TLM 103 vs U87 in 3 minutes

Me, Jaike, George, and Miya band together to test two well known microphones, The Neumann TLM103 and U87, to compare their similarities and differences both perceptually and technically.
This was created for a university project, but I thought it might be interesting to share with others! Perhaps you'll learn something from it. Maybe you'll just get a little giggle. Either way, I hope you enjoy!
Also I had to learn final cut pro to edit this and... damn. It's actually a pretty good video editor. Might use it more for anything similar to this.
If you enjoyed and would like to see more stuff like this, let me know in the comments!
Twitter: / masksofthemind
~Dissimulated

[@Specs-official]

Mate this is absolute quality , I guess this was for uni but 100% you should make more of these

[@Dissimulated]

Cheers vmuch man. I seriously plan to. This shit was fun to make x3

[@raularaujostrw]

Dissimulated yes, do more. Just please let us hear the results and A/B more often.

[@definitiveenergy1]

This might be the best mic comparison/review I've seen on KZbin.

[@dopeboy9042]

facts so well put together finaallly

[@elijahboyce6424]

Understatement

[@LajanSlim]

i agree

[@al69420]

Yup straight to the point and no filler bs, I can dig it.

[@matthew3881]

I laughed, I cried, I still can't afford either of these mics. Quality review

[@mablebelin8262]

zzound check em out

[@bigcladwolfdetecting6017]

I learned more in three minutes here than three hours worth of other channel's "objective" reviews. Great job

[@PiXimperfect]

Now that's a true comparison without all the biases! This is something I have never seen on KZbin before.

[@swimmu]

pleasure seeing you here :) !

[@melodychest9020]

Probably the best video on here comparing these two awesome mics. Firstly, the differences are quite mild and I cannot even hear it in some samples! I agree that the capsules are probably identical and the difference is really in the U87's better EQ and output components in its larger belly! For most mortals, the TLM103 should be more than enough and to own a Neumann would be a pleasure! The U87 at 3 times the price will raise questions for many. By the time the sound passes thru good prees, EQ & comp I think it would be pretty hard to tell which is what! Pretty insane if you think about it!

[@christiancalloway8692]

Just bought the TLM 103 with hopes the voiceover for video game work client would be ok with it as he specifically asked I use a U87. I simply told him I bought the Neumann mic and he listened and loved it and is now booking me. Thanks to this great comparison I made a perfect decision

[@JR-el5pt]

They are very close, and unless the client is a Master Jedi Sound Engineer.., they won't notice. What I did is that I raised up a bit the mids the one shown in the graphics, and cut a bit the highs in 7khz (my sibilant area) and it sounds even closer, cause the volume of the recording is matched.., and the 103 does not gives weird coloration.

[@DevGambit]

Mega pranked

[@Nospoon777]

Hahaha

[@jovanrameau3578]

can you share the interface and pre-amp you're using. I too just bought the TLM 103 for the same purpose, CHEERS!

[@christiancalloway8692]

@@jovanrameau3578zoom f8

[@JustLukeMorgan]

I have no idea about anything you said, but MAN is your voice nice to listen to. Give me more.

[@Dissimulated]

;D on it bud~

[@cybershadow136]

100% agreed. That brittish accent is awesome.

[@TheCleansingx]

The frequency response was all I needed. The TLM is definitely worth the price.

[@tonezmusic8758]

Hahaha this is hilarious and perfectly informative!!

[@jasonluke4957]

Killer review! Super relevant, and it very simply (and fast!) explains most of the findings I've had using both mics extensively over the years. Keep em' coming!

[@QLFProductions]

Thanks guys. I have a 103 and was considering a U87 but I don't think it's worth spending the money.

[@Dylanklinemusic]

QLF Productions I have both and would say it’s worth the investment! Especially for vocals. The midrange on the u87 is great. You’ll notice more after you apply compression and other processing typical for vocal production.

[@QLFProductions]

Dylan Kline Music got it, thanks

[@rayarfae4457]

I have a 103, and unfortunately it does sound too bright especially after compression. I wish it was a keeper.

[@MickieRyan]

@@Dylanklinemusic is there an afforable mics for a vocalist that would sound just as good as a u87?

[@Dylanklinemusic]

@@MickieRyan I really like the Rode NT1 as a less expensive option! Let me know if you have any more questions about it!

[@coolrick7139]

Actually more useful than many other reviews online. And entertaining. And not draggy. Do more please

[@ThisIsJaySol]

This was amazing. Do more 🔥🔥🔥

[@al69420]

What audio interface was used for this? Quality video by the way mate, cheers!

