Howdy everyone!! Here are the affiliate links in case this review helped you out :) Amazon: TLM 102 - amzn.to/3puCa19 TLM 103 - amzn.to/2Umei4i Sweetwater: TLM 102 - imp.i114863.net/yRxQED TLM 103 - imp.i114863.net/7mBkL3

Thanks Phil. In the shootout I seem to like the 102 sound more, especially in the voice over and singing segments. A little warmer and smoother to my ears.

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

definitely! I totally agree :)

Thanks Phil. I made it to that part of the video, and I'm angry about the review, and I'm letting you know in the comments.

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

this means we must battle.

@jonathansellers793

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioHaze you know he’ll beat you, right?

@seanwebb605

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioHaze We don't have to deal with this sort of thing with Brandon.

@anonymusum

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonathansellers793 Why? Brandon is mainly focussed on voice over with a little bit of recording guitars and vocals. But that doesn´t represent the needs of musicians and so Phil chooses a more practically relevant approach to mics. At least IMHO.

@yungskitzo.661

2 жыл бұрын

I feel the same way about both mics

Great vid! I appreciate the help, just purchased the 102. I definitely preferred the sound in your vocal tests. Looking forward to it 👍

This is a great comparison, the most helpful one I’ve found comparing the 102 and 103. I’m liking how your video style is evolving, it feels high quality, fun to watch, and it’s got plenty of uniqueness that make your videos always worth watching even with all the other quality reviewers I like to watch 👍

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yeah I'm trying to continually improve, I think I'm starting to land on something semi-professional, but I still need to keep tweaking. Regardless, appreciate you saying all this :)

Thanks Phil! With your feedback in mind, I correctly identified both blind tests, but honestly really enjoyed both sounds. Because I very much have a “home studio” I do think I will go with the 103 due to the slight advantages in an untreated space. I appreciate the honest and useful review!

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

I just bought a Neumann TLM 103 and stumbled across this channel in the process. For me a 103 is better because i have a deep raspy voice. I upgraded from a Rode Nt-1 and the difference is like night and day. Solid channel and work my G!

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you my friend! And enjoy the new mic :)

@mxteja

Жыл бұрын

I'm in the same situations as you were. Right now I got the Rode NT-1 and looking to upgrade to a better mic and i'm considering between 102 and 103 but don't know what should i choose. Can you tell me how is the tlm 103 working for you so far these past 9 months it would mean a lot to me to get some more info. Thanks!!

I've been using the 102 as my main vocal mic for two years and absolutely love it. Your right though, you have to be careful with the room.

As a voice actor I see other voice actors using the 103 more, but my preference listening to your review, was the 102. I have been planning to get the 103 for a while, but now I'm leaning more toward the 102. Great review...thanks!

I absolutely love my Neumann TLM102 kit with the shock mount for my home recording studio. Of course I understood that my space would need to be treated properly.

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I love the 102 as well :) in fact its continuing to grow on me, its sensitivity though is pretty intense!

@seanwebb605

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioHaze Why not make a video showing people how to get the best out of their TLM 102 in a home recording studio? Show them what they need to do to enjoy its benefits and mitigate the problems outside of a full studio?

@KyleViewing

2 жыл бұрын

@@seanwebb605 doubt he can, all I ever see is a microphone getting hit like that is how we use them🤡

Tip: get whichever mic you can afford, and learn to love it. A tonal change means little. They both have the dynamic range Neumann is famous for and can be placed differently, EQd, etc to get a sound.

Great work, Ricky! Really enjoying your videos! Another $100 shockmount you can get for the 102 is the MKS4 (works with the Sennheiser MK4 and TLM 103 as well.) Also the $300 EA1 shockmount isn't just expensive, it's a pain to use, too!

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the recommendation and also thanks for the nice words!

Love your review. Great info, with some tasteful humor mixed in. :)

Great Review and comparison! Thanks Phil!

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks as always Rod!

I have a 102 and recently borrowed the 103 from a friend to compare. 103 sounds much smoother on my voice, but 102 cuts through much better in a crowded mix especially with distorted rock guitars. 102 also has a less harsh top end to my ears. 102 sounds a bit narrower and focused, while the 103 sounds open but less punchy. Great comparison video 🤘🏻 By the way, what’s the song being sung at the end of the comparison? Incredible, I would like to add it to my favorites!

Thanks, Phil, for lending the TLM 103 to our man here! You rock!

Thanks Phil! Great review!

