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Excellent for acoustic instruments....
Having previously owned the TLM103 and knowing how good that mic was I was not sure whether the TLM102 would work for me. Having used them on several recording sessions I can now say that I am more than happy with the sound from these microphones. I'm sure there are many applications for them however my particular interest is in recording acoustic (folk) instruments in as clear a manner possible. I had tried several of the AKG large diaphragm microphones (AKG C3000 and AKG P220) and was not completely happy with the colouring of the sound and decided to try the TLM102's as a half way between the AKG's and the more expensive TLM103. As I needed 2 mics, cost was important which is why I opted for the TLM102's. I can't be happier with the decision and I hope this helps someone else who may have a similar application/requirement.
One of the drawbacks of these microphones is that they are incredibly sensitive which is great but this means that the recording environment needs to be very quiet and it also took a few attempts to get the best mic positioning to avoid unwanted room noise and also unwanted bleed from other instruments. I don't have the facility to completely isolate sounds within the studio so this took some testing to find out what could work and what was simply not possible without a recording booth. It also presents a nice problem when mixing as you can really hear the difference in the clean sound which subsequently makes mixing much more straightforward. I'd strongly recommend these microphones.
One of the drawbacks of these microphones is that they are incredibly sensitive which is great but this means that the recording environment needs to be very quiet and it also took a few attempts to get the best mic positioning to avoid unwanted room noise and also unwanted bleed from other instruments. I don't have the facility to completely isolate sounds within the studio so this took some testing to find out what could work and what was simply not possible without a recording booth. It also presents a nice problem when mixing as you can really hear the difference in the clean sound which subsequently makes mixing much more straightforward. I'd strongly recommend these microphones.
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k
Great Entry into Neumann Microphones
A very noticeable upgrade in sound compared to my previous condenser mic, and the raw sound blends easily into the mix due to its ‘flatter’ sound. It has a slight Neumann coloration to the sound despite being the most affordable TLM model as of this review. It is quite warm in the low mids, and you definitely want a low cut filter if you want to be close to the mic. The lack of high boost compared to the TLM 103 means you can further saturate the sound, which still creates a smooth and musical sound that is not harsh and still tickles my ears in a nice way.
I do not recommend modding the mic by taking out the foam filter from the head, as the sound characteristics do not noticeably change and the 2-layers mesh isn’t that fine either, which may introduce dust on the capsule overtime.
The cardioid pattern does change the sound characteristic of the source noticeably when slightly off axis, so care is needed to ensure singer or instrument do not sway too much.
I do not recommend modding the mic by taking out the foam filter from the head, as the sound characteristics do not noticeably change and the 2-layers mesh isn’t that fine either, which may introduce dust on the capsule overtime.
The cardioid pattern does change the sound characteristic of the source noticeably when slightly off axis, so care is needed to ensure singer or instrument do not sway too much.
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A
Best low budget condenser I had
I checked threds on many discussion forums before I bought it and it has position feedback buy its users. For small recording studio it is great mic with great built quality. It has neutral sound and it works nice for voiceovers I usually record. Very low self-noise and good organic sound not so sterile like other ones I checked.
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N
Superb bit of kit
Lovely rich and full sound. Used solely for voiceover work. Given 5 stars on features but be aware, it doesn't have any bells and whistles. Excellent mic and excellent service.
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MK
TLM 102
Well what can I say?
This small mic WILL BLOW YOU MIND.
Have end up using it for vocals, brass instruments, guitars and bass cabs.... pretty much I use this mike all the time. Yes you can get a more versatile mic at this price range, but if you want the neumann sound and build quality you will not be disappointed. 5 stars!!
I like it so much I did a video review of the 102 with some audio samples.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjRbFb6SG5g
This small mic WILL BLOW YOU MIND.
Have end up using it for vocals, brass instruments, guitars and bass cabs.... pretty much I use this mike all the time. Yes you can get a more versatile mic at this price range, but if you want the neumann sound and build quality you will not be disappointed. 5 stars!!
I like it so much I did a video review of the 102 with some audio samples.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjRbFb6SG5g
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k
amazing quality
most affordable mic in the Neumann range
really capture the voice
really capture the voice
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CN
Bang for fuck, excellent quality, almost always end up using it for everything that the main feature in a song in the studio
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HF
Excellent value for money
I replaced my rode nt1 with this neumann tlm 102 to increase the quality of my voice and yes it is the best choice i could make.
The quality is really good for the price it has, it doesn't have many low end it's not harsh, if you are looking for a professional microphone and maybe you have a home studio like mine I really recommend you to think about it!
The quality is really good for the price it has, it doesn't have many low end it's not harsh, if you are looking for a professional microphone and maybe you have a home studio like mine I really recommend you to think about it!
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A7
Great microphone
The sound is natural without any color. It's more like microscope for sound. Combined with a AKG headphone.
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ZF
Excellent microphone
I have small home studio, and i was looking for professional mic which i could use for vocal and instrument recording. I was surprised with natural voice that it is producing.
Great mic, i would definitely recommend it to everyone!
Great mic, i would definitely recommend it to everyone!
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