Neumann Launches TLM 107 — Multi-Pattern Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

October 26th, 2013 by Gabriel Lamorie

The TLM series of Neumann microphones has stood for years as some of the most versatile mikes available. Neumann continues to expand this series with the TLM 107 condenser microphone.

The TLM 107 contains inspiration from Neumann’s classic D-01.

The new multi-pattern microphone is digitally controlled via the navigation switch located on the front of the microphone. Users can set the low cut filter, pickup pattern and pre attenuation level with a single switch via LED indicators. Getting hands on it with AES, we found this navigation system to be intuitive and easy to learn.

The TLM 107 is available now for $1,699.95 MSRP. Here are more details from NeumannUSA:

Multi-faceted versatility, no-compromise sound and innovative operation: With five directional characteristics and a novel operating concept, this standard-setting large-diaphragm microphone provides sound without any coloration. Featuring equally impressive level stability and low self-noise, it captures everything from the softest whisper to thundering drums. For studio, broadcasting and demanding home recording applications.

Classic proportions combined with attractive styling and fresh ideas – the TLM 107 perfectly embodies the Neumann philosophy: Innovation based on tradition. Far from evoking vintage or retro nostalgia, the standard-setting TLM 107 represents an impressive, modern studio microphone. Its extensive performance spectrum and high-precision reproduction, very close to the original, make the TLM 107 universally applicable, opening up previously unknown design freedom possibilities in mixing and post-production.

Neumann Engineering
The newly developed sound transducer, inspired by one of Neumann’s top-of-the-line microphones, the D-01, is impressive with its outstanding impulse fidelity. The great consistency of the five polar patterns, omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8, with the intermediate patterns wide-angle cardioid and hypercardioid, is also unusual for a large-diaphragm capsule. The TLM 107 provides optimal sound not only for the cardioid setting; it also ensures maximum precision over the entire frequency range for all of the other directional characteristics. The sound always remains balanced, with an almost linear reproduction up to 8 kHz, and a slight boost in the highest frequencies that lends presence and freshness to the voice. Here particular attention has been paid to the natural reproduction of speech sounds, especially the critical “s” sound. The grille is acoustically optimized for low sensitivity to pop sounds. In addition, the sound transducer is edge-terminated, with both diaphragms at ground voltage. Specifically, this ensures considerably reduced sensitivity to dust and humidity.

No-Compromise Sound Design
Transformerless circuitry permits a high degree of linearity and a large dynamic range. The self-noise of only 10 dB-A is practically inaudible, while at the same time, the TLM 107 features high level stability. The maximum sound pressure level of 141 dB SPL can be increased to 153 dB SPL via pre-attenuation (Pad). This enables the TLM 107 to transmit the sound of even the loudest instruments without distortion. The Low Cut settings of Linear, 40 Hz, and 100 Hz are precisely adapted to practical recording situations. Without side effects, the 40 Hz setting cuts interference noise below the range of fundamental tones (where 41 Hz is the frequency of the double bass open E string), while the 100 Hz setting is optimized for speech and vocals (where 100 Hz corresponds to the lowest notes of a baritone).

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