[@Flash-pp3cr]

Dude. I WILL SUSCRIBE IF YOU PROMISE TO KEEP THINGS AT 3 MINUTES NO MATTER WHAT. I'M TIRED OF ALL THESE LONG VIDEOS. THIS WAS THE BEST!

[@Dissimulated]

That's the plan ;b Well, more 5 minute things. It's fun keeping things concise and quick I'm real glad you enjoyed it ^w^

[@cybershadow136]

2:30 Arrow: YEET

[@Dylanklinemusic]

This was spectacular! Please do more like this.

[@TheGamingW0LF13]

You got it! :D Thank you ^^

[@Dissimulated]

@@TheGamingW0LF13 lol I replied with the wrong account I only just realised

[@janfelixbergmann3819]

BEST MiC REVIEW EVER!!!! The Podcastage and Booth Junkie etc. are completly clueless in comparison. These people never refrence sensitivity and analyse the frequency response. You put all these Microphone youtubers to shame

[@opheosmedia7809]

Unlike in other video I watched, 87 sounds better here. Now it's getting more confusing.

[@kaykayzen089]

u87 for almost 45 years and i still love it like the first day .. my u87 is like a brother i never had

[@gezor20]

also the u87 cost slightly marginally twice as much or four times

[@GMlilEASTSIDEcharlie]

So wait, my mic collection is more than your student debt?!! Holy fuck I should have went to school. Either my maths are bad or you making all your payments on time lmao. Unless that speaker is 40 grand. Don’t judge by my KZbin music 😅😅😅 all my KZbin music is from when I was struggling 10 years ago back when I felt a cheap preamp and a $800 mic was heaven on earth

[@cjmy2701]

Dude, slow down.

[@matheusfagundesroling735]

Cocaine

[@Daviddosi]

To me its a big diffrence if you listen with good headphones. They are similair but the 87 for me brings out much more details from the sound source.

[@zan6585]

Yea I heard that as well, it just sounded way more clearer and rich

[@Zernitire]

what university is this?

[@animalic]

I found this amusing 2:16 : "This would explain the perception that [the TLM 103 is] a brighter microphone, where in reality, it just lacks the lower frequency that the 87 picks up." Uhmm... The way that was spoken implies reality is different than perception, but doesn't lacking lower frequency (including the lower mids shown on the graph and the spike at 5kHz) mean we will perceive a brighter sound? This would mean you have verified that reality is the same as perception. That aside, thanks for the review. I always thought my TLM 103 hints of a little extra brightness, but have never directly compared it with a U87.

[@Hexspa]

In this case, you’re not really measuring isolated SPL or frequency response. Isolated SPL needs a linear-response mic and frequency response needs an anechoic chamber. What you have here is the mic’s frequency response baked into your SPL measurement. The only difference between those two graphs is the FR has been normalized to 0dB on the Y-axis yo make comparison easier.

[@Dissimulated]

Yup, our testing wasn't perfect by any means. We've learned a lot since. Definitely something we'll keep in mind for future videos. I still think our results are useful, if flawed. I'd love to re-test them one day with the knowledge I have now. But being that Uni's closed that's a liiiittle tricky

[@Hexspa]

@@Dissimulated No problem, Diss. Mostly, I posted that for anyone else who was wondering, "What's the difference between SPL and frequency response?" Actually, I had to google it to make sure I wasn't tripping. None of us know everything and it's good that we're still learning. Thanks.

[@charlesvillanueva9085]

What preamp/audio interface was used here?

[@remon563]

thank you for the very useful comparison. To me there is quite a noticable difference in that the U87 sounds more "natural, saturated" than the TLM 103. The TLM sounds very good but the U87 just sounds amazing. It would be interesting to see how close you can get to the U87 by mixing the the TLM103 in post..

[@DatOneUsername]

I love this guy's accent

[@garrettgengler7637]

This was informative and funny. I liked it alot =) Thanks very much

[@ilishmusic]

loved this review!

[@AmayaMichelle]

Thank you for this review 🔥

[@jesusisaliveannie3594]

Well done guys! Would be good to hear the comparison a bit more, but nice job.

[@Godzillah]

I am glad someone point-out the brightness of the tlm103

[@Fos3tex]

British humor never lets me down!

[@al69420]

You should watch the tv series “The Inbetweeners” then. Classic British comedy, funny as heck.

[@StudioPiosenkiMartinello]

I work with TLM103 since 2021. All records are in my YT channel. In my opinion is - TLM103 a little crispy in highs.

