Neumann TLM103 vs Neat Microphones Worker Bee | Mic Comparison for Broadcasters & Podcasters

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

*So... Whats's the verdict? $100 or $1000 Mic? Do you prefer the Neumann TLM103 or the Neat WorkerBee?* Comment below and let me know 👇👇👇

[@gunny2466]

Neat Worker Bee for mine 👍

[@gunny2466]

Neat WorkerBee 🎤❤😀

[@germanher7528]

I like the Neumann but dont have the budget for the Neat xDDDD

[@davidsanchezmartinez3112]

@@germanher7528 Beeeeeeeeeeeeee

[@wyattzain5486]

You all probably dont give a damn but does anybody know of a method to log back into an instagram account? I somehow lost the login password. I love any assistance you can offer me!

[@ShawsOwn]

As an aspiring Voice Actor I was looking at the venerable AT2020. I somehow stumbled upon the Worker Bee. Slightly less money got me a great mic, a shock mount, and a pop filter. The Bee brings a crisp warmth to my haughty baritone. I also like the pop of color to focus on in my booth.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gael7106]

I just bought the worker bee :0

[@peachesasmr9366]

the differance is so minimal....just took this video into audition added some tube effects and a stereo widener and wow...this mic shines...im impressed.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Definitely a very impressive mic for the price!

[@BrettYoakum]

I can't really tell the difference between them. I scrolled away from the video and couldn't tell when you switched. $100 for that mic (90 on amazon) is an amazing deal.

[@StarWarsJay]

What was you listening on?

[@NiaRadio]

I'm amazed at the Neat. I'm in my studio with Yamaha HS80 speakers and I'm really impressed.

[@ZipSnipe]

me too with my Wharfdale monitors I couldn't tell the difference

[@SoundSpeeds]

In my King/Worker Bee review I compared the King to the TLM-103. I think the richer bass pickup makes them a better match than the flatter Worker. Personally, I like to Worker better because I love flatter mics. Good comparison.

[@WKevinGilbert]

I like the warmth and richness that the TLM-103 has, but for most people, the WorkerBee sounds great and the price point is certainly much better for the average person. Nice comparison, James.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Thanks, I was really surprised how good the NEAT sounded for such a low price. I still think though at the end of the day there is a reason that Neumann has such a rich history. Prestige brand which are still so highly regarded.

[@swaminam6023]

Good joke a lot of people complaining that Tlm 103 is harsh

[@UriskOfTheFae]

I must say, the Worker Bee works *really* well with your voice. I've never denied it's a great mic, but I've never been a fan of its sound (I have weird tastes), but I really, really like the Worker Bee with your voice! Your sounds wonderful on both mics. Audio gear is amazing.

[@gunny2466]

Considering the environment, I'm very impressed with The Neat Worker Bee. Thank you James, you just saved me a load of cash. God speed mate 👏👍

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Good to hear it!

[@Nehemiahn1]

The Neumann picks more of the Low Frequencies, The Neat Bee Shape and Size is Kinda Discouraging but it gives an amazing Result... I Just Subscribed

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Agreed! Thank you for subscribing

[@milesian1]

This video was especially interesting to me because I have "access" to both of these microphones. Well, almost, because I have the Worker Bee II and not the OG. My wife pursued a side hustle as a VO artist for a few years and her mic of choice was the TLM 103. I learned a lot as her "audio engineer" for every one of her auditions, and since I started a podcast of my own I've taken a deep dive into microphones. Like you in this video, I have a mostly untreated space, and among the mics I have acquired and available to me. And although I really love the richness of the King Bee II for my voice and style (think late night jazz DJ), I've actually found that the Worker Bee II is probably the best bet for my current space. I actually thought the Neumann would pick up a bit more of the room reflection in this comparison, but to my ears with my low-end cans and aging ears I couldn't hear much of a difference. At the current price of US$59 on Amazon the Worker Bee II is an unbelievable deal!

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Thanks for the insight.

[@perrykeshahwalker5321]

I own the worker bee and they sound almost similar. The difference I do hear is that the TLM-103 has a slightly smoother midrange.

[@wtulin1970]

Originally a 200 dollar mic based on the original Blue Spark. You can grab this mic for 89 bucks anywhere now. For that price I grabbed a couple just because. Def punches above it's weight. Thanks for the vid.

