Neumann TLM 102]

Video-Workshops, Online-Archiv & Podcast t.bone Mikro GRATIS! Software & Klangbeispiele für jeden, der einen Abonnenten wirbt 6,30 / CHF 11,50 DKK 49,50 € A, BE, NL, Lux, I: Lux, NL, BE, A, 5,50 € D: 12/09 Neumann 71099 TLM 102 Neumanns preisgünstigstes Studiomikrofon aller Zeiten Tests NI Kontakt 4 Sonic BD PowerStation Bryston 4B SST2 Großmann SG-Box Audiobro LA Scoring Strings Chris Hein Horns Volume 2 Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7b t.bone Micscreen Mini & Studio

20 Min. Praxisvideo De/constructed Zugeschaut & Mitgebaut produziert von Dan Carey Die DIY-DI-Box

Jay-Z – Run This Town feat. Rihanna & Kanye West Special: Vintage Sound produziert von Young Guru Equipment- & Praxistipps

16 Seiten Praxis: Studio- & Mixtipps | Studiostarter | Sound-Studien | Tipps & Tricks für Sequenzer | Location-Recording 2 Test[ Neumann TLM 102]

Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Neumann TLM 102

Until now, the Berlin brand’s least expensive large-diaphragm condenser microphone has cost around 1000 euros. With the brand new TLM 102, Neumann roughly halves the admission price for its studio class of microphones. Does the product still live up to the name and fame of the Neumann brand?

Neumann – the father of condenser micro- The TLM 102 is considerably smaller, and, phones. As a seasoned reviewer, I still look above all, considerably less expensive! Its list www.soundandrecording.de forward to a new Neumann model, since as price is 630 euros; the street price may be You hear the TLM 102 compared with the saying goes: Father knows best! around 50 euros lower. Never before has a the proven TLM 103. Recordings of a Browsing through our September issue, I was genuine Neumann large-diaphragm micro- Lakewood D-18 acoustic guitar illust- therefore struck, as you probably were as phone been this affordable! Which prompts rate the spectral balance, and a rap well, by Neumann’s ad for the TLM 102. the question: Is it a genuine Neumann mic? track with backing in a separate file However, if you didn’t look closely, you might demonstrates the suitability for the easily have mistaken the newcomer for the human voice and the mixability of the Le petit noir microphone signal. trusty TLM 103 after a slight cosmetic Yes, it is! Like all Neumann microphones, makeover. This would be wide of the mark: the TLM 102 is made in Germany. It is

Article from sound&recording 12.2009 [ Neumann TLM 102] Test 3

Modern circuit technology in a small space: Discrete transistor circuitry on the front and a DC/DC converter for proper capsule polarization on the back.

supplied in a cardboard box with a mold that such an economical microphone could insert made of (lintfree) foam rubber. easily fall into the hands of studio novices

A stand mount is included – a spider suspen- who are used to sturdy stage mics. The foam The TLM 102 operates with a newly sion mount would certainly have exceeded gives the delicate diaphragm a certain developed edge-terminated large-diaphragm capsule. the budget. The EA 1 shock mount is rough- degree of protection from beatbox ly 200 euros, but the manufacturer has experiments. Another factor is that pop already indicated that a more affordable sounds are not hindered as effectively by elastic suspension will be available soon. small microphone headgrilles as by large Capsule Philosophy Like most Neumann models, the TLM 102 is ones; the foam insert compensates for this The TLM 102 operates with a newly designed available in matte nickel or black. The review to some degree. capsule. Unlike typical Neumann capsules, model we received was the black version. Our As one would expect, the TLM 102 uses such as the K 67 in the U 87 A and TLM 67, first impression: Cute! With a height of 115 ultra-modern transformerless transistor or the related single-diaphragm K 103 cap- mm, a ring diameter of 51 mm and a body electronics. To protect it from moisture and sule in the TLM 103, the brand new K 102 diameter of 43 mm, it is truly petite for a curious glances, part of the circuit board has capsule in the TLM 102 has no center large-diaphragm microphone. And at 260 been coated with a black plastic material. terminal. Historically speaking, edge- grams it weighs less than Carla Bruni’s The visible part of the board reveals discrete handbag. There is nothing to fault in the FET electronics with SMD construction, Profil manufacturing quality: The lower part is suggesting considerable complexity despite Manufacturer/Distribution: made of solid metal, and the head has the the small physical size. The back of the Georg Neumann GmbH typical Neumann shape; its slanting sides circuit board is equipped with an IC and Internet: prevent the occurrence of standing waves in various other components. Purists will be www.neumann.com the headgrille. A gleaming chrome ring relieved that this IC is not in the signal path: MSRP/Street price: € € accentuates the visual appearance and gives It is a DC converter with CMOS technology, 630/approx. 575 the TLM 102 an air of solid workmanship. which generates the polarization voltage for + Natural, transparent sound Shall we look inside? the capsule. The circuitry does not include + Low self-noise tube simulation as found in the TLM 67 or + Extremely high maximum sound Internal Matters TLM 49. As with the other three-digit TLM pressure level The first thing we notice is that the double- models (103, 150, 170 and 193), the circu- + Well-suited to the human voice layered microphone headgrille is lined inside itry is optimized for maximum transparency + Affordable price with foam material. The explanation may be and dynamic range.

