TLM 103

The new standard for home recording and the music industry. 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 TLM 103 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 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 headgrille 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 TLM 103 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 a pop screens are recommended.

*The design of the microphone is a registered design of the Georg Neumann GmbH in certain countries.

 Features

Technical Data

Accessories

Adapter Cable AC 22
Adapter Cable AC 25
Adapter Cable AC 27
Auditorium Hanger MNV 87 (mt)
Battery Supply BS 48 i
Battery Supply BS 48 i-2
Boom Attachment M 212 c
Double Mount DS 120
Elastic Suspension EA 1 (mt)
Elastic Suspension EA 4 (bk)
Floor Stand MF 5
Microphone Cable IC 3 mt
Microphone Cable IC 4 (mt)
Popscreen PS 15
Popscreen PS 20 a
Power Supply N 248
Shock mount Z 26 mt
Stand M 210/1
Stand M 214/1
Stand M 252
Stand Extension STV 4/20/40/60
Stand Mount SG 2
Table Stand MF 3
Table Stand MF 4
Vertical Bar MZEF 8060/8120
Windscreen WS 87