Neumann TLM 103 vs AKG 414 XL MII Review / Test / Comparison

[@meanpomeranians]

I came here hoping the c414 might sway me because of its versatility in patterns and rolloff. But the 103 not only sounds smoother to me, it sounds like that professional sounding voiceover "character" that clients expect. So it's not merely a matter of preference. TLM 103 is worth the extra cost I think. Thanks for posting this!

[@Zizotron]

Tlm is cheaper

[@Zizotron]

Iss just the C414 has multi pattern which is why it’s more expensive

[@RayoBeatz]

lol tlm is cheaper now and it has no polar patterns and its duller but it does not pick up noise that much so... its got that going for it. a/b the tlm and the akg and you will hear the akg is brighter, clearer, and crisp vs the tlm 103 which sounds in this case dull and plain in comparison without the comparison you would not be able to tell. also the youtube videos compress the audio but i would go with the akg c414 xl ii i already owend the tlm 103 and i never got a wow sound out of it you might as well get the nt1a

[@meanpomeranians]

@@RayoBeatzAKG is brighter, I'll give you that. It's also clearly harsher in the midrange, whereas the 103 has a midrange warmth that's perfect for her voice.

[@yochillsmith]

103 sounds flatter and compressed (in a good way) 414 cuts through more. 414 would be easier to mix for as eq but sibilance could become an issue

[@DennisPlagge]

In my opinion the C414 is the Neumann-Killer. I love this mic. ❤

[@TaeglicheNarzisst]

It sounded a lot more analytical and true to the source. That low timbred grunt of the Neumann, can you reproduce it with the AKG?

[@KwasiCorream]

The 103 sounds flat and uncolored-I typically prefer that. However, that c4 sounds like it can slice right through a mix. Also, the c4 is one beautifully designed mic. I’m going with the C414

[@FutureShockStudios]

Absolutely bang on the C414 can really slice through the mixes and the features give you much more versatility that 103, but both sound awesomely depending on the vocalist and use.

[@alexvancappellen9811]

I really like this comparison, it really illustrates both mic’s and personally I really like both of them but for different reasons. The AKG had this very natural sound to it that sounds more accurate to what the singer sounds like in the room, but I really like the Neumann especially because it really enhances the vocal, giving it a nice thick gloss to it almost, if I were using both mic’s in tandem for a production, I would use the AKG to get the elements in the mix that I want to sound more tame and natural, but if I want the sound more lush and pronounced and almost compressed I would go for the Neumann, it’s why the best studios typically have a vast range in terms of microphone choice

[@ericsalvesonmusic433]

She sounded better on the 414. The TLM 103 had more bass, but 414 fits her voice better. Both great mics.

[@FutureShockStudios]

Hi Eric I agree

[@hohloyumor]

@@FutureShockStudios what would you prefer for male voice over? XLII, XLS or TLM103?

[@FutureShockStudios]

@@hohloyumor they’re both equally good but the 103 has something about when it comes to the mixing stage, I believe that I can push it harder in a mix

[@VRcation]

AKG is better for vocal accuracy, but the Neumann sounds better for certain genres like rock

[@jaysonyang1441]

What I’ve noticed about the lm 102-103 vs most other mics is they have resonance stability which the specs can’t tell you, controlled yet detailed without instability in resonance, still smooth and detailed is hard to achieve, great attack and decay speed, flat response, 102 vs 103 I pick the 103 the 102 with the dip in the upper range just sounds like it’s missing something like a pause

[@JeroBagg]

I have a BULS, XLII and XLS and the XLII can accentuate sibilance quite a bit. You can hear it hear in this video. But while the 103 sounded less sibilant, I didn't like how her sibilance sounded on it. It sounded weird to me. Overall she sounded best, to my ears, on the XLII, singing and spoken word. Afterall, CK12 style mics (C12, 251, 414s) are historically known as great mics for female voices. But they're also excellent for male voices because they have fantastic bass response. The only ones I can't comment on are the 412 and 414 "Comb". I don't know what those sound like.

[@stevec.1802]

depending on your application-take your pick- it’s your choice. 🎙️

[@fotorenan]

I was in doubt about them, but I've choosen the Neumann TLM 103.

[@FutureShockStudios]

Great choice

[@nopeacewithoutjustice6133]

I think the akg is more dramatic and better for higher range vocals. It would definitely work with my singing voice. However, the plosives would drive me insane. Not that it’s so bad and nothing that can’t be worked with but because it’s being compared to, the Neumann wins in that sense. Logically, I should buy the c414 because it makes more sense for my singing but I really like the idea of not have to be so obsessed over the little sounds during recording with the Neumann.

[@FutureShockStudios]

I’ve continually use both mics most days and I have to say the TLM 103 is probably a little more rounded full of depth and the 414 is a complete work horse and awesome on instrument and vocals too. I think it’s a personal choice we have to make both are amazing microphones.

