Neumann TLM 170 R

$3,500.00

5.0 (1)

$3,500.00

5.0 (7)

$1,975.00 9 available Used

$3,500.00

5.0 (2)

$3,500.00

5.0 (3)

$2,999.00

Average Price: $3,211

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, Neumann TLM 170 R is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Neumann TLM 170 R". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Neumann TLM 170 R, a versatile and high-performing condenser microphone designed for professional recording, broadcasting, film and television, and semi-professional productions. A standout feature of this microphone is its transparent sound characteristic, unlike other microphones that can sometimes impose a distinct personality on your recordings. The TLM 170 R gives you the raw, uncolored sound you capture, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

The TLM 170 R is equipped with multiple polar patterns, selectable either at the microphone or remotely via the special N 248 power supply. This diverse range of patterns, including omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8, as well as a hyper-cardioid and wide-angle cardioid, allows you to capture the best sound no matter the source or environment. The TLM Technology replaces the usual output transformer with an electronic circuit, offering good common mode rejection and preventing RF interference that may influence your balanced audio signal.

Key Features: - Large diaphragm microphone with multiple polar patterns - Transparent sound characteristic, ideal for various recording applications - Polar patterns selectable at the microphone or remotely via the N 248 power supply - Diverse range of polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8, hyper-cardioid, and wide-angle cardioid - TLM Technology for good common mode rejection and prevention of RF interference - Provided with a tilting side bracket for attaching to booms or stands - 10 dB attenuation switch and a second switch for attenuating frequency response below 100 Hz - Requires +48V phantom power

Product specs

Microphone Type	Condenser
Polar Pattern	Cardioid, Hypercardioid, Wide Angle, Omni, Figure-8
Frequency Response	20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL	144dB (154dB w/10dB Pre-attenuation)
Output Impedance	50 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio	80dB (A weighted)
Self Noise	14dB (A weighted)
Low Cut Filter	30Hz, 100Hz
Pads	-10dB
Connector	XLR
Weight	1.38 lbs.
Included Accessories	Dust Cover, Wood Box

FAQs

What polar patterns are available on the Neumann TLM 170 R microphone?: The Neumann TLM 170 R offers five polar patterns: cardioid, hypercardioid, wide angle, omni, and figure-8. This versatility makes it suitable for a variety of recording applications.
Is the Neumann TLM 170 R suitable for high SPL sources like drums?: Yes, the Neumann TLM 170 R can handle high sound pressure levels up to 144dB, or 154dB with the -10dB pad engaged, making it suitable for recording loud sources such as drums.
Does the Neumann TLM 170 R have a low cut filter?: Yes, the Neumann TLM 170 R features a low cut filter with two settings at 30Hz and 100Hz, which helps reduce unwanted low-frequency noise.
What is the self-noise level of the Neumann TLM 170 R?: The self-noise level of the Neumann TLM 170 R is 14dB (A weighted), which is considered low, ensuring clean and clear recordings.
What type of connector does the Neumann TLM 170 R use?: The Neumann TLM 170 R uses a standard XLR connector, which is compatible with most professional audio equipment.
What accessories are included with the Neumann TLM 170 R microphone?: The Neumann TLM 170 R comes with a dust cover and a wood box for protection and storage.

Videos

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soundpurestudios

Neumann TLM 170R Microphone Quick n' Dirty

soundpurestudios

The Neumann TLM 170 R

Georg Neumann GmbH

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptionally clear sound, capturing nuanced details
Natural and smooth tone across a range of applications
Versatile with five useful pickup patterns
Excellent off-axis response, reducing phase issues
Warm tone ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments
Performs well without coloration, maintaining source integrity
Linear response, minimizing the need for EQ adjustments
Crisp and present without being overly bright
Favored for professional voice work, including Hollywood voice acting
Preferred over other high-end mics for its balanced sound profile

CONS

Price may be prohibitive for some budgets
Lacks the character or color some may seek for specific applications

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Neumann TLM 170 R.

Comparisons

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The TLM 170/193 are considered unique with few alternatives; AKG C414 and U87Ai are not direct substitutes for classical music applications.
Source
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Austrian Audio 818 or 18 is recommended over AKG C414 or U87 for cello, offering better performance with fewer EQ adjustments.
Source
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The TLM 170 R is frequently compared to the U87, with some users noting it as a more neutral option, lacking the U87's characteristic mid-bump.
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The TLM 170 R is often favored over the TLM 193 for its additional polar patterns, which provide more flexibility in diverse recording environments.
Source

Use cases and applications

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TLM 193 is preferred for clarinet due to its darker tone, aiding in reducing key noise when positioned further away from the instrument.
Source
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M/S recording with ribbons and SDCs can be too colored off-center for large ensembles, making consistent off-center behavior crucial.
Source
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For cello, Sennheiser SDCs are favored for capturing a more cohesive low end, providing flexibility in mic positioning.
Source
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Owners use the TLM 170 R extensively for voiceover work due to its neutrality, making it suitable for capturing a natural voice without coloration.
Source

Features and functionality

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The AKG C414 can be effective on cello when placed 1.5 meters away, aimed at the bow contact point, and adjusted for brightness.
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The Neumann TLM 170 R is praised for having a transformerless design and multi-pattern capabilities, making it versatile for various recording applications.
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The TLM 170 R is noted for excellent off-axis response, important for maintaining natural sound in recordings with potential spill.
Source

User experience

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Owners of the TLM 170 R appreciate its ability to handle both close-mic situations with minimal proximity effect and distant miking for ambient capture.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

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Roland Orzabal

Singer, Guitarist

Tears for Fears

Verified via Mixonline

Used for Orzabal's vocals on "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", as mentioned by producer David Bascombe in this August 1, 2007 Mix Online article.

Bascombe recorded Smith and Orzabal's vocals with a then-new Neumann TLM 170 microphone at Union Studios in Munich, where they also mixed.

Rihanna

Singer

Artists Stand Up to Cancer

Verified via Photo

Rihanna is documented using a Neumann TLM 170 microphone in studio footage, as evidenced by the image provided.

Neil Tennant

Singer

Pet Shop Boys

Verified via Petshopboys-online

"Bob Kraushaar puts things to tape pretty much as they’re going to sound. He EQs vocals savagely before he records them, which I would never do — I’m not confident it’s an area I’m good at. But he’s got ears like a bat, and having worked a lot with Neil, he knows the problem frequencies with his voice — he would never use a Neumann U87 on him for example, because Neil has a naturally sibilant voice, and a U87 accentuates that. Instead, he uses a TLM170, and that’s perfect for Neil, because it’s bright, but doesn’t have the sibilance. Neil really loves recording vocals with Bob; he’s very good at getting a great vocal sound, and that can make or break a record."

Album Usage

The Neumann TLM 170 R has been featured on the following albums:

Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Arr. for Guitar)

Chris Hughes & Roland Orzabal (2021)

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 170 R, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

AKG K121 Studio Headphones Headphones & In-Ear Monitors

Yamaha TG500 Synthesizers

Fairlight CMI Synthesizers

PPG Wave 2.2 Synthesizers

Roland Jupiter-8 Synthesizers

Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 Synthesizers

Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers

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