The Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary condenser microphone is an ideal large-diaphragm mic for all professional and semi-professional applications. By utilizing the tried-and-true transformerless circuit found in numerous Neumann microphones, the TLM 103 features very low self-noise and the highest sound pressure level transmission. The capsule, derived from that used in the U 87, has a cardioid pattern, is acoustically well balanced and provides extraordinary attenuation of signals from the rear.

The TLM 103 Anniversary condenser mic includes an aluminum mic briefcase and EA-1 elastic suspension mount.

Polar pattern
The TLM 103 is equipped with a large-diaphragm capsule with cardioid pattern. By focusing on this pattern—used in most recording situations—the attenuation of unwanted rear sound has been optimized. Off-axis sounds are rendered naturally while isolation is increased. This also leads to high feedback suppression when the microphone is used in live situations or where loudspeaker playback is a factor.

The capsule has a flat frequency response up to about 5kHz, and above that, a wide, flat 4dB presence boost. The large wire mesh headgrille protects the capsule from plosive sounds and effectively prevents pop noises. These characteristics are achieved without resorting to corrective resonance effects. Therefore, the microphone maintains an excellent impulse response and reproduces the finest details of music and speech without coloration.

Electrical features
With just 7dB-A/17.5dB CCIR the self-noise level is so low that even the smallest signals are reproduced basically noise-free. As it is capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 138dB without distortion, the TLM 103 provides a dynamic range of 131dB.

Operational safety
The entire internal construction is elastically mounted to attenuate any structure-borne noise that could interfere with the TLM 103's operation. Furthermore the capsule is set on an elastic mount.

The frequency range reaches below 20Hz and thus even very low bass signals are reproduced without coloration. Because of this low-frequency extension, the TLM 103 is more sensitive to structure-borne interference and wind noise.

Requires phantom power.