$1000 Mic Shootout - Sennheiser MKH416 vs Neumann TLM 103 

I think Sennheiser 416 is my dream mic now.

You were dead right about gamers using a shotgun mic! My channel is a gaming one and I picked up an Audio Technica AT875R for just those reasons - good noise rejection and it can be positioned above my monitors and out of the way. I do use other mics too though. To be honest, playing with mics and learning about audio has become more fun than the gaming! Anyway another excellent video, thanks. Both those microphones sounded fantastic.

I've been using the TLM 103 for the last 3 years and loved it, but now I'm waiting for my 416 to get to my door. Thanks for the video review, it really helped me feel better about burning another thousand dollars

Great shootout but, you seem to forget that the MKH-416 and other shotgun microphone's polar patterns have a rear lobe which means that if you face "the butt of the microphone facing the noise (street traffic)", then you'll actually hear that in your recording. This is the same reason why it isn't very good to use the 416 as an on camera mic since you can end up hearing the camera operator breathing. Also, when it is boomed on a pole the butt of the mic is usually pointing to the ceiling. Minor, but important detail.

Great Video! I use the 416 for just about everything. Can't beat the versatility, ease of set up in just about any space vs my more expensive 1k condenser. Recently I had to do a pick up for a client while I was out of town in my car. Pulled over in my car and did the pickups in my front seat using my Sennheiser . Clients couldn't even tell I wasn't in my home studio.

MKH 416 all the way. I love how present and "in your ear" it sounds.

Mike you sir have a beautiful voice.

I'm a gear head and audio has always perplexed me more so than video since it's something you just can't see, you are great at explaining things, making things understandable and good voice to listen to I still am constantly learning and tweaking audio way more than anything else in my content and still trying to find the right mic for my voice. I switch up my mics between sm7b at4040 and at875r, and surprisingly to my ears the cheaper shotgun usually comes out on top for me. Thanks for the great content!

Mike, somehow stumbled onto your channel. I always wanted to be a VO guy. I was a professional “sound guy” and did some commercial/TV work 10 years ago but didn’t want to be a starving artist. I never bothered to get my own equipment. Went through a lot of your vids and really perked up with the Lewitt 440 videos. I immediately ordered one and plan on getting back into voice work as a hobby. Really appreciate your thoroughness and attitude. For the record… If you can only afford one mic.. the MK416 is the right one to get 😊 If you’ve got a recorder and an MK, you can take on some extra jobs if you want. It’s not always the best mic, but it’s never the wrong mic.

B and H had a mkh416 one day sale for $400!! This past Christamas season 2016. So always make a wishlist and sign up for notifications from your favorite retailer.

HELL YEAH! I was waiting for this video, feel like someone famous just acknowledged me! Seems like the 103 is somewhat more neutral and would probably be easier to EQ. I feel even better about my MKH now, such a good mic. It just sounds so good for voice over out of the box, few small little EQ tweaks and it really shines. For voice over in animation or something I could see the 103 being preferred.

Mike, that 416 LOVES your voice. Holy moly.

I watched this excellent comparison a couple of years ago and it just popped up again. I bought the 416 2 years ago and, now, I realized I just take it for granted, it's so solid. I have the Stellar X2, AKG Perception, a few others, but they stay in storage. The 416 just works. It is clear, quiet, and you can equalize for any variation you might need in that profile, at least so I've found. You DO have to be careful about the pattern; just looking down or sideways at your equipment or DAW and you may have to rerecord that bit. You can hear when you're speaking away from the mic; It's a narrow cone. I also have it pointed down a bit, from above, at an angle, to minimize plosive issues and that works well, but puts me closer to the edge of the cone. That would NOT be an issue with the TLM103 or other LDC, in my experience. I've had to learn to pick my spot, stay to mic and stay in that field, but it's gotten pretty second nature. I love the 416. Funny; a Hollywood Mixer/Boom Operator friend was saying that the Schoeps CMIT 5 has replaced the Sennheiser MKH-416 as the theatrical dialog recording standard. He was wondering if the 416 became a voiceover studio standard after that happened -- in other words, was it the easy availability of used 416s that led to its adoption in voiceover. I didn't know, but wondered if anyone else here did, or if you happen to know, Mike? Thanks! and love your channel!

