Differences

Neumann TLM102 vs Neumann TLM103 Comparison

TLM102

Price: $700
Polar Ptrn: Cardioid
Freq Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: -39dB
Max SPL: 144dB
Self Noise: 12dBA
Impedance: 50-Ohms

TLM103

Price: $1,100
Polar Ptrn: Cardioid
Freq Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: -33dB
Max SPL: 138dB
Self Noise: 7dBA
Impedance: 50-Ohms

Today we're comparing two high end microphones, the Neumann TLM-102 and TLM-103, in order to determine what the differences are, and which microphone is better.

The build quality of both of these mics is excellent. They both have an all metal body and metal grill and feel extremely well put together. The TLM102 is significantly smaller than the TLM103 though. It's about half the size of most other condenser microphones I've used as well.

The frequency response of these mics vary from one another. Both mics begin to roll off the bass frequencies at the same frequency, ~70Hz, however, the TLM102 has a more drastic high pass. Once we get up to ~4kHz, the TLM103 begins gradually boosting until it peaks at +4dB at 6.5kHz, and remains flat until 15kHz at which point it rolls off the air frequencies hitting -5dB at 20kHz. The TLM102 on the other hand remains flat until ~5.5kHz and then has a minor cut before boosting at 6.5kHz and peaking at 7.5kHz with a boost of ~3.5dB. The TLM102 then begins to slightly roll off the air frequencies starting at ~13kHz and drastically begins to roll off the air at ~14kHz hitting -8dB at 20kHz. 

As far as the overall performance of these microphones, both performed similarly in terms of background noise rejection, off axis coloration, and distance pickup. Where they really begin to diverge is when we compare the sensitivity and self noise. The TLM103 has a sensitivity that is +6dB louder than the TLM102 meaning you won't need to drive your preamp as hard. Additionally, the self noise of the TLM103 is 5dBA quieter than that of the TLM102 which means you'll have less noise introduced to your signal from the microphone. The tone of the TLM103 sounds brighter due to the earlier boost and more extended boost, but it also sounds slightly more mid forward. The TLM102 sounds very slightly darker, and when the two mics are A/B'd it almost sounds as though it has a minor scooped mid frequency due to the presence boost beginning 2.5kHz higher than the 103.

102vs103_Comparison.jpg

With all of the benefits of the TLM103 over the TLM102, I have to declare the WINNER the Neumann TLM103. This is due to the higher output level, lower self noise, smoother high frequencies, slight mid forward sound, and more extended bass frequencies. All of these factors, in my opinion, provide a better recording, which is what you'd expect given it costs $400 more.

If you have any questions, or want to provide your input, please leave a comment on the youtube video.

Buy the Neumann TLM-102
US: http://amzn.to/2wsL9GR 
UK: http://amzn.to/2wCPuHC 
CA: http://amzn.to/2xxbH6s 
DE: N/A

Buy the Neumann TLM103
US: https://amzn.to/2IT9gSa 
UK: https://amzn.to/2upKG8m 
CA: https://amzn.to/2I8Raur 
DE: N/A

Buy the Audient ID4
US: http://amzn.to/2BDwx9A 
UK: http://amzn.to/2sBOaUw 
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Versus Series: BM-800 vs NW-800

BM-800

  • Price: $28.00
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

NW-800

  • Price: $27.00
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 16kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

In the second installment of the Versus Series, we had a much closer match. Based on the specifications, once again the BM-800 should have won. But when it comes down to actual performance, the victor was the NW-800.


The sound quality between these two microphones was very close, however, the NW-800 provided a slightly cleaner tone. This was apparent in the acoustic guitar performance, as well as electric guitar performance. 

Although the NW-800 is limited in the frequency response arena, I believe that it makes up for in a tighter, and less boomy low end, and cleaner all around tone. 

Buy the NW-800: http://amzn.to/1pFyYiK
Buy the BM-800: http://amzn.to/22e7FKa

Versus Series: NW-700 vs BM-700

NW-700 BM-700
Cost $23.00 $27.00
Microphone Type Condenser Condenser
Frequency Response 20Hz - 16KHz 20Hz - 20KHz
Polar Pattern Cardioid Cardioid

When looking at the specifications, you may think that the BM-700 should have been the microphone that came out on top, but when listening to the actual sound produced by each microphone the NW-700 is the real winner.

The NW-700 had a much tighter low end and provided more accurate audio reproduction. This led to less booming with the acoustic guitar and vocals, and much better electric guitar sounds.

Both microphones require a minimum of 4.5v to work well, but can run using a full +48v of phantom power without damaging them. Either microphone would be a fine addition to your cheap microphone collection, but if you only have the budget for one, I would recommend the NW-700.

Buy the NW-700: http://amzn.to/1oeCLm6
Buy the BM-700: http://amzn.to/1ThRwQB