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Neumann TLM 103 Reviews

5 based on 11 customer reviews

Sweetwater Advice

Stuart Niven
The TLM 103 is nothing short of amazing and for the price, such an affordable way to get into the pro league. Once you have had the Neumann experience you will understand why these microphones are such an industry standard and sought after by many. From the moment that you open the elegant wooden Neumann box to the moment you put the TLM 103 to bed after a session, you'll notice that you have been smiling from ear to ear!
Kenny Bergle
One of the best mics on the planet for the price! AND it's a Neumann! Super clean and super great on any musical instrument. Some voices sound good on it, for voice I would look at the TLM49 typically.

Customer Reviews

JL
from PITTSBURGH, PA
December 19, 2009 Music Background:
PRODUCER/ARTIS

sounds great!!!!!!

had a couple of neumanns now(tlm 49 and the 103)i must say i like this 103 better for vocals sounds real good well at least on my voice
Karnig Baghdassarian
from Beirut, Lebanon
September 26, 2009 Music Background:
recording, mixing engineer, musician, composer and producer.

A MUST HAVE

this is a must have microphone, it sounds perfect, just like a very expensive tube mic. especially if u use it with a solo 610 tube pre amp from Universal Audio.
Bryan
from Dallas, TX
June 1, 2009 Music Background:
Recording Engineer, Pro Musician

Amazing Mic!

Absolutely incredible sound. Be ready to be blown away by this mic. I use it for vocals and guitars, sound is incredible. I have owned mine for 5 years now and have not had one problem.
judas
from north shore
April 12, 2008 Music Background:
recording engineer

amazing mic

beyonce and justin timberlake use this. granted they have probably the best mic chain ever (neve pres, la-2a compression) but u can start with the same mic and created ur own awesome mic chain. just buy the mic.
Jeff Kain
from New England, U.S.A.
November 11, 2007 Music Background:
Singer/Songwriter/Producer

Best Kept Secret!

I've owned my TLM for seven years and have used it on hundreds of acoustic guitar and vocal sessions. I also rely on David Royer’s unparalleled Mojave Audio MA-200, AKG and Rode mics. I must say that I love Neumann, in particular the TLM-103. I find it fascinating how lower-priced gear can alter someone’s objectivity. I advocate rejoicing at the luxury of this price and then let your ears be the judge. If it were four grand, everyone would be enthralled and impressed because it’s a Neumann. It’s amazing how the price can play with your head, yet this mic is not what I consider inexpensive simply because it’s under a grand. It’s a great mic. I’m proud to own one and am grateful that I got mine for less than a thousand. I feel proficient knowing that I’ve done so and try to place my efforts into talent and capturing the moment more than unnecessarily depleting my savings. I’m not George Martin producing Paul McCartney, but I sure have gotten some sweet recordings using the TLM and nobody knew the distinction until now. Go for it!
Jerry
from Pinckney, MI
April 25, 2007 Music Background:
Live performance, Home recording, Whaever I feel like doing.

Can Anyone Say "Versatile?"

I have had TLM 103 for about 7 years now, great mic. It will do just about anything well. Well worth the money. I think that any mic that would honestly earn 5 stars (if such thing exists) would cost many times more than the TLM 103.
Johnny V
from Prescott, AZ
February 15, 2007 Music Background:
Studio owner, Engineer, Producer

Phenoms for the price... actually for any price.

The absolute only reason that these don't get a 5 is because they lack the 'industry standard' reputaton of the U87. These mics are amazing, I use a pair for drum overheads and then pull them down to use on guitar cabs! So versatile, so clean, just some solid Neumanns for a grand a piece!
Jim B.
from
June 11, 2008 Music Background:
Producer/Engineer/Composer

Great Mic!

Gearfolks poke fun at the TLM 103 and say it's like buying a huge diamond with poor clarity and color, but when you've spent $4k on a vintage mic, any legitimate competition from a sub-$1k piece will make you break out in hives. I've used this thing with fantastic success on a rapper with overly sibilant Ts and Ssses and on a nylon-stringed guitar with very dull strings. Ignore the jealous vintage guys and just get it. Incredibly versatile mic for the project studio owner!
John Quimby
from Santa Barbara, CA
May 23, 2008 Music Background:
Studio Owner,Voice Talent

Pro Mic - Great Value

I use a TLM 103 as our studio's announcer mic.
It's been heard on a slew of national broadcast commercials and radio programs for NPR, BBC and CBC.
Most recently featured on promos for Indiana Jones and will be heard opening the Indy 500 broadcast on ABC. Not the most expensive tool in the rack - but you never have to apologize for using a mic this good.
Joshua "dna" gallardo
from Boston
January 28, 2010 Music Background:
recording and mixing engineer

not good

mic is too harsh or too bright..not good to capture the highs on anything..but mic under this price range sound way better than it....don't recommend it...
Tim Batt
from Huntsville, Alabama, USA
February 1, 2005

Love my TLM103

I have a matched pair of these microphones. As the recording engineer for the Huntsville Symphony I can attest to their wonderful sound. My best project so far was recording the 150 piece chorus on Carmina Burana. WOW! I used a pair or Schoeps on the orchestra and the TLMs on the chorus.

Neumann TLM 103

Large-diaphragm Cardioid Microphone with Wooden Jeweler's Box

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