I now own both of these mics and I can attest to the fact that they're both equal to virtually any audio task you throw at them, (within their respective strengths and limitations of course). I also own a U87AI and waiting on delivery of the iconic Neumann M149 9 polar pattern, tube condenser mic. 2021 has been very good to me! Blessings from above.

Great comparison! I have the MKH 416, and I do agree with everything you said about it. I Love it for voiceover and filmmaking!

I can't speak for the TLM 103 but I do have the TLM 102 and the MKH 416 and here's what I learned. It took me a while for my ears to adjust to the 416 maybe because it's brighter and the proximity effect isn't as thick, meaning that I have to work a little harder for that low end growl in my voice. After a few weeks of using it, I switched back to the TLM 102 for a job and found that it was an easier mic to EQ, the Neumann takes EQ like a charm, however the MKH 416 doesn't really even need EQ. The 416 to my ears is cleaner and just ready to go and for this reason I can't be happier with it and it's now my main workhorse for voiceover.

2-1/2 years ago this video pushed me over the edge to buy my 416… EVENTUALLY, I found I needed the 103 as well… albeit the 416 made that possible. Thank You Mike! Mike is a GREAT source… IMHO the best for mics for V.O. reviews - his golden voice doesn’t hurt matters at all either LOL.

MKH hands down. I have one and I had a TLM 103, too many issues with acoustics, mic positioning and mouth noise. It’s great, but it’s a hassle to get everything right. You don’t have to do much to the 416 for it to sound great. You don’t have to equalize either.

I have the MKH 416 myself and love it.

Spot on Andrew. Take your time and sort out want, need, must have and THEN your budget.

Re the up-close tests: when you talk close into a 416, the presence of the interference tube means you're still six inches from the capsule, so naturally there's less boosting of the bass from proximity effect. WIth the 103 as you have it set up, you're only 2-3" from the capsule.

good review!

I own both these microphones. As much as I really love the 416, for me, my favorite microphone is the TLM 103.

Been doing voiceovers for 45 years. Started with a Senheiser MD 421, then bought the MKH for 16 and then the TLM 103 when they first came out. Haven’t gone back since.

You catching yourself after saying you'd probably using the mics in 10 years was HILARIOUS!!! LOL. It's an addiction man! Gotta love new gear!!! UGH!! 😭

Good demonstration between the mics. I have both of these mics and love them. You do a great job! Enjoy watching your videos.

Old video, I know, but still really useful! Surprised how close these two actually sound. Noticed a lot of smaller details more accentuated on the 416, which makes sense, but the TLM103 still picked those details up, especially as you got closer to the mic. The 103 has a bit more low end though, and I think for me, I prefer the 103 (also biased, cause I use one lol) but honestly, I could go either way. I do eventually want to get the 416, but am so happy with my neumann right now.

Mike, you are awesome! Your videos are great and are helping me get a good grasp of everything voice-over. I wanted share a couple of thoughts. 1) Some of the difference in the sound between a cardioid and a shotgun has to do with room acoustics. The TLM 103 sounds a little "fuller" - or "roomier" but it is likely the fact that it's picking up more refection from the booth sides and window, for instance. If one were to use a shotgun they can get away with less general room treatment if they concentrate on treatment behind the talent's head and behind the mic. (BTW this is an oft missed issue, the treatment *behind* the talent is very important) 2) You mentioned that before you had a booth you orienting the MKH 416 with the unwanted sounds behind the mic. This should not be the preferred direction. Preferred direction would be to the sides and better a few degrees either way from 90 degs (there is generally a narrow reception side lobe there.) 3) I appreciated the value of good mics and don't want to "throw shade" but, as I see it, for voiceover work, I'm not sure that an expensive mic will make or break an auditions, particularity after a tad of EQ. EQ can't add sound where its missing and having to push some band too much adds distortion and noise. If a mic is generally decent (no serous drop outs) they should be adjustable by EQ to get a sound that's essentially indistinguishable from $$$ mics. When one gets to the top dollar mics it becomes very personalized; getting a mic that exactly fits the voice. This is a domain of recording singers where price is not a concern and where equipment name dropping becomes important. Just my thoughts

Thanks so much... The Sennheiser MKH416 sound so good and I think it would be a perfect choice for use in sound effects creation. Really need that detail in the high end.

