its five polar patterns, so it captures the natural sound of any source, including its room ambience, without imparting a sonic imprint of its own. It is available in nickel (TLM 170 R) and matte black (TLM 170 R mt).

Key features

• Five directional patterns: omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid and figure-8
• Remote control option: the R position lets the optional N 248 switch the pattern over the standard microphone cable
• K 89 dual-diaphragm capsule with smooth frequency response, fast transients and frequency independent patterns
• Uncoloured diffuse-field response for all polar patterns
• Very low self-noise of 14 dB-A and an enormous dynamic range of 130 dB
• -10 dB pre-attenuation for up to 154 dB SPL; switchable 100 Hz high-pass filter
• Transformerless fet 100 circuitry for transparency and powerful bass
• Elastically mounted, swivelling side bracket
• Balanced XLR 3 output, 48 V phantom powering (P48, 3 mA)
• Two finishes: nickel and matte black (mt)

A milestone in modern recording

The TLM 170 R was conceived with high resolution in mind. As early as 1983 it achieved an enormous dynamic range of 130 dB, and it was the first microphone to use Neumann's fet 100 technology with a transformerless output stage, ensuring sonic transparency and powerful bass transmission even at the highest signal levels.

K 89 capsule and diffuse-field response

The K 89 dual-diaphragm capsule offers high linearity in every sense: smooth frequency response, fast transient response and frequency independent polar patterns. The response is flat up to 10 kHz for sound incidence angles up to ± 100°, so even the diffuse-field response remains uncoloured for all polar patterns: crucial in reverberant environments.

Remote pattern control

In the sixth position of the rotary switch, marked R, the pattern may be remote controlled from the optional N 248 power supply. No special cables are required: Neumann's voltage sensing scheme varies the phantom voltage within the permissible ± 4 V range of the P48 standard. The TLM 170 R sets its pattern according to the absolute voltage, while other microphones remain unaffected.

Pad, low cut and bracket

The -10 dB switch lets the TLM 170 R handle extremely loud sources of 154 dB SPL; a second switch moves the high-pass filter from 30 Hz (LIN) to 100 Hz to suppress low-frequency interference or compensate the proximity effect. The microphone sits elastically on a tilting side bracket with a 5/8"-27 thread (adapter for 1/2" and 3/8"), which already protects it efficiently from structure-borne noise; for exceptionally demanding situations Neumann offers the EA 170 elastic suspension.

Applications

The TLM 170 R is an excellent microphone for orchestral recordings, as a main microphone and as a spot microphone. At the same time it is a superb microphone for vocals and speech, capturing the human voice in its natural beauty. The wide angle cardioid suits wide sources such as large instrumental sections or choirs; the hypercardioid rejects sound from the sides.

In the box

• TLM 170 R microphone (or TLM 170 R mt)
• Dust cover
• Wooden box
• Operating manual

Available versions

• TLM 170 R: nickel, Cat. No. 007165
• TLM 170 R mt: matte black, Cat. No. 007166

NEUMANN TLM 170 R: frequently asked questions

What does the R in TLM 170 R mean?

R stands for remote control: in the R position of the pattern switch the five directional patterns can be selected remotely from the optional N 248 power supply, over a standard microphone cable.

Which polar patterns does the TLM 170 R offer?

Omnidirectional, wide angle cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid and figure-8, with an exceptionally even response in each of them.

How loud a source can the TLM 170 R handle?

Up to 144 dB SPL for 0.5 % THD, and 154 dB SPL with the -10 dB pre-attenuation switched on.

What is the difference between the TLM 170 R and the TLM 170 R mt?

Only the finish: the TLM 170 R (Cat. No. 007165) is satin nickel, the TLM 170 R mt (Cat. No. 007166) matte black. Both come in a wooden box with a dust cover.

Where can I buy the NEUMANN TLM 170 R in India?

The NEUMANN TLM 170 R is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Orchestral main microphone

Classical engineers recording orchestras and ensembles.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone at the main position, logo side towards the ensemble.
2. Choose omni or wide angle cardioid for room and ensemble sound.
3. Leave the high-pass in LIN to keep the full bass.
4. Set the gain with the loudest passage and record.

Tip: The uncoloured diffuse-field response keeps the hall reverberation natural.

Workflow 2: Spot microphone for sections and choirs

Adding detail to instrumental sections or choirs.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone near the section.
2. Select wide angle cardioid for wide sources, hypercardioid to reject neighbours.
3. Blend with the main microphones.
4. Check phase and level.

Tip: The pattern switch is noiseless; the microphone is briefly mute while switching.

Workflow 3: Vocals and speech

Singers, voice-over and broadcast.

Connections

Setup

1. Select cardioid and face the logo side to the speaker.
2. Place a popscreen in front.
3. Use the 100 Hz filter to compensate the proximity effect at short distance.
4. Set the gain and record.

Tip: In cardioid the 100 Hz setting linearises the proximity effect at approx. 25 cm.

Workflow 4: Very loud sources

Drums, brass and amplified instruments.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone near the source.
2. Switch on the -10 dB pre-attenuation (allow a few seconds).
3. Set the gain so no distortion occurs.
4. Record.

Tip: With the pad the TLM 170 R handles up to 154 dB SPL.

Workflow 5: Remote pattern change from the control room

Microphones hung out of reach or used in live broadcasts.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the microphone's rotary switch to R before rigging.
2. Power it from the N 248 instead of the console phantom power.
3. Select the pattern with the N 248 rotary switch.
4. Other microphones on the same system are unaffected.

Tip: No special cables are needed: the pattern is set by the phantom voltage within the ± 4 V P48 range.

Workflow 6: Suspended from the ceiling

Halls, churches and auditoriums.

Connections

Setup

1. Swivel the bracket upward and unscrew the large threaded ring around the connector.
2. Unscrew the knurled screw and remove mount and bracket.
3. Screw the IC 4 cable onto the exposed thread.
4. Hang the microphone and set the pattern (or use R with the N 248).

Tip: For exceptionally demanding situations Neumann offers the EA 170 elastic suspension.