Best Vocal Microphones | Neumann U87 Ai VS Neumann TLM 103

[@archiebeatz]

Thank you all for watching... I enjoyed this Microphone versus and I hope you all enjoy it as well. Check out my TOP favorite gear picks on Sweetwater ✅👉🏾 imp.i114863.net/zQGG0

[@MrDifferentTV]

Idk man with your vocals bro you could record on a 20$ and still sound good. Dope video bro.

[@archiebeatz]

Hahahahaha, There are some that have me sounding like Chewbacca, lol. Thanks bro. I really appreciate it.

[@denilsonardon0715]

@@archiebeatz Can a nice singing voice sound good in $20-100 mics? O.o

[@TheDorkiella]

😂😂😂

[@DerekJohn]

Lol ikr I’m like dang bro why all these beat makers be hiding these voices like gone head n kanye that ish already Lmaooo but for real though I think we need Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 vs neumann u 87 vs sony c-800g

[@Mope333]

@@denilsonardon0715 Yes

[@akbarishmael3551]

Sold my TLM 103 and kept my U87ai! The U87 just sits better without doing too much to it!!

[@archiebeatz]

Oh I see. Yeah, they are two different microphones with great benefits. I prefer my U87 but it's great to have a second neumann perspective you know.

[@lockolocolocke476]

6:21 U87 7:08 TLM 103

[@Starrysofficial]

Thank you for this.🤍

[@alittleblackcircle3628]

🐐

[@lockolocolocke476]

@@alittleblackcircle3628 its not the same recording...

[@flavmartin]

I remember while studying audio engineering in school the challenge was to make a tlm 103 sound like a u87 using a parametric eq. This was achieved without alot of work.Some would say the tlm is a better buy if you have a high qualify E.Q in your arsenal because it certainly be tweaked to sound pretty much exactly like a u87..nice video btw..thanks

[@victordiaz77]

How do you do it???

[@CreativeVUZE]

Slight ​low Mid boost and slight roll off past 10k

[@TCmadethis]

@@CreativeVUZE what is slight? like roughly how many DB?

[@Shaunks86]

The U87 sounds slightly thicker, but only slightly. I have the 103 and I love it. I definitely want to get a U87 one day though.

[@timatack]

Great comparison video. I work as a film composer and have a pair of TLM 103 mics that I mainly use to record grand piano. The U87 sounds a shade rounder and warmer on your video but the difference is so minimal !!. Love my 103's !!. Thanks for doing this 👍

[@logic77]

The Tlm 103 sounds clearer on the top end. But you have to be conscious of sibilance and adjust distance from the mic or adjust preamp. Just bought one because of your input. Thanks for your video.

[@melodychest9020]

Great video. What grabbed me first was your voice which is so smooth, well balanced with zero harshness, rare gift. As for the mics, the U87 just sounds more musical and I can see it just sitting in a mix and flattering most voices and magically making them sound very refined. Amen!

[@pmbison73]

I have the TLM for over 20 years. I LOVE it ESPECIALLY on MY voice because I have a light voice so I don't need ALL the switches etc. When I'm recording others I just pull them BACK a tad bit for clarity OR roll off on the Eq if they don't wanna pull back and JUST be in the pocket. I DO like the U87 but I chose the TLM 103 moons ago. Enjoyed the video!!!!

[@max8591]

Tbh I hear quite a massive difference between the 2, during the talking test and the singing test. Thanks for this!

[@straighttrippingmusic]

what I mostly hear with these really nice/more expensive mics.. and what i hear also in this comparison is their is an almost Compressed sound making vocal fuller/thicker less harsh.. I have a 103.. but would love a U87.. :) thanks for sharing!

[@TonyMass]

Thank You for this I've been looking for this line up all day 🙌😁😁😁💪🏾😎💯

[@drogers0033]

I'd like to see a shoot out between a TLM 103 and a AKG C414 XLII

[@streetlogic]

I think the u87 just sounds a little smoother but both dope AF.

[@alexlechanteur3606]

the U87 have something more yess but solo like that without musical context, its actually impossible to tell wich one would be the best in certain case. The TLM103 holds its self really nicelly considering the price difference

[@blackdiasporahistory]

You so dope bro your videos an journey are very inspiring. Great voice and advice

[@onepath5978]

great voice man

[@archiebeatz]

Thank you so much.