[@BalamVic]

Sorprendente versus, estoy escuchando con headphones y ambos se escuchan muy parecidos.... Increíble! Gracias por este video!!!

[@arconeagain]

I think the Worker Bee has some more highs in there that suits my broadcasting. There's some brightness. The Neumann has what some are referring to as a modern sound. It has that smooth bass sound to it, or it's something about the mids. Almost like there's some compression. That's fine, it's rich sounding, but it's not necessarily for me. Horses for courses, and I'll end up sounding like every other, second person.

[@NiaRadio]

I use this mic for my voiceover projects and love this mic!

[@ericopaschoalbitencourt6236]

I’m liking the Worker Bee better. Got one coming in the morning.

[@meltedshine1075]

the bottom end on the neumann is amazing. i just got the worker bee and it's incredible.

[@juancarlosmontes]

They both sound good. The Neumann sound is definitely better quality. But is it ten times better? In one respect I want to say you can't justify the cost of the Neumann, but then on the other hand, a lot of people will opt for the superior sound quality irrespective of the cost.

[@RodHardisty]

I prefer the Neumann, it sounds a little warmer but only slightly. This little Worker Bee appears to be good value for the price. I use a Rode NT1 and an old, but good AKG 202.

[@beatriced8184]

I have the Worker bee and i love it! i also have the Bumble bee for usb connection purposes. Both are fantastic. Very subtle differences with the 1000 box Neumann

[@EarnestWilliamsMusic]

After listening to both mics 🎤 I am very impressed by the neat worker bee unbelievable microphone ,I had to perches one 😀 👍

[@TightInLooseOff]

I own both of these and they are both fantastic! If I had to buy one, id buy the Worker Bee just because of the price.

[@suborned]

Thanks for the video. The bee sounds so similar. I just bought one.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Great! It will serve you well

[@robotnut]

Probably not the most ideal comparison, as it's in an untreated space. In any case, in a similar environment, for something like a podcast, I think the Worker Bee would be perfect. I can detect virtually no difference. It might be interesting to hear a similar comparison in a studio, perhaps with different interfaces. I had been wanting a King Bee for quite some time, but alas, apparently too late to get one new. Hoping Neat develops a similar model.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Correct - most people don’t have a treated space but still want a good quality microphone to use at home.

[@stevenhamilton5238]

This is such a close race…. That I ordered a worker bee! Been looking for a home studio microphone and this did it. The TLM103 is great, but there was barely a difference. Had to use studio over ear headphones to even tell which was which.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

It is a close race indeed! Glad the video helped!

[@ndavies8]

Excellent video! I have all their mics and they are on par with my more expensive mics like the TLM 49

[@chriscutress1702]

Hard to hear the true difference with the massive pop filter on the Neumann but I've gone to order the Worker Bee over the Neumann for cost reasons. I can always put another pop screen on the Worker Bee if I need to.

[@somebody8701]

Its the audio interface that brings out the quality from both mics, amazing sound.

[@infopimpsrock3631]

The TLM-103 sounds much better on your voice- but a little midbass bump and tiny high end bump on the Worker Bee will make it sound close enough for $90!!!

[@PaulvonFalkenring]

For me personally the difference in sound is very minimal. The worker bee is the tiniest bit thinner in sound, if I really concentrate. But to be honest: I blindfolded myself and re-watched (or rather re-listened) the part when you are switching between mics, I barely noticed any difference without being able to see which one you were using

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

You blindfolded yourself!!? That’s a pretty extreme length to go to!

[@PaulvonFalkenring]

@@JamesMulvanyTV It became a bit of a habit for me to blindfold myself on audio comparisons. I think I started it in the first place, when I was looking for a new guitar, and didn't wanna decide by the looks :D I own a Worker bee my self, and was kinda shocked, how good it sounded, when I tested it myself. If I remember correctly they've costed way more back when they were released. Depending on the store the Worker bee was 250 - 300€ and the King Bee 350 - 400€ in Germany (back in 2015). I'm glad I waited and got mine in 2020.

[@uniworkhorse]

Can't tell any difference LOL. The look of the Bee is a bit hard to swallow, but damn it does what a mic does well: sound good!

