Buyer's Guide: Neumann Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

Neumann TLM 102

The TLM 102 is the entry level large diaphragm condenser from Neumann. It features all the looks and styling you’d expect from a Neumann microphone with no compromise in quality. The microphone has a new capsule derived from the U 87, which when coupled with a smaller size and cardioid-only option, keeps the budget under control while keeping the classic sound characteristics intact. For the TLM 102, Neumann has created a microphone with proven transformerless technology, low self-noise of 12 dB, high SPL handling of 144 dB and a massive dynamic range of 142 dB. The main recording gig for the TLM 102 is the human voice, and here it fights way above its weight class. Linear up to 6 kHz, with a gentle rise and some more sheen added at 10 kHz. It all adds up to a Neumann sound that puts the vocal in the perfect place in the mix.

Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary

Neumann's TLM 103 is a modern update of the perennial U 87 sound. Classic Neumann mid-range and authoritative bass are coupled with a wide presence boost above 5 kHz, bringing a whole new attitude to the your microphone locker. And the redesigned capsule from the U 87 gives this mic a character all its own, traditional, but with a twist. No wonder it’s been a best-seller for over two decades. While this mic was meant for projects and broadcasts, it has found its way into concert halls and studios looking for a Neumann “alternative." Designed as a cardioid-only mic, the TLM 103 is yet another in the Neumann line with their proven transformerless technology. Combining this clarity with almost inaudible self-noise, and huge SPL handling of 138 dB, the TLM 103 can capture anything from a whisper to a kettle drum with its impressive dynamic range of 131 dB. But even more impressive is the way it handles the human voice. This is a mic that can elevate a singer’s performance, enhancing their natural attributes and giving them a place in a dense mix.

Neumann TLM 103 D Digital Microphone

The TLM 103 D is the digital version of Neumann’s workhorse TLM 103. Like its analog twin, it provides the industry-leading Neumann sound character with digital processing capabilities. As mentioned previously, this microphone was designed as a modern update of the U 87 and features classic mid-range and authoritative bass, coupled with a wide presence boost above 5 kHz. Just like the non-digital version, the TLM 103 D is yet another Neumann mic using their proven transformerless technology. Combining this clarity with self-noise of only 7 dB and SPL handling of 138 dB, the TLM 103 can capture any sound source from a pianissimo to a forte with its impressive dynamic range of 131 dB. As mentioned about the TLM 103, the digital version also handles the human voice extremely well and is a dream for singers.

Neumann TLM 107

When a Neumann mic ends in a "7," you know you have something special. From the legendary U 47 to the classic U 67, the perennial 87 and the modern tube 147, each has a special character. The TLM 107 is no exception to this heritage. With an all-new capsule design, a head grille optimized to reduce sibilance/pops and a one-button illuminated home for all functions, the TLM 107 was designed to put the best of Neumann engineering into the hands of everyone, including project studio owners. An extremely flat response through 8 kHz, across all 5 patterns, is unique in the large diaphragm field and allows for the least colored and most accurate capturing of the signal. Being transformerless ensures no extra “character” is added to the natural sound of the human voice. In addition, the super low self-noise of 10 db means the mic itself won’t get in the way of the performance. Neumann has designed the TLM 107 not to be the vocal mic of the past, but of the present. So bring your presence to bear upon its state of the art diaphragm and hear exactly what you created.

Neumann TLM 170 R

Neumann's TLM 170 R was the first microphone to use the FET 100 technology, and it remains a favorite 35 years later. With five polar patterns (remotely switchable) and high SPL handling of 154 dB, the TLM 107 R is one of the most versatile mics in the Neumann lineup. It’s got a massive dynamic range of 130 dB, and it’s clean and linear across the whole gamut, even off-axis or in different pattern modes. The TLM 170 R uses the unique K89 capsule, which makes for a very smooth diffuse-field response. Translation? You get a mic that captures natural-sounding speech and the ambience of recording spaces. With a low self-noise of only 14 dB and no transformer in the signal path, you can think of the TLM 170 R as a quieter U 89 without a transformer, one of the best microphones around for capturing any sound from any direction.