[@jayo.4039]

Both of them sound great but I think the U87 adds more body,thickening the vocal sound more than the Tlm 103. And that makes it fit better in the mix.

[@arbi4039]

Man idk about processing... But im totally in love with the u87. It just sounds... Like a dream. Definitely gonna get my hands on that in the futur

[@tom_k_d]

Thanks, great comparison. U87ai kills it - combine it with a quality pre, and you're all set. But there are situations were TLM103 is the better choice: U87ai has a max SPL of only 117dB (and better don't even try to use it's pad, it won't sound stellar 🙄) - so for very loud sources TLM 103 might be the preferred option: once U87ai distortion sets in, it does set in in a quite nasty way (typically this happens when you'd have to set your pre to less then 20dB gain to reach 0dBFS @ +4dBU standard studio level).

[@WavyMacofficial]

They use the TLM where I record at in Chicago . Enviyon entertainment, I love that mic for my voice. So smooth

[@archiebeatz]

Yes!!!

[@ChadTheMaverick]

Appreciate the shoutout and you actually doing the review! This was the best side by side I’ve seen done yet. The Neumann TLM 103 with an Apollo is the ultimate on the go condenser mix 🔥

[@TheRealDirtySkillz]

According to who? Do you use this...

[@KeenApollo]

@@TheRealDirtySkillz well the artist russ has said numerous times and recently posted the Tlm 103 and apollo twin and he's made platinum selling songs on the road so I think a pretty successful artist can back his claims

[@WIIMTheMusician]

I have a TLM 103 and I’ll say it works good for soft, smooth vocals. But it’s almost as if it can’t handle louder, crisper vocals without distorting or being too harsh. Even with PERFECT levels I still have to subtractive EQ and De-Ess to tame those frequencies. It definitely DOESNT lack clarity though. Just depends on your vocalist

[@DanielBergonzoni]

It sounds like the TLM103 has way less low mid to it which almost sounds like more of a "finished product" type sound. Like, I bet a lot of mixes end up EQ's those frequencies out of the vocal track if they used a mic other than the TLM103. That's the main thing I noticed anyway. I would probably prefer it over the u87 in a lot of cases, but it's hard to tell from this one example haha. Great video

[@TheHartHealer]

i have a TLM102 going into an avalon 737/distressor/Apollo Twin, the best quality of my life but still that warm full sound im looking for isn't all the way there yet. the U87 is like the star on top of the tree as far as wide warm vocals go!

[@TonyTana9905]

That’s a nice chain, what kind of music do you do?

[@rakneural]

I bought TLM two months ago and I don't regret it, they are perfect. Like from Brazil Bro! God Job!

[@troycopeland5156]

TLM all the way I love the u87 worked on it for years but it's something special about the tlm

[@whatsthedealoneill1]

very hard for me to not cringe when you swap away from the U87. I am sold. thanks for the greatest content on microphones on the internet. Seriously. I subbed and love your style.

[@jamlocuciones]

Hi Archie, Nice to meet you!. I am an EU Spanish voice actor and international audio producer located in Spain and I fully agree with you in what you say. Both are very balanced, bring great warmth and vocal presence and are the soul of the German brand Neumann!. I have worked (as voice actor) with both MICs but, currently, I prefer to work with my TLM 103 because of its better price-quality ratio, but yes, indeed, its older brother, UA87 Ai, is the world standard to work on voicover and dubbing. But attention!!, every day, the TLM 103 is establishing itself as one of the key pieces/tools in any PRO Recording Studio together with the PreAMP UA 610 Solo (made in USA) and the RME UC Fireface sound card (made in Germany). In Europe each one of these tools is currently around 1,000 Euros. Greetings from sunny Spain!

[@hopegraceandmercy5180]

Just got the TLM 103 yesterday

[@archiebeatz]

That's awesome. What do you think so far?

[@dan_tanna]

Thanks for the comparison video Bro! Well, the TLM 103 sound character is better for what I produce, which is Trap and Drill music. I need that gritty texture. GREAT VIDEO AND THANKS FOR THE SHOUT!

[@DJURBANBG]

yes i also hear more grit and warmth in 103

[@farangdan747]

The U87 is way warmer bro... more balanced across the spectrum too letting you shape it easier to how you want it. I use the TLM a lot it has a harshness in the high mids and certain essy voices get really harsh in the top end when you start compressing.

