This is great! This Chinese Clone for, $20 US. I think is a great buy! And I fully believe. It might actually come close to the TLM-103. Because it already is an inexpensive Transformer less, single capsule, single pattern, microphone. There's nothing much in it. And considering you don't have a TLM-103 to compare it, against. I don't own one. But I have used them. And they don't have that big, Basiey sound. They are very bright and brutally honest sounding microphones. With an enormous amount of output drive. I was really quite surprised. Compared to my other Neumann microphones. Like my U-87's and KM-86's. Those were much lower in level. This thing practically overloaded the microphone preamps. It put out so much level. And it had a very open sound qualities similar, to this. But I believe this one has a thinner, diaphragm of, .3 mil. Which hypes the high end. Compared to the, .6 mil thickness, of the actual Neumann's. As those have a, duller sound to them. That people would express it as. But that take EQ, better. Without getting fizzy and harsh sounding. But for $20? And it includes the Shock Mount. Which will be just fine for a good long while. If you are not heavy-handed with it. You use that only, in the studio. You use the hard stand Mount. If they supplied one? Most of the time. For mounting on microphone booms and such. Where if you are not on a,, thin wooden floor? You really won't need that shock mount, much. In fact I generally prefer a hard stand Mount. There's just not going to be that much vibration in the floor. And nuthin a, Bass Cut/Hi Pass, Filter can't solve easily. In hardware or software. It does not matter. And for a clone. I think I'll have to get a couple. Just to make pretend I have more Neumann's! Nobody will know! They don't have, to know. It will give them a greater feeling of confidence. That's the reason to get these. Because you will look much more serious with these. $20? Give me a break! I want some! Even though I don't need any. You can never have too many. Especially for that price. And because there really isn't anything expensive inside the real TLM-103. It doesn't have the expense of guts the U-87 has. But it has the same capsule. Just no output transformers. And the greatest reason for the difference in sound. Between that and a U-87. Because it is transformer less. Transformer light. Transformer-ain't. Transformer-diet. Transformer free. And there is a considerable difference in perceived sound. Because it doesn't exactly sound like a U-87.. Without its output transformers. It don't got. But does that actually matter? And is that thinner diaphragm clone. Going to be any good? It already sounds good. I was shocked and surprised at that $20 price. Even just for the materials used. And a shock mount! It's worth the cost of a shock mount! Even if it only works for a year. Sometimes some things are a great nab. The RadioShack PZM microphones back in 1984. Cost $30 each. Later went up to 40. I purchased 10. I gave away two. I crunched one and fixed it. I still have them and use them. They are unique. There is nothing else like them. But still back in 1984 they were $30 each. And nothing like this, TLM-103 Clone. This looks outstanding! Just the grill alone. Looks to me like the real Neumann.. And that's patented. So it's likely not exactly like the original from Neumann.. But it looks like it on the outside. It's a multilayer grill. And no other manufacturer can make one exactly like it. Because of the patent. Others may look similar. But they can't be built, the same. This clone may have been? It's intriguing, nevertheless. I'm sure there are others like them? All counterfeits. But counterfeits that can still be used. No they won't sound like the originals. But really all they need to do is work. And you can make fine recordings with them. Again they won't sound like the real deal. But they will be 100% perfectly, adequate. And it's another, recording transducer. You can never really have, too many. As they do get broken from time to time. Under heavy use. With irresponsible people! Nobody needs to be in a big hurry. You take your time. You secure your microphones properly. So they don't fall out of their clips onto the floor. I'm fully retired now. I miss making recordings. RemyRAD
Thank you for your comments. I am not an expert on mics, so really this review is how it sounds as the nuances of a comparison might get lost on most people.
I'm all for these Chinese clones. If you break down a $600 microphone you'll find the parts inside are readily available to buy from the original factory and you could build one yourself for a parts cost of like $30.
