The TLM 103 is an excellent choice for professional and semi-professional recording projects that require high sound quality but have a limited budget. It features reliable circuitry found in many Neumann microphones, as well as an incredibly low self-noise level and the ability to handle high sound pressure levels. The TLM 103's capsule, which is the same as the U 87 microphone capsule, has a cardioid directional characteristic, providing good acoustic balance and effectively blocking unwanted sounds from the rear.
Applications:
The TLM 103 is perfect for a wide range of tasks in home studios, as well as professional and commercial recording, dubbing, and broadcasting studios. Its universal cardioid polar pattern, low self-noise level, ease of use, and relatively affordable price make it suitable for almost any recording scenario. Additionally, its isolation capabilities prevent acoustic feedback when recording live performances or in studios with active loudspeakers.
Polar Pattern:
The TLM 103 features a large-diaphragm cardioid capsule that effectively suppresses unwanted sounds from the rear. This polar pattern, combined with optimal rear sound rejection, is sufficient for the majority of recording tasks in studios. Sounds outside the polar pattern remain natural, even with increased isolation, preventing acoustic feedback in concert recordings or studios with active loudspeakers.
Acoustic Characteristics:
The front of the TLM 103 housing proudly displays the Neumann logo. The K 103 capsule, also used in the renowned U 67/U 87 microphone models, has a linear frequency response up to 5 kHz, followed by a slight 4 dB boost in the high-frequency range. The microphone is equipped with a large, acoustically transparent protective grille that effectively shields the capsule from explosive consonants and wind blast. The TLM 103 achieves high levels of performance without the need for corrective resonant filters, resulting in excellent transient response and accurate reproduction of sound for various instruments, vocals, and speech.
Electric Characteristics:
With a self-noise level of only 7 dB-A/17.5 dB CCIR, the TLM 103 reproduces even the quietest signals practically free from noise. It can handle sound pressure levels of up to 138 dB without distortion. The microphone's name, TLM (transformerless microphone), indicates its use of transformerless technology. Instead of a transformer, the TLM 103 relies on an electronic circuit in its output circuitry, which ensures high common mode rejection and protection against RF interference.
Reliability in Operation:
To minimize the impact of structural noise, the internal construction of the TLM 103 is securely mounted inside the housing with elastic mounts. The capsule is additionally suspended elastically. The microphone amplifier has a linear frequency response down to 20 Hz, which makes it sensitive to structural noise and air blasts. To combat these issues, the TLM 103 comes with additional accessories like the elastic suspension EA 1 and foam windscreen WS 87. For close-up vocal recording, it is recommended to use pop filters PS 15 and PS 20 A.
Features:
- Cardioid directional characteristic
- Capsule design based on the legendary U 87 A
- Clear cardioid polar pattern
- Emphasized proximity effect for enhanced sound clarity
- Extremely low self-noise level
Kit Includes:
- Microphone
- SG2 microphone holder
- Wooden storage case