[@dan_tanna]

@@farangdan747 For hip hop, I don't want warm and clean... I want gritty and harshness to blend with the character of the beat. We all produce differently and there's no wrong answer. That's the beauty of being different! Different ideas, great results!

[@esco.letsgo]

@@farangdan747 what mics do you own?

[@thaexception3406]

Gotta love it when your own vocals moves you. Vocals man especially when you kicked it up towards the end with the TLM 103 which I like TLM 103 clarity better.

[@ghostbandana6204]

Just got the sm7b. I’m getting the tlm 103 next. This comparison helped so much. I’ll wait and get the u87 for Christmas🔥🔥🔥

[@scutifr]

From God?😂

[@ghostbandana6204]

@@scutifr everything I get comes from God lil dude

[@scutifr]

@@ghostbandana6204 what’s his address? 😂🙏

[@bigmanbeats8582]

@@scutifr U87 Neuman Dr. 😭

[@scutifr]

@@bigmanbeats8582 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@PharaohLawLess1]

I want a shoot out between the Neumann U87ai verses the Warm Audio wa87

[@ari1981music]

I have u87 and wa87. Man the neumann u87 kills it and it's a fenomenal mic i can not compare to any other microphones!

[@dennisliszcz2802]

I have the 102 and 103 and familiar with the U87 . i believe the most significant characteristic with the U87 is a more noticeable WARMTH although slight it is there. BUT this can be created in the 103 with a dedicated eq / mild compression using a vocal pre. which enhances the 103 Success with NEVE 511 ,Working with a Heritage Elite / with EQ, single channel at this time,. Very nice. Made in Spain. They have been around about 15 years and seems to be very committed to craftsmanship, in emulating the sought after characteristics of some of the classic Neve line of pre's.

[@prod.xo.]

Just got my u87 last week and it’s so nice

[@КостяМирный-ц3б]

Both mics are great but I like U87 more, it sounds softer, while TLM103 is more crispy and bright

[@major6461]

facts.

[@KordTaylor]

Thanks for this. Gotta find U87 vs. clines.

[@UpliftedProductions]

Hey Arch, you need to do the Neuman TLM49 vs. any other mic you choose. I use it on all my vocals.

[@eargazmmusic]

If an artist has a lot of sibilance in their voice the 103 is a mess. It can be very harsh. U87ai is a very good balanced mic. Running it through the Avalon 737 is amazing.

[@racheloshaksmusic]

The TLM 103 is just soo much pristine when singing. It balances out the frequencies in your voice. It’s lighter but it can be made deeper. The 87 is fuller but for you sounds a bit more muddy and like a lot of work would be done on it.

[@JimonRussell725]

exactly what I said that's why I like the 103 more

[@racheloshaksmusic]

@@JimonRussell725 love that 💯💯🙌🏾

[@fufu4700]

Y’all ears broken

[@IAMYUNGGAF]

​@@fufu4700 lol. or the speakers. They both are good but the 87 was noticeably fuller without sounding muddy. felt like i heard the full range of everything.

[@AnimAHipHopTV]

"It's impossible to tell the difference solo" Bruh, the body entirely fell tf away when switching to the TLM 103

[@djtommykeys]

Thank you. So glad I discovered your channel. You got a like and a subscribe. I've listened to the TLM 103 called a U87 clone. I know it's a broadcast standard for voiceover. But... there's a mid clarity to the U87, especially on your voice that is a sweet song from heaven. I'm a baritone and don't need a boost in the lows and mids so a little high end magic makes me shine. Right now my budget is fine with my Rode NT1. I may never feel the need for a U87 but if I had a stash of spare cash I might give myself a present.

[@xinokingvevo4982]

Congrats on 100k🎉🎉🎉

[@Fatalis069]

Ok earlier than excepted, tomorrow my u87 arrives!

[@archiebeatz]

That's awesome. Congratulations on the new microphone!!

[@Fatalis069]

@@archiebeatz thanks man in germany its just around 2600

[@JustLeve]

Yea I like when he said if the TLM 103 was the only microphone he was stuck with he wouldn’t be mad because that’s the same one I’ve had since 2011 😂. So I’ve been rocking with the 103 for 13 years. The only other 2 microphones I like using at different studios are the U87 and the AKG C414 XLii.

[@wallace_nelson]

Following after my bro I have the tlm103 saving for the u87. Great video fam.

