Neumann TLM 102 Microphone Review:
A Mic that Can Help You Take Your Vocals to the Next Level
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The Neumann TLM 102 is a studio quality large diaphragm condenser microphone that can help you take your vocals to the next level. The TLM 102, one of the flagship microphones of Neumann’s “prosumer” offerings, is smaller and more affordable than some of its big brothers. It still delivers Neumann’s signature quality, making it a favorite choice for home studios. The TLM 102’s value goes beyond its vocal prowess – it also does a fantastic job recording both electric and acoustic guitar, and if you have 2, it can be used for drum overheads.
A Brief History of the Neumann TLM 102
The Neumann TLM 102 microphone was first introduced in late 2009. In many respects, it can be thought of as the “little brother” of the TLM103, which is a larger, similar microphone. TLM stands for “transformer-less microphone.”
The aforementioned Neumann TLM 103 was released 12 years before the TLM 102, in 1997. The TLM 103 was already an established and well-regarded product when the TLM102 came out.
Neumann’s goal in designing the TLM 102 was to create a more affordable mic aimed at the home studio market while maintaining the same high-quality level that Neumann is known for.
Notable Features of the Neumann TLM 102
Let’s cover the mic’s important features as part of this Neumann TLM 102 review.
The Neumann TLM102 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. The mic has a 20Hz to 20,000kHz frequency range.
The microphone has a flat response overall, but it does have a slight treble lift at around 10kHz to provide what Neumann describes as “silky highs.”
The TLM 102 has a very high max SPL level of 144dB. This means that the TLM102 can handle volumes up to that level without distorting.
For reference, most rock concerts are in the 110-120dB range, a jet taking off can be anywhere from 100-150dB at various distances from the listener, and nearby gunshots can range from 140dB to 190dB.
Suffice to say, this max SPL level is probably going to be able to handle whatever you are trying to record with it.
The TLM 102 is relatively no frills compared to some other large diaphragm condenser microphones. The standard package does not include a shock mount. However, you can buy the shock mount Neumann designed separately later on, though it is not cheap. Many retailers also offer a more expensive “studio set” package, which does include the shock mount.
Additionally, the microphone does not have any EQ style switches or a pad. Basically, there are no buttons or switches on the mic.
The Neumann TLM102 does include an integrated pop screen. It has a self-noise level of 12dB(A).
The mic is very sturdy, solid, and well-built.
Color options are Matte Black or Satin Nickel.
The microphone is manufactured in Germany.
Bring Out Your Best Vocals with the Neumann TLM 102
And now for perhaps the most important part of this Neumann TLM 102 review, since it is known as a vocal microphone. How does it do for recording vocals?
The Neumann TLM 102 microphone is our top choice for recording vocals. Simply put, this is an amazing microphone to record vocals with.
If you are a singer who has been using, for example, the Shure SM58, for many years to record your vocals, and you upgrade to the Neumann TLM102, you will quite possibly be wowed when you record your first vocal track with it.
Which segways into our next point, which is that the TLM 102 is probably not a mic that you are going to buy as your first foray into vocal microphones. It is somewhat pricey, so it is more likely that you might buy this to take the next step up for your vocal recordings. And, as we said, the TLM 102 can indeed help your vocals take that next leap.
The TLM 102 is a natural and smooth sounding microphone with minimal coloration to the sound. It works well for both male and female vocals.
As mentioned previously, the mic has a slight boost starting around 6kHz and hitting its peak around 10kHz. This additional presence adds just the right amount of brightness, helping vocals cut through a mix in a good way. Neumann managed to avoid creating harsh tones or overly bright sounds with the boost, ensuring the smoothness the mic captures is consistent across the sound spectrum.
The Neumann TLM 102 can help you achieve rich, vibrant, warm vocals that are both lively and smooth. It captures nice detail and is an exceedingly consistent microphone. There is truly a richness to the vocals the TLM 102 can provide.
While you can never be sure a mic will perfectly suit every voice, we do believe that most vocalists will be delighted with the TLM 102. This mic is one of the best choices out there to upgrade your vocals.