Article from sound&recording 12.2009 4 Test[ Neumann TLM 102]

the manufacturer’s specifications. The measured sensitivity was 13.2 mV/Pa – around 5 dB less than that of my trusty TLM 103 (which you’ve heard as a reference mic in all previous sound comparison files). The self-noise of the newcomer was found to be approximately 11 dB-A, about 5 dB higher Measured under real-life conditions, than that of the TLM 103. This may sound the frequency plot shows a very electrode is located in the inaccessible like a lot, but it is next to nothing in practice. balanced response interior of the capsule, so that adverse As you probably know, the TLM 103 is one of leakage currents can almost be ruled out. the quietest studio microphones of all time Moreover, an edge-terminated diaphragm can with an impressive self-noise figure of only 7 also vibrate more freely, at least in theory. dB-A, so the 12 dB-A specified for the TLM That said, we know and value the sound of 102 is still a very good value when conside- many traditionally constructed capsules, so red in absolute terms. In other words, while these aren’t likely to disappear anytime soon. this difference is detectable in a special However, it certainly makes sense to design a measuring chamber (“Rauschbombe”), you’d new capsule according to a modern functio- be hard pressed to find a recording room that nal principle that is less susceptible to is quiet enough for you to actually hear the outside influences. difference. Incidentally, the lower sensitivity Since the capsule is by far the most costly and somewhat higher self-noise in compari- Very little off-axis coloration for a large-diaphragm microphone (levels part of a condenser microphone, it offers the son to the TLM 103 are due to the less adjusted; the 0-dB line represents the greatest savings potential – provided the sensitive capsule design. The somewhat on-axis response) designers find ways to simplify manufacture smaller capsule in the TLM 102 in itself without compromising the sound. The K 102 produces a quieter electrical signal, and with is designed without an outer ring, which is a similar configuration of the impedance terminated capsules with large diaphragms unusual for a large-diaphragm capsule. The converter, i.e. with constant electronic noise, are a development of the Austrian competi- diaphragm is glued in place. However, the the output level and signal-to-noise ratio tor AKG. Neumann connoisseurs, however, attachment should be secure nonetheless; in both shift by five to six decibels. will know that the Berlin company, too, has many capsules the diaphragm is de facto However, it can also be said that less been making such capsules for quite some attached only with glue, and the additional sensitive capsules tend to respond with time. The oldest Neumann design of this type screwed ring often contributes only to the greater fidelity than those which are is the K 89 capsule used in the U89 and TLM visual appearance or is required for optimized for a high output level. The capsu- 170. The digital microphone D 01, the most production. le diameter itself is a contributing factor: technologically advanced model, also uses an The K 102 design is also clever in other Smaller diaphragms produce less off-axis edge-terminated capsule, as does the BCM ways. For instance, the backplate has no coloration. In fact, outside of the recording 104 broadcast mic. blind holes (which should considerably axis the sound of the TLM 102 remains Generally speaking, a great advantage of simplify production); instead, acoustic remarkably constant. Up to approximately edge-terminated capsules is that they are less damping is effected by a separate attenuator 30 degrees off-axis, there is almost no effect; affected by dirt and moisture. In traditional on the back. This principle has already been only at 45 degrees does the sound become a capsules with a center terminal, dust and dirt successfully employed in the BCM 104 little duller in the highest octave. This is an can accumulate between the gold-plated part capsule. However, the K 102’s smaller size excellent result! In terms of unwanted off- of the diaphragm and the outer ring. with an outside diameter of 28 mm and a axis coloration, the TLM 102 performs Gradually leakage currents between the freely vibrating diaphragm measuring 22 mm better than the more expensive TLM 103 and diaphragm and the backplate may lead to a more closely corresponds to the K 89 many other large-diaphragm mics. depletion of the polarization voltage. This is capsule. Thus, although it is a novel design, The measured frequency response, too, indicated first by crackling background the brand new K 102 capsule is based on a appears exceptionally smooth. Remember: noises, and eventually the capsule becomes sound foundation. Following current recording practices, completely silent. Technical Considerations measurements made at Sound & Recording Edge-terminated capsules, by contrast, are The TLM 102 differs from the TLM 103 differ from those made by microphone constructed so that the entire exterior of the through its lower sensitivity of 11 mV/Pa manufacturers. In order to capture some of capsule is at ground potential. For one thing, and its somewhat higher self-noise figure of the proximity effect we take measurements this prevents the electrostatic attraction of 12 dB-A. For the review model, both of these at a distance of only 33 cm rather than one dust particles, and for another, the counter values were found to be a little better than meter, and we also use a moderately acousti-

