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Neumann TLM103 Microphone
The Neumann name has been synonymous with top quality microphones for many years: Like the Neumann U87 – it’s pretty much a benchmark for vocals at the high level, with only a very few serious competitors.
However many of the Neumann mics are out of budget except for serious studios – most of them cost several thousand dollars. The Neumann U87 costs around $3200, the M149 over $4500.
Enter the TLM103 and the KM184. Neither of these mics is cheap – but they are much more affordable and give you a balance of quality and affordability.
Any time a company known for making “Rolls Royce” level products brings in a more affordable range, it’s worth investigating. Usually, this is because the company is so used to operating at the stratospheric level, that their less expensive products typically outperform the “best products of other manufacturers” at the same price point. It makes sense.
The TLM103 is no exception to this theory. It’s a great microphone and I’ve used it for vocals on a number of albums. Combined with a good preamp (I used the Focusrite ISA430) it makes excellent recordings. I had my TLM103 for several years, no problems whatsoever. I finally picked up a U87 but still thing the 103 is a great mic for the money.
All in all, if you are an audio pro, this is an excellent mic to have in your box and in my view a completely solid investment.
