Which Neumann Microphone Should You Buy?! (Neumann TLM Series Comparison) 

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I just want to say that I REALLY appreciate the looping of the same vocal phrase for an optimal comparison. Shot!

ive had my 103 for almost 10 years and ive loved every moment of our journey. amazing video my friend, subbed!

I never used the 67, but owning the others I must say: I love the TLM 49 over the others.

I own the TLM 103, but in this comparison, the TLM 102 really performed great. In other comparisons I recognised that the U87 had more body/low end than both the 102 and 103. I am a bit surprised that none of the more expensive mics in this comparison had the same amount of body. I was listening through good speakers in a treated room and the biggest surprise is, how little differences there are at least to my ears. In a blind test, I would have failed miserably.

Tlm 49 is definitely on another level🔥🔥🔥 Mic comparisons from this channel is my favourite typa content fr🔥🤩

I own a TLM 107. People haven't been paying much attention to this mic because their minds are too focused on the 103 or even the U87. People just don't know what they are missing.

Concise and comprehensive review Great mics with great sounding qualities Dope content as usual

thanks a lot for sharing ! It's funny how sound appeals to us differently. I thought the tlm 103 and 67 were the worst with your voice. I liked the 107 i think it was the most balanced. good video !

the 49 stands out from all the others, it combines the not harsh high end without missing detail or sounding dull, and the mid forward cutting thru great shoot out...thanks a lot

Favorite music RU-vidr by far keep up the good work

Hi Edward, Im really into music but i dont have the money to buy the equipment and your videos motivate me. Continue like this!!! I love your videos!!!

I felt very much in the same ballpark. Thanks for doing that!

I honestly was kinda hoping you would have done a stand-alone guitar comparison but this still definitely helps. Good song choice btw

I've owned a 49 for 3+ years and I'm always surprised how amazing it sounds for the price. On your track specifically, the 49 tamed the dynamics and captured the airiness of your voice.

That tlm 49 is full and smooth and controlled the vocal so dam good the bottom end is amazing and I didn’t hear any weird high end it wasn’t brittle it just held everything together like glue 🔥

@6:20 That's what I am looking for Edward, thanks for a great comparison. Cheers Bro.

Wonderful video! i'm a session musician and in my studio i use the tlm 102 + Electro voice EV re 20. I play and record all saxophones and flute..The tlm 102 for me is better than 103 because is clear , a little bit more flat than 103. The 103 has more high frequences ( saxophone doesn't need ) and in some case 103 sounds more "muddy" in the mix because has even low frequences push up. So the 102 for instrumental use is incredibly good !!

Ok that was some impressive prominence and editing to have you look like your singing continuously while the microphones change. I know how you did it but you did it very well must of taken alot of effort and time, I respect you for that. In My personal opinion however I didn't hear much difference in the mics enough, I'd probably go for the mid range price.

TLM 67 is a BANGER. One of the best acoustic guitar mics.

I liked the TLM 107 and the 49. Great demo thanks. 😊

this song suits your voice so well, you’re an amazing singer!!! i got distracted from comparing microphones because i was so into your voice singing the song haha!!!

The application is most important than the mic. Can you explain in a video how you edit your records, thanks Edward.

TLM49 stood out to me too. thanks for the comparisons

Are you only using reverb here? Great video! I’m just deciding on which one to buy, and was thinking between tlm 103 or u87.

Hey @Edward Smith :) Thanks for the amazing content! I'm torn between a tlm 107 and tlm 193? It's mostly for vocals and the singer has a high-pitched voice. What would you recommend?

Everything depends on the buck u pay.. but I would rather go for the tlm 102.. which sounds awesome according to my budget.. Thanks for d excellent review bro 👍

Excellent comparison. Ultimately, it's what matches your voice -- your instrument. We came to the same conclusions. Too add, for your voice -- and thanks for emphasizing that -- the crispy 103 would also stand out in a mix. The 49 was a close 2nd, but its presence silking might disappear you in a dense final.