[@songshineoriginalmusic]

He said that perception of greater highs is actually the fact the tlm does not have as great of bass freq response. You can see it in his graph.

[@MrSeeker42]

Those frequency responses do not match their advertised frequency specs.

[@thetruth3316]

Room affects the frequency response

[@AnthonyMartinsRock]

I owned both ( have only the u87ai now) this test is bang on. In a nut shell.

[@thetruth3316]

@@AnthonyMartinsRock I owned both and sold both. I'm happy with a TLM 102

[@AnthonyMartinsRock]

@@thetruth3316 nice one. Glad you are liking your 102. I liked the 102 as well. Found it best for loud sources and instruments. Happy with my 87ai for my voice and full signal chain. It will be different for every single person as each source and use case will dictate what is the relative best for each of us.

[@thetruth3316]

@@AnthonyMartinsRock I agree with that 100%

[@NightlyMedal]

for someone who doesnt know how to produce, and does straight recordings with a little bit of editing here and there, which mic would you recommend?

[@anatol1204]

It s not funny burning peoples ears at the end before this it was a nice quick review.

[@kaarestoffer2947]

This is the most informative review i have seen in years.

[@artbluevibe6629]

Is there any processing Eq in the chain? Sounds nice & Airy. I have a u87 and it doesnt sound like unprocessed, until I add some eq and compression. Thank you!!

[@CLAudio-pn6qf]

Are you the same guy who reads the small print at the end of Radio adverts? Maybe not: you speak even quicker. Great review, Man: to the point and no farting about. Class!!

[@mahamedali5703]

So which one do I fucking get mate. I’m a pop/rnb artist recording in a bedroom with an Avalon 737 pre amp and I want the cleanest, best frequency balanced sound possible. 😭 help me bruv

[@AnthonyMartinsRock]

U87 ai if it fits your budget or in a few years, I guarantee you will be selling it to buy a u87...

[@DavidCruz-c3y]

lmaoooo the end

[@aqtaii]

good job

[@geodude4real]

2:38 ...hmmm

[@alvincornistamusic8754]

Which one did the sax player prefer on his sax?

[@thaexception3406]

Niice

[@autumn5274]

HOW DO YOU HAVE SO LOW SUBSCRIBERS

[@Vnzo]

Frequency Responses (Frequency Responses) lol brilliant video!

[@michaelfarkas2257]

what is the god awful stuff at the end?

[@zoeharmon5553]

I have no Idea what this means but its fucking cool

[@propermusic3426]

seriously should make more 3 min videos man

[@skymartinent]

Can you please do the TLM-67 vs the U87ai?!

[@synthguy7774]

So the TLM 103 is brighter and the U87 is more sensitive and better with lower ends? Got it.

[@songshineoriginalmusic]

No, the tlm has less bass freq response which gives the perception that it is brighter.

[@lofigoodguy5873]

and drop the 3 min mark this is a good vid but i go back and back all the time to hear it al that will be more fun with a bit slower vid but thx u all

[@Helmertz3]

fuck yes, this is how a comparison should be done

[@g3nius]

I baught the U87Ai yesterday ... ready to let out the magic

[@al69420]

Congratulations! How are you liking it? I’m leaning toward just getting the TLM 103 due to price. Just can’t rationalize spending upwards of 3k on a mic right now.

[@joelcoool]

What uni is this for? I'm just finishing Sound Engineering at BCU (feeling coronavirus full force) and this reminds me very strongly of first year acoustics

[@Dissimulated]

I don't like to put out which university I attended ^^" But this is was second year music tech! On a module about Systems in audio, both software and hardware

[@Taras195]

Muddmudd~~

[@username40000]

Good stuff but did you have to rush the end?

[@taxmoneyyy]

Amazing. Thank you

[@ryantaeza9318]

Can’t afford either of em

[@algarvemike]

Great video....concise, rapid, scientific, full, no bs... great job

[@Thunder_Bear_mg]

The count down was brilliant.

[@jameswallace5967]

For the difference ain't worth the cost between the two.

[@jameswallace5967]

Excellent comparison video. Well done.

[@muchammadnurwibowowibi4580]

Clear & Cochise & Fun!

[@Muziq4tune]

Brilliant!

[@elizabethhatcher7100]

So which one of these mics should you go with if you have a vocal range like Steve Perry?

[@Dissimulated]

From these two, I'd say it's dependent on your budget! The U87 is more expensive, but has a flatter frequency response because of it. However both microphones are brilliant quality (in my opinion), and you wouldn't be losing much by going for a 103 instead. The sound of both microphones is pretty similar so go with whichever price you're happier to spend!