[@paulquinnvoiceover8354]

As always, great video! I'd love to hear a comparison between the Advanced Audio CM800t and the Warm Audio WA8000. I'm thinking about going with the Advanced Audio version based on some shootouts on GS, but I haven't heard them compared to each other (only compared to the OG Sony) Thanks!

[@archiebeatz]

Thanks Paul! If I get my hands on those microphones I will definitely review them. I’ve been dying to test them out. Be on the look out brother.

[@MillerTimeVoiceOver]

Great job!!

[@EposVox]

Great video

[@mariuszhotynzespoaccord9178]

Hello. I have a RODE NTK microphone. It is a good microphone, but it is quite bright. I am thinking of some alternative in the studio as a second mike. What do you think about Neumann Tlm 102?

[@archiebeatz]

Hi! The Rode NTK is considered on the warmer/darker side. Do you have it connected to a preamp? The TLM102 is considered brighter than NTK but the TLM102 would be a great second studio mic. The NTK and TLM102 are the best of both worlds, lol. I hope this helps.

[@mariuszhotynzespoaccord9178]

@@archiebeatz Thank you for your response. I have a Universal Audio Apollo Twin Usb interface.

[@tuneunleashed]

@@mariuszhotynzespoaccord9178 Dude....check out the Warm Audio 251 or 47 tube. My lord!!!! Better than TLM’s

[@mariuszhotynzespoaccord9178]

@@tuneunleashed Ok.

[@normclemis1221]

Dude! Nice vocals!

[@archiebeatz]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@lordleomoon]

I actually like the brightness of the TLM personally in the test you did. The U87 is warmer and darker for sure. Both go crazy though!!

[@jamesames1994]

"they have that Neumann sound in common", I would love to hear that too...

[@dannylightning-audio-reviews]

I like them both, great video

[@DerekJohn]

Can you do Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 vs neumann u 87 vs sony c-800g?

[@EHall-zj9zy]

What up Arch? I have the TLM103 connected to an Apollo x6. My unison pre of choice is the 1073 (gain around 40-45 depending on the artist). Just purchased an iconic mars comet which should be here today. You think that a decent setup? Mainly rap vocals….

[@archiebeatz]

Yes!!! That’s an awesome setup 🙌🏾

[@trinityworld588]

Archie thx i got the apollo twin x to work...

[@archiebeatz]

You are welcome. Awesome. I'm glad to hear that!

[@doitlikeclean]

The 103 on my headphones and bottom phone speakers has perceivable fuller less crammed high end / slight harsh sounds. The 87 sounds like a remake of the 103 where they iron everything out and add some body and realness about it. That 103 sounds heat bro but that 87 makes it sound a hit

[@archiebeatz]

Interesting perspective. I dig it, lol.

[@acejalaf]

Great video! Thank you! May I ask you if it is okay to leave the mic connected to the interface with xlr all the time? Or is it worth disconnecting it and putting in the box after the vocals session?

[@bossthemessiah409bigron]

U87 @ 6:21 & Tlm 103 @ 7:07

[@asbestos4u]

The saturation in the low mids on the u87 is definitely a sound and it’s nice but for a more modern sound the tlm 103 has clearer sounding low mids so depends on what you need either would work. I’ll go with the tlm until it makes me enough money to buy a u87.

[@JaeBTundra1]

Love neumann products

[@billymack4258]

Awesome video test on these two microphones ! I have been using my Neumann 103 into a Bae Neve 1073 w/eq. , B2 Bomber ADC to bypass my Apollo x6 converters I just ordered a Neumann U87 Ai and a UA 1176 so this will be will be my new vocal chain for tracking. It looks I made a good choice on the U87. MacBook pro m1, Cubase 12 pro Apollo x6. Would love to know your vocal chain when tracking vocals and what sample rate you record at too 48kHz etc..Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for your time and knowledge .🙂👍

[@archiebeatz]

Thank you so much. Great vocal chain setup Billy. Oh yes, you are definitely going to love the U87 Ai with the 1176.. Are you placing the BAE Neve 1073 between the U87 Ai and 1176? That's a killer chain. Mine is very similar.. I use my U87 Ai or Lauten Atlantis > Neve 5211 with the silk cranked to emulate the 1073 > UA 6176 (Just the 1176 compressor side) > Apollo 8 Quad > Pro Tools at 24bit, 48kHz. I hope this helps and thank you for such a great comment and question.