[@theanitmeme]

I bought a worker bee just before I saw this video and think it's great sounding for the price. But, I have to disagree with you on it "looking cool." I think the colors make it look like a Fisher-Price "my first mic," but I didn't buy it for the looks.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

The look of it is pretty subjective I guess! I think good on them for designing something so radically different from everything else on the market though. Another interesting mic with a great aesthetic is the Tula, video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3inkHiDr7h6btk

[@chamaraanu]

I don't know how you do it and I don't know which one it is, but your voice is just One Note. Just one single note :-D

[@Radiodotco]

Interesting comparison!

[@craighousesounddesign5944]

We (post hypnotic press) use a king bee for audiobook production. Very happy with the sound. Can't seem to find any king bee's for sale so probably grab a few worker bee's for new booths.

[@StarWarsJay]

Hey James. I didn’t listen to this on good headphones, just straight through an iPad, but I could tell the difference. The expensive one was deeper and richer to my ears, but ten times the price worth of difference? Hmm maybe not. For that money I’d buy a really good mic interface and something like a Rode Procaster for what you’re doing. Or maybe a Sure SM7B , a Focusrite interface and a cloud lifter. There’s a lot of choice for a grand.

[@alithegawd2566]

I was going to upgrade to Tlm but there is not enough of a difference. I guess the interface is the more important part because my worker bee doesn't sounds as good since I'm using a cheap interface.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Good interface is crucial especially if you're spending £ or $ on an expensive microphone.

[@ShopperPlug]

That is unbelievable the worker bee sounds exactly the same as the TLM1023.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Both great sounding mics!

[@Jazzamiah]

yeah, I purchased ten BEEs

[@xjxpx740]

Subscribed. Thank you for this comparison. I'm interested in beginning a carrier in voice over and have been struggling with what equipment to purchase on a budget. I've found my source. I'll be watching! Thank you, sir.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Glad you found it useful 😁

[@DannyMeyersStripClubU]

In all fairness I'm listening on my laptop speakers however I don't notice any difference. Thanks for the info

[@Prof.Albusdumbledore]

I have both one for singing and one for pod-cast there is no difference while talking on them but singing..yes huge difference

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

No problem! Thank you for watching 🙌

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

@@Prof.Albusdumbledore interesting. Is the Neumann is the winner for singing? Which other mics do you own? I'm not a singer and won't attempt, but it's still interesting to hear the views of how each can be applied for different use cases.

[@viniciovp4ever]

I'm not wih headphones, but my desk speaker is quite clear and big...the is a difference on tone, but I can't figure a quality difference. I'm not a pro, of course my ears are not trained as some guys and girls here, but as a person who consumes content produced with those mics, both are equaly pleasant to hear.

[@hbp_]

Apparently one of the things you pay when you buy a more expensive mic is the QC. I bought the Worker Bee mic after seeing several people praising it. Unfortunately the copy I got had a super awful background noise that was always there. The mic was also extremely quiet. Only if I cranked the gain to the maximum and let my lips almost touch the grille I was able to get a decent sound level. I compared it to Tascam TM-80 and the signal level difference was about 1/3, while I was expecting it to be the other way around.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Why don’t you return or exchange it then.

[@hbp_]

@@JamesMulvanyTV of course I will. The weird thing is that I read other people have had similar experience.

[@frankcoffey]

I'm listening with good headphones and the only real difference I hear is a slight low end boost on the TLM103 and you should be able to use EQ to make the Worker Bee sound like that. What I am hearing is a lot of spit crackle not sure what's causing that but it's both mics so maybe it's the preamp or processing but it's distracting when listening with headphones.

[@DWHarper62]

Just a little spicier high end on the Worker bee, the Neuman's highs are silky smooth and the Neumann is a little warmer on the bottom...

[@sirnigelcogs]

Yours came in a rather different box than mine. Mine, which I just got, came in the plastic honeycomb box that they made when Gibson still owned the company. Maybe your box is the current design and Amazon just had some of the old stock left over which they sent when I ordered mine.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

It’s a box 📦

[@sirnigelcogs]

@@JamesMulvanyTV Aye but even the inserts are different. In your box things are stacked in layers. In the box I have there are two pieces which are basically cardboard covered by plastic with some shapes molded into it and it comes apart in two halves and everything is packed in together between the two halves.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

@@sirnigelcogs fascinating - anyway how is the microphone? Considering most people couldn't care less about the box...

