Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary Stereo Microphone Pair
The Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary Stereo Microphone Set includes 2 matched TLM 103 Microphones and 2 EA 1 Elastic Suspension Shockmounts in a sturdy metal travel case.

The Neumann TLM 103 large diaphram microphone is new standard for home recording and the music industry. By utilizing the tried and true transformerless circuit found in numerous Neumann microphones, the TLM 103 features yet unattained low self-noise and the highest sound pressure level transmission. The capsule, derived from that used in the U 87, has a cardioid pattern, is acoustically well-balanced and provides extraordinary attenuation of signals from the rear. The TLM 103 is the ideal large diaphragm microphone for all professional and semi-professional applications requiring the utmost in sound quality on a limited budget.

Polar pattern

The TLM 103 is equipped with a large diaphragm capsule with cardioid pattern. By focusing on this pattern — used in most recording situations — the attenuation of unwanted rear sound has been optimized. Off-axis sounds are rendered naturally while isolation is increased. This also leads to a high feedback suppression when the microphone is used in live situations or where loudspeaker playback is a factor.

Acoustic features

The TLM 103 is addressed from the front, marked with the red Neumann logo on the microphone body. The K 103 large diaphragm capsule is based on the K 87, well known from the U 67 / U 87 microphones. The capsule has a flat frequency response up to about 5 kHz, and above that, a wide flat 4 dB presence boost.

The large wire mesh headgrille protects the capsule from plosive sounds and effectively prevents pop noises. These characteristics are achieved without resorting to corrective resonance effects. Therefore, the microphone maintains an excellent impulse response and reproduces the finest details of music and speech without coloration.

Electrical features

With just 7 dB-A / 17.5 dB CCIR the self-noise level of the TLM 103 is so reduced that even the smallest signals are reproduced basically noise-free. As it is capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 138 dB without distortion, the TLM 103 provides a dynamic range of 131 dB, according to DIN/IEC 651.The letters TLM stand for "transformerless microphone". With TLM technology the usual output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. As with traditional transformers, it ensures good common mode rejection, and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signal.

Operational safety

The entire internal construction is elastically mounted to attenuate any structure borne noise that could interfere with the TLM 103's operation. The frequency range reaches below 20 Hz and thus even very low bass signals are reproduced without coloration. The included elastic suspension EA 1 shockmounts will further reduce structural borne interference due low frequency extension and wind noise.