Another great video Mike! I just purchased the MKH 416 and love it. So clear and full - huge upgrade from my Rode NT-1A.

Thanks Mike!! This was fantastic! I'm just setting up my studio now, and I was close to buying a Rode shotgun mic. I got a great deal on the 416 from my local shop so I dropped the $$$$ Glad to know I made the right choice.

Still need this in 2024

Ah just the video I have been looking for! I feel even better now about my decision when I went with the 416 - Thanks Mike!

Your videos always get an Insta-Like. I just like you! Don't change the way you are and do things!

Based on your shootout, MKH416 nailed it! Thanks for the video!

The 416 has been my main mic for decades now, in spite of owning a bunch of sought after vintage mics. It just has a great, natural, cut through character. And through either my Fearn VT-1 or AMS Neve 1073, it sounds like a million bucks. For anyone who remembers Ernie Anderson (ABC TV Promo voice of the 70's - Monday Night Football, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and countless others) all his promos were done with the 416!

Thanks Mike. Of all the people who do mic comparisons, your voice is the most similar to my own, (yes, I'm a voice over talent too). Your reviews are excellent. This review, (along with Podcastage), convinced me to purchase a MKH416. I had a RODE NT1 before (great mic), and I thought I'd treat myself to a high end alternative. I love it. Money well spent. Keep up the good work Mike!

What job would you have if your name was Mike DelVideo?

The Neumann doesn’t sound like itself because you have that gigantically thick pop filter on it. First thing to go is high end with a foam pop filter that thick.

Love to see a practical review of these two mics away from the booth.

I was with TLM 103 for 2 weeks and it was so hard to get a descent sound out of this mic. I returned 103 and got 416. 416 makes life so much easier. I get a great sound out of 416 easily without much effort at all. 416 just always works purfectly and the sound is very very pleasing. I just love 416.

416 has got that special top end sizzle. My preference.

Rode NTG-3 is the mic Rode made to compete with the 416. They sound nearly identical, the Rode is a bit warmer with more bottom end and the 416 is a bit more airy. The 416 has name recognition and signature sound, the NTG-3 has the sonic qualities I was looking for and sounded better on my voice. I use mine for tv narration, commercials, promos, and a broad spectrum of other work.

A shotgun mic does pick up sound directly from the back, look up a diagram for shotgun or hypercardioid. It picks up more sound directly from the back than from the sides. Which is why you should absolutely avoid pointing the back of the mic directly at a reflective surface like a ceiling. Some film sound guys even say never use a shotgun mic inside rooms at all (unless you can treat the room of course)

Not sure why, but when i hear the the MKH something subconsciously is triggered in my mind. Almost a Deja Vu feeling. Could be the years of conditioning from sound sources that used that mic. thanks

So I will be the odd one out. I do VO work, RU-vid, Etc and I started with "entry level" condensers like the MXL 770 & MXL 990 (Even thought about doing the 990 Mods) but when I started to play instruments and do field recording (Interviews, Podcast) I got a Shure SM58 to get away from Phantom Power and wanted something rugged. I got lazy and did not swap microphones for a VO one day and found the SM58 was AMAZING for me as a VO microphone. I have not touched my MXL Microphones since. Not having a dedicated recording room it was way better at cutting background noise, liked the presence, depth, and it was smaller and easier to work with too. These mics are in such different leagues to another being a $100 mic but I wonder if something like the SM58 is the hidden gem for entry level cheap VO work and would wonder how it stands up to say the SM7B. Would you like to weigh in or even do a video on it? Or I would love to do a video on it but don't have the expensive stuff :)

Solid comparison video. Thank you

The 416 should be everyone's first "serious" mic as its so versatile and gives great value for money (£500 on ebay for a mint used one) If that's too much for beginners the Octava mk012 offers fantastic value for very little money. If you like a slight bass bias the rode ntg3 is a good option.

Hey, man! Thanks very much for the video I really enjoyed it. Currently thinking about buying Mkh 416 for my voiceover needs and in the meantime I’m using audio technical 5040. I love this Mike. Really recommend it even though it’s very expensive. Love your channel. Perhaps we could talk some time :) best of luck!