Article from sound&recording 12.2009 [ Neumann TLM 102] Test 5

cally treated studio room rather than an likely to sound boomy. Overall, when compa- anechoic chamber. Our frequency plots the- red to the TLM 103, the TLM 102 seems refore are never as ripple-free as the ones more specifically adapted to the human published by the manufacturer. The TLM voice. It has been reported that the TLM 103 102’s impressively smooth curve thus can sound a little edgy with certain voices. illustrates that the mic performs with great Neumann appears to have taken this fidelity not only under laboratory conditions, criticism seriously; the new TLM 102 should but also in an actual recording situation, be able to handle even somewhat problema- where the direct signal is overlaid with sound tic voices. reflections. It is here that the effect of the On acoustic guitar, the differences in sound uniform, largely frequency-independent are similar: The TLM 102 seems slightly cardioid directional characteristic becomes softer and more self-contained than the very evident, as it ensures that the reflected sound gutsy, open-sounding TLM 103. As can be does not receive any unwanted coloration. clearly heard in the strumming guitar sound Practical Applications sample, the TLM 103 emphasizes the strokes The small size of the TLM 102 offers many of the pick more strongly than the TLM 102. advantages. The microphone can be positio- Which is preferable depends on the musical ned easily, and due to its light weight is very context. For solos, the TLM 103 certainly stable when hung from a stand. In broadcast sounds more impressive, whereas with the and voiceover applications, speakers will TLM 102 the guitar fits in less obtrusively welcome the fact that the TLM 102 allows a as an accompanying instrument. For finger- better view of one’s notes than is the case picking guitar style, I would prefer the TLM with conventional large-diaphragm mics. For 103. The bass carries better, and complex hyperactive singers or for rappers who picking patterns are more clearly delineated. occasionally glance at their latest lyrics, it is However, here too the TLM 102 could be the certainly convenient that head movements smoother alternative, if the guitar accompa- Honey, I shrunk your favorite mic! scarcely change the sound. By contrast, with niment is to remain in the background. The new TLM 102 and its Neumann relatives (from the left): The U 47, many cheaper large-diaphragm mics, the If you listen to the sound samples very TLM 103 and TLM 102 sound quickly becomes dull outside of the closely, in particular to the passage when the main recording axis. As was already guitar fades away, you’ll find that under real- mentioned, however, the small size has life conditions the TLM 102 is just as noise- modern, relatively neutral microphone, disadvantages in terms of pop noises. Despite free as the TLM 103. Even in a quiet recor- without being lifeless or unsensual. Its sound the foam insert in its headgrille, the little ding room, the background noise is louder image is transparent and very well-balanced; TLM 102 is scarcely less sensitive to pops than the self-noise of the TLM 102. Its out- fresh, but not harsh. Bass response and the than the larger foam-free TLM 103. An standing SPL capability is also a big plus. proximity effect are well-proportioned, and external pop screen is therefore recommen- TLM 102’s maximum sound pressure level is the mid range is free of coloration. Its tech- ded except in the case of very experienced specified as 144 dB, a couple of decibels nical specs are impressive as well: The TLM speakers and singers. higher than even the TLM 103. Although 102 has very low self-noise and its extreme My initial impression is that the new TLM such loud levels are very unlikely to occur in SPL handling capabilities make a pad switch 102 sounds quite similar to the proven TLM practice, it is reassuring to know that the seem superfluous. As unimposing as it may 103. Both mics are very linear up to the mid TLM 102 can be practically ruled out as a appear visually, given its small size, whoever range, while the upper frequencies have a source of distortion. Even a Meinl tambouri- uses it will soon discover that it doesn’t bear very moderate boost that lends voices some ne struck hard at a distance of 10 cm made the Neumann badge for nothing: It is a “air”. A more careful comparison and no impression on the TLM 102 – this excep- carefully constructed microphone made in testing of both signals in the mix (as you can tionally loud tambourine overloads most Germany. ¬ hear for yourself in the sample rap recor- condenser microphones at a distance of half ding), shows that the 102 has a somewhat a meter. Congratulations! softer presence. The highs appear a little Conclusion sweeter and more self-contained. In the lows The TLM 102 is a thoroughly well-designed the newcomer seems a bit more defensive microphone. Despite the unprecedented low than the TLM 103, which is known for its price for a Neumann microphone, this mic Text and measurements: Andreas Hau unusually full bass. In comparison, the TLM provides the high quality traditionally asso- Translation: AC Specialized Translations 102 appears more controlled; although the ciated with the Berlin brand. Don’t expect and Andreas Hau bass is not quite as powerful, it is also less vintage sound coloration; the TLM 102 is a Photos: Dieter Stork and Andreas Hau

Article from sound&recording 12.2009