Gotta say, I agree with you that, at least in this video, I prefer the 102. To my ears, the proximity effect in the recordings you did here, make the 102 sound warmer than the 103. Wasn't expecting that. I'm curious, if I would've bought the 102 instead of the 103, if I still would've sent it back? Probably? After all is said and done, both the 102 and 103 are beautiful mics. But, I think I'll stick with the 440 Pure for now. If you pair the 440 with some analog emulating plugins and saturation, it really is a beautiful combination of detail and warmth. Another great vid! Thanks Phil!

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah the 440 is killer! I haven't made a chain specific for it yet but I would be curious to see how easy it would be to pull off a Neumann-like sound on mine :)

I have to compliment you. That is one difficult video to produce. Your explanation of the 2 was excellent. I have a TLM 49 that I'm thinking of selling, only because it's just so large and heavy. So I'm thinking of buying the TLM103. But then when you introduced TLM102, it had me thinking.

I was looking for a proximity effect mic and was leaning towards the TLM 103, but now, I'm considering the TLM 102. Since I have other mics, that makes the 102 more tempting

Thank you, Phil. Also, I was convinced the egg carrier was going to be the Neumann shock mount.

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

HAHAHA omg that would have been so funny, and if it was my shockmount I would've done it

This was an awesome video. I happened to need it because I've stumbled between a used TLM 103 and a brand new TLM 102, which are $100 apart. Is it worth the difference to get the TLM 103 in your opinion?

Thanks for the video. As far as I know, gain has nothing to do with how sensitive a mic is to environmental noise or noise rejection. Sensitivity is determined by the construction/design of the mic and, particularly, its capsule and polar pattern. Gain is just how loud the mic is, and can be an issue if you have a mic with above average self noise or a less than great preamp. Forgive me if I have misunderstood what you were saying. Cheers.

@socialite1283

Жыл бұрын

Sensitivity is the lowest SPL the mic is capable of converting into an electric voltage. Gain is the ratio between input voltage and output voltage on the preamp. Dynamic range is the difference in SPL between the lowest electrical voltage above the self noise floor of the microphone and the voltage at which the level of distortion generated internal to the microphone (potentially caused by a number of different factors) becomes unacceptable. Nirvana is a noise floor of 0dB and a completely flat frequency curve between 8Hz - 50Hz. Let me know if you ever find a microphone like that.

@orangemaniabrother2232

Жыл бұрын

I suppose in some way gain is like turning up the microphone's hearing aid lol

much love and respect on this video mannn.. as a fellow music producer and engineer..

thanx Phill. perfect review!!!

Thanks Phil. Ricky, where did you get this idea that if a mic needs more gain, it is more sensitive to the environment ? If so, the SM7b should be super sensitive to all kinds of noise. The NT1 is also very sensitive to room noise, it's not gain hungry though. It is the overall design of the mic that makes it more or less prone to catching unwanted sounds. By the way, the sound difference for guitar is stunning. Was it really the same position ?

@mowhawktv7016

2 жыл бұрын

Two different kinds of microphones. Sm7b is a dynamic mic while the Neumann is a condenser. Big difference. Dynamics are more directional and can take more spl. Condensers are more sensitive and omnidirectional. Dynamic mics need more gain to bring them up to the record level. You don’t gain a condenser the same as a dynamic mic.

Thanks Phil. The TLM103is my top choice in my wish list, but for some reason is incredible expensive in my country (around 2k). At the moment I am happy with my Lewitt 440 Pure for voice and my SM57 for guitars, but indeed I want that Neumann.

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

440 pure plus 57 is a killer combo tho!

I preferred the clarity of the 103 in all samples. Thanks Phil.

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Nice! You have expensive tastes ;)

You might want to check out the Neumann KMS 104/105. They are also advertised for home recording and do very well in untreated rooms.

How come the tlm 103 is less sensitive? tlm 102 sensitivity is 11 mV/Pa, while the tlm 103 is 23 mV/Pa. Considering this, I don't understand how the tlm 103 would take less ambient noise than the tlm 102. Help me out here please.

I have the tlm 102 and have used it for many years. Honestly I did notice sensitivity to background noises but didn't really understand why until your video on it. I am a machinist and I decided to fabricate a sleeve that allows me to use my tlm 102 with my audio technicas at4050's shock mount. I'm excited to see how this works for me. Made it out of a hard plastic called lexan.

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Thats sick! Would love to see a picture of that at some point. Enjoy the mic!

@PBMatthews254

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioHaze the project is complete and I do have pics. What's the best way I could send some pics to you?