You've just convinced me to drop 1k on a microphone... I swear this man can sell water to a drowning man

Strange in Australia the 416 cost me new just over $1000, the cheapest I can get a 103 is about $1500

Which one has best proximity effect and best for laying over music tracks with voice over

I'd love a comparison between the mkh416 versus the rode ntg4+, I could send you mine but I'm from Chile so it is too far away 😭

Thank you for all your videos, really appreciate it. Salutes from Morocco

I definitely prefer MKH416 when it comes to quality. Maybe that's just me.

Well done. Let me please add another aspect: If you want to use one of them for instruments or live music recording the TLM103 is the only possible choice.

ThickFreedom sent me here, I'm glad he did, very interesting video

Thanks for the review. It was very educational and straightforward. Can you do comparison between the 416 and the Rode NTG 4+ ?

thanks bud, lovely demo

Great vid Mike. 416 seems like a better option indeed. It sounds more "present"-ish.

Excellent video as always!

That's funny. I call money coming in "my winnings" too. First time I ever heard anyone else say that. I think if you haven't tried a Sound Devices Mixpre yet with the Kashmir preamps, then you should try it. I think it would make your voice even better because of the coloration it has.

You should compare a Shure KSM44, the Neuman TLM 103 and the MKH416. If you make it, we can decide wich mic to buy. This was a very good video.

yeahhh! Thanks. Very good comparison!

Great stuff Mike! Thanks.

Perfect comparison video!

You really should explain to people why exactly USB-mics is not the best solution out there, once and for all. Despite the fact that you already indirectly touched the reasons behind it in your previous videos over and over already. I could've avoid this purchase if I found out about it earlier from you (but, oh, well - I guess Blue Yeti and recording environment troubles associated with it were the reasons why I found out about your channel in the first place). Thats a pretty hot topic for many people out there I believe, and your advice can really help them to safe some money on portable interfaces instead, plus it should definitely give your channel a good boost. Keep it up, please.

Hey Mike! Great review thanks. What are your thoughts on the new Aputure Deity? Have you used it? Can you please do a video comparing it to the MKH 416 pleeeeease?

Trolled eBay for 6 months and got a fantastic German version MKH 416 for $450. Needed an adapter for the XLR input but it sound beautiful!

Do you notice a sound difference on the MKH 416 with the foam windscreen installed or not?

Hey there, Mike! If you happen to be interested in it and if you haven't reviewed them already, could you do a mic comparison between the Audio Technica At2020 and the Blue Yeti Pro? I'm currently trying to start into PROFESSIONAL voice over work and I need to know the pros and cons of both mics. They BOTH are highly recommended around the market but I must see which one is best for me from a PROFESSIONAL prospective. Thanks again! :)

Your videos are fantastic.

I have the Rode NTG-3 which retails for about $700usd. I got it while I was living in Australia and I'm pretty sure it was cheaper because I really wanted a 416, but it was out of my budget. I studied film production, so I'm quite used to the 416, though we had a variant that I'm unable to track down now. It used a battery rather than phantom power.

I actually like how the Neumann sounds on your voice. I feel like although the 416 has more bass it also extenuates the sibilence in your voice and I have a bias against sibilence I dont know why but I just do.

Hello Mike! First, thank you for all the amazing videos you are providing us to improve our voice over experience!! I'd like to know what kind of shock mount you are using with your sennheiser MKH416. It's hard to tell which one on the videos. Best! D.

Love your channel! Not a booth junkie, but subbed because your videos are so good. I have a question, if you've got a moment: I'm in a position where I need to 1) a mic for PC game commentary at my desk and minimizing keyboard, etc. noise, 2) a mic for couch co-ops (two people sitting close together playing a console), and 3) a mic for a boom above my wife who records online videos for courses, etc. While I'd love to get a boatload of devices, for now I'd love to find one option to meet these needs. I currently have two ATR2100's and an Zoom H5. I was thinking that something like a Sennheiser MKE 600 might be a worthy option, and that is about the top of my budget right now. In your opinion, would that mic meet those needs well enough? Do you have any reviews on that mic (I haven't found them yet if you do, but will keep looking)? Thanks for your time! EDIT: We try to keep it quiet, but far from a studio environment. :)

Hey Mike, Larry here. Great video. Just wanna ask you, do some singers use the 416 for recording songs?