[@billymack4258]

@@archiebeatz your welcome. yes U87 into the bae 1073 out into the ua 1176 out into the B2 Burl bomber out rca spdif into the Apollo spdif rca input. Wow that's an awesome vocal chain and setup you have. I love your KZbin channel I look forward to check out your music and videos. Thanks so much for replying and helping out.with your great tips. 😎👍

[@BRADRANCH]

GREAT COMPARISON. Im getting the 103 and hoping that it can make my voice like yours. :) Your voice would sound great on anything. ha ha. God has blessed you. I ordered the 103, coming in today. I don't think its as good as the 87 but for me its so close I just wont justify the xtra cost. I use the 414xl2 through BAE 1073,, bluey compressor and pultek eq for my hardware chain going into pro tools HD. Ill end up buying the u87.The 414 sounds better on my VX but for other clients I want the neumann option. Thank you for taking time to post this. Gonna look for your music to purchase and will sub. I dont think theres much difference that we will hear in the final mx between these 2 mics.

[@yxngbt387]

This was the exact comparison I wanted to see thanks man

[@literaltrash2275]

THANK YOU 🐐

[@chuksblessing4857]

I will go for TLM 103

[@archiebeatz]

Great choice! 🙌🏾

[@khalilroukoz]

Thanks for video! have you heard of Aston Spirit mic if any good vs u87?

[@archiebeatz]

You are welcome and thank you for watching. Well, the Spirit sounds amazing but it's not in the same class as the U87. I hope this helps.

[@khalilroukoz]

Thank you!

[@mafia461]

Im not an expert, and I'm sure there's a hair difference in sounds somewhere, but tbh, they both sounded pretty much the same to me. I'm thinking on buying a Marshall MXL to start my VO career. Nonetheless great vid bro bro! Happy New Year!

[@Theundisputedtruth]

Hey bro what mic would you recommend for a low muddy voice ? For vocals??

[@archiebeatz]

I think the TLM 103 will be just fine. It's clean and transparent. I hope this helps.

[@Theundisputedtruth]

@@archiebeatz rite on

[@kidbuu770]

Aye TLM 103 + Grandmother gang excellent

[@archiebeatz]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@jessebalfour5663]

They are both great sounding mics and not really a whole lot of difference between the two. The U87 maybe has a hair more roundness to it but as many have already said, it's nothing that can't be matched in post production. Can't go wrong with either IMHO...xox..:)

[@who_is_dis]

U87ai is smoother / more '3d', it just sounds 'real'? When it comes to EQ, if you scoop a bit out of that 700 - 1.5k nasal area and add a 12k high shelf you can get it sounding close to a C12 which is an unreal microphone. One thing that I really don't like about the TLM mics is the sibilance and mouth noises they pick up - 103 is better at that than the 102. I recently just got a U87ai for £1600 brand new with the shock-mount - Although I really wanted the Nickel body instead of the black, but with that discount, It'd be dumb to trip over the colourway.

[@larrycom]

Love your vids. How about the Neumann TLM49 (or equivalent) vs Sennheiser MK4 ?

[@BUZZYBUZZIE]

Classic 👌

[@archiebeatz]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@zayhoncho2094]

What’s the name of the studio desk ??

[@archiebeatz]

It's the Buso Audio Studio XL with the 88 key tray.

[@BUCKSHOTSTV]

Had the tlm 103 for a bit and was so harsh for my voice. I went back to my mojave 201 fet, but I was thinking of buying the 103 again just to have, but I think I might try the 87 instead. Maybe it’ll work for my voice so I can use it full time.

[@MCEEZR]

Curious why you want to buy the 103 again if it sounds harsh on your voice?

[@BUCKSHOTSTV]

@@MCEEZR for my daughter, she sounded great on it! But since she doesn’t voice as much, that’s what makes me hesitant to get it. I decided to wait a little more and get the 87 instead

[@orangemaniabrother2232]

@@BUCKSHOTSTV how does the u87 compare with the Mojave? These are 2 mics on the top of my list. Is the 87 harsher than the Mojave or smoother? Is one brighter than the other?