@PBMatthews254

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioHaze If you ever would like for me to attempt to make something for you I'm sure we could figure it out. We have stubs of this material that don't get used. Only thing is that it does require precise dimensions. Obviously I could get the tlm dimensions no problem but the fit on the shock mount would depend on what shockmount you have that u want to adapt to. Either way I'd be happy to help out for fairly cheap. Keep up the good work ☺️

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

@@PBMatthews254 Thanks for the offer! I'll let you know :)

@bobbyxsteevbeats

8 ай бұрын

Get the plugin clarity by waves… lol

yup I didn't know why I didn't like my voice through my tlm 102 until I got some better sound treatment. as a bonus, it has given me a great appreciation for everything my sm7b does! edit: just removed the foam from inside the 102 and it's brighter

Appreciate you Phil!

Que pareja de ambos 2 microfonos (el mismo par) me recomendarías para grabar piano acustico un baby grand en una habitación no particularmente bien tratada? Gracias

I got a TLM103 used for 980$ and I'm not regreting it at all. At this price I just bought a Rycote shockmount. It's my go to mic when I don't want to warm up my Telefunken ak47. Since their prices went up a little I'm really glad I jumped on it.

thanks Phil- great video

To me the 102 sounds so good and almost rivals u67. Bar the high frequency bump on the 102. If you can flatten that high end bump it would be as flat as the u67

Thanks so much Phil!

Thaaaanks Phil…you made this possible 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😊

thanks Phil. well done video.

Getting my TLM 103 soon, very excited

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Enjoy it my friend!

thanks phil, we love you!

cool video. The truth for me is the price. The problem with mics for me is this: mics of a certain price and up tend to sound so similar, with slight nuanced differences that I feel one can make them work easily no matter which one you choose. And mic placement goes a long way to compensate for slight differences. I bought the 102 over the 103 years ago because it was signifificantly cheaper and it sounds great. Besides recording myself and recording theater plays I use it in my home office for voip on a mic arm without any shock mount and have never noticed any weird noise from typing, stomping or similar. To me, it's a nonissue

When I had my 102 - it seemed to pick up absolutely everything in monitoring, but when i recorded, there was significantly less background noise in the recording, next to nill even. I'm looking to get a U87ai and I'm hoping it's not OD sensitive, but I've heard otherwise. Also sibilance isn't in the high end, it's in the upper mids 2-4k usually, which is before the shelf. The 102 is way more sibilant - i'm guessing it's because of the size of the diaphram, but I don't know.

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting, what headphone were you using for monitoring? Closed back headphones do make the background noise more extreme for sure

@who_is_dis

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioHaze Yeah they were closed back

@Kay_Locc

Жыл бұрын

@@who_is_dis you’re wrong, sibilance and clarity is in the 5k range. Not 2k lol

@who_is_dis

Жыл бұрын

@@Kay_Locc Idk why I put 2k for me its usually 4k and 7k.

I got the103 and my voice sounded crystal clear but I was shocked at how much noise it picked up, I was hearing everything going on downstairs in my headphones, I felt like a superwoman with a heightened sense. I remembered your video about it's sensitivity. But for some reason, as soon as I started singing and recording into logic, I literally didn't do anything but it somehow cut out all the background noise and literally just collected my pure vocal CLEAN. My room isn't sound treated and I sang into a quality insulator, bought it with it's shock mount and I am more than pleased with it and very glad I didn't have to worry about the background noise. I also used a cheap presonus interface. So if anyone is concerned about its high sensitivity, it seems to sort itself out as you adjust the gains on your interface and it adapts. God bless you in Jesus name.

That singer is DAMN awesome. Also, whoever wrote the tune is skilled. Creative man. Great writing and performance. I'm an old guy who has run a studio for 30+ years. You guys did that song justice. As far as the mics? Eh...Either mic will work though. I own both, and a U87. And maybe 150 more. Literally. If forced to use any of them, you can make it work. All about what's IN FRONT OF THE MIC. And..ahem...having something actually WORTH recording. Thanks for the cool video. Sub'ing. Keep up the good work. P.S. I think I watched your sm7b vid...totally agree. Just get a 57 ;-) Unless you're in a radio station. Near an airport. With spinal tap levels of RFI. Then you might actually need the humbucking transformer in an sm7b. Sheesh...great mic, but the hype a while back...damn.

Great review

Thanks Phil. Help me out guys I am a vocalist. I own a 102 and as I live in a heavy traffic area and my room is not treated there is a lot of sensitivity. The 102 even picks horns from miles away So my question is should i buy a 103 ? or do you have better alternatives? Audio Interface: RME Babyface Pro Fs Thanks !!