Record Beautiful, Shimmering Acoustic Guitar Tones
This Neumann TLM 102 review will dive deeper and go beyond its well known excellence for vocals. What else can the microphone do? Is it a versatile microphone?
Neumann markets the TLM 102 as a versatile microphone capable of excelling at many applications beyond vocals, calling it a “true workhorse for every small studio.” One of the uses Neumann suggests it excels at is acoustic guitar. We believe they are right!
We put the Neumann TLM 102 to the test recording acoustic guitar and it did so well that we ranked it as one of our Best Microphones for Recording Acoustic Guitar. If you are considering buying this microphone as a vocal microphone, it truly does sound amazing for many other uses, including acoustic guitar.
The TLM 102 is capable of recording a shimmering, rich, full, robust, and very beautiful acoustic guitar tone on arpeggios as well as strummed chords. The sound is warm with a hint of brightness that, similar to its vocal performance, never crosses over to being overly bright or harsh.
It does well capturing the attack of the player’s more aggressive strums and picks up percussive sounds nicely.
The TLM 102 also stands out when recording fingerpicking. For fingerstyle acoustic guitar recordings, the TLM102 produces very nice subtle warmth that is calming, rounded, and peaceful. It picks up just the right amount of brighter punch at all the right times.
Make Sure Your Electric Guitar Parts Stand Out
The electric guitar is another instrument that Neumann promotes the TLM 102 as doing a nice job recording. Once again, we agree, having included it as the only condenser microphone on our list of Best Microphones for Recording Electric Guitar.
In our testing, the Neumann TLM 102 shone while recording distorted electric guitar, where it captured a stand out lead guitar tone that will get the listener’s attention. When the guitarist played chords, it recorded a big guitar sound that came complete with something of a beefy low end. Switching to muted playing, the same low end heft stood out and overall the muted notes sounded quite good.
Next let’s talk about how the Neumann TLM 102 did recording clean electric guitar. Where the mic excelled on clean electric was on chords. How so? Well it is precisely that “natural” sound and flat response that helps the mic excel in other areas that allows it to sound so great for clean chords.
It could be said that clean electric chords sound “just right” when recorded using the Neumann TLM 102. There is none of the harsh high end that can sometimes happen when recording clean chords with certain other microphones. Rather, the TLM 102 came through with a smooth, warm, natural recording of the clean guitar chords.
Lastly, we would note that the TLM 102 sounded a bit better closer to the amp for clean arpeggios or individual notes. It didn’t sound that good when moved farther away from the amp.
Overall, the Neumann TLM 102 is very good at recording electric guitar, another feather in its cap.
Recording Drums and Other Instruments
With its high SPL of 144dB, the Neumann TLM 102 is well suited to record drums. The most obvious option if you have the ability to get 2 of them is for drum overheads.
Another option worth considering would be to use the TLM 102 as the outside mic in front of a kick drum if miking the kick with 2 mics.
Neumann also promotes the mic as an excellent choice to record bass, double bass, percussion, saxophone, and brass.
Price and Value
While the Neumann TLM 102 is fairly expensive vs. vocal microphones such as the Shure SM58, the Shure SM7B, or the Rode NT1, what is worth noting is that vs. other Neumann microphones, it is quite affordable and a good value.
So, as with many other things in life, it depends on how you look at it.
Neumann did not sacrifice any quality while making the mic, so if you are interested in the type of high-quality microphone you can get with the Neumann brand, then this is one of the most affordable Neumann’s out there.
Neumann TLM 102 Review Conclusion
Simply put, the Neumann TLM 102 is one of our favorite microphones. We highly recommend it for vocals and especially if you are a singer looking to take your vocals to the next level.
Because of its relatively expensive price point, it is not likely to be the first mic someone will purchase. However, for those looking to upgrade your vocal microphone, this is an outstanding choice and a good value for a Neumann mic. It is a little bit of an investment, much like many higher quality musical instruments, for example.
The Neumann TLM 102 provides additional versatility and value with its stellar capabilities to record both acoustic guitar and electric guitar, and moreover can be used for drum overheads and percussion.
We enthusiastically recommend the Neumann TLM 102.
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