What is the primary benefit of the TLM 107's transformerless design?

The transformerless (TLM) technology allows for extremely low self-noise and a high dynamic range. It ensures that the signal remains clean and transparent even when capturing very quiet or very loud sound sources.

Does the TLM 107 Studio Set include a shock mount?

Yes, the Studio Set includes a dedicated shock mount designed to isolate the microphone from stand-borne vibrations. It also typically comes with a protective case for transport and storage.

Is the TLM 107 suitable for recording loud instruments like drums?

Yes, the TLM 107 is designed to handle loud sound sources without distortion. Its pre-attenuation switch further helps in managing high SPL sources like percussion or brass.

How does the TLM 107 differ from the TLM 103?

The TLM 103 is a fixed-cardioid microphone with a specific presence boost, while the TLM 107 offers five patterns and a flatter, more neutral frequency response. The TLM 107 is considered a more versatile 'all-rounder'.

What type of filter settings does the TLM 107 offer?

The microphone includes a low-cut filter to manage low-frequency build-up. This is useful for reducing the proximity effect when recording close to the source or eliminating ambient rumble.

What finish is available for the TLM 107 Studio Set?

This specific model comes in a classic Neumann Nickel finish. It is also sometimes available in black (MT) versions depending on the retailer.

Does this microphone require phantom power?

Yes, as a large-diaphragm condenser microphone, the TLM 107 requires standard +48V phantom power to operate. This is usually provided by an audio interface or mixing console via the XLR cable.

Can the TLM 107 be used for vocal recordings?

The TLM 107 is excellent for vocals, providing a natural and smooth sound. Its selectable patterns allow engineers to adjust how much room ambience is captured during the vocal session.

How is the polar pattern selected on the TLM 107?

The microphone uses an innovative navigation toggle switch on the back of the body. This single control allows the user to cycle through patterns, pads, and filter settings.

Is the frequency response of the TLM 107 consistent across patterns?

Neumann has engineered the TLM 107 to maintain a smooth and natural tonal balance across all five of its directional patterns. This ensures a consistent sound even when changing the pickup area.

What is the typical price for the TLM 107 Studio Set?

The typical price for the set is approximately £1,332. This price usually includes the microphone, the EA 4 shock mount, and a protective case.

Gear article

Neumann TLM 107 Studio Microphone

The Neumann TLM 107 is a versatile large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for high-fidelity recording of both vocals and instruments. It features a pressure gradient transducer with five selectable polar patterns and a transformerless output stage, allowing it to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion.

See live prices

Overview

The Neumann TLM 107 is a modern addition to the Neumann range, engineered to provide a flexible solution for contemporary studio environments. Unlike vintage-voiced microphones that add significant coloration, the TLM 107 is designed for transparency and accuracy across a wide variety of sound sources. The 'Studio Set' configuration typically includes a protective case and a dedicated shock mount to ensure isolation from mechanical noise during high-stakes recording sessions.

Key Features and Operation

At the heart of the TLM 107 is a newly developed pressure gradient transducer. The microphone is distinguished by its innovative navigation switch, which controls the five selectable polar patterns: omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, and figure-8.

In addition to pattern selection, the microphone includes: * Pre-attenuation switch: Allows the user to pad the signal for extremely loud sources. * Low-cut filter: Features settings to roll off low-end frequencies, helping to manage the proximity effect or eliminate floor rumble. * Transformerless Output: The 'TLM' (Transformerless Microphone) technology ensures low self-noise and high dynamic range.

Sound Character

The TLM 107 is characterised by a smooth, balanced frequency response that remains consistent across all five directional patterns. It is designed to capture the natural tonal characteristics of the source without the exaggerated presence peaks found in some other condenser models. This makes it particularly effective for detailed vocal recordings and complex acoustic instruments where realism is the primary goal.

Suitability and Applications

Due to its high sound pressure level (SPL) handling, the TLM 107 is suitable for everything from delicate whispered vocals to loud brass sections and percussion. It is an ideal choice for project and professional studios that require a 'workhorse' microphone capable of fulfilling multiple roles. While the Neumann TLM 102 and TLM 103 offer more specialised, fixed-pattern alternatives, the 107 provides the versatility needed for complex multi-mic setups or varied recording tasks.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other microphones in the Neumann range, the TLM 107 offers significantly more flexibility than the TLM 103, which is limited to a cardioid pattern. For those requiring a smaller footprint, the KM 185 provides a super-cardioid option but lacks the large-diaphragm vocal character of the 107. Outside the brand, dynamic options like the Shure SM7B are often preferred for aggressive vocals or broadcast, though they lack the high-frequency detail and sensitivity provided by the TLM 107's condenser capsule.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the TLM 107's transformerless design?: The transformerless (TLM) technology allows for extremely low self-noise and a high dynamic range. It ensures that the signal remains clean and transparent even when capturing very quiet or very loud sound sources.
How many polar patterns does the Neumann TLM 107 have?: The microphone features five selectable polar patterns. These include omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, and figure-8, making it adaptable to various recording environments.
Does the TLM 107 Studio Set include a shock mount?: Yes, the Studio Set includes a dedicated shock mount designed to isolate the microphone from stand-borne vibrations. It also typically comes with a protective case for transport and storage.
Is the TLM 107 suitable for recording loud instruments like drums?: Yes, the TLM 107 is designed to handle loud sound sources without distortion. Its pre-attenuation switch further helps in managing high SPL sources like percussion or brass.
How does the TLM 107 differ from the TLM 103?: The TLM 103 is a fixed-cardioid microphone with a specific presence boost, while the TLM 107 offers five patterns and a flatter, more neutral frequency response. The TLM 107 is considered a more versatile 'all-rounder'.
What type of filter settings does the TLM 107 offer?: The microphone includes a low-cut filter to manage low-frequency build-up. This is useful for reducing the proximity effect when recording close to the source or eliminating ambient rumble.
What finish is available for the TLM 107 Studio Set?: This specific model comes in a classic Neumann Nickel finish. It is also sometimes available in black (MT) versions depending on the retailer.
Does this microphone require phantom power?: Yes, as a large-diaphragm condenser microphone, the TLM 107 requires standard +48V phantom power to operate. This is usually provided by an audio interface or mixing console via the XLR cable.
Can the TLM 107 be used for vocal recordings?: The TLM 107 is excellent for vocals, providing a natural and smooth sound. Its selectable patterns allow engineers to adjust how much room ambience is captured during the vocal session.
How is the polar pattern selected on the TLM 107?: The microphone uses an innovative navigation toggle switch on the back of the body. This single control allows the user to cycle through patterns, pads, and filter settings.
Is the frequency response of the TLM 107 consistent across patterns?: Neumann has engineered the TLM 107 to maintain a smooth and natural tonal balance across all five of its directional patterns. This ensures a consistent sound even when changing the pickup area.
What is the typical price for the TLM 107 Studio Set?: The typical price for the set is approximately £1,332. This price usually includes the microphone, the EA 4 shock mount, and a protective case.