Great comparisons and review ... I love my TLM102 but only use it for TikTok for voice overs and a radio music style shows

I really love my TLM102! Thank you for such an awesome review!

Nice review! I've heard that Ray LaMontagne used the tlm-49 to record Gossip in the Grain.

I would say none mostly because of the price, but also 102 and 103 are a bit brighter than perfect. I like how the TLM 193 sounds, but all those microphones are actually very good.

I own the TLM 103, and am very happy with it . Great song btw !

The 102 & 103 Fit Your Voice 👍🏻💪🏻

I'm definitely getting the TLM 49💯

Hmm I actually wasn't a huge fan of the TLM 67, I found it the most dynamic... My favorite was the TLM 49 and then surprisingly the TLM 103! I found the 102 a little tinny for my liking (and for his voice). If I were Ed's engineer, I would definitely use the 49, then double with the 103. Great video, thanks for the knowledge 🤙

currently on the fence between the 102 and 103. this may have pushed me to upgrade to the 103. great video.

Thank you for this amazing review

The 49 is a standout for vocals, but it's the 67 that won me over for its unique character and versatility; it sounds equally good on acoustic instruments as it does on vocals. The 67 is my choice for the "one mic to do it all" winner. It has something special that the other mics are missing- its own signature voicing. The other mics are trying to emulate another classic, but the 67 is a hybrid...almost a "best of" blend. Love it!

I bought the TLM2 on a whim. I’ve been producing professionally for over 12 years now. This mic is absolutely amazing at its price range! Definitely remove the foam inside the mic first thing, it’ll transform it into such a better vocal mic. Honestly can’t beat it at that price point.

The 67 sounds like a record, rather than a crispy home studio.

I love the sound of the 49 🔥🔥🔥

I love micro neumann and thank. You Edward Smith

Hi, are you going directly into the audio interface and into the pc or is there some other equipment in the chain? Thanks!

I've used multiple Neumann microphones over the years and each of them have their own tonal characteristics which might suit some recording situations over others. Was an owner of the TLM102, then 2 U87Ai but I've since sold all of them off and let me explain why: 1. I personally think Neumann microphones given their long lineage in microphone design and technology isn't all that bad, it has a reputation and sound that precedes its cost. Most of your favourite records in one way or another have probably been recorded on a Neumann microphone. 2. Super expensive for hobbyist and beginner producers/recording engineers but if you see it as an investment, it'll pay itself off over time. With solid-state microphones like the TLM series and the FET series (purple badge), you have a keeper for a long time. 3. The TLM102 whilst the most affordable model in the Neumann range actually punches above its weight, the lack of features like a pad or a HPF obviously contributes to the cost-savings but overall I personally found it lacklustre for what I did; i mainly recorded vocals and sometimes for certain genres like R&B and hip-hop, I need to do quite a bit of work in the mix stage to get it to sit in the mix. It's great as an all-rounder tho, have done guitars/toms/drums with it and holds up well. Handles high SPL levels well too. The mids are much more muted than what you'll get with the 103 or U87, might be good for singers who tend to sound really bright. 4. I had 2 U87s after that, I actually got a 2011 model off a friend who actually bought it new and didn't even use it, that was my main workhorse for about 2 years-ish, but I've observed multiple issues with the microphone which was inherently part of its design; the pad changes the sound of the mic, if anyone owns a U87Ai and hasn't used it before, go try it out, record something on the normal settings, turn on the pad and re-record the same thing again, level match it and compare. The pad filter changes the sound of the microphone in a unpleasant way. From what I understand, it's actually something to do with pad being mechanical in design (i could very well be wrong but I've spoken to some microphone designers/repair guys and that's what they told me). The second issue is that the rated SPL level for the microphone is super super low compared to modern microphone designs; 117dB SPL without the pad. My experience is that with louder singers who get close to the microphone, there is some HF distortion that happens which is quite unpleasant and apart from pulling them away from the mic, there's nothing much you can do about it. This was verified by the famed Neumann guru Klaus Heyne on Gearspace when I posted about it. 5. Between the 2 U87Ais I owned, the other one was a 2009 model which i exchanged for an Avalon 737 as the other guy who owned the mic wanted a 737 as i was trying to sell it off and i'd figured it was easier to sell a mic than a 737. When i got it, i noticed the output of the mic was much much lower than my 2011 model. Initially I thought i got a faulty mic and I went on Gearspace to consult about this issue, Klaus Heyne actually replied my post and told me to swap the capsules between the mics to troubleshoot what the issue was, if the sound traveled with the capsule swap, it was the capsule, if the sound stayed, it was the internal circuitry that's the issue. In the end, the sound traveled and he explained that after the early 2000s when Neumann was trying to increase production of their microphones, they basically changed the tolerances of the capsules leaving the factory. What this means is that some capsules were over-tightened on the line but according to Neumann specs they still "passed". I just happen to get an over-tightened capsule so I couldn't use both U87Ais as a stereo pair. Unfortunate. In the end I sold both off to friends but of course i told them about the condition of the mics and explained that they can consider getting the capsule replaced if they want to. Never missed using a Neumann mic after. That being said, they aren't bad microphones, I've heard the TLM107 in action and it sounds beautiful. The studio I go to regularly to record has a U67 reissue that I would choose on some occasions and it performs great. I also have used the M149 on multiple occasions and at some point did consider getting one myself. But all-in-all, I do think the U87 is over-rated and over-hyped. The TLM67 kicks ass tho. My 5 cents worth!

