A CLASSIC OF TODAY The TLM 103 has quickly grown to be one of Neumann’s most notable successes. Its crystal-clear audio is a more contemporary take on the vintage U87. The TLM 103 is a transformerless cardioid condenser microphone with a mild presence boost that produces an astonishingly direct sound with breathtaking definition and extremely low noise.
INDUSTRY STANDARD The TLM 103 was first introduced in 1997 as a less expensive replacement for the venerable U 87, but it has since come to stand alone as a modern classic. Today, the TLM 103 serves as the benchmark for evaluating modern studio microphones. The TLM 103 features a classic tapered headgrille that gives it a distinctive Neumann appearance.
The TLM 103 is a cardioid microphone with a large diaphragm condenser capsule that was adapted from the venerable Neumann U 87’s classic K67/87 capsule. The TLM 103, on the other hand, has a wide presence boost for frequencies above 5 kHz and a slightly more contemporary voicing. Vocals and solo instruments can easily stand out in the mix thanks to its very direct yet refined sound. Naturally, the TLM 103 also features the renowned authoritative midrange that has distinguished Neumann microphones as the best option in studios all over the world. The TLM 103 is distinguished by its remarkably deep yet controlled low end, which is ideal for sonorous voices and potent bass instruments.
APPLICATIONS Due to its exceptional performance, the TLM 103 was quickly adopted by renowned studios as a more contemporary sounding alternative to the U87, for example for speech, vocals, drums, guitar amps, and piano. The TLM 103 was initially intended for project studios and broadcast use. The TLM 103 is frequently employed in classical recordings as a spot mic, such as for the cello and double bass.