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povation · 02-03-2012, 14:02

Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary Vocal Condenser Microphone

The Neumann TLM103 Anniversary is the ideal large diaphragm microphone for all professional and semi-professional applications requiring the utmost in sound quality on a limited budget. This special Anniversary Set includes the Neumann EA1 shock mount and a deluxe aluminum case.

By utilizing the tried and true transformerless circuit found in numerous Neumann microphones, the TLM103 features yet unattained low self-noise and the highest sound pressure level transmission. The capsule, derived from that used in the U87, has a cardioid pattern, is acoustically well- balanced and provides extraordinary attenuation of signals from the rear.

Neumann TLM103 Features
• Large diaphragm cardioid microphone
• Pressure-gradient transducer with one-diaphragm capsule
• Transformerless circuitry
• Extremely low noise: 7 dB-A v
• Straightforward handling for homerecording and professional studios
• High-quality professional equipment for limited budgets
• Includes shock mount and deluxe aluminum case
Neumann TLM103 Applications
Due to the universal cardioid pattern, straightforward handling, extremely low self-noise level, and finally, the price, the TLM103 is predestined for all demanding applications from home recording to professional broadcasting and commercial recording studios.

Application Hints
• A universal cardioid mic
• Vocalist recording
• Announcer's mic for broadcasting/voice over
• Due to minimal self-noise:
o On-air mic for radio/broadcast
o Very low amplitude signals
o Radio drama
o Sampling
o Foley/sound effects
• Home recording and project studios
• Spot mic for:
o Wind instruments
o Strings
o Percussion
o Guitar amps
o Drum overhead
These are just some of the most common applications. Neumann recommends additional experimentation to gain maximum use from this microphone.

Polar Pattern
The TLM103 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 TLM103 is addressed from the front, marked with the red Neumann logo on the microphone body. The K103 large diaphragm capsule is based on the K87, well known from the U67 / U87 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 TLM103 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 TLM103's operation. Furthermore the capsule is set on an elastic mount. The frequency range reaches below 20 Hz and thus even very low bass signals are reproduced without coloration.

Specifications
• Acoustical Operating Principle: Pressure gradient transducer
• Directional Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm: 23 mV/Pa
• Rated Impedance: 50 ohms
• Rated Load Impedance: 1000 ohms
• Equivalent SPL CCIR 468-3: 17.5 dB
• Equivalent SPL DIN/IEC 651: 7 dB-A
• S/N Ratio CCIR 468-3: 76.5 dB
• S/N Ratio DIN/IEC 651: 87 dB
• Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%: 138 dB
• Maximum Output Voltage: 13 dBu
• Dynamic Range of the Mic Amplifier (A-weighted): 131 dB
• Supply Voltage: 48 V ± 4 V
• Current Consumption: 3 mA
• Matching Connector: XLR 3F
• Weight: 1.1 pound (500 g)
• Diameter: 2.36 inches (60 mm)
• Length: 5.2 inches (132 mm)