We own a TLM103 and a U87 in our studio for many years. Many people forgot about the Art of recording and the Art of Microphone Knowledge. Biggest mistake we always see is that people compare DIFFERENT Microphones in the exact SAME position. EVERY Microphone got a DIFFERENT sweet spot, it might not be a big difference, but before you test two or more microphones against eachother, you have to find out in which position and with which preamp (not every chain works with every mic the same way!) each microphone sounds THE BEST. Only that way you can get a fair comparison. The K103 is actually the front side of the K87 and the capsule is responsible for 70-90% of the sound. Since the capsules are close to be similar the sound shouldn't be too far away. And surprise, it isn't. If you bring the TLM103 in its sweet spot its NEVER harsh or anything like this. People hating on the TLM103 and loving the sound of the U87 know nothing about the true Art of Recording. Also its very important to mention that the output transformer of the U87Ai is extremely transparent and neutral. So no matter with which microphone your going, you will get GREAT results as long as you got a great Talent infront of the microphone and a engineer who knows what he's doing.
Next time you got a 3000 USD mic in your hand please call a female singer, and also a bass singer where the differences might be more decisive. Thanks for Sweetwater
The U 87 is an incredible microphone... but for $3695 (price at the time of this post) you can get a Neumann TLM 107, a Neumann KM 184, a Royer R-121 and a Shure sm57 all for a grand total of $3693 and cover A LOT of bases with those mics!
For singing, the U87 is king. That's what it was designed for. For spoken word, for the same price: the TLM170 is usually better. The 103 is actually somewhat nasal sounding. And if you consider the 102 for voice, you could do your wallet a favor and compare it to an Audio-Technica AT-2035. You may not be able to tell the difference.
I have recorded vocals with a tlm 103 and tlm 193 in a professional studio with excellent results. It all depends on the type of voice and what preamp you have to get the best out of them. I currently have a tlm 102 in my homestudio connected to a preamp pre-q 73 and it sounds great. After all, any neumann microphone is synonymous with quality.
@@Kay_Locc Tlm 102 is a good investment, I have 5 years using it and it works perfectly, it is very versatile with a sound rich in bass and treble. I've recorded with the NT1 rode in a friend's studio and I feel like it's very wheezing. I recommend that you see more reviews and information of the tlm 102 if you want to buy it, so that you can decide for yourself if it’s convenient for you to get it.
I have a treated space. I don't thinks it's the wisest move to invest in a mic of this tier without investing in a treated space. IMO I've heard great sound through the tlm102 👍
I personally prefer the TLM 193 because it is the most versatile, flat, and true to sound Neumann that there is. Modern, flat, clean Neumann sound= TLM 193
@@Andre_Ang It was…sold it…preferred the tone of my AT4050 over my previous TLM49, 103 and 102…it had great clarity but to me for hip hop it was too clear…my AT4050 after some EQ mixed and sounded overall more pleasing to me…but we all like different things…that’s why it’s different mic brands and models…
They are all great.. I have the TLM 103 and its been great! I also have the L22 Townsend labs.. all great and you can record great things with all of them!!!!
This is so good and I love that you left all the links in the bio because I was just about to ask where you got the pop filter from. Thank you ! ❤️ I look forward to the TLM 103
@@EdwardSmithMusic don't worry Edward I got it already when I saw this video 2 months ago! It's great and sturdy and I think it was shipped all the way from America to the UK. God bless you in Jesus name, lots of love.
You missed the TLM 107 - which is an amazing microphone. I would have loved to have you include this mic in your evaluation. It offers 5 polar patterns, a high pass filter and a 3 pad variance and has a price point between the 103 and U87. Just a thought. .
Edward, thank you for reviewing all three of the Neumens! Beautiful pieces of work. My question, though, applies to the 87: aren't they supplying the preamp with the mic, or do you have to buy that separately? For almost $4,000, you would think they would give that preamp to you as well. Thank you for your videos! God bless.
I prefer the Lauten Atlantis over the U87 Ai at a much lower price. But it is a nice mic. I felt that the TLM102 sounded much more processed than the other ones in your example. There is usually not that big of a difference between the 102 and 103 from my experience.
