Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,152
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Neumann TLM 103". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone is an industry standard for professionals and home studios alike. This large-diaphragm microphone is lauded for its studio-quality sound that encompasses the full spectrum from whisper-quiet acoustic guitars to booming vocals. Its cardioid polar pattern efficiently captures sound from the front while minimizing noise from the rear, making it a versatile choice for a variety of recording applications.
The TLM 103's capsule design is derived from the legendary Neumann U87, offering a stunning accuracy and depth that is hard to match. Its advanced transformerless circuitry delivers exceptionally low self-noise and handles high sound pressure levels up to 138dB without distortion.
The TLM 103 is not just an exceptional performer, it's also designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. Its robust construction, protected by a sturdy wire mesh grille, ensures its longevity. This microphone is not only an investment in superior sound quality, but also in durability.
Key Features:
- Large-diaphragm cardioid microphone ideal for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments
- Capsule design based on the legendary Neumann U87
- Advanced transformerless circuitry for ultra-low self-noise
- High sound pressure level handling up to 138dB without distortion
- Sturdy wire mesh grille protects the capsule
- Robust construction for daily use
- Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Nominal impedance: 50 Ohm
- Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V
- Weight: 450 g
- Color: Nickel
Owner's manual
Neumann TLM 103 User ManualProduct specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 138dB SPL |
| Output Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 87dB (A weighted) |
| Self Noise | 7dB (A weighted) |
| Connector | XLR |
| Power Source | 48V phantom power |
| Dimensions | 5.2" x 2.36" |
| Weight | 1 lb. |
| Included Accessories | Swivel Mount, Wooden Case |
FAQs
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What is the primary intended use for the Neumann TLM 103 microphone?
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The Neumann TLM 103 is designed for professional studio recording, particularly excelling in vocal and instrument applications due to its large-diaphragm and low self-noise.
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What polar pattern does the Neumann TLM 103 use, and what does this mean for recording?
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The Neumann TLM 103 features a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for isolating the sound source from background noise, making it excellent for voiceovers and studio vocals.
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Does the Neumann TLM 103 require phantom power?
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Yes, the Neumann TLM 103 requires 48V phantom power to operate, which is standard for most condenser microphones.
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How does the sound signature of the Neumann TLM 103 compare to other microphones?
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The Neumann TLM 103 offers a rich, full sound with a slight presence boost, providing clarity and detail, making it a popular choice for both vocal and instrumental recordings.
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What is the self-noise level of the Neumann TLM 103, and why is it important?
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The Neumann TLM 103 has a very low self-noise level of 7dB (A weighted), ensuring that recordings are clean and free from unwanted background noise, which is crucial for professional-quality audio.
Videos
Podcastage
Neumann TLM102 vs TLM103 Comparison (Versus Series)
Neumann TLM102 vs TLM103 Comparison (Versus Series)
Podcastage
Neumann TLM 103 Review Test
Podcastage
Neumann TLM 103 Vocal Condenser Microphone - Neumann TLM103
American Musical Supply
Neumann TLM 103 Review - What you NEED to know!
PRODUCE MUSIC NOW
Neumann TLM 103 Review
Mike Russell
Is the Neumann TLM 103 Microphone Worth the Hype? Rap Vocals Test!
Kelli
Neumann TLM 103 vs Rode NT1A
Subash Sinchuri
Neumann TLM 103 Review
The Beat League
Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone
Guitar Center
Neumann TLM 103 Mic Comparing to Rode NT1 & Blue Bluebird ( $1300 vs $300 Mic )
Omoi Senpai
The Neumann TLM 103
Georg Neumann GmbH
Microphone | Neumann TLM 103 ( Unboxing & Placement ) A MODERN CLASSIC
Amu Studios
Neumann TLM 103 Long Term Review
POTB Tech
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional for upfront, present vocals with creamy midrange
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Offers rich tones with depth, excelling in both digital and analog processing
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Brighter than U87, beneficial for airy, crispy mixes with less vocal processing
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Low noise floor, providing clean dry vocals and instruments
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Highly versatile for various music genres and recording applications
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Durable build quality, described as "built like a tank"
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Maintains quality even after years of use
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Recognized for professional tone and quality at a competitive price point
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Captures detailed low end, suitable for deep male voices
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Low handling of background noise, ideal for home studios
CONS
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Brightness above 3khz can become shrill, requiring post-processing adjustments
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Short barrel design may complicate mounting in certain shock mounts
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Some users prefer the warmth of the TLM 102 over the 103 for specific applications
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May sound harsh on sibilant sounds, necessitating a DeEsser for some voices
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Neumann TLM 103.
