Neumann U87Ai vs. TLM 103: Similarities & differences

The Neumann U 87 Ai is probably the best-known and most frequently used studio microphone the world over. Its smooth and refined sound is as iconic as its elegant exterior design. The U 87 Ai is the standard microphone for speech and vocals. Three polar patterns plus pad and low cut options make it adaptable to a wide range of applications. Introduced in 1967, it has shaped the sound of countless hit records for the past 50 years. And when those hits were announced on the radio, many a DJ sat before a U 87 Ai. The legend continues: To this day, no professional recording studio is complete without a Neumann U 87 Ai.
The TLM 103 has quickly become one of the biggest successes in Neumann’s history. Its pristine, clear sound is a modern update on the classic U87. The TLM 103 is a transformerless cardioid condenser microphone with a gentle presence boost for a stunningly direct sound with breathtaking definition and ultra low noise. Introduced in 1997 as an affordable alternative to the venerable U 87, the TLM 103 has since become a modern classic in its own right. Today, the TLM 103 defines the standard by which contemporary studio microphones are measured. Its classic tapered headgrille design gives the TLM 103 a distinct Neumann look.
0:00 Introduction
0:40 Overall COMPARISONS
1:35 Similarities
2:44 Frequency response differences
4:35 UNPROCESSED SAMPLES (U87 and TLM103)
6:10 Self Noise
7:53 Signal Output
8:37 Switches & Options
10:29 Decisions: SIBILANCE
11:22 Decisions: EQ
12:07 Decisions: BUDGET
13:18 Conclusions
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[@HomeStudioPro]

What do your EARS hear as the difference? (Make sure to listen on headphones or studio monitors)

[@raiidkerbage8187]

Thanks man, you just saved me big time from buying U87, am over the moon with my new TLM 103.

[@nl4537]

On the topic of flat vs presence boosted mics, one thing to keep in mind is that it’s easier to “tame” a pleasantly (not harshly) presence boosted mics, than to try to make a flat mic to stand out in post, especially if the talent/speaker has naturally flat/receding voice. That is, without bringing up the noise floor with EQ or overcompressing, I think. Cut before boost and so forth. That’s one reason the 103 is so popular in VO. It helps the voice cut through music bed etc. without sounding “too harsh” like Sennheiser MKH 416 might with some voices. Also fairly easy to tame with a simple shelf EQ. It’s a pretty great mic. And so is U87… and the Sennheiser MK4…

[@FerFonsek]

Great video thanks a lot! I already purchased the 103 and it's on its way. This video really gives me peace of mind that I made the right choice! 👍🏻

[@HomeStudioPro]

you probably already have it... and probably already love it. am i correct?

[@nl4537]

If I understood correctly, the TLM 103 is basically a single diaphragm, transformerless version of U87, without the corrective EQ the U87 has built in. Without the corrective EQ, the highs would be more boosted on the U87, similar to 103. The transformer affects the lower frequencies, making it sound more “tight” and “controlled” (U87) vs “realistic” on 103. That’s the difference in technical level. Transformers are more expensive than transformerless designs, but also, transformerless mics are quieter (except the ones with really cheap components) and more “natural” sounding.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

I like the body and the slighty tamer highs of the u87. it feels a bit relaxer on the ears to me. But yeah, you cant go wrong with both.

[@HomeStudioPro]

good point. thanks for being here on the channel!

[@m-erenozbek]

thank you so much

[@HomeStudioPro]

absolutely! thanks for being here on the channel

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

I feel that old U 87 sounds more fuller and detailed.

[@GP-Officiall]

Thanks ❤

[@djgotga]

Excellent comparison. How about doing one more of these with the Electrovoice RE20 vs the RE320? (I own the last one)

[@HomeStudioPro]

Thank you! Hard problem though, I only have the re20 anymore… I had two 320s but sold them both to actually purchase the 20

[@GP-Officiall]

1073 + 103 = ❤ (for me at least for vocals)

[@thecw301]

The TLM 103 is best, I think for voiceover, due to the boost on the bottom and the top. Great mic! I use it every day. I used to use the Sennhieser 416 but this mic has a better high end.

[@tom_k_d]

Biggest technical differences are: 1) double-diaphragm capsule with variable polar pattern cardio / eight / omni for the U87ai vs. single sided capsule at the TLM103, thus only cardio pattern. 2) single-FET discrete circuit with transformer inside the U87ai vs SMD transformerless circuit at the TLM ('TransformerLessMicrophone') -> preamp choice is more important with the U87ai, to further smoothen it's very fast transients, adding to it's total cost of onwnership. Thus my recommendation: If you are invested in nice preamps or plan to do so, go with the U87ai. If you're planning to use just your interface's built in pre, in most cases TLM103 should do. 3) U87ai has a limited max SPL of only 117dB vs 138dB for the TLM 103 - very loud sources can cause the U87ai to clip, while it's hard to clip a TLM103.