It was more like $50 canadian for me and as we are doing a podcast/radio show, it was better then the AT2020 for my wife so I decided to keep using it. I don't call it tinny really, but certainly is a bit bright, and helps for me as the mics are processed through a UREI LA4 and punches through the compression nicely without being dull and needing eq. No doubt there can be some differences to a real TLM 103, especially in handling distortion and SPL, but for my use, I'm very content and pleased at the results when you really have no budget to spend on mics. A real TLM 103 would likely be overkill for us.
@@BeerandGuitars The gear is what some artists live for. Lesser known artists always follow those with success it seems. If the beatles or rolling stones used this mic, they want to use it...that compressor the beatles used they want to use it. Certain gear standards exist for a reason. Great if you have the $$$, but i'm a practical person. I saw these on aliexpress and got curious. For my usage, they are fine. If I had a expensive mic pre and acoustically dead studio to use an expensive mic, fine. If you want a certain sound, fine. I bought a EV RE20 for the RE 20 radio sound I wanted. But that's not always needed and $$$ is a priority. These chinese mics are quite acceptable given the price.
Most condenser microphones have a chip board that EQ the mic so there is only a slight difference between them and not many people could be able to tell the difference between a £20 or £3000 one.
I have expensive guitars and cheap ones, at the end of the day wood is wood and you can change parts to make them better. With mics i expect it is the same as you say.
you can't buy shit here in Europe, a trs cable start with 10 euro. We are spoiled to criticise 20 euro mic sound like this. it's not hissing, it's not tinny. a well working mic What amazing life we got. If I'm a businessman, I make some advertisement talk about my musician life story, put my name on that microphone, sell it for 99,99euro , people would say "ohw very nice for string instrument" or whatever.
We get what we pay for. I paid $20 and got $20 i think some people get annoyed at paying $3000 and get something, in their view, much better quality. That is true, I am not a pro with mics so does it matter what i bought.
That's one thing you noticed? When you rotate the microphone to the backside. Tinny? You think that sounds, Tinny? It actually sounds like nondescript mud. Like a pillow over your head. Because strangely enough. The TLM-103 is known as a Side Address, microphone. And it is a Cardioid Directional Pattern. Facing in the same direction. As that little diamond shaped logo. On the front face, of the microphone. Because it's dead in the back. Strangely enough. Because that's what a directional Cardioid Polar Pattern, means and does. Strangely enough.. Why oh why do you want to do this review? You don't really know which end of the microphone is up? Thankfully, you are sort of speaking into the front. Sort of. Because you don't speak into the end. Because that is not how the microphone capsule diaphragm is oriented. It is basically parallel with the flat front of the grill. Facing toward your mouth. Nothing faces out the back. It's dead in the back. Not 100% dead. But considerably dead. Compared toward the front. If your groovy accent means you are in the UK? My Audio Console. Came from your neck of the woods there across the pond from me. And you guys are about the finest musicians and audio guys, in the world. You might want to catch up a bit? Yes and we don't rightly know. Whether this microphone actually contains a 1 inch, diaphragm? It may or may not? It could be only a 1/2 inch, diaphragm? But I don't think so. I think it has a 1 inch diaphragm of .3 mil, thickness. And yes. They have that hyped high-end. That, lots of young people like. This, old timer, not so much. But hey. I have a couple of similar microphones. By, Nady. When I got them about,, 20 years ago. They look like black slightly smaller, Neumann U-87's. But were only, Cardioid, single capsule, microphones. And they have .3 mi, diaphragm's. It's not my favorite sound. But hey. They look good. They work, perfectly fine. They look important. They are sizable. And what do you know? They make fine drum overheads. So you don't need, AKG 414's or Neumann U-87's. And that's where these, TLM-103's might really shine. Even if they are Chinese counterfeits. They look the part. And they will work. So I think those are great. And of course are also powered from Phantom Power I would imagine? And what is that rating? Does it require a full, 48 volts of, Phantom? Or does it indicate all the way down to 5 volts and up? If it says 5 volts or anything less than 48. It is a Back Electret, permanently polarized diaphragm, condenser microphone. But if it requires a full, 48 volts? It's a True Condenser microphone. Like the Neumann U-87. Like the AKG 414's. Though there are different permutations of that 414. So some do require 48 some don't. And the ones that don't. The Back Electret types. Used to be a compromise. But as of the late 1970s. Not a compromise, anymore. They are great! What to do with myself, now? I'm lost. Not making recordings anymore. RemyRAD
I didnt think my accent was groovy but thank you. I am not an expert, and i know there is going to be lots of professional analysis but again this will be lost on most people. My target audience for this video was those who want a 20usd mic to record their voice or maybe a at who knows :)
I admire that you used the mic you are reviewing, but it seems you do not have in depth knowledge of the subject to make such reviews. What real reviews are missing is proper A/B test, to some reference. They also think, if they try to do such, that repeating the source is good for comparision. Anyways, most microphones over 100usd sound quite alike either way :D
I agree with you, i am not an expert but then if you are in the market for a 20usd mic, the nuances of a higher grade mic are probably lost on most people.
