Neumann TLM 102 Studio Set Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with Shockmount | Nickel

The nickel Neumann TLM 102 Studio Set large-diaphragm condenser microphone brings renowned Neumann sound quality to a price point that's inclusive to home producers, working musicians, and independent singer-songwriters. The capsule's high SPL rating of 144 dB permits the recording of percussion, drums, amplifiers, and other loud sound sources clearly and without distortion. With its 8 to 12 kHz treble boost, the TLM 102 imparts a silky vocal presence while avoiding pronounced sibilance. The mic utilizes a cardioid polar pattern to provide directional sound pickup in front of the capsule and strong rejection behavior behind it, yielding less background noise than most other polar responses. The integrated pop shield reduces breath noise and vocal plosives, though external pop filters are available for even more control. The TLM 102's transformerless output stage aids the mic in achieving a clean character with plenty of reach in the bass range, and it delivers resistance to electromagnetic interference.

Neumann developed the TLM 102 as a universal talent for vocal and instrumental recordings. Its finely tuned sound signature especially accents the area of 8 to 12 kHz which is crucial for human voices. The recordings get a silky elegance typical of large-diaphragm microphones; the voice gets a noble presence in the overall mix. Nevertheless, the TLM 102 remains easy to handle and deals masterfully with critical consonants or sibilants, thanks to the integrated pop shield. The TLM 102 also processes extreme volume and jumps in dynamics without distortion. That makes it an excellent choice for miking loud amps and drums. It reproduces sound pressure levels of up to 144 dB (e.g. very loud trumpet at a distance of about 4") with great clarity: open, detailed, with powerful bass and refined treble. The TLM 102 stands for legendary sound on a budget. Neumann remodeled the production and omitted non-vital functions such as pattern, pad, and low-cut switches. When you hear the TLM 102, you'll immediately notice what they did not omit: the Neumann sound, which remains faithful to its big role models. The TLM series works with a transformerless output stage to enable a clean and direct sound, very "close" to the acoustic source, and a powerful bass transmission all the way down to the lowest frequencies. Its transformerless output stage also makes the microphone resistant to electromagnetic fields and minimizes transmission losses.

Features at a Glance

• Easy handling for vocal and instrumental recordings
  
  
• Distortion-free sound even at extreme sound pressure levels up to 144 dB
  
  
• Slight treble boost for silky vocals (independent of music genre)
  
  
• Built-in pop shield reduces vocal plosives
  
  
• Cardioid polar pattern lessens background noise
  
  
• XLR 3-pin output
  
  
• Requires 48V phantom power
  
  
• Includes stand mount