[@heythere6983]

to be fair most microphone differences are minor in general and hard to impossible to distinguish in the mix. ALSO , whats interesting to me is that the frequency responses are nothing like the ones out there available and what most people think the frequency responses are for these mics. Maybe neumann is full of SHHHHIII

[@lazarosantos2804]

Very Very good

[@goldensleeves]

Can anyone hear the difference at 0:57 ????

[@anonymusum]

That´s impossible due to YT´s poor audio format.

[@SpeakHerMusic]

I hear it on the low octave not the high ones which made perfect sense when I got to the part with the graphs

[@greatwavestudios7948]

More vid please! love from Indonesia

[@BrandonLoveYouNot]

this is beautiful lol. great writing

[@lortakeover2129]

So how can I mod my tlm 103 to sound like the u87 should I eq it more bright

[@wagnermees1]

Basically you just need to roll off the higher frequencies - above 9k - because thats where the U87ai starts rolling off. Use a low pass filter plugin for that and you will have a very similar frequency response to a U87ai with your TLM 103!

[@DanYankees7]

this was fabulous, thank you

[@trguha]

Great item!

[@waynepayne864]

nice

[@mario9775]

Amazing

[@KyoSkyz]

Which one you like the most?

[@subconcioussongsvid]

So immediately buy the 103? Is it good for male singing vocals??

[@Dissimulated]

From the tests we did and a few recordings I've done throughout university, I gotta admit that I really enjoyed using the 103 for male vocals. Obviously, on top of that, the 103 is the cheaper option of the two with not too much of a noticeable difference unless you're *really* listening hard

[@subconcioussongsvid]

I currently have the Aventone BV 12. Do you think the 103 is better? Trying to decide on a new mic... or is my current mic comparable.. Thanks, GREG

[@Dissimulated]

​@@subconcioussongsvid I've personally never used a BV 12 before, so I can't personally say which one would sound better! However, if it's a good quality condenser microphone you'll still be able to manage a really good recording from it. As long as your environment is well treated, you position the microphone correctly, and you know how to mix. You can make a great recording out of most things! Hell, I've used an, NT2-A before and made some lovely recordings with it. If you do take the plunge and buy one though, My experiences with a 103 have been great (unfortunately not recent due to the lockdown), but it's definitely a mic I want to use again.

[@Raffaele.Tovazzi]

0:29 make and model of the headphones 🎧?

[@paletes3]

Beyerdynamic DT100

[@gezor20]

awesome review

[@sweetfoampunishment3286]

Nice, thanks! BUT it's too fast!! You should have made in in 6 minutes or even more...

[@Morgothlord47]

Why?

[@sweetfoampunishment3286]

@@Morgothlord47 Why not in 30 seconds?

[@Morgothlord47]

@@sweetfoampunishment3286 now thats a good question

[@sweetfoampunishment3286]

@@Morgothlord47 and you don't know the answer?

[@Morgothlord47]

@@sweetfoampunishment3286 actually i understand why. Because 1. No one would take it seriously as a review. 2. There needs to be more information. What more information could 6 munutes provide?

[@ngotanphat9391]

Ua87

[@larrysentelle1244]

The upper midrange of both microphones, sounds a bit "harsh." TLM=Transformerless Microphone. The U87ai has a transformer, these microphone do not sound alike. Both microphone's share the same capsule perhaps, however, the similarities end there. Both mics require a bit of "EQ surgery to tame the low mids, which many wouold classify as muddiness. I've used both microphones extensively. MicroTech Gefell UMT70, real M7 capsule, sounds like an 87 with better upper midrange detail. much less low mid "Mud" to sculpt away. Smoother highs, $2,000 US dollars less than a new 87. UmT70 is also transformerless thus, the low mid bump, which sounds "nice" on an 87 but, must be carved away in order to seat the vocal in a mix is, caused by the transformer. Real M7 capsule in UMT70.

[@maldonadocorrea]

Cual es mejor entonces??

[@charleyvibe2124]

dos tal vez pero quiero TLM 103 en el futuro

[@theaccordionhouse3613]

Yo tengo los dos definitivamente el 87 no fue de mi agrado muy mala inversion de mi parte

[@keith3915]

But is the U87 really worth 3 times more

[@KeenApollo]

If you can mix decently probably not cause you'll get a great sound with the Tlm 103

[@aa3nk]

The NT1A will save you a lot of money and deliver what you get for thousands of dollars more.

[@peexstile]

MOOOOOOORE!