@@BeerandGuitars a high grade mic has to come with a high grade preamp at the same time, though pairing a chinese clone with high grade pre might be interesting, and a Real TLM 103 with a $50 tube mic pre to be fair. You could really go nuts on gear...and some do.....I just focus on how it sounds to my ears and if it's broadcast quality acceptable and the clone certainly is.
Nah, By the sound of it you've been scammed, but at least you got a vid out it. Straight to land-fill; that's the real scandal. I often wonder what the ecological effects of all this dodgy tat is.
I knew what i was buying, so not a scam. The video was really for those who are not interested in the technical nuances. Cheap electric scooters however, now they are frought with danger from day one. So this is a far better choice if i had the two options. I would noy buy anything of aliexpress that had to be plugged in.
@@BeerandGuitars You are right; eyes wide-open, but even as cynical as I am, I expected better than that. Perhaps the greater scam is how we have all been scammed on free-trade.
This is great! This Chinese Clone for, $20 US. I think is a great buy!
And I fully believe. It might actually come close to the TLM-103. Because it already is an inexpensive Transformer less, single capsule, single pattern, microphone. There's nothing much in it.
And considering you don't have a TLM-103 to compare it, against. I don't own one. But I have used them. And they don't have that big, Basiey sound. They are very bright and brutally honest sounding microphones. With an enormous amount of output drive. I was really quite surprised. Compared to my other Neumann microphones. Like my U-87's and KM-86's. Those were much lower in level. This thing practically overloaded the microphone preamps. It put out so much level. And it had a very open sound qualities similar, to this.
But I believe this one has a thinner, diaphragm of, .3 mil. Which hypes the high end. Compared to the, .6 mil thickness, of the actual Neumann's. As those have a, duller sound to them. That people would express it as. But that take EQ, better. Without getting fizzy and harsh sounding.
But for $20? And it includes the Shock Mount. Which will be just fine for a good long while. If you are not heavy-handed with it. You use that only, in the studio. You use the hard stand Mount. If they supplied one? Most of the time. For mounting on microphone booms and such. Where if you are not on a,, thin wooden floor? You really won't need that shock mount, much. In fact I generally prefer a hard stand Mount. There's just not going to be that much vibration in the floor. And nuthin a, Bass Cut/Hi Pass, Filter can't solve easily. In hardware or software. It does not matter.
And for a clone. I think I'll have to get a couple. Just to make pretend I have more Neumann's! Nobody will know! They don't have, to know. It will give them a greater feeling of confidence. That's the reason to get these. Because you will look much more serious with these. $20? Give me a break! I want some! Even though I don't need any. You can never have too many. Especially for that price. And because there really isn't anything expensive inside the real TLM-103. It doesn't have the expense of guts the U-87 has. But it has the same capsule. Just no output transformers. And the greatest reason for the difference in sound. Between that and a U-87. Because it is transformer less. Transformer light. Transformer-ain't. Transformer-diet. Transformer free. And there is a considerable difference in perceived sound. Because it doesn't exactly sound like a U-87.. Without its output transformers. It don't got.
But does that actually matter? And is that thinner diaphragm clone. Going to be any good? It already sounds good. I was shocked and surprised at that $20 price. Even just for the materials used. And a shock mount! It's worth the cost of a shock mount! Even if it only works for a year.