Software and compatibility
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The Scarlett Solo interface is deemed adequate for the TLM 103, providing necessary phantom power and decent preamps for effective performance.
Source
Comparisons
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It's suggested that the TLM 103 can outperform a U87 for room noise reduction, making it a choice when minimizing ambient sound is crucial.
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The TLM 103 is described as "obnoxiously bright," making it suitable for dull acoustic guitars but less favored when other mics are available.
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The TLM 103's higher output and lower noise floor make it preferable over vintage U87s for whispered vocals, though this is less relevant with the U87 Ai.
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A user reports that the Rode NT1 can achieve a similar sound to the TLM 103 with a slight treble boost.
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The TLM 103 is often compared to the TLM 102, with the 102 being described as more natural and better suited for singers due to smoother highs.
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The Sennheiser MK4 is suggested as a middle ground between the AT4040 and TLM 103, praised for its balanced sound and effective proximity effect.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The TLM 103 is reportedly used in major voiceover facilities, with one in each booth, highlighting its industry acceptance for VO work.
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It's noted as a strong choice for capturing bright string ensembles, providing a crisp capture ideal for room mics, particularly for strings.
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The TLM 103 is favored for voiceover work due to its pronounced proximity effect, offering a "radio sound" especially effective for non-singing vocals.
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The TLM 103 might not suit deep voices well, as it's described as "too much" for such vocal characteristics.
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It performs well on acoustic instruments and drum overheads if the cymbals are dark, but can exaggerate high frequencies otherwise.
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The TLM 103 excels in voice-over and narration, particularly in acoustically treated environments, but can sound harsh on vocals in untreated spaces.
Source
User experience
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Some users report the TLM 103 as being more effective on untrained voices, whereas the U87 is preferred for trained vocalists.
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Owners note the TLM 103's increased sensitivity, particularly picking up lower frequencies, which may require additional sound treatment in recording spaces.
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Buyers often expect it to mimic higher-end Neumann models like the U87 and may feel disappointed with its distinct tonal profile.
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Some owners have experienced a rattling sound when gently shaking the microphone, indicating potential build issues.
Source
Features and functionality
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The TLM 103 is transformerless, making it similar to a single-pattern U87 without the transformer, which affects its tonal characteristics.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 17 Reviews and 83 Ratings
Pleasantly surprised
I get it, it’s quite an investment. I don’t even own one. But it’s mine to use at my studio space so I know I’m quite lucky. If it’s in your budget though, I highly recommend. The presence boost and low self noise make for a level of sound quality that you’re just not gonna get for cheap. Don’t be fooled by the presence boost though. I was a bit unsure, but trust me, this mic won’t give you any painfully piercing highs and it preserves a lot of warmth from the low end. Fantastic microphone all around.
64
Great mic!
Best mic ever to me , it's effordable, great frequency response and it has a warm type of sound , i hear all the harmonies that i need of my voice when i record my vocals Great choice for male vocalist
181
very good piece of kit
among applications I use TLM 103 for are: 1. to hear crystal clear vocal playback in headphones 2. to record vocals and guitar
I use it regularly. The TLM 103 is extremely sensitive and does both of these jobs very well. The downside was the price. Everything else about it exceeds my needs.
Totally transparent. Ultra reliable. Used every day.
"Work horse" people say a lot, which is true although perhaps a little reductive. It is as true to real life as a microphone could get - totally flat / transparent frequency response curve. Got all the moving parts a U87 does, and sounds like it. Perhaps a touch more 'crude' if I had to tell the difference.
Occasionally I yearn for a figure of 8 pattern, let alone an omni, but frankly my work load doesn't really require it so I just roll my eyes and move on : ).
51
best mic ever used
nice frequency layout and even a nice finish to top it off. Overall a great high quality exeperience.
28
Depth, Bright, Deep all at the same time.
