Are Neumann microphones worth buying for a home studio?

The Neumann TLM 103 Studio Set Microphone in nickel has a supplied best new price of £1,110. If you’re considering it, check exactly what the studio set includes and, ideally, audition it on the voice or instrument you’ll record most often.

The Neumann KM 185 MT in black is a compact super-cardioid condenser microphone, with a supplied best new price of £709. Its directional pickup makes placement important: super-cardioid microphones have some rear sensitivity, so don’t assume sound directly behind the mic will disappear.

For a home studio, sort out room noise and mic placement before stretching the budget. Neither price nor brand guarantees the right match; a useful audition in your own recording space tells you more.