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.

 

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 available in satin nickel and matte black. Delivery includes an SG 1 metal swivel mount and a wooden jeweler's box.
Applications
Due to the universal cardioid pattern, straightforward handling, extremely low self-noise level, and finally, the price, the TLM 103 is predestined for all demanding applications from home recording to professional broadcasting and commercial recording studios.
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 (A-weighted).

 

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. 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.

 

Due to this low frequency extension, the TLM 103 is more sensitive to structure borne interference and wind noise. For such cases, the elastic suspension EA 1 and the windscreen WS 87 are available as accessories. For close vocal use, the PS 15 or PS 20 a pop screens are recommended.

 

Large diaphragm cardioid microphone
Pressure gradient transducer with with one-diaphragm capsule
Transformerless circuitry
Extremely low noise: 7 dB-A
Includes swivel mount
Straightforward handling for homerecording and professional studios
High-quality professional equipment for limited budgets

 

A universal cardioid mic
Vocalist recording
Announcer's mic for broadcasting/voice over
Due to minimal self-noise: on-air mic for radio/broadcast, very low amplitude signals, radio drama, sampling, foley/sound effects
Home recording and project studios
Spot mic for: wind instruments, strings, percussion, guitar amps, drum overhead

 

These are just some of the most common applications. We recommend additional experimentation to gain maximum use from this microphone.

 

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 1 kohms
Equivalent noise level, CCIR1) 17.5 dB
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted1) 7 dB-A
Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR1) (rel. 94 dB SPL) 76.5 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted1) (rel. 94 dB SPL) 87 dB
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%2) 138 dB
Maximum output voltage 13 dBu
Dynamic range of the microphone amplifier (A-weighted) 131 dB
Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938) 48 V ± 4 V
Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938) 3 mA
Matching connector XLR3F
Weight approx. 500 g
Diameter 60 mm
Length 132 mm

 

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1) according to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting acccording to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS
2) measured as equivalent el. input signal