Mike, great vid! What is the shock mount you are using on the 416? You don't have it listed in your equipment area. Considering how much you bump that poor fellow, that has got to be a fairly good one.

Rather than the Blue Yeti, I would appreciate an evaluation of the Blue Yeti PRO. It has a better A/D converter.

Might not be the most useful comment on a 7yo video but little precision shotgun pattern is not a thing, It's an hypercardioid. Also in my opinion using a shotgun when inside and that close is not necessary and possibly problematic, I would advise using a regular hypercardiod like a mkh50 or MK012.

Well…I now own both! The 416 has been amazing, but I added the 103 to cover lead vocals (for my band) as well as VO. I do have an unrelated question, however. I’ve used the online audition sites to find some work, but I can’t help but think there are better ways to find VO work. Do you have suggestions regarding how to find work?

The WDVE shoutout haha! Pittsburgh!

Can the Sennheiser be used for long-form? Narration? or even singing? why would you use TLM 103? I see some pro's on VObuzz weekly all used the Sennheiser....SOMEONE explain

I wonder how in hell do you do in order to DELETE all h5 preamp noise. 'Cause..

How about a vid on the Lawson L47 FET...OR any Lawson mic. I use the L47 FET.

Can you do a video on microphone blending? Or using two mics on one person at the same time? Please?

Nice vid it's great your looking at the comments

How would the MKH 416 be for long format projects like audio books?

Hi, Mike (it just hit me your name is Mike 😂). What XLR cables do you use? I've been looking into XLR cables and so far have read that Mogami Studio Gold XLR cables are apparently one of the best to use since they get rid of noise and hum. Canare L-4E6S also seem to be just as good for a third of the price (or so I've heard). It would be interesting to do a room tone test comparing cheap generic XLR cables to something like Mogami or Canare. By the way, I bought the MKH-416 from B&H on impulse when they had it on sale for $600 on 12/27/16. I haven't even opened it because I thought about returning it, but after watching your videos I know it'll be a worthwhile investment so I'm going to keep it.

the 416 - got it. really cool!

My personal CAD E100S is extremely quiet. I bought mine in 2012, I don't know if the quality is the same now. To get the best out of it, it needs a very good pre-amp, I use a Grace m101. My old Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 pre, did not do the CAD justice, the high pass filter on the CAD made noise with that pre and a MicPort pro (both pres had no HPF). The E100s played better with other mic pre amps that had their own high pass filters and were of better quality. That's just the game, some low cost pre amps will sound good with some mics, and not others. I find a higher quality pre makes all mics sound better.

MKH has worlds more detail and intimacy. Makes the Neumann sound 2 dimensional. You could always get an MKH and just throw a blanket over it to make it sound dull and flat when that's what you want lol.

Nice vid. So people don’t use compression on VO??

I am a newbie to the world of sound and would be grateful if you could answer a question: I record video on my Sony A7iii of streams and rivers and want to add high quality sound to the video. I can't figure out the equipment I need to accomplish this result. I could use a RODE Stereo VideoMic X which seems to be the simplest answer but many people seem to attach Zoom F6 devices to their camera along with mics and other equipment. What kind of configuration or equipment would you suggest buying if I want to add very high quality sound to my videos of streams and rivers ? Is the Sennheiser MKH-416 the right mic for the job ( I keep reading it is the industry standard but I am pretty sure it is unidirectional so will that be a problem if I want to record streams and rivers in nature ). Thank you.

416 for announcer, TLM (or eventually U87) for dialogue

Mike, you sound great on both mics, but I do prefer the 416 for it's liveliness...in fact I have one. Were you doing any compression, limiting, EQ or magic dust on the sound of those mics? Anything switched in on the recorder you were using? Anything in post? I go from the 416 to dbx286s (with very little coloring) to Scarlett Solo 2G and it does not sound like yours.

3:14 says it all :D Great mics !

What mic usb preamp/interface would you recommend for the MKH416 below $1k?

Compare the rode nt1a to these two, pretty please :)

WDVE! Yinzer reference! Love it.