Great comparison! By "home studio" do you mean a totally untreated space? Because I have have a small office that I've covered about 80% of in moving blankets and foam. My audio isn't as tight as a full-blown whisper room would be, but it's pretty good. Is that something that should push me towards the 103?

@AudioHaze

Жыл бұрын

I suppose thats what I mean yes :) any space that isn't ideal acoustically

SHEESH Phil coming in CLUTCH, also did you get a haircut?

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

I did, but it was also severely messed up in the vid lol

@alisongaze

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioHaze idk what ur on it looks great

Thanks Phil! Also what are those more budget friendly microphone thats you mentioned in the beginning of the video that are better home studio microphones?

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

I'd look to the 440 Pure by Lewitt :) if you EQ out the high end a bit, you'd be left with a comparable sound.

@cassidyraebarrera

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioHaze sweet thank you, I will look into that 🔥

Thanks Phillip! Prefered the 102 in the commercial and singing!

I have the TLM 102 but don't use it much. I think the Rode NT1 serves me better for podcasting. That said, I like NOT having the shock mount that takes up more real estate! My "normal" podcast mic these days is the Blue Encore 300 with a Fedhead Phantom which gives me the warmth of a condenser without much noise and requiring little gain.

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Nice! Yeah the NT1 bunches way above its weight class

Thanks Phil! ❤

Thanks Phil, what a king

Gracias, Phil!

Seen quite a few comparison vids of these two mics. I have always liked the 102 better for vocals and acoustic guitar. Now I reach the same conclusion in both blind tests. The 102 is my preferred.

I am using the 102 for every day tasks like discord or recording songs and I am so happy with that.

Thanks Phil!

What would you buy instead of the 102 for an average home studio?

thanks Phil, nice one!

have you ever tried removing the foam inside the tlm 102 capsule? it would be great to hear some comparisons with and without the foam since it is a very popular mod

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

I have not! Didn't know that was a thing :)

@voxivoid

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioHaze kzread.info/dash/bejne/gZWMvKNsZdyenqg.html in case you want to take a look

Ohhh Ricky I always forget to ask you! Which mic do you think is better at *rejecting background noise* TLM103 or NT1?

@AudioHaze

Жыл бұрын

Oooh hard one! They’re both pretty sensitive, and I’d have to do some measurements, but off the top of my head, I think the 103?

Thank you Phill!

I’m wondering if I should try to find a KZread channel as good as yours BUT only reviews mics that are strictly for use in home recording studios? And THANKS PHIL!! (Enjoyed the guitar test segment a bazillion times more than the egg on a spoon test commercial!)

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Haha good to know :) maybe I'll make more commercials. And this is probably the upper limit for the mics I'll review, at least for a long time, after a certain point I wonder if the mics are even relatable

Which mic would you suggest for stepping up my game? The tlm103 or the akg c414. At the moment I own the c214 but I would really love having a neumann.

@AudioHaze

Жыл бұрын

I personally prefer to c414! One of my favorite, most versatile mics out there, plus better at handling less than ideal rooms

Thanks Phill ❤️

thank you Phil!

I have to say that after a second listen, one of these microphones definitely made your voice sound comparatively "congested". So odd that even slight deviations in the mids are so noticeable.

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

True, which mic did you think was the congested one?

@orangemaniabrother2232

Жыл бұрын

And there was me thinking he meant the 102 by congested cos that's how I heard it and that's kinda how I'm hearing it with my 102, it's why I'm here, to see if the 103 is more cleaner lol

Thanks Phil!!

I only have one question: Do you need a shock mount for the spoon?

@seanwebb605

2 жыл бұрын

You're thinking forks.

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

A shockmount is always recommended....on everything...

I checked the comments before watching the video and was a bit confused , Thought you might have changed your name to Phil. Thanks, Phil!

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Hahahahah

Thanks, Phil!

Thanks, Phil!!!

Could you compare the TLM 107 (if you can own it) and the austrian audio OC 818 ? I would like to know how each one sounds versus the other.

@AudioHaze

Жыл бұрын

I wish I could but i don't have the 107! Its an expensive boy too

I know this is not related to the content of the video, but I need help. I accidentally dragged/moved 1 track from 2track of stereo recording, but without "snapping" feature, now it sounds out of phase. But also somehow it's not possible to re-move it again to the original position (matched with its stereo pair) because of some audio cropping process.. How to "re sync" it again? Is it possible? Also Thanks Phill 😆

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Oh dude weird, you can't move it back? You could try some phase reversal tricks on EQ's but this probably won't help. Maybe get tricky with the EQ? But there's definitely got to be some way just to move the track back to its original position right?

