Neumann TLM 103 Review by 20-Year User!

A review of what I like and don't like about my 21-year old Neumann TLM103! Spoiler alert: it's a buyable microphone.
I didn't mention in this review that maybe the biggest issue with this microphone is when using it with a mic preamp with NO high pass filter (like my A-Designs Pacifica or UA LA610, which have no high pass filters), it can be very prone to "booming." That's because of the transformerless design and extreme low end response. So placement and shockmount (which I do mention a few times) is CRITICAL! Be aware of those two things and you'll be happy with this mic.

[@Mike_Benz_]

You can't go wrong with Neumann microphones, they just sound amazing.

[@glicmathan1771]

This is a great review from someone who obviously knows it well. My best mic is an AT-4060 I bought new in ‘96(?) because I couldn’t afford a Neumann. I wasn’t aware of the 103 at the time. I think I need one now!

[@IamMagPie]

It's such a joy to listen to someone who is knowledgable speaking about things that interest me. The voice was so relaxing as well, and the sound quality great. Really considering a Neumann that can do both guitars, vocal and bass. This was good advice. Subscribed.

[@rachelpnevada]

This is incredible. Thank you! Super informative

[@TirarADeguello]

I really appreciated your review because I want it for the right reasons you pointed out as strong points. I want clarity but distance from the microphone, and this looks perfect for that purpose.

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

Thank you!

[@mrmemyselfandi4159]

@16:58 PREACH IT! I've seen the same kind thing you're talking about from back in the 80's 70's 60s where they were a few feet away from the mic making amazingly crystal clear, deep, wide, open, thick vocals that had vibe for days and I wondered how they were getting such clarity and low end without that proximity boost, or how that wouldn't demand a lot more gain in the pre without bringing up a massive noise floor...and it really wasn't an issue if done right. Seems like any of the noise they were getting was just hitting tape...which I think most of us love the sound of great tape. I think singing further back gives the frequencies time to blend together and chill out with almost a natural compression before they hit the diaphragm. Look at Michael Jacksons we are the world when they recorded the group...but even when they just did the solo vocals people were standing way back. My favorite records of all time are the 70's and 80's records. Deep wide open glossy viby...but not cold and digital. When you could boost 4 to 7k for days and not be scared because it always sounded like music. Anyway...you said this TLM103 isn't your go to mic...so what is? I'm going to check out the rest of your videos but I'd love for you to say which is your fav and why? Big thanks.

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

I like what you have to say! I agree! The 103, in my opinion, is best used FROM a distance. The frequencies seem to equal out a bit and the top end is a little less pronounced. For me, my go to vocal mics have been a Lauten Clarion 357 and a Warm Audio WA47. Different mics, different technology, but nice results.

[@crafting11111]

Sir... what an instresting video, thanks for the information

[@raymota4515]

Great review.

[@milesian1]

My wife is a voiceover artist with a TLM 103, and when she purchased the mic it definitely came with a nice shock mount. Not sure if that was some sort of deluxe package option, but the foam in the carrying case is cut out to fit the shock mount, so I'm sure it was included. I have a podcast and my own microphone collection, but have never used her Neumann because I don't have a good enough space for it. But yesterday I brought it out for some vocals and I was blown away by its fullness and clarity. I am gobsmacked at how good my voice sounded and how easy it was to sing into it.

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

Yes, you can opt for the mic with the Neumann shock mount. If you caught it on sale for $100 more than the retail of the mic, then I'd buy it that way. A shock mount is necessary.

[@philipcacayorin]

Nice ! Pro Review, Thanks !

[@jhudstudio4144]

Just bought the shure ksm44a and I love it. Wish I could test both mics at the same time.

[@white_turban_hombre]

What a greay video. Subbed.

[@Majestic.Imperator]

Good video, thanks!

[@Gabeconstantinemusic]

As someone who’s owned a TLM 103 for the last two years in my studio, the mic does sound great but also (as OP mentioned) has issues with sibilance. I have a hakan pop filter for plosives, but I always go into my EQ plugin and make a cut at about 7000-8000 depending on who is singing. At this point it’s something I do every time, as I have a ProQ preset with this cut at 7000, so I don’t have to do it again every time. I enjoy the sound of it, but I’m also getting an Austrian audio OC16 to do an A/B sound comparison.

[@phototristan]

How does Howard Stern avoid sibilance? He uses this mic with no pop filter or windscreen.

[@ahfimiwonawun]

I have a dark voice, so I like the sibilance.

[@DigitalSacalait]

@@phototristan Howard sounds like a closed mouth guy to me. Try doing the "s" sound by starting with your mouth almost closed and then continue while opening your mouth as wide as you can! The sibilance definitely increase as you open wider. So for some singers who don't open their mouths this is a good choice! I've used it on some vocalist with great success.

[@Godzillah]

I have an OC16 how is it compares with TLM 103 just out of curiosity. I went another route and buy a custom 87. For the 103 price u can get sort of a u87 clone that’s what I did.

[@anthonywhite6530]

Thank you

[@MarkVO]

Hey! Thank you very much for your insight into using this microphone for so long. I wanted to ask - what's the shock mount that you use? You mentioned a cheaper alternative that works well.

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

I use a Rycote. They're available at Sweetwater for sure. The shockmount for my AKG C4000 also fits the TLM103.