[@BUCKSHOTSTV]

@@orangemaniabrother2232 I never had a chance to test them side by side honestly. The mojave 201 is great. It tends to be a rather darker sounding mic, but not dark like say an sm7b. For me the mojave is more closer to a u67. It has a certain vibe to it, a little crunch and adds color to a voice. The 87 is just an incredible mic all around. It is brighter and a staple of course. At this point in my business it didn’t make sense for me to get the u87ai. I ended up getting the gefell m930. For me it sits right in between the tlm 103 and u87ai. It’s such a rich and open sound true to source. Gefell is made by the original Nuemann family as sennheiser now owns the Nuemann brand. Take a look at the umt70s or 71. It’s supposed to be almost as close to the u87ai but for half the price. Many pros prefer it over the u87ai because it doesn’t have that boxy mid range sound the u87ai has.

[@BUCKSHOTSTV]

@@orangemaniabrother2232 forgot to answer your second question, I don’t really think either one is harsh. But the u87 definitely has a much more silkier sound than the 201. But that’s what Neumann mics are known for.

[@mikebullock8196]

GREAT MIC BATTLE BRO BIG THANKS I PREFER U87 IT SEEMS JUST ALITTLE MORE SENSITIVE I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION FOR U BRO is there a difference in sound between the black nickel u87 mic and the silver colored u87 mic THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY AND ADVICE BEST REGARDS MiKE

[@MarceloDonadello]

No

[@ALLELITEMUSICOFFICIAL]

We own a TLM103 and a U87 in our studio for many years. Many people forgot about the Art of recording and the Art of Microphone Knowledge. Biggest mistake we always see is that people compare DIFFERENT Microphones in the exact SAME position. EVERY Microphone got a DIFFERENT sweet spot, it might not be a big difference, but before you test two or more microphones against eachother, you have to find out in which position and with which preamp (not every chain works with every mic the same way!) each microphone sounds THE BEST. Only that way you can get a fair comparison. The K103 is actually the front side of the K87 and the capsule is responsible for 70-90% of the sound. Since the capsules are close to be similar the sound shouldn't be too far away. And surprise, it isn't. If you bring the TLM103 in its sweet spot its NEVER harsh or anything like this. People hating on the TLM103 and loving the sound of the U87 know nothing about the true Art of Recording. Also its very important to mention that the output transformer of the U87Ai is extremely transparent and neutral. So no matter with which microphone your going, you will get GREAT results as long as you got a great Talent infront of the microphone and a engineer who knows what he's doing.

[@bossthemessiah409bigron]

The U87 sounds monstrous over that 103…. It’s no comparison but I do agree that if there is no access to the 87 than the 103 is definitely a great substitute. Especially since the extra bottom end the 87 offers is usually eq’d out of a lot of music.

[@ronedwards8239]

TLM1 03 is horrible with plosives. Buy a Mojave MA200 spades above the TLM 103.

[@oliviercyber]

thank you ! When I read the comments, I don't understand why almost nobody doesn't hear the differences. It is night and day for me... Currently earing the video on a pair of dynaudio BM15A, it is so obvious. May be people or using their laptop speakers or something like that 🤣

[@philipthao8527]

for some reason i dig the Neumann TLM 103 more.

[@archiebeatz]

That’s awesome. It’s all about preference and it’s a great choice Kane!

[@HollywoodGee]

Hey Archie, can you do the Shure KSM32 vs the Tlm 103

[@RayoBeatz]

what you think about the warm audio wa8000

[@archiebeatz]

I've heard great things about it. I can't wait to get my hands on one to review. Have you used one before?

[@RayoBeatz]

@@archiebeatz actually I have i've had the tlm 103 before with my uad mkII setup but honestly It did not really impress me in our genre of music "reggaeton" we like things to be crispy, upfront, no warm vintage sounds we like modern sounds so I feel the wa8000 really brings that at an affordable price i deff got to record on it and love it only its my friends setup not mine he runs it through a neve 73 and a w2a plus an 1176 its def worth a try however if i had the cash i'd opt for maybe a manley reference or a telafunken u47 or on the cheaper side a lauten audio atlanta i love it has 3 settings for vocals up front which gives you nice crispy vocal, nuetral, and gentle gentle gives you a warm sound and it gives you 6 polor patterns i think between that and the wa8000 its a hard choice but the laten is a tad pricer.

[@raawboyfresh]

U87 for me.🔥🎶

[@prodbasedmystik]

yo intro dope asf

[@archiebeatz]

Thanks bro

[@erJonhy]

Nice comparison! I prefer the TLM103 Sound, booth are golds!