[@ErolOzMusic]

As someone who owns the C414, I hate to say this, but the 103 sounds a little warmer and fuller. But I've never tried the 103 on my own voice, and the 414 being a little brighter reduces the "boxiness" of my own voice. I bought the 414 because it is more of a "workhorse" mic, and I don't regret it.

[@FutureShockStudios]

Hi Erol the 414 is definitely a work horse and yes a little bright but it’s truly one of the best all rounder mics I have in my collection. With a huge selection of polar Patterns as well the accessories, sound quality and price you just can’t go wrong with it.

[@JeroBagg]

The XLII has great low end response but the upper mid boost tends to make it sound less bassy. You would get a similar effect if you compared an XLII to an XLS. The XLS doesn't have as much of a presence boost, which lets your ear hear the bass more, and in turn allows the mic to sound more full.

[@nateg.4488]

The c414 is better imo but if someone asked me which one to get I’d still avoid answering

[@JeffyG]

I appreciate this video and comparison, but really… I can’t hear much difference over KZbin, even with my studio headphones plugged in. What audio interface or pre-amps were used in this test?

[@claudioagmfilho]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, Awesome video, very informative. The C414 EKG sounded a lot better to me!

[@beku73]

I have an Akg C414 xl2. Was one of my worst decision. After 8 mouths the mic started making noise and after that stoped working. When was working the mic sounded ok. There is something on this mic that i don't like. It sounds like short sustain. Don't know how to explain but if you listen carefully the Tlm 103 sounds more compressed and sustained and also har more harmonics in a very good way.

[@ajxni-1171]

Never had this issue bro

[@Anonimo-xl8rp]

You Change the cable?

[@FutureShockStudios]

Hi Beku I have never encountered this problem and been using the 414 for several year. A few things to check are first and foremost you cables & also check for any possible damage to the XLR port and moving bits inside. If it continues send back as it’s still under warranty.

[@diwattos]

If your cable its ok,then you must clean the capsule with 100% alcohol with a batonete.also i igree that this microphone is like a cheep condenser,try the t/bone 1100 ;-)

[@top10statuesthatcriedblood]

Nice video! helped me a lot. I was considering those mics for female vocal, now I'm going to TLM. it feels more full!

[@FutureShockStudios]

Excellent choice, but both do sound great

[@kingyasofficial]

both sound good, 414 is very clean and the 103 is clean but warm

[@FutureShockStudios]

Totally agrees

[@relivoaddad]

You should do comparisons recording same take on both mics else one is influenced by the better performance more than the tone of the mic

[@BRADRANCH]

More sibilance with the 414. I own it and love it but on VX thats a fact. My voice records better on the 414 than a U87 but never tried the 103. Hard to find a studio that wont have the 414 as an option, it just works for a lot of things. I think I like the 103 better than the U87.

[@eightrice]

i like the neumann, but it would've been easier to compare if you had both mounted in front of her on all takes.

[@FutureShockStudios]

Thanks Andrei we did consider that then later chose to do the recording individually. I will be doing a test and review on the Neumann U87aI, TLM103 and 102 sometime in the very near future we’ll definitely do the recording of all three in one shot for sure. Thanks for your feedback.

[@artyologist4614]

Neumann 103 was made for broad male/female voice as it has a high end boost... A broad voice make it even more characterful..

[@BRADRANCH]

I just commented the same above then read your comment LOL. Exactly. 414 is a little brighter which I actually like on a deeper stronger voices,

[@FirstHomeStudio]

The AKG c414 price has gone up its almost $1,400 now....These are my 2 favorite microphones..

[@FutureShockStudios]

They’re both awesome professional Microphone and you will get good use as they can practically be thrown on to most things giving awesome sound.

[@reyspyder357]

I'll be honest I recently grabbed the AKG, and I am trying my best to fall in love with it, but I just can't. For me personally, the sound that I get on vocals from my 103 is just unmatched. I've been using it for the last 3 years and I just get the cleanest vocals. I will most likely return the AKG

[@FutureShockStudios]

I primarily use my AKG on female vocals and and percussion

[@向健-m7p]

Whether to add a microphone amplifier？

[@bigskyvision]

Love to hear this test on a baritone/tenor voice

[@BRADRANCH]

414 handles very nicely. This female voice is very thin almost shrill. I'd pick the 103 but male deeper voices I'd think the 414. Both great mics.

[@BRADRANCH]

Didnt mean she doesnt have a great voice by the way. Shrill was not a good choice.

[@cyberguardian3381]

Akg sounded warmer and more surrounded.

[@iamNeoficial]

C414 is better over all

[@ryanequalizer]

TLM 103 is so much better in my ears

[@FutureShockStudios]

Thanks

[@asg3678]

Hi, I'm about to buy the microphone but I don't know which one to decide, my voice is nasal with a bit of bass, which one do you recommend the most? Taking into account that I would use it in an apollo twin interface, thank you, greetings!

