I was struggling with the decision to jump into a Neumann mic. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. The mic comes in simple foam‑lined cardboard box along with a swivel standmount. Fortunately for Neumann fans, the company has released one of their most affordable studio vocal mics yet: the TLM 102. However, despite its small size, its performance doesn’t disappoint— as you’ll be seeing in the rest of this TLM 102 review. A silver band below the basket and the red Neumann logo add a nice visual relief to the black basket and the satin-black body. Mics like the U87 and U67 are considered legendary for a reason, and indeed have pulled in imitations and homages from different manufacturers over the years. Despite its small size and relatively affordable price, Neumann certainly didn’t skimp on the materials for the TLM 102. Weigh the similarities and differences and easily choose the better mic for you. The Neumann TLM 102 can be used to record a variety of sound sources, including very loud and very soft instruments, but where it truly shines is in recording the human voice. Review. Lee Weaver from Austin. The Neumann TLM 102 is all about taking those aspirations into reality. Compare the Neumann TLM 102 vs Neumann TLM 103 head to head and find out the better option of the two microphones. Being a condenser mic, this microphone is pretty sensitive, so be careful when handling it. On first sight of the new Neumann TLM 102, one might ask, “Honey, who shrunk the TLM 103?” Indeed, the TLM 102 looks like a miniaturized TLM 103, the mic that made quite … I like it for certain vocalists that have a great deal of dynamic control. This post includes Amazon links throughout. The TLM 102 promises Neumann quality plus affordability, and it absolutely delivers. If a singer is trained around a microphone and in a recording booth and has worked for many years with studios and recorded a great deal, I will pull this mic out of my collection. One last thing worth mentioning is that the TLM 102 is very quiet—almost as quiet as the TLM 103—a quality that increases its versatility. While both condenser microphones are outstanding, the almost double-price for the TLM-103 is warranted, for its fuller, richer bass response, and crisper, airier high frequencies. All user reviews for the Neumann TLM 102. Although it is tiny when compared to other large-diaphragm condenser microphones, the TLM 102 has a solid, elegantly built all-metal body. The TLM 102 is the younger, cheaper brother of the TLM 103. If you’re looking for excellence, then you’re going to get a whole lot of it in the TLM 102’s tiny package. When she's not pouring over endless amounts of audio, she lends her expertise to us here at Shout4Music with her crystal clear and finely tuned microphone reviews. The TLM 102 opens a new world to project recording, offering Neumann quality and sound at a reasonable price. Neumann TLM102 & TLM 107. And while the packaging for the unit is pretty minimal— users thinking about taking this mic on the road might need to invest in a solid carrying case— the performance holds up to and even exceeds the standards set by many other mics in the same price range. The microphone itself is relatively simple, and does away with quite a few of the features that lend other Neumann products their versatility. It brings premium performance into an affordable range, and is an excellent investment for both home and professional studios alike. I use preamps (610 UAD solo. The mic is designed with a thick, integrated pop shield behind its metal grille, which allows vocalists to perform without having to worry about pesky sibilants and plosives. In her early teens Naomi made some embarrassing YouTube videos before settling on a love for Podcast editing. This company is one of the most respected manufacturers of microphones in the world, and many people are familiar with them as a industry standard. While this difference isn’t always relevant depending on the sound source, the TLM 103’s lower self-noise allows greater freedom of placement. Rap song using slam talk over what you want is a microphone, if you do not know what was used buys you a dictionary. NO-FRILLS CONDENSER PROVES VERSATILE, AFFORDABLE By Steve La Cerra Published: 03/31/2010 . It does have good plosive protection though; a pop filter is rarely needed. It has a clip and comes with a nice case. 11 of 12 people found this review helpful, 27 of 27 people found this review helpful. The Neumann TLM 102 is a very small in size, large diaphragm condenser microphone. It certainly looks like a Neumann, but it’s significantly smaller and lighter than you might expect. The 3 mics in my subject line (TLM 102, 103, AKG C414) are