Sometimes some things are a great nab. The RadioShack PZM microphones back in 1984. Cost $30 each. Later went up to 40. I purchased 10. I gave away two. I crunched one and fixed it. I still have them and use them. They are unique. There is nothing else like them. But still back in 1984 they were $30 each. And nothing like this, TLM-103 Clone. This looks outstanding! Just the grill alone. Looks to me like the real Neumann.. And that's patented. So it's likely not exactly like the original from Neumann.. But it looks like it on the outside. It's a multilayer grill. And no other manufacturer can make one exactly like it. Because of the patent. Others may look similar. But they can't be built, the same. This clone may have been? It's intriguing, nevertheless. I'm sure there are others like them? All counterfeits. But counterfeits that can still be used. No they won't sound like the originals. But really all they need to do is work. And you can make fine recordings with them. Again they won't sound like the real deal. But they will be 100% perfectly, adequate. And it's another, recording transducer. You can never really have, too many. As they do get broken from time to time. Under heavy use. With irresponsible people! Nobody needs to be in a big hurry. You take your time. You secure your microphones properly. So they don't fall out of their clips onto the floor.
I'm fully retired now. I miss making recordings.
RemyRAD
Thank you for your comments. I am not an expert on mics, so really this review is how it sounds as the nuances of a comparison might get lost on most people.
I'm all for these Chinese clones. If you break down a $600 microphone you'll find the parts inside are readily available to buy from the original factory and you could build one yourself for a parts cost of like $30.
@@Glx-u7e very true. We pay for the brand much of the time.
It was more like $50 canadian for me and as we are doing a podcast/radio show, it was better then the AT2020 for my wife so I decided to keep using it. I don't call it tinny really, but certainly is a bit bright, and helps for me as the mics are processed through a UREI LA4 and punches through the compression nicely without being dull and needing eq. No doubt there can be some differences to a real TLM 103, especially in handling distortion and SPL, but for my use, I'm very content and pleased at the results when you really have no budget to spend on mics. A real TLM 103 would likely be overkill for us.
This is my point, why spend the serious cash when all you need is a mic that is half decent. Anything like a $4000 would be lost on me
@@BeerandGuitars The gear is what some artists live for. Lesser known artists always follow those with success it seems. If the beatles or rolling stones used this mic, they want to use it...that compressor the beatles used they want to use it. Certain gear standards exist for a reason. Great if you have the $$$, but i'm a practical person. I saw these on aliexpress and got curious. For my usage, they are fine. If I had a expensive mic pre and acoustically dead studio to use an expensive mic, fine. If you want a certain sound, fine. I bought a EV RE20 for the RE 20 radio sound I wanted. But that's not always needed and $$$ is a priority. These chinese mics are quite acceptable given the price.
Most condenser microphones have a chip board that EQ the mic so there is only a slight difference between them and not many people could be able to tell the difference between a £20 or £3000 one.
I have expensive guitars and cheap ones, at the end of the day wood is wood and you can change parts to make them better. With mics i expect it is the same as you say.
thank I wanted info on this clone
Just beware it is not amazing
you can't buy shit here in Europe, a trs cable start with 10 euro. We are spoiled to criticise 20 euro mic sound like this. it's not hissing, it's not tinny. a well working mic What amazing life we got. If I'm a businessman, I make some advertisement talk about my musician life story, put my name on that microphone, sell it for 99,99euro , people would say "ohw very nice for string instrument" or whatever.
We get what we pay for. I paid $20 and got $20 i think some people get annoyed at paying $3000 and get something, in their view, much better quality. That is true, I am not a pro with mics so does it matter what i bought.
The USA is dragging Europe towards poverty, and then towards war with Russia. The hegemon has long since decided the fate of Europe. It's a pity...
That's one thing you noticed? When you rotate the microphone to the backside. Tinny? You think that sounds, Tinny? It actually sounds like nondescript mud. Like a pillow over your head. Because strangely enough. The TLM-103 is known as a Side Address, microphone. And it is a Cardioid Directional Pattern. Facing in the same direction. As that little diamond shaped logo. On the front face, of the microphone. Because it's dead in the back. Strangely enough. Because that's what a directional Cardioid Polar Pattern, means and does. Strangely enough..