[@thumbody1]

Voice is not everything. When recording instruments the difference may be more noticeable. Different voices have different sonic characteristics as well and some microphones work better in some particular instances as well. That being said, the Worker Bee does sound quite good for the price.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

I'm a radio and podcasting guy. So I can't comment on recording instruments and this video is really for people doing some kind of spoken word.

[@ministrymusic9696]

Um. They sound exactly the same to me through my JBL monitors. And I have the TLM 103. WOW!

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Crazy, right?! The Worker Bee sounds great for the price!

[@larsandreas2045]

Thanks for the interesting comparison. BTW, what boom arm are you using for the worker bee?

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

YellowTec Mika

[@mikerhodes8778]

I watched this on my phone and couldn't hear a difference so I put my headphones in and watched again. There is a slight difference in the sound but not $900 worth. The build quality of the cheaper mic will of course let it down but if it's going to be put in a studio and never really moved then I would have the cheaper option.

[@midtown3221]

I can't tell the difference. Worker Bee wins!

[@MTrainRadio]

That's bonkers. Maybe the TLM103 has a very slightly flatter sound... The WorkerBee certainly compares to it. Hardly can tell any difference.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Absolutely - Interesting results

[@MTrainRadio]

@@JamesMulvanyTV Just invested - set up and tested. The sound is amazing for the price! Dare I say it - better than the Rode NT1-A. Next week we're having a play with the legendary RE20. So will be interested to see how it matches up. Thanks for the great review. We could become microphone addicted round here!

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

@@MTrainRadio awesome 🎤

[@woodendoors3174]

I find it sounds better than the TLM 103, no point in spending all that money.

[@mikerhodes8778]

Interested what you think of the behringer c1 (not the usb version) I find it a good workhorse. I run it through behringer xenyx 802.

[@DenisFlorent]

Remove the foam from the Neumann and do it again :)

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

The Worker Bee has an attached windshield, only fair to let the TLM 103 have one too right? 🤷‍♂️

[@nubinshred]

@@JamesMulvanyTV it isn't attached really, you have to put it on

[@wtulin1970]

say please.

[@germanher7528]

the neumann sounds fuller but the neat sounds like it was at lower volume

[@brianburkett6606]

its not a fair comparison because the worker bee is a medium diaphragm. I still think it holds its own against a $1300 legend.

[@GALAXYZSTUDIOZ]

I think they sound the same

[@majapapaya7334]

The Neumann is better, but just a little bit. In a treated room you might hear more difference…

[@ricardocorazon6533]

Someone told me that neat worker bee is Noisy. Is that true? Worker bee vs rode nt1 wich is better?

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

I didn't encounter any issues with noise really. It worked nicely with my Apollo Twin interface!

[@Dracomies]

Hi there! Quick question. Did you have any UAD plugins during your recordings or were these done with no UAD plugins? :P

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

No processing was applied

[@Dracomies]

@@JamesMulvanyTV Interesting!

[@ET2carbon]

Negligible difference. Needs a true sweep test

[@nigelshaw211]

The expensive one is bassier, even slightly muffled, whereas the Neat is sharper..I'd go for the Neat.

[@Design475]

Are you using the blue compass mic arm?

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Nope - see video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5e4f5pvppZ0m9E

[@Red.exe7]

The Neumann sounds richer and fuller. The worker bee sounds a bit thin in comparison. I believe the original king bee would be a better comparison, but it's sold out and no longer manufactured. Gear isn't as important as the content you produce.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

I never got to test a king bee. Wonder why it's no longer produced?

[@TheJoecoool]

TLM103 way better

[@3xEStudios]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

🚒

[@cristieturri2054]

jAMES: you cannot record with a large diaphragm condenser microphone in an environment not properly treated the results will be irrelevant even with a good sound card

[@pronster1]

WHY DO YOU KEEP QUOTING PRICES IN DOLLARS

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

BECAUSE MOST OF MY AUDIENCE ARE IN THE USA

[@pronster1]

@@JamesMulvanyTV SELL-OUT

[@WickedTerribleTheatr]

Is this a genuine prank? I can't discern a difference.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

They are very close indeed. No, this isn't a prank! Try listening with headphones for best results.

[@cloud9photography126]

Worker bee sounds sooo much clearer and less muddy

[@cloud9photography126]

that wind filter you put on the TLM....it cuts your high end by a good bit, so this comparison isnt really fair or accurate