This microphone captures the voice extremely well. If I could describe this microphone in a few terms, it would be tone rich. This is a pro's pro's kind of microphone, extremely solid and no inherent flaw. Super quiet microphone and inspires confidence recording with it.
111
The Kicking Saturday Vocal mic
why do i own this mic for lead vocal it is open kinda up close so back off set up your mic level add a DBX 902 why it will save you time on the S sound on the highs plus DBX is a world class S killer. only the DBX 902 is the best tool for vocal there is others but DBX keep the vocal is a safe natural setting why play with a computer. i would say make do not fake it you can fake it in a computer ask yourself why.
111
why buy high-end today's mic this can open your sound and not break the bank just pick-up a DBX-902 and save your cash flow.
30
Can I pair it with just an Apollo duo ? I mean do I get great results without an extra pre amp?
138
Profesionaaaal
Al momento de grabar vocales o cualquier otra cosa nada mejor que este excelente microfono, aunque es muy caro vale la pena, es una inversion!
Artist usage
Add artist
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The microphone used by John Mayer in this Instagram pic is a Neumann TLM 103 with a black finish. Given its height on the mic stand, it can be assumed that John Mayer is using the Neumann TLM 103 to record vocals. The mic is sitting behind his Teenage Engineering OP-1 synth. This photo was posted to Mayer's Instagram Dec 2014.
In their 2013 Rig Rundown, shown at 8:03, Billie Joe was seen micing his cabs with numerous Nuemann TLM 103 microphones, as well as Shure 313 and an RCA BK5.
https://www.mixonline.com/live-sound/all-access-green-day-368305
This article on the making of Marr's 2018 Call the Comet album by MixOnline.com touches on some of the gear used during the recording process. "The bass, played by Iwan Gronow, goes through a Fender Bassman 100 or 300 through an 8x10 speaker. When not going DI, either an Electro-Voice RE20 or Neumann TLM 103 or beyerdynamic m380 microphone is used." (While the engineer is providing this feedback, the gear is housed in Marr's own Crazy Face studios, which contains gear he's collected over his decades in the music industry.)
Steve Aoki tweets "I went ahead and treated myself to a neumann tlm 103 mic for my studio. :)"
FINNEAS uses the Neumann TLM 103 condenser microphone to record Billie Eilish, as seen in the first clip of the video featured on Equipboard.
Pharrell Williams uses the Neumann TLM 103 microphone during his #OTHERtone radio show on Beats1, as seen on his Instagram.
The microphone is seen being used by many people incuding Tyler in the documentary, but you can see the full mic being used by Syd at 30:00
Bille is seen adjusting the Neumann TLM 103 on the first clip of this video.
Tommy Trash uses the Neumann TLM 103 microphone for recording voice-overs on his podcast, as shown in his Instagram post.
At 0:18 of this Apple commercial, Mr. Blake can be seen using the TLM 103, distinguished by its distinctive shock mount design.
Hexed Album Recording - At 5:59 you can see Alexi screaming into the Neumann TLM 103. Also this microphone can also be seen multiple times in the documentary while they record the gang shouts.
Album Usage
The Neumann TLM 103 has been featured on the following albums:
SONO UN GRANDE
Tiziano Ferro (2025)
Cuore Rotto
Tiziano Ferro (2025)
Dancing In The Dark
Noizu (2025)
Save It for the Living (Acoustic)
Smash Into Pieces (2020)
Confetti
Jack Harlow (2019)
Way Back When
Louis Futon (2019)
Hexed (Deluxe Version)
Children of Bodom (2019)
Baby On Baby
DaBaby (2019)
Call The Comet
Johnny Marr (2018)
I'm A Harmony
Linda Perhacs (2017)
Luv Is Rage 2
Lil Uzi Vert (2017)
Graffire
Jorge Salán (2016)
The Soul of All Natural Things
Linda Perhacs (2014)
Get Away (feat. Lennart A. Salomon)
Tocadisco (2013)
An Awesome Wave
Alt-J (2012)
The Fall
Norah Jones (2009)
Ellipse (Deluxe Version)
Imogen Heap (2009)
So Far Gone
Drake (2009)
Not Too Late
Norah Jones (2007)
Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum
Tally Hall (2005)
Helvete
Nasum (2003)
Black Sunday
Cypress Hill (1993)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Neumann TLM 103, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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