in my price range, and I've heard great things about all 3. NOTE: As an Amazon Associate, Shout4Music earns from qualifying purchases. It SEEMS like the C414 would be better suited as an acoustic guitar mic, whereas the 102 and 103 get slightly better reviews for vocals (I've already done some research). ... Neumann TLM 102 - Nickel - " Good microphone" translated. It’s able to mic drums and brass instruments with detail and refinement, adding a richness and depth without compromising detail. TLM 102, Large diaphragm condenser microphone from Neumann in the TLM 102 series. Steve La Cerra is a … Jonah Walton from . NOTE: As an Amazon Associate, Shout4Music earns from qualifying purchases. But quality speaks, and in the TLM 102’s case it’s loud and clear. If you're only going to be able to afford one premium microphone in your lifetime, let it be this one. It has pretty standard features for a Neumann, as it has a cardioid pick up pattern and will pick up the full frequency spectrum of human hearing (20 Hz to 20 KHz). Its capsule does make use of more cost-effective design, although the performance certainly doesn’t suffer, and the lack of pad and high-pass filter also makes it a fairly straightforward unit. No pad, no roll off and no polarity switch. There are some major differences with this mic as opposed to other Neumann microphones. It offers users a richness, clarity, and definition that’s nearly impossible to find in other mics in the same price range, and despite its lack of added features is able to perform admirably with any sound source. It has a real sensitive spot when it has a hot signal and it distorts way to easily. It's not very big in comparison to other Neumann mics, but it does have a large diaphragm. Many might be skeptical of the Neumann TLM 102’s value for money, especially when compared with other, cheaper microphones on the market. $699.00 by Amazon; $699.00 by Sweetwater; View price information > Not satisfied with those reviews? Clean, but not a U87 or even close. It’s been engineered to respond well to the human voice, with a sound signature that is finely tuned for the range of 8 to 12 kHz and lends a supple, silky elegance to recordings. The Neumann TLM102 is the cheapest mic in Neumann’s TLM range, which on a whole contains the company’s most affordably priced microphones. With a max SPL of 144 dB, the Neumann TLM-102 is able to hold up to jumps in volume and dynamics without distorting or losing clarity. There are no switches for pads nor filters, so you literally put it on a stand, point it at a source (it’ll take up to 144 dB SPL, which is … You can edit your menu content on the Menus screen in the Appearance section. Cookies help us improve performance, enhance user experience and deliver our services. December 12, 2019 Music Background: Engineer. It’s also a quieter mic, with a self-noise of 7dB(A), 5 dB softer than the TLM 102. The mic’s design goals were to provide a high-SPL, large-diaphragm, neutrally-voiced transducer in a very small physical package. In our opinion, the Neumann TLM 102 is a microphone best suited for musicians/recording engineers who are looking for an ultra-high quality microphone, that you really won’t need to replace! Neumann TLM 102 - Nickel - moosers's review. Find the best deals for the Neumann TLM 102 Microphone here. The pickup pattern of this microphone is cardioid. The capsule itself is located in an elastic suspension mount that helps to isolate it from vibrations. While the excellence of Neumann microphones is widely known throughout the industry, their prices can make the dream of owning one seem like a far-off impossibility. A thread around the XLR housing … Find out just what sets this mic apart from the crowd, and whether it’s worth the price, in this Neumann TLM102 review below. TLM 102 Reviews Sort By Date Sort By Rating Write Your Review. The brand has offered products with some of the highest quality sound and manufacturing over its 80-year history, and many of their products have shaped the direction of studio recording forever. It’s able to mic drums and brass instruments with detail and refinement, adding a … This is a studio-only condenser microphone, made by a German company called Neumann. The TLM 102 features a new capsule, low noise and handles up to 144dB SPL. The TLM 102’s capsule allows for an organic separation between human vocals and instruments, enabling your voice to sit comfortably in the mix without fear of being overpowered. Review specs and features as well as sample audio comparison. Neumann TLM-102 vs TLM-103: Which Is The Better Mic? 06/14/13. It’s an excellent vocal mic, lending recordings a natural warmth and richness without adding too much color.