Great voice and I think the tlm 103 and tlm67 sound best!

Nice- it's subtle but I think agree w/the 49 being best on your vox.

Nice video's you make. Thnx a lot. When i have to make my choice its gonna be the tlm 49.. And the tlm 102 as second one.. Nice job dude.. Keep going.. Sorry for my inglish, its not a common language in belgium ;-)

Thank you for the Video. Why is no one talking about the TLM 193? This is a very easy to use an forgivable mic. Specifically for more sibilant voices it's very pleasant because of the frequency response. For me, doing mainly Audio Books, Podcasts and Radio Plays, its a must have in the toolbox.

Great video.

I love the tlm 107

Feeling the 67. Love the bottom end

Can you please teach how you record and mix? Please

in between TLM 103 is the best, bul all ways u87 sounds magic 🙏🏽

Love the 49.. the question is if any of these mics is better than the audio technica 4060 tube mic? Could get one used for under 1000 bucks..

Please make a video about xlr cable 🙏

your voice over signal chian in the video please?? excellent sounding

hey man mind if you share your tracking compression/eq?

Tlm 102 is perfect fit for your vocal.

have you record the full song? is it avaible on spotify? i want to know the name to add to my playlists

What’s the shock mount for the tlm67?

I used the U87 and akg c414 on a lot of records but one day a friend told me to try a mic called Audix.... It blow them both away. It was like having an Akg c12 or a top end Sony mic for the price of $299. I use that mic all the time now. Sad part is they don't make my model anymore but they do have the next gen of it and it sounds great Audix A133

I would like to see the difference , on other competitors for vocals , 😢 you seem like a pro that have seen all mics u can , so what do recommend fot a muddy , low voices and would be your no brainer go to if dealing with a artist like that ?

