Neumann TLM 102 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Nickel)

SMALL MIC – HUGE SOUND

So small, so compact: When you see the TLM 102 for the first time, you might underestimate it. But when you hear it for the first time, you will be overwhelmed. The reason: when it comes to its technology, our smallest is a big player.

Neumann developed the TLM 102 as a universal talent for vocal and instrumental recordings. Its finely tuned sound signature especially accents the area of 8 to 12 kilohertz which is crucial for human voices. The recordings get a silky elegance which is typical for large diaphragm microphones; the voice gets a noble presence in the overall mix. Suddenly, there’s a natural, organic separation between your vocal and your acoustic guitar, for example. Nevertheless, the TLM 102 remains easy to handle and deals masterfully with critical consonants or sibilants: It has an integrated pop shield.

High Volume? No Problem at All.

The TLM 102 also processes extreme volume and jumps in dynamics without distortion. That makes it an excellent choice for miking loud amps and drums. This “baby” reproduces sound pressure levels of up to 144 dB (e.g. very loud trumpet at a distance of 10 cm) with great clarity: open, detailed, with powerful bass and refined treble.

Talking About the Price

The TLM 102 stands for legendary sound at an unheard-of price. The production is remodelled and rarely used functions are omitted (such as pattern, pad, and low-cut switches). When you hear the TLM 102, you’ll immediately notice what were not omitted: the Neumann sound, which remains faithful to its big role models.

TLM: Clear Sound, Powerful Bass

Our TLM series works with a transformerless output stage. This means: a clean and direct sound, very “close” to the acoustic source, and a powerful bass transmission all the way down to the lowest frequencies. Its transformerless output stage also makes the microphone resistant to electromagnetic fields and minimizes transmission losses.

FEATURES

• Easy handling for vocal and instrumental recordings
• Distortion-free sound even at extreme sound pressure levels
• Slight treble boost for silky vocals (independent of music genre)
• Built-in pop shield
• Neumann quality at an affordable price
• Maximum 144dB maximum SPL
• Cardioid pickup pattern
• 20Hz – 20kHz frequency range
• 132dB dynamic range
• 50-ohm impedance
• Weight: approximately 260g
• Diameter: 52mm
• Length: 116mm
• Requires +48V phantom power
• Included Accessories: Stand Mount

TECHNICAL DATA

• Acoustical operating principle: Pressure gradient transducer
• Directional pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency range: 20 Hz … 20 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm: 11 mV/Pa
• Rated impedance: 50 ohms
• Rated load impedance: 1 kohms
• Equivalent noise level, CCIR1): 21 dB
• Equivalent noise level, A-weighted1): 12 dB-A
• Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR1) (rel. 94 dB SPL): 73 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted1) (rel. 94 dB SPL): 82 dB
• Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%2): 144 dB
• Maximum output voltage: 13 dBu
• Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V ± 4 V
• Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938): 3.5 mA
• Connector: XLR (3pin F)
• Weight: approx. 210 g
• Diameter: 52 mm
• Length: 116 mm

REVIEWS

“… I couldn’t detect any compromises in the microphone’s
performance.”
Review in SOUND ON SOUND

“Its sound image is transparent and very well-balanced;
fresh, but not harsh. Bass response and the proximity effect are
well-proportioned, and the mid range is free of coloration.”
Review in SOUND & RECORDING

“The TLM 102 is thus recommended as a true plug-and-play
solution for home recording enthusiasts and aspiring pro mixers.”
Review in KEYS