Neumann TLM 193

The Neumann TLM 193 is a cardioid-only version of the TLM 170R. No pattern or pad switches to fuss with. Just a low self-noise of 10 dB and SPL’s up to 140 dB. The classic U 89 capsule provides the best of both worlds; sonic precision like a small diaphragm and sonic richness like a large diaphragm. There is no transformer in the signal path, and the smooth, even response of the capsule means that you’ll capture just what you put into it. For ADR, voice-over, speech and vocal work, this is just what you need. You want the performance and timbre to shine through, not the coloration of an over-hyped microphone. Neumann has made this mic for broadcast, home and project studios that want ease of use along with quality Neumann engineering. Like a point-and-shoot camera, the TLM 193 just faces the source and gives you realism in return. Put a great voice in front of this mic and just act natural. You will believe your ears.

Neumann TLM 49

The classic Neumann tube M 49 microphone was the inspiration for the TLM 49, a solid state mic which emulates tube character. The TLM 49 uses the same capsule as its legendary predecessor (the K 47), which is protected by the same slanted, acoustically transparent head grille. But where the M 49 used a large transformer and a tube that saturated at low SPL’s, the TLM 49 uses Neumann’s proven transformerless technology. The microphone additionally uses a circuit that begins to saturate at 110 dB and gently rises to 5% THD at 129 dB SPL. Thus the TLM 49 emulates the dynamic response of a vacuum tube, but with reliable solid-state circuitry running on phantom power. For vocalists, the TLM 49 brings the smooth character one expects of a tube mic, with a nice bump above 2 kHz to add some presence to the performance. The cardioid-only pattern and K 47 capsule make this a microphone ideal for singers and voice-over artists alike. Say "Hello" to trouble-free sessions, silky tones and vintage vibe.

Neumann TLM 67

The Neumann tube U 67 is justifiably legendary, but not everyone these days can afford one. As a lower-cost alternative, the engineers at Neumann have used the body, grille and capsule of a U 67, and married them with transformerless solid-state circuitry to create the TLM 67. While SPL handling remains a low 105 dB, the distortion figures rise gently from there to reach 5% THD at 125 dB SPL, just like a tube circuit, but without the hassle of tubes and power supply units. Three polar patterns, low-cut switch and a 10 dB pad make the TLM 67 a versatile microphone for any sound source, and for vocalists, the classic K 67 capsule along with the special circuitry will enhance any vocal performance, male or female. The original tube 67 became a favorite vocal mic for a reason and the TLM 67 follows suit as it brings the large diaphragm presence of a Neumann microphone into the vocal booth, along with low self-noise, retro styling, detailed response and great mid-range character.

Neumann U 47 FET Collector's Edition

The Neumann U47 FET appeared in 1969 as the solid-state incarnation of the legendary tube U 47. Out of production for decades, the original is finally back, reproduced in meticulous detail in a special U 47 FET Collector's Edition. Not a clone or a tribute, this is the resurrection of the original classic. With its huge transformer and K 47 capsule, the U 47 FET has the warmth and smooth response you would associate with a tube mic, which is why it has become a favorite - all over again - of vocalists in all genres. After its initial production run ended, the 47 FET became a go-to mic for kick drums and guitar cabs. Don’t let those applications fool you, this is one awesome vocal mic, as well. That’s no surprise, as it was designed to succeed the U 47, which many consider to be the best vocal mic of all time. Its super-cardioid pattern rejects unwanted sounds from off axis, while its low-cut circuitry can reduce the proximity effect. Meanwhile, a slight boost around 2 kHz gives your vocal just the right presence to sit well in the mix.

Neumann U 87 Ai

The Neumann U 87 Ai is a microphone that needs no introduction. Found in studios the world over, it’s the benchmark against which all other large diaphragm microphones are compared. Inheriting the classic K 67 capsule and head grille from its tube mic brother the U 67, and marrying it to a solid-state FET circuit, the U 87 has a rare combination of character and clarity that no other microphone can match. For vocalists, the U 87 Ai provides a linear response with enough presence to be utterly unique. When studios want to be sure that vocal conditions remain consistent from coast to coast, they put a U 87 in front of the speaker. Countless audio books, film dialogues and commercial voice-overs have been accomplished with the U 87. And for singers, the U 87 provides a low-cut filter to defeat the proximity effect, unless you like that sort of thing, in which case, move in close and let her rip. The U 87 can handle up to 127 db of SPL. Let the Neumann U 87 Ai become part of your vocal expression, and listen as the magic happens.

