- Popular Brands
Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone Nickel

Also available in these bundles

Description
The Neumann TLM 103 condenser microphone delivers world-class sound quality with a modern design tailored for today's recording environments. Inspired by the iconic U 87, this microphone features a large-diaphragm capsule that captures the essence of any sound source with remarkable accuracy. Its transformerless circuitry ensures a pristine signal path, offering ultralow self-noise and a wide dynamic range that makes it suitable for everything from intimate vocal recordings to high-energy instrument tracking. With its fixed cardioid polar pattern and a slight presence boost, the TLM 103 combines clarity, depth and warmth, making it an indispensable tool for capturing professional-grade recordings. Its contemporary engineering provides a faithful representation of the classic Neumann sound while introducing enhancements that meet the demands of modern studios.
Large-Diaphragm Capsule for Detailed Sound
At the heart of this microphone lies its K 103 large-diaphragm capsule, derived from the legendary U 87. This capsule is designed to capture audio with exceptional precision, translating every nuance of the source into a natural and balanced sound. The TLM 103 offers a gentle 4dB presence boost above 5kHz, adding airiness and dimension to vocals and solo instruments. This subtle enhancement ensures that recordings sit effortlessly in the mix without requiring excessive post-processing. Whether you're recording a lush vocal performance or a delicate acoustic guitar, this microphone delivers a polished, professional sound that brings every detail to life.
Transformerless Circuitry for Pristine Audio
The TLM 103 features Neumann's transformerless circuitry, which eliminates the inherent limitations of traditional transformer-based designs. This innovative technology results in an incredibly transparent signal path, ensuring that the original source is captured with stunning clarity. The microphone also boasts an ultralow self-noise level of just 7dB-A, making it ideal for recording delicate performances such as whispered vocals or intricate Foley work. By minimizing unwanted hiss and coloration, this design allows engineers to focus entirely on the creative process, ensuring recordings of unparalleled purity and detail.
Wide Dynamic Range for Versatile Applications
With the ability to handle sound pressure levels up to 138dB, the TLM 103 excels in capturing everything from subtle dynamics to powerful performances. Its vast 131dB dynamic range accommodates a wide variety of applications, from soft, fingerpicked acoustic instruments to the thunderous roar of amplified guitars. This microphone's robust SPL handling eliminates the need for preattenuation, allowing engineers to capture full, uncompressed signals without distortion. The result is a versatile microphone that performs equally well in quiet studio sessions and high-energy recording scenarios.
Cardioid Polar Pattern for Focused Pickup
Designed with a fixed cardioid polar pattern, the TLM 103 effectively isolates the intended sound source while rejecting unwanted ambient noise. This focused pickup pattern ensures clean recordings by minimizing off-axis coloration and room reflections. Whether you're tracking vocals, acoustic instruments, or loud sources like drums, the microphone delivers a clear and detailed representation of the performance. The tight cardioid pattern also makes it a reliable choice for home studios and untreated spaces, where controlling environmental noise is essential for achieving professional results.
A Modern Classic Condenser Microphone
The Neumann TLM 103 condenser microphone brings the revered Neumann sound to home and project studios at an accessible price point. Its combination of precision engineering, low self-noise and dynamic range makes it an invaluable addition to any recording setup. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or just building your studio, this microphone provides the tools needed to produce recordings of the highest quality.


