Neumann U87 vs. TLM 103

[ISedlacek]

I often notice posts praising a lot TLM 103 and sometimes even putting its quality above U 87. As I own both of these mics, I am always sincerely surprised. So many times I made a direct comparison between these two mics and there was not a single application where U 87 would not sound substantially better, more rich, more present, be it spoken word, vocal, string instruments, wind instruments, drums etc. U 87 has as if some “magic” in it, everything sounds “bigger”, more pleasant, brilliant and present. TLM 103 sounds OK as itself, but a bit flat and tiny boring comparing to U87, just in relation to the price, kind of cheaper brother ... These are my observations (made on high-end preamp and AD convertor), I wonder whether those putting TLM 103 above U87 have a U87 nearby .. Or I may have some different type of TLM 103 ?

Ivo

[parker9]

I share your opinion.

[Frank S]

Originally posted by ISedlacek:
I wonder whether those putting TLM 103 above U87 have a U87 nearby

Ivo

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Either they don't, or maybe just wishful thinking on their part. The U87 is just a phenomenal mic, and the TLM103 is a nice mic and most importantly - a neumann at a price most people can afford. Like me.

[ladyluckless]

i had a u87 for a couple months and compared itto the 103, going through an 01v. i compared many mics back to back, had little experience, and didnt have my avalon yet , but prefered the 103 a couple times for that great airy, clear sound, minus pattern changes and pad,i prefer it

[lison44]

I disagree, I think the TLM-103 sounds better in most cases. I've never owned a U-87, but I've used them enough, and had them at my disposal enough to know I don't like them. Maybe I've got a really awesome TLM103, and you've got a great U87. I don't know. I used to work at a studio that had four of them, and I never used them. I put them up often, but they got beat by cheaper mics every time. In fact I prefer the AT4050 to a U87 any day. I have heard that TLM103's have had inconsistant manufacturing quality, so maybe that's it.

Sorry, I didn't mean to dis the U87, they really are fine mics. We're talking splitting hares most of the time.

[moosemaster]

TLM103 KILLS U87.
(hey, shut up - if we keep this up 87's might come down in price and they're MUCH better)

[lison44]

Well said dpasch.

U87's make superb room mics on drums. They also record gas amazingly...that was a JOKE!! bada chhh.

A few years ago, I was assiting a very well known and excellent producer/engineer record vocals for a major label. At his disposal was an Elam 251 (one that Elvis Presley supposedly used to record with at one time), a Neumann U47, Brauner VM1, several U87's, and a TLM103. He chose the TLM103 and got one of the best vocal sounds I've heard. There were four engineers in the room and we were all blown away. Nobody expected the sound coming out of the TLM103 to be so rich, textured, and full. It sold me on the TLM103, and I've been using it regularly ever since. Granted, if I had an Elam or U47, I'd use that 99% of the time.

BTW, the capsule used in a TLM103 is the same that's used in a U87, minus a whole lot of electronics. I tend to find that U87 are great sounding, but for me they always tend to sound a bit too boxish, which is why I love them as room mics.

I've also heard U87's that have been modded by some engineer in Nashville, that just sound unbelievable.

[moosemaster]

hey guys! I got these two things a um U87 mic-cro-something and tlm103 sound thingy. I'm giving one away cos I don't think they're worth anything...only thing is you can't sell it... which one ya want?

[GW]

lison44,

could you give us the whole vocal-line setup, from TLM103 (cables, preamp, settings of preamp, D/A-converter...). The TLM103 is a superb mic for its price, myself I would preferre a Brauner if I could afford one at home... Don't forget that the mic itself is only ONE part of the setup.
[img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[GW]

The settings of the Session you talked about above... I'm couriuos...