Neumann U 89 i

Featuring a one-of-a-kind medium diameter capsule and classic transformer-coupled output, the Neumann U 89 i has never been out of production since its introduction in 1980. Five polar patterns and a smaller profile than the benchmark U 87 i make this a very versatile microphone that captures anything well, especially the human voice. Whether its speech, voice-over, ADR or singing, the U 89 i brings a presence to the game that no other microphone provides. The K89 dual-diaphragm has a balanced frequency response over all of its polar patterns, and captures off-axis sources without coloration. This diffuse-field response provides a natural balance to sound sources in reverberant rooms, as well as capturing the natural tone of voice-over actors and speakers. And its hyper-cardioid pattern is extremely effective in suppressing side signals and isolating the vocalist. Combining the precision of a small diaphragm with the presence of a large one, the Neumann U 89 i brings the best of both worlds to any recording situation.

Neumann U 67 Reissue

For over half a century, the Neumann U 67 has been in demand in every high-end studio in the world. And now after a long hiatus, it makes a long-awaited comeback with the new U 67 Reissue. Hand built in Germany to the exact specifications of the original, this is no clone or tribute microphone, it’s a real U 67 in every way. From the tapered cone body to the BV 12 transformer, the K67 capsule and EF86 tube, this is the real deal. Ever since the U 67 appeared in 1960 as the successor to the legendary U 47, it has become the go-to mic of choice for engineers and producers. With its 3 polar patterns, the U 67 is suitable for any sound source, but it especially shines on vocals, providing a shimmer and sheen that other mics can try to copy, but never quite match. There’s no longer a reason to settle for an imitation when you can use the original, the unsurpassed tube mic from the masters of the microphone, the Neumann U 67.

Neumann M 147 Tube

Inspired by an icon, the M 147 Tube traces its lineage and model number to the king of all vocal microphones, the Neumann U 47. The M 147 bears the same beating heart of the legend (the K47 capsule), and is protected by a smaller version of the same head grille. Every famous vocalist of the electrical recording era has used a U 47, and now the vocalists of today can enjoy a microphone made by the masters of tube vocal mics, the Neumann M 147. Featuring a cardioid-only polar pattern favored by singers, the transformerless design and solid-state output allow the triode tube (not a transformer) to be the impedance converter. This translates into a distortion-free amplification of what the capsule captures. All the clarity, nuance and vocal technique come shining through, putting the singer in control of the sound. Whether it’s a male or female voice, the mid-forward presence of the M 147 will complement their tone, their technique, and their performance.

Neumann M 149 Tube

A timeless classic is reborn for the modern age – the M 149 Tube is a direct descendant of the legendary M 49 tube microphone. Now enhanced with 9 polar patterns and 7 low-cut frequencies, the M 149 can handle any source, but it’s especially wonderful on vocals. Any voice in any genre will be complemented and enriched by traveling through the legendary K47/49 transducer used in the classic M 49 microphone - the capsule that captured the stars! More sensitive and quieter than vintage tube designs, the M 149 is the tube vocal mic for today’s studio, the pinnacle of Neumann’s achievements in tube microphone design. By employing a transformerless circuit, the M 149 can handle long cable runs with ease, and will not color or distort the signals from the capsule. Hear the balance and the clarity, the dynamics and the subtlety of all that you capture. Get back everything you put into it, and nothing you didn’t. Get back to the source - your own unique voice.

Neumann D-01 Digital Microphone

The Neumann D-01 is a state of the art digital microphone that provides an integrated A/D converter right in the microphone itself. The digital converter covers the entire dynamic range of 130 dB, providing pristine digital audio right from the capsule. Other onboard features include a compressor/limiter, low cut, peak limiter, de-esser and digital gain. And all these parameters can be stored in the mic and remote-controlled from the DAW. With sample rates up to 192 kHz, your audio signal never had more clarity. With a virtually inaudible self-noise of 8 dB and the capability of up to 138 dB of SPL, the D-01 provides distortion-free signals from anything you throw at it. And it all starts at the capsule, a newly designed large-diaphragm masterpiece that provides an even response across all 15 polar patterns. While the D-01 is outstanding on any source, it is an ideal vocal microphone. The natural balance and clarity are unsurpassed by any other microphone in its class. And with its pristine audio output, you can process your source any way you like, putting you in complete control of the final tone and timbre.

If you’re interested in learning more about Neumann or ordering a microphone, contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.