[@rooftopjmusic]

Hey man, like the video. I preordered the TLM 103 25 years limited edition. I previously used a Rhode NT1. Exicted to get into Neumann, what are your thoughts on the 25 yrs edition? Cheers!

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

I haven't used the 25 year edition but I'd venture to say it's a lot like the one I'm using because mine is over 20 years old. Buy it man! You'll love it!

[@cristian-marius-albu]

Hello. Thank you for all the informations. The TLM103 was not on my taste for me as well. For this reason I've changed it with Gefell M71s and the Gefell M930ts. Same Neumann = Gefell german quality but much better frequency response. And not a big difference in price these ones and TLM103.

[@jimis3167]

I believe for acoustic instruments also this is the best.

[@Amazhit]

Thanks for the review! It's awesome! What is your go to mic?

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

I find myself always pulling out the Lauten 357 a lot. Only because it does everything nicely. The Avantone C12 is pretty amazing for the price too. But I own those two.

[@jairruzmar8171]

Gratis video! Thank you so much! But i have a question, do you recomend tlm 102?

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

I don't own it but because it's a Neumann, I'd place bets that it's a good microphone. They don't do anything but build GOOD microphones.

[@amahriswift]

do you think the lauten fet atlantis is way better than the 103 ? im using anteras mic mod to make it sound like a neuman 87

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

I can’t say. I have a Lauten Clarion that gets used a lot more, for certain duties, than the 103 but I don’t like to say it’s “better”. It’s just different. Thank you for responding.

[@danielpenaofficial4186]

What do you think about the TLM-107? And the BCM-104 Braodcast mic by Neumann

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

I haven’t used them so I don’t know. But I’m certain they’re worthy microphones.

[@thomasusheriii971]

One of these came through my thrift store! Just need to make sure its in full working order. What would you recommend to test it out properly? I'm completely new to XLR Microphones.

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

an xlr cable man! Nice find!!

[@joehinton8565]

What are your top 3 go to mic’s to record male Vocals?

[@DigitalSacalait]

I really like the Lauten Clarion 357, the Avantone CV12, and the Warm Audio WA47. Maybe not always in that order. Thanks for watching!

[@shaneparkermusic86]

Great review, thank you! What's your take on the tlm 107? Is it better than the 103 or just different?

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

I don't own a 107 but I'd believe it's a worthy microphone. Neumann is a stellar microphone company. Thanks for watching!

[@Analyst8309]

Good video man. I was wondering, what is your go to mic for vocals. I was looking to buy this mic used for 600. Its 17 years old. You think its worth it?

[@DigitalSacalait]

I love this mic on pretty much everything. But it's about five choices down as a vocal mic for me. The issue is the hyped top end mostly. But there are workarounds- like getting a few inches away and pointing it off axis to your voice. My #1 go to vocal mic at the moment is the Lauten Clarion 357. It's not hyped and takes eq well. I reviewed it too. Check that out. Thanks man! If the 103 is in good condition it's probably worth the $600.

[@Analyst8309]

@@DigitalSacalait OK. Thanks. I appreciate that.

[@fafwcw9430]

what preamp u recommend for this mic? for vocal/rap

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

One with a high pass filter and pad. But, in my experience with the TLM103, I'd say placement is the most important part of using it. It's a worthy microphone for sure.

[@jasp1405]

Thank you for your opinion on this mic. I just bought a pair of 103s to upgrade my pair of Rode NT1 for voice and stereo instrument recording. Maybe I will buy a tube preamp to "tame" a little that high bump and sound a little more similar to the U87 in vocals. Have you tried any tube/transformer pre that you'd recommend for this particular mic?

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

The Universal Audio LA 610 is a GREAT mic preamp* for this microphone! I use that combo for vocals. (* is edited on this comment)

[@user-wk7le1vn6j]

Sounds good, but I could afford only gtz103 version

[@astro_poly]

What pre amp do you use with it? And is a Software EQ enough? Neve Style Waves copy or something?

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

For this review I chose a Warm Audio TB12. It’s based on an API op amp circuit. But my favorite preamp with this mix is a UA LA610. Yes, you can use a software eq. I do all the time.

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

“Mic”, not mix….

[@astro_poly]

tnx that helped out a lot! @@sacalaitproductions7279

[@kbullet7385]

Is it true that this mic needs a tube preamp to be useable?

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

No. I use a combo of mic pres at different times with this mic. The LA610, which is a tube preamp, has the perfect high shelving eq to tame a bit of the high-end response of the mic but if it's a reasonably good mic preamp you'll get excellent results with the mic.

[@brendanmondesir7477]

what mic do you usually go for, for especially vocals..?

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

Lately a Lauten FET. Sometimes the Warm WA87 or WA47. The Avantone CV12 gets used a lot too.

[@sabriaross5237]

So would you use the 103 for vocals also ? Or rather go with WA87

[@sacalaitproductions7279]

@@sabriaross5237 I honestly would rather use the WA87. To be honest, the best results I've gotten with the TLM103 is using subtractive EQ with the UA LA610. HOWEVER! If you want some beefy low end on your voice the TLM103 is a clear winner.

[@soap.f]

🫡

[@fernandoobregon3359]

20 years and your using a warm audio to test sound quality of neuman. You just lowered the sound quality.

[@DigitalSacalait]

YMMV