[@maxlarsen]

Did it happen that you used 103 even if you`ve had the U87 ?

[@garyshirinian]

Nice video, Any comparison you mentioned. What do you think of Microphone parts S387. Hope its possible since I can't afford real U87. Thx

[@aaronreeves8376]

Great video thx, I have the TLM -103 and really like it, However the high end sibilance is really hard to manage on it, any words of advice?

[@BORN7SUPREME]

Loved the shoot out. My preference is that beautiful Submarine U87ai, it had better midrange on your vocals to me. I’m glad to have these amongst my arsenal of microphones. Thanks for the review. Keep them coming!

[@allyncia]

So looking at the price, I see you don't use the extra spider looking shock mount. Is that absolutely necessary? With this mic, you get a little pop screen and stand and done? My best is my sm7b but, really want to add this 103 for vocals, VO, etc. THanks always! Love your videos!

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

You need a shock mount for both mics.

[@itsandiroo]

I LOVE my TLM 103, had it for about 6 months now, but man as I record more and more clients daily, the same harshness around 2.5kHz-2.8kHz kills me every time and I end up EQing it down a little. Even in this test I could hear the nasal-tone brought out SO MUCH in the 103. It’s a GREAT sound for those who like the nasally tone, but not so great when you don’t want it. I might have to pick up the U87 for me and my clients who want something a little warmer. Obviously it’s nothing that can’t be solved in post, but I like recording it as perfect as I can out the gate cause the more I EQ out ~2.5kHz, obviously the more detail I lose. AMAZING mic nonetheless!!!

[@lkfloripa]

That’s not a problem with the mic itself, that’s an issues with the frequency, also known as the “pain frequency” (2k-3k) there’s always harshness there, even if you’re only using software instrument, or MIDI, no matter what, will always have harshness around that frequency range in your mix, and that’s your job to fix it.

[@Melvin7727]

@@lkfloripa No. Certain pieces of gear can accentuate the problem.

[@lkfloripa]

@@Melvin7727 Some yes, but in this particular situation it’s not the mic itself , like I’ve said that’s the “pain” frequency there will always be harshness there, you have to learn the gear and know how to use them. The TLM103 likes air Mic placement is key, gain staging it’s very important too.

[@itsandiroo]

@@lkfloripa For sure, but when you directly compare the 103 to the u87 and other mics, that 2-3k is way more prominent in the 103. That’s what I’m getting at. Nothing a simple eq curve can’t solve, but that kills some of the good elements in that range too. Just depends on how nasally the voice your using on it is too.

[@lkfloripa]

@@itsandiroo oh yeah, the u87 kills the TLM103 that’s why it’s one of the best mics of all time, not even a fair comparison in my opinion, they’re two different beasts, the 103 has a huge boost on the high end, the U87 it’s way more balanced and flat, but regardless the EQ curve… what makes the U87 special is it’s circuit, the transformer, capacitors… all the nice components combined makes the U87 a U87. But if you learn the TLM103 with the right mic placement, gain staging paired with a good preamp it will sound amazing. You won’t need to worry about cutting frequencies much, you’ll have a better cleaner signal without picking up all that nasty sound, you would just EQ to tone taste.

[@MrManumendes]

Great Comparison, thank you. You should try an Microtech Gefell M930. Its build from an Old Neumann Engineer with the words: Its not possible to build a microphone closer to perfection than a M930;) And the price is way much lower than an U87

[@Kumaarji]

@archiebeatz im confused between TLM 103 and TLM 107. please help me. love your content. thanks for educating .

[@regenryann]

Heyo finnaly i bought the akg P120 its very good!

[@archiebeatz]

Awesome!!!!! I'm glad you like it bro.

[@abdullahgashud4230]

@@archiebeatz I wonder which one is better at2020 v p120 only vocals which ONe do u think has the best quality and I have a good mix and a good interface

[@archiebeatz]

@@abdullahgashud4230 They are both equal in quality but the P120 has a warmer sound plus useful switches on the front plate of the microphone. I hope this helps.

[@Hangoon]

6:21 u87 singing 7:08 tlm103 singing

[@theartistdigitalhubdistro305]

what about the TLM 107?

[@davidknutty]

What about the Rode K2 vs the TLM 102? They're both the same price but which is better?

[@AbbaLang]

Yo we need a link to that intro beat bruv!!

[@archiebeatz]

Hahahaha, will do bro!