Features
- Large-diaphragm capsule derived from U 87 for studio-grade clarity
- Transformerless circuitry ensures pristine signal with ultra-low self-noise
- 7dB-A self-noise captures subtle nuances without hiss or coloration
- 131dB dynamic range handles delicate whispers to high SPL sources
- 4dB presence boost above 5kHz adds airiness to vocals and instruments
- Fixed cardioid pattern reduces ambient noise and off-axis coloration
- 138dB SPL handling captures loud sources with incredible accuracy
Specs
- Acoustical operating principle: Pressure-gradient transducerDirectional pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency range: 20Hz–20kHz
- Sensitivity at 1kHz into 1 kohm: 23mV/Pa
- Rated impedance: 50 ohms
- Rated load impedance: 1 kohms
- Equivalent noise level, (CCIR1): 17.5dB
- Equivalent noise level, (A-weighted): 7dB-A
- Signal-to-noise ratio, (CCIR1) (rel. 94dB SPL): 76.5dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio, (A-weighted) (rel. 94dB SPL): 87dB
- Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%2: 138dB
- Maximum output voltage: 13dBu
- Dynamic range of the microphone amplifier (A-weighted): 131dB
- Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938): 48V ± 4V
- Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938): 3 mA
- Matching connector: XLR3F
- Weight approx.: 450 g
- Diameter: 60 mm
- Length: 132 mm
Warranty
Featured Articles
Reviews
4.9
10 Reviews
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend
- Home Studio6
- Amateur Recording3
- Professional Recording3
- Performances2
- Bulky/Heavy1
- Pricey / Poor Value1
- Experienced3
- Professional Musician3
- Novice2
- Good Audio7
- Easy To Use6
- Compact4
- Durable4
- Lightweight3
Reviewed by 10 customers
The Perfect Mic for Voice-Over
submitted2 years ago
byLJ
fromAtlanta, GA
This is the perfect mic for voice-over. It's crystal clear and warm for female voices. At least with my tonal voice, it fits me just right. I was debating about going cheaper when it came down to choosing my first XLR mic but these days if you want to be competitive in this crowded industry - there's nothing wrong with upgrading to one of the best mics in the voice-over industry. You won't be disappointed when you buy this mic. I certainly have no regrets! I love my TLM 103 and I'm never going back to my old USB mic ever again.
It really is that good.
submitted2 years ago
byJ
fromSan Jose
I debated this purchase for weeks, but I was tired of messing around with other mics for years, and spending so much time EQ'ing and post processing them to get professional results. I am now extremely glad I bought it and would do so again. Pros: - Jaw-dropping clear and detailed sound. - Dead-quiet, practically zero self-noise. - Very sensitive, but somehow it rejects stray background noise better than my other cheaper condenser. With the levels set properly, and getting somewhat close to this mic (but where it still sounds great), it rejects stray background noise almost as well as my SM7B. - Vocals in particular sound amazing through this mic. I was reluctant because some reviews said it was too bright or sibilant. Not at all for my voice. The tonality has a similar richness and warmth as my SM7B, but with a lot more high-frequency detail, and smooth but crisp transients. Simply put, this sounds every bit like a pro studio mic. - The presence lift in the highest frequencies gives the mic a beautiful "air"/sparkle, which makes EQ'ing it for a mix a breeze. It's very typical to boost those frequencies with EQ after the fact to make a vocal pop, but this mic does it on its own straight from the source. You can always EQ out detail if you don't want/need it... but it's hard to add back if it's not there. - It's a beautiful mic and the build quality is everything you'd expect from a Neumann. Comes in a nice wooden case and has a solid heft to it. - It sounds fantastic for singing vocals, but if you're into VO work, it also has a beautiful proximity effect warmth when you get in close to it. The sound thickens up without any boominess or muddiness. It just gets fatter and warmer but retains all the crispness and sparkle. Cons: - Price. But you get what you pay for in this case. If you're tired of messing around trying to get your vocal recordings sounding professional and polished, even after you've already got a good pre-amp and lots of experience with compression, EQ, reverb, etc... this mic will likely get you the rest of the way there. And, it's an investment you will use for many years.
Good vocal mic, but not for everyone
submitted3 years ago
byAnthony
fromMaine
This is obviously a good vocal mic as it is highly regarded and a modern classic. However, it's not a one size fits all as most all mics are not. This is not overall bright as others have mentioned. With eq you can give it a more modern sound, but if you want something bright with a nice top end from the start you may need to look elsewhere. Overall a good mic though for the price.
Sounds like my old U87 but 1/3 the price
Verified Buyer
submitted3 years ago
byCary
fromDenver
Use as my vocal mic. Was using a Sanheiser u 41
Great product
submitted5 years ago
byRob
fromSan Jose ca
Very easy to use
Buy this now, on the fence rapper!!!
submitted5 years ago
byZeo rapper
fromDETROIT
This is the Mike bros @ gals! Lots of confusing information out here between singers and rappers my .02 Singers are looking for warm tonal quality and a mike to "help" their vocals shine as rappers need a mike that wont distort under yelling @certain frequencies and wont add any character to ones voice, but captures the nuances that make ones vocals unique, cheaper Mikes drop the ball on this. Get information from someone in your genre of music or be confused. I also noticed that this Mike takes eq gates and autotune soooo much better. Believe it or not I could even hear the quality differences between headphones I didn't notice with my nt1! The u87 is NOT worth it if you don't record guitars drums or other instruments. Just be done with it buy this mic pair it with a good preamp and record a professional album!!! Snatch this mic!!!
Q&A
Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.
submitted5 years ago
asked byEast
fromDallas, TX
Is the shock mount included in this package?
The Shockmount sold separately.submitted5 years ago
asked byJay
fromundisclosed
Does it come with a microphone cable?
The cable is sold separately.No, it does not.No, it does not. Please give us a call and we’ll help you pick something out – 877 687 5403submitted5 years ago
asked byAnderson
fromLos Angeles
Which Universal Audio Apollo interface would you recommend for this mic?
Any of them would be compatible. The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface would be a good choice.submitted5 years ago
asked byAnderson
fromLos Angeles
Which Apollo interface would you recommend for this mic?
It would depend on what you're looking to use it for and how many inputs you'll need. Give us a call at 866-498-7882 and we can get you a few options.This condenser mic would work well with any audio interface.submitted5 years ago
asked byBob
fromPort St. Lucie fll
Can I use this mic for my live performances
Condenser mics re not recommended for live performance, just recordingsubmitted6 years ago
asked byFreyja
fromBoulder, CO
The picture shows the TLM 103 with a shock mount, but the description says it is sold separately. Which is true? Also, does it include the wooden box?
This doses not come with a shockmount or boxsubmitted6 years ago
asked byBob
fromPort St. Lucie, Florida 34987
I have a tc electronics AE 3300 mike going through a voice live extreme, Mackie Vlz 14 channel mixer and mackie powered pa speakers. I am a single artist w/guitar, two good amps and a boss dr-880 rhythm machine. My goal is to improve the quality of my vocals worth the right equipment...I like what I think the Neumann tl103 would do to improve the sound. I want to get closer to the audience with the vocals without a lot of the FX. Can you guide me in the right direction? Thank you.
This will take more than a couple of sentences to convey to you, and we also need to know your vocal range. (if you're mid, to lower octave will be a different mic than a higher register. Email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com and we can help you find the best gear for your needs.