@atahate

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioHaze thanks for the reply. I re-record it again! ^^

What mic preamp would you suggest buying? I see that in sweetwater they have a bundle for the tlm103 including a Neve Designs 511, is it worth it?

@AudioHaze

Жыл бұрын

511 is a great choice! A 1073 is my personal favorite if in the budget

@tinch716

Жыл бұрын

@@AudioHaze What 1073 do you personally own? The Neve?

I'm surprised I prefered the 102 for the voiceover. Any chance of doing a TLM 103 vs LCT 440 Pure?

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Perhaps at some point! I'd have to get a 103 to borrow lol

What would be the best mid range sorta Preamp for the 102? Something more vintage sounding maybe @audiohaze

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Are you looking for a stand alone preamp or a preamp built into an interface? You can't go wrong with an apollo, but in terms of standalone preamps, a 1073 (or perhaps a warm audio remake if thats too expensive) is sort of the standard.

@elstonmcgrath5663

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioHaze I have a Presonus 1818VSL interface so would be looking for a preamp to go with that. What else would you recommend apart from the 1073? Or would you recommend any of the online preamps you can download? Really love your videos by the way, been watching you for ages!

Hi ! Don't you find that the TLM 102 sounds more like a sensitive dynamic than a condenser? I find it rather narrow sounding and therefore not good enough for professional folk vocals for instance. Am I wrong? It's a shame because I love the sweet velvety character it has.

Thank you phil !

Thank you Phil

Thanks Ethan!

@EthanToga7

2 жыл бұрын

my pleasure :)

@seanwebb605

2 жыл бұрын

@@EthanToga7 Ethan........what kind of parties do you host?

thank you Phill! :)

Bra I bought the tlm103 last year as a main mic and ughhhhhh so much harshness……. Ugh. ONE time I got it decent with a waves c6 multiband for vocals but other than that especially in a vocal booth that is a big no. Got a Austrian audio edge solo, I prefer the tone but still condenser in a booth is boothy and boothy in a way u can’t reallly eq nothin. Even past a 200 high pass filter the character is lost What you think about that lewitt you said was ur best mic? U think for vocals in a booth (whisperroom) I’d be set?

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

It depends I think on what you want out of your mic! You said the 103 is harsh, well the 440 is even brighter, although brighter doesn't necessarily make it harsher. If you're looking for a different tone, maybe try a darket mic instead of something with a presence boost. Such as the NT1 :)

Thank you Phil.

could listen and record Ethan all day

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah he's awesome :)

Good review and analysis ---- 103 is certainly worth the extra cost

@codeine_ninja

5 ай бұрын

it isnt lol the tlm102 is better

Thanks Phil

Thanks, Phill!

Thank you, Phil

please tell me I have a poorly prepared room, but I do not like the sharpness, harsh sound of midrange 102, or is it corrected by the equalizer, as 103 behaves in not ideal conditions? .

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

What does your room and environment look like? Any treatment?

@user-uj6yu1jk2b

2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioHaze poorly prepared, we have a war, Russia in one day fired ballistic missiles all over Ukraine, help us please

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

@@user-uj6yu1jk2b I am so sorry my friend, I’m wishing you all the best, stay strong, stay safe, and know the world is on your side. Slava Ukraini.

Thanks, Phil 👍🏽

Were u using the 103 shockmount on the 102? And if so, does it fit good?

Cheers, Phil!!!

So if both these mics are not ideal for the home studio setup, what would be a close alternative?

@Kay_Locc

Жыл бұрын

Rode nt1a or nt1. Only like 5db self noise, QUIET ASF!!!!

What mics are best for noise reduction???

Ii failed. I chose wrong two times. I guess i like more the 102. However, to my ears, after hearing this again, the 103 sounds more natural. The 102 feels already processed in a good way. The 103, i feel needs more (most of all compression) but probably it's gonna be a way more flexible signal than the 102 when you are mixing. Both are great choices anyway.

I find the TLM102 very sibilant in comparison, honestly.... and the TLM 103 is already a bright one and with some (cheaper) Preamps really sibilant in the very up highs somehow... I would wonder, how the Rode NT1a keeps the competition here ? I would bet it would stand in between of them - as I heard some people say that it's bright but not as sibilant as the TLM102 .... ?

@AudioHaze

2 жыл бұрын

In my opinion if you want a bright mic that isn't too sibilant, check out the Lewitt 440! You'll be pleasantly surprised :)

THANKS PHIL!