TLM 103 vs TLM 193

[tigeba]

Any of the gear gurus have opinions on these mics for vocals? Will be recording a male singer. I see lots of positive comments about the TLM 103, but not too much about the TLM 193.

Thanks!

[FlyingDisc]

I have a TLM 103 and couldn't be happier with it. I use it on everything from voice, overheads, to piano and acoustic guitar. Great mic!

Fly

[Dr. J]

We also use the Tlm 103 for a lot of applications, and we are very pleased with it. When we decided to buy another mic, we chose it over the 193 because it was a quieter mic, and it reproduced some of the U87 charecteristics very well, and that was the sound we were looking for with this purchase. The 193 sounds great too, but it's sound is more unique. The 103 is more like a poor mans U87. (if you'll excuse the cheap expression) We love it!

[tomcat]

i chose the 193 over the 103 for my voice and my ears. the 103 was brighter and i liked the smoother sound of the 193. bottom line: listen. get both on demo loan and try them with the singer on day one of the project.

[Camilo Orozco]

How do you guys compare U87($2,700.00) to the TLM103 ($900.00), Is the U87 worth the money??? I am just about to make a buy and I dont have a Neumann rep here to have them for demo, so any help will be appreciated.
Thank you.
Camilo.

[mike connelly]

"How do you guys compare U87($2,700.00) to the TLM103 ($900.00), Is the U87 worth the money???"

The sound is pretty similar (I haven't A/B'd them, but definitely heard a "familiar" sound checking out the 103) - I think the 103 uses the same (or slightly altered) capsule. The U87 gives you pads, lf rolloff and switchable patterns.

Mike

[Studio Dweller]

"How do you guys compare U87($2,700.00) to the TLM103 ($900.00), Is the U87 worth the money???"

I own two TLM103's and a U87a as well as few other Neumanns. I find the 103 and the U87 to be quite different sounding. I find the U87 to have a stronger midrange where the 103 is more open and has a brighter top end. For vocals, many times I prefer the 103 over the U87. Of course, it all depends on the voice and song. There are times when the U87 is a better choice, but I feel that the 103 is more versatile a great mic for very little money. I almost always take the 103 over the U87 for female vocals.

You can also read at an article on the TLM103 at the Neumann web site that I wrote:
http://www.neumannusa.com/bentley.html

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Larry Bentley
Cellar Dweller Productions
www.cellardweller.com