Neumann TLM 103 vs Shure KSM 32 | A Practical Review for Voiceover

A blind comparison and discussion between two of my favorite microphones to use day to day as a professional Voiceover Artist and Audiobook Narrator, the Neumann TLM 103 and the Shure KSM 32.
Buy me a coffee:
➡️www.buymeacoffee.com/jaymyers...
Voiceover Coaching:
➡️www.jaymyersvoiceover.com/coa...
My Recommended Starting Gear:
➡️Rode NT1 Bundle: geni.us/jYq4A
My Interface:
➡️Apollo Solo: geni.us/LXbkB
My Favorite Mics:
➡️Neumann U87ai: geni.us/WmJI2
➡️Neumann TLM 103: geni.us/NvigA
➡️Earthworks ETHOS: geni.us/lFBYg
➡️Sennheiser MKH-416: geni.us/1Hh4c
➡️Shure KSM 32: geni.us/lFBYg
Other channels and talents I've found helpful:
➡️ / podcastage
➡️ / @audiouniversity
➡️ / boothjunkievo
➡️ / @inthemix
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Music provided by Epidemic Sound
#microphone #reveiw #VoiceOver #tutorial #howto #Voiceacting #professional #audio #audioengineering #audiobooks #recording

[@claudioagmfilho]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, I love this KZbin channel because I love the comparisons. I love the microphones. And he does the comparisons real good. I mean, I love the way he compares everything and does the comparisons. Takes the time that's necessary to compare. It's an amazing channel for mic lovers.

[@BlackPatti]

In my experience the KSM32 is way more versatile than a TLM103. And, the KSM32 sounds better on more voices. I would much rather have two KSM32’s than one TLM103.

[@TheLordMelodyCalypso]

I agree. I purchased a pair of TLM 103s and sold them a few weeks later.

[@jhudstudio4144]

My thoughts where exact. I own the ksm44a and I could hear a similar tone between the 44a and 32. I would say each mic does sound good!

[@humongortart]

I called it. Honestly, never liked the KSM. The 103, sounds great on some voices, and you're one of them, to my ear. Nice comparison, thanks!

[@Boofcan]

Two questions do you have a video on how you treated your space? Would love to get something similar. Also what are you thoughts on the new Lewitt Ray?

[@jaymyersvoiceover]

The treatment you see in this video is built into the Studiobricks booth, I’m not sure if they sell it on its own. I do have another video talking about sound treatment in general with a few of my other favorite options. Regarding the Lewitt Ray, I haven’t tried it! However as it’s essentially the same mic as the 440 by some accounts, I don’t know how much the Ray’s features would benefit voiceover artists or if they would be largely irrelevant with good mic technique.

[@savethefails]

Honestly, as soon as you started speaking I could tell A was the Shure. It was obviously not the 103. It didn't sound "bad" but it just sounds more like a recorded voice than the 103. YOU, sound great on the 103. It really suits your voice. Nice review.

[@ConcernedPublic]

Wow, a KSM32 for $200 - what a steal!

[@jaymyersvoiceover]

Reverb. Unbeatable ;)

[@NIETZSCHE1l2]

I start to question whether to buy a microphone based on the EQ that they show on the pages, but even the most expensive ones with some quality-price ones have similarities in that graph, What do you base on choosing a microphone? I have seen videos where they say 2 people who do not know about the subject and usually choose the cheapest microphone as excellent

[@jaymyersvoiceover]

Great question! In my experience, the EQ graphs aren't as much a reason to buy any one mic, but are more helpful simply to give you an upfront understanding of how it treats sound. For most VO professionals in a home studio, a microphone between ~$400-700 is often the sweet spot for diminishing returns where you'll see the most bang for your buck. i.e. the sound improves dramatically from $100 mic to $400 mic, but you'll hear less of a difference between $400 and $1k+ mics. But in those cases, I wouldn't necessarily buy a mic on its frequency response (EQ graph) alone.

[@enricovaioli]

hi… i love your videos what kind of videocamera are you using in your small space? E

[@jaymyersvoiceover]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy them. I use a Sony a7c with a 24mm f/2.8 lens

[@EnricoVaioli-ej5tn]

@@jaymyersvoiceoveroh amazing thanks to share i’m gonna have the same setup soon 🙏 keep in up mate

[@carguy_omar4694]

i saw a lot of people compare the new rode nt1 signature series with the tlm 103 the the neumann u87, can you do a video on the rode nt1?

[@jaymyersvoiceover]

Unfortunately, I don’t have access to a Rode Nt1 at the moment. If I come across one however I’m glad to make a video!

[@carguy_omar4694]

@@jaymyersvoiceover thanks, I'm looking forword to it

[@TheLordMelodyCalypso]

@@carguy_omar4694 The TLM103 sounds nothing like a U87.

[@botbot3698]

I preferred mic A

[@jaymyersvoiceover]

Nice!

[@tracyeaves4847]

KSM32 a secret weapon for drum OH's....studio or live!

[@seb_internet]

Jay you know I love all your videos mate, they're all incredibly helpful but I'd be lying if I said this one wasn't right up my street! I actually got the blind test wrong - because the 103 has that midforward excited sound to it, I presumed it was the first one because it reached for those high frequencies quite easily but alas! Definitely a good way to do a comparison between microphones for sure, very practical and applicable knowledge - keep up the good work! :)

[@jaymyersvoiceover]

Interesting to hear that! And thanks for the kind words Seb. Your support sincerely means a lot!

[@TheOneYouShouldPick]

The TLM103 is overrated. The Shure is an actual studio workhorse. I can’t say I know many professionals that use a TLM103.

[@VidMashUp]

Jay, you have betrayed your Earthworks Ethos!! I can't remember the last time I saw you use an SM7B. Did the Ethos break? Did you lose it? I'm lost now. Don't know what to do. My TLM-103 is my number 1 mic. My brain isn't willing to hear that anything is almost as good as the TLM-103. It could be that it fits my voice. When I'm using it, I feel like warm butter is coming out of of my mouth. But you're right - if I touch a button at the bottom of my shirt, I have to do a new take. Also, great point - average engineers wouldn't know if you are using what you're saying (within reason), but they do love to hear that you have a tlm-103.

[@jaymyersvoiceover]

Haha rest assured the ethos is still close at hand. I had started on a video about the SM7b actually, then shifted gears midway.

[@MrSasUGames]

Mic A definitely sounds better : D

[@meepmorprobotcaptain]

Something even more affordable than the KSM 32, that has the smoothness and richness without the 7k presence bump the 32 has AND a full large diaghram - check out the Roswell Mini K87. (I have a gap in my front teeth and the 32's bump hits right in my sibilance range, but of course, YMMV)

[@djb12DeepAcidHouseExperience]

Neumann sounds like a Neumann