[@HomeStudioPro]

Good details! And thanks for being here.

[@DanielTolson1]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@HomeStudioPro]

Thank you!!

[@NickG6489]

Would you consider demonstrating a high quality U87 clone? My thought is something like the United Studio Technologies UT Twin87. Might be good for us trying to get as close as possible on a budget.

[@HomeStudioPro]

Would love to. I just don’t have one handy. 😳 maybe if the channel gets big enough. Thanks for being here!

[@NickG6489]

@@HomeStudioPro I'd contact united anyway, they're a very small company, and you're a known media personality with your other work. Shoot the puck, maybe it goes in. No problem!

[@kishorilalkishoreda5719]

When I record vocals, my voice sounds very thin using TLM102, I use an ART tube preamp and Logic Pro for DAW When I sing live using Shure sm58 my voice sounds very thick I like that thickness in my voice Any tips would be greatly appreciated Thanks.

[@HomeStudioPro]

interesting. are you gain staging properly for both mics? phantom power for the 102 since it's a condenser? if it's a similar signal chain, i'm almost inclined to think there could be a defection to the 102. as a large diaphragm condenser it should always have a much thicker and cleaner sound

[@kishorilalkishoreda5719]

@@HomeStudioPro Thanks for the reply buddy yes, I am using phantom powers and before the ART preamp I used to have the DBX preamp 576 and it was such a great mic preamp I’m thinking of getting one of those again because I used to have that with no problem ,is it that I am very close to the mic sometime? It sounds a little bit saturated ,although I tried to take a distance from mic but he still doesn’t sound right.

[@ssserotonin1373]

Hey this is 7 mo later but, I found the same with dynamic mics. What is giving that is proximity effect and the foam over the capsule in the diaphragm mics. You can use a kaotica eyeball and get a similar effect. I sold my 103 for a L22 (sphere dlx)@@kishorilalkishoreda5719

[@lastcall9998]

In the signal output section, feels like you're trying to make the 103 sound like the U87 and viceversa (although the low end of the U87 seems to be intact) with your processing (comparing this with your unprocessed section). Super weird.

[@HomeStudioPro]

i'm definitely aiming for a similar sound from both microphones.

[@lastcall9998]

@@HomeStudioPro Wow, thanks for kind of confirming my suspicions. (No need to reply). Warm regards.

[@RogwinMusic]

Can you grab a Lauten Atlantis, or Clarion? They give Neumann a really good fight.

[@HomeStudioPro]

I'd love to! IF only I knew where/how. Thanks for being here on the channel

[@TyFord]

Self-noise is not a thing for dynamic mics. That's preamp noise when you have to turn up your preamp because the dynamic mic is less sensitive than most condenser mics. Self-noise is due to the electronics in condenser mics.

[@HomeStudioPro]

Well stated!!

[@TyFord]

@HomeStudioPro Thanks; not my first rodeo. :)

[@GP-Officiall]

Great Point that u Make is that those both do Not matter if the Acoustica is not trated 😢

[@Voider6211]

The inherently flat quality to the U87ai is probably what makes it such a timeless microphone, because in skilled hands that sound can be shaped to fit whatever the current, in-style sound is for professional productions. Back in the day, it was the more vintage sound with more low and midrange, while in modern times, it's a more bright and clear sound, and this mic can be mixed to fit either really well. Who knows? Maybe in the future, the sound profile will shift to something that's super dark and rich, and the U87ai can probably be tuned for that, too. By the way, didn't you have a shock mount for your 103? What happened to it? And speaking of shock mounts, it seems Neumann decided to bump up the price of the 103's shock mount more recently. I've been seeing that whole package going for almost $1500 these days LOL. As a fellow Rycote USM owner, they're the absolute best, and if I ever get either of these mics in the future, I'm just gonna buy the mic itself. EDIT: False alarm. It seems those $1500 listings include a massive Neumann-branded aluminum carrying case.

[@HomeStudioPro]

I do still have the 103 shock mount. Maybe just too lazy to use it on some videos. Thanks for being here!!

[@TyFord]

The U 87 i and U 87 ai are not flat. They have a marked presence peak. You want flat? Try the U 89 i.