[@Wilmer778]

Get what you like and what suits your feet. If the Nike doesn't fit, the brand means fuck all

[@HiFiASMR]

scientifically the tlm 103 has flat mids and a treble boost for a transparent open clear sound. the c414xlii has a lumpier presence boost giving a funkier lumpier sound. similar to the neumann tlm49 or rode nt2a more than the tlm 103.

[@FutureShockStudios]

Thanks ASMR I do prefer both and gaa e recorded both Vocals and Instruments on Both, they’re great mics for universal use.

[@HiFiASMR]

@plautusegal3374 Listen to too much podcastage. U87ai is nasal not tlm 103

[@HiFiASMR]

@plautusegal3374 c414xlii sounds like lumpy funky trash just give up at microphones before you waste more time and money

[@blakeandeson2879]

414 offers so much more value and imo sounds better too

[@TaeglicheNarzisst]

On an Mobile Phone they sound exactly the same. 99.9% of all KZbin viewers will watch your content on their phone. Problem solved. But if you go for HiFi market and produce true Music albums, the AKG to me sounds more harsh and the Neumann Fuller. Its also a matter if made in Slave Camps of Orban's Faschist Hungary or if its made right here in Germany in the case of the Neumann, where we still have Labour Unions and a sense of democracy left. To me, I could not decide, because the AKG clearly has more character, whereas the TLM103 has less noticabke character, which is a whole character on its own. So, its a tie.

[@michaelbialobroda]

definatly tlm 103

[@mjee7696]

Very hard to say which one is better bhaji

[@FutureShockStudios]

Thanks Mjee

[@RJRamanOfficial]

Well explained video bhaji 👑👑👑👑

[@FutureShockStudios]

Thanks Raman much appreciated

[@sarielmusic92]

THE TLM 103 IS VERY BETTER FOR MANY REASONS;;.SMOOTH ...MORE EXPRESSIVE BUT NEUTRAL AND REAL PRESENCE ;;;;;

[@FutureShockStudios]

Yes I tend to agree 103 is an amazing mics and does cost £400 plus more recently I’ve been doing a lot of female vocals on it and the results are always amazing.

[@sarielmusic92]

@@FutureShockStudios BUT a little too much ssshhhhh on the TLM103...i think the AKG is more polyvalent

[@FutureShockStudios]

@@sarielmusic92 thank for your reply, I think all mics do give the the so called Sssshhhhh’s but a little DEsser could easily eliminate that. I purposely did not do any dressing on the video in fact I do not use DEssers on my YT video just to give an honest sound reflection to you all watching.

[@helinhoventura4974]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@buckrogers5703]

c414 is mush forgiving on the nose noises so... netter for me as a singer.

[@FutureShockStudios]

Indeed 414 is an awesome microphone at the price point too.

[@junefiasco]

Neumann TLM 103 all day

[@FutureShockStudios]

It’s definitely awesomely

[@mcmelburn]

The AKG c414 is more present over all

[@FutureShockStudios]

Love the sound sound of and versatility

[@georgyj111111]

I have a TLM, but here prefer the 414.

[@FutureShockStudios]

Both are great all depends on the individual

[@narinderbadhan8567]

Your friend Racheal has an amazing voice Pops…..bring out a happy song……with her feeling awesome ❤❤❤

[@FutureShockStudios]

Thanks Narinder we are working on a lot of new stuff so hopefully soon

[@euphoriacreators7365]

nice vire..... carry on

[@FutureShockStudios]

Thanks Euphoria much appreciated

[@ArAdler-r5z]

TLM 103 sounds way smoother than the AKG

[@FutureShockStudios]

I agree but they’re both amazing mics used on the right application

[@diwattos]

Tlm is more flat so its better in the mix,

[@Wilmer778]

The AKG doesn't sound better than the Neumann and vice versa. It's your opinion that's screwing with your and everbody else's brain. Just use what you like! I mean... is Pink Floyd better than Metallica or vice versa???? Well... I LIKE THEM BOTH and at a certain day, I'll listen to PF and when I feel energized, I listen to Metallica or whatever! There IS no "better" than the other! It's a matter of taste and of opinion! Now... try to convince me to buy a Justin Bieber album because it's sooo much better than the Jethro Tull album I was about to get! LOL

[@davidsok4530]

Akg more sibilance

[@Zizotron]

That’s not good

[@Rexmex5296]

@@Zizotron sometimes it’s good depending on what your going for

[@kbullet7385]

These is a good and horrible video and its horrible cause of one reason he doesn't choose one mic in the end

[@FutureShockStudios]

They’re both amazing mics and are used by millions of people globally, personally I’m a fan of both and recorded on both many many times with outstanding results each time.

[@WooDeWow]

The TLM103 just sounds more full, the c414 just sounds a little flat ?? Anyone else hear this ?