Why oh why do you want to do this review? You don't really know which end of the microphone is up? Thankfully, you are sort of speaking into the front. Sort of. Because you don't speak into the end. Because that is not how the microphone capsule diaphragm is oriented. It is basically parallel with the flat front of the grill. Facing toward your mouth. Nothing faces out the back. It's dead in the back. Not 100% dead. But considerably dead. Compared toward the front.
If your groovy accent means you are in the UK? My Audio Console. Came from your neck of the woods there across the pond from me. And you guys are about the finest musicians and audio guys, in the world. You might want to catch up a bit?
Yes and we don't rightly know. Whether this microphone actually contains a 1 inch, diaphragm? It may or may not? It could be only a 1/2 inch, diaphragm? But I don't think so. I think it has a 1 inch diaphragm of .3 mil, thickness. And yes. They have that hyped high-end. That, lots of young people like. This, old timer, not so much. But hey. I have a couple of similar microphones. By, Nady. When I got them about,, 20 years ago. They look like black slightly smaller, Neumann U-87's. But were only, Cardioid, single capsule, microphones. And they have .3 mi, diaphragm's. It's not my favorite sound. But hey. They look good. They work, perfectly fine. They look important. They are sizable. And what do you know? They make fine drum overheads. So you don't need, AKG 414's or Neumann U-87's. And that's where these, TLM-103's might really shine. Even if they are Chinese counterfeits. They look the part. And they will work. So I think those are great. And of course are also powered from Phantom Power I would imagine? And what is that rating? Does it require a full, 48 volts of, Phantom? Or does it indicate all the way down to 5 volts and up?
If it says 5 volts or anything less than 48. It is a Back Electret, permanently polarized diaphragm, condenser microphone.
But if it requires a full, 48 volts? It's a True Condenser microphone. Like the Neumann U-87. Like the AKG 414's. Though there are different permutations of that 414. So some do require 48 some don't. And the ones that don't. The Back Electret types. Used to be a compromise. But as of the late 1970s. Not a compromise, anymore. They are great!
What to do with myself, now? I'm lost. Not making recordings anymore.
RemyRAD
I didnt think my accent was groovy but thank you. I am not an expert, and i know there is going to be lots of professional analysis but again this will be lost on most people. My target audience for this video was those who want a 20usd mic to record their voice or maybe a at who knows :)
im surprised for how cheap the noise floor sounds quite low
You get what you pay for.
that's because it is quite low.
I admire that you used the mic you are reviewing, but it seems you do not have in depth knowledge of the subject to make such reviews.
What real reviews are missing is proper A/B test, to some reference. They also think, if they try to do such, that repeating the source is good for comparision.
Anyways, most microphones over 100usd sound quite alike either way :D
I agree with you, i am not an expert but then if you are in the market for a 20usd mic, the nuances of a higher grade mic are probably lost on most people.
@@BeerandGuitars I agree with this.
Most mics used the same EQ board so as to get a flat EQ.
@@BeerandGuitars a high grade mic has to come with a high grade preamp at the same time, though pairing a chinese clone with high grade pre might be interesting, and a Real TLM 103 with a $50 tube mic pre to be fair.
You could really go nuts on gear...and some do.....I just focus on how it sounds to my ears and if it's broadcast quality acceptable and the clone certainly is.
@@scottsnailham fair play my friend
Nah, By the sound of it you've been scammed, but at least you got a vid out it. Straight to land-fill; that's the real scandal. I often wonder what the ecological effects of all this dodgy tat is.
I knew what i was buying, so not a scam. The video was really for those who are not interested in the technical nuances. Cheap electric scooters however, now they are frought with danger from day one. So this is a far better choice if i had the two options. I would noy buy anything of aliexpress that had to be plugged in.
@@BeerandGuitars You are right; eyes wide-open, but even as cynical as I am, I expected better than that. Perhaps the greater scam is how we have all been scammed on free-trade.