That song is fire thats for one all mic sound good

I'm kinda glad that almost 15 years ago I wanted a TLM102 or 103 so so so so bad but I wanted to buy just one and have it for the rest of my life and was giga lucky that I went for the TLM 103 and a nice preamp (ART Voice Channel) and I still use this daily for everything from Teams Meeting, Videocalling, Gaming, Streaming, Rehearsing Vocals, Recording Vocals. there was never a situation where I felt like "ah I shouldn't have gotten the TLM103, I should've rather gone with the XYZ" - never. - when it comes to stage microphones though, I can never get it right and be satisfied. that's my curse xD

AMAZING JOB MAN! great video, great song, great voice, great production... in my humble opinion... for the huge diference of price... it is much worth it the TLM102 or 103 unless money doesnt matter to you jaja

The best RU-vidr!

What I did is I decided I wanted a TLM 103 for about a year and then right before I purchased I found and got a Lauten Clarion FC-357 instead 😂🔥

What’s the best mic to buy

Eduard, seria muy bueno que incluyas descargas por ejemplo en sound Cloud u opta plataforma de los audios en mp3 o wav para poder comparar mejor, ya que la compresión de you Tube los hace con mínimas diferencias . saludos.. Good videos !!

I like the 49 then the 102. That little egg sounds great to me. Bang for buck.

TLM 49 sounds awesome🎉

I bought a TLM 49 on Craigslist for $800 (mint) without a shock mount. Then it took forever to find a shock mount for it. Finally I find one and buy it. When it arrived, the mic just wouldn't screw in. I finally noticed part of the mount was bent. The whole time i was trying to screw the mic in, it scratched up the logo really bad :( I took a look at the pictures of the shock mount from the original listing and it was indeed slightly bent there too. I was so bummed. Every time i see all those scratches it royally bugs me. Since it was my first Neumann mic, I didn't know the shock was bent. Oh well. I'm not sure how much that devalues it and I'm probably never going to sell it anyway.

Nice vocal ❤

Personally I like all of them, they all sound clear & professional,

man can I please get a Sony C80 Vs TLM series. Im curious to how it stacks up.. Or simply can you tell me is the Sony C80 in the TLM 49 ballpark

If you have challenging recording conditions in your home studio, the KMS Series is a fantastic entry level to Neumann microphones. They might be the most overlooked Neumann mikes when comparisons are done ;-)

What capsule is in the tlm102? Its so tiny

Cool singing! Tnx for good video

TLM 103 fits the genre and delivery well. Radio ready!

The TLM 49 a so sweet!!!

Very nice singing!

What is the name of the song you were singing

for me 107 and 67 sounds the best on my studio monitors

67 is amazing sounding .... big body ...

the tlm 49 just hits different

TLM 103 sounds the best imo!

yo what type of money u got to just have these mics laying around like plates????????? i be here with the neewer nw800 hella vocal chain just go get that muddy low out we coolin tho

I do reggae/dancehall tlm 102 is good for that

Tlm 102 sounds sick

Interesting how we all hear things differently. I thought the 49 and 103 were the harshest on your voice. I felt the 107 sounded best on you. It's also amazing to me how little the TLM49 sounds like a M49. Completely different. An M49 is sweet and the TLM49 just sounded too forward and harsh. Just my take on it.

Every vocalist should try a lot of mics before they choose one for tracking… different voices shine on different mics. I ended up choosing an re20 for my vocals and I own quite a few high end mics. Beg/ borrow but try as many as you can before you settle

The answer is : if you get that kind of money buy whatever you want that fits your voice and your style. At this level you should know for yourself. Me, I know that the AKG C414 is my all time favorite. For some it's the U87, one of those, or maybe the Sony or U47 (but those are absurd at the price they got) or a D112 or a Schoeps, telefunken... pricier than a 102 or 103, probably. But then again, past this pricepoint, today, really it's a matter of taste.

On my stereo system the differences don't translate well and I don't hear much of a difference except for a subtle presence shift

Wauw what a beautiful voice..

I’m buying a 67

You make it hard to pay attention, Your singing is so good it distracts me from what mic you're using, Great comparison video (Probably the best products on earth to compare)

And Then you need high end mic preamp to optimize the sound

TLM 193 has entered chat.......👀

103 was the best for me imo