All three are great mics which have their uses. The 102 has the steepest roll off, which isn't a bad thing if you would typically cut the low end on the source. The 103 has a noticeable rise between 3-6kHz. It'll make the source stand out a bit more, BUT can make some sources sound harsh and strident. The U87 is legendary. The 87ai maybe lacks a little bit of the original's mojo, BUT is still a great mic.
It's really a confidence thing not a quality thing. I've used that 103 for many things , vocal,amps, even bass drum. When it's the best mic you have you try it everywhere
Question: What kind of mixer are you using with these microphones? I am just learning to record my own songs and need to know what kind of recording equipment to use to capture the sound quality of these microphones. Thank you for your advice. 🎸🎙
U87 is a better vocal mic, a better mic in general, but better for richer voices. If you sing and the frequencies in your vocal range are mainly in the upper register, then you might as well stick with the 103. Unless, you just can't do that and 102 is the best fit for your budget. All are great mics with that exclusive Neumann sound.
You are imitating modern singing and not singing with your own voice, which can be heard when you are talking normally. This vocal technique makes most new singers sound the same ... That's not what music is supposed to be. It is meant to show diversity of timbre, because everybody's voice is different and not the same! This is rediculous!
Ngl they all sound more less the same, microphones could only sound so good. I have a Shure 55SH Series 2 and it offers flawless crispy recording. For $250
damn i didn't know you could sing like that bro! The U87 sounds best but the 103 is honestly pretty close to me. I would be happy using any of the the above though tbh
Let's assume you have a well-treated vocal booth and a great signal chain with, say, a 1073 and clean converter: TLM 102 sounds good with good singers and COULD be the mic for you. this is the best bang for your buck with Neumanns. You get incredible value packed into a tiny package, and it's tailored for vocal recording. something to keep in mind if you're only looking to record vocals and voiceover. TLM 103 sounds better with the right singer. Again, this could be perfect for you. This is also where the law of diminishing returns starts to work against you as the buyer. U87ai sounds good on everything. Good... but not the "best". Though, this mic will definitely be more of an all around workhorse, whether it's drums & percussion, amps, pianos, rooms, or vocals, the U87 will be good. but NOT the best for everything. As far as bang for your buck goes, you have to be at a certain point in your professional career for this investment to make sense. If you want the best mic, test all three, and test as many mics at as many different price points as possible. I recommend testing Neumann LDC's next to similar spec mics from Mojave, Soyuz, Shoeps, and Microtech Gefell. If you are a producer.. and you want a mic that can be used to record anything, and I mean ANYTHING, then you can't go wrong with a U87. They are very consistent and you'll never have an issue making it "work". However, if you're interested in catering the sound per instrument, per singer, per song, and.. if "flavor" or "color" have ever crossed your mind... you'll always need a locker with more than one high quality mic.
The u87 is 2300.- CHF here in swizerland and CHF is almost exactly the same course like the dollar. The u87 is way better than the tlm 103 or 102 than people tell in their YT-videos. If you put the 103 in a 2500.- preamp it may sounds good enough but otherwise you still have to mix alot while the u87 almost sits perfect in the mix even in an unprofessional room, you just record and it sounds like mixed already. For Billy the 103 is good enough because she sings reallly softly, even cheaper mics sound professional if you just talk or sing softly.
@@HabibiTommy98 hmm, are you wanting to buy one? There is really no distinguishable sound difference between that and a normal one, it doesn’t seem like he linked it
He is sooo wrong in that there is a definite vocal difference in the 102 to the 103. IMO his voice sounds much better using the 103 than the 102. BIG mistake on his part.
@@sgeggbub1008 It's literally not. The frequency response is literally different, the capsule is literally bigger, and I don't know what you are listening on but it definitely sounds different than the 102. They are similar, but there is a definite difference. Uh, oh yeah, Bro!(?) 🙄
Tlm102 is more crisp in the high while the 103 clearly allows for more air and low end frequencies. The difference is marginal but for professional productions it definitely gives the edge to the 103. 102 however is amazing bang for the bucks
Ed, stop wagging your tail, the U87 is just unbeatable. I have seen this chick in shootouts with telefunkens and c800gs and she held her own coolly. I will definitely get one. hmm
If you enjoyed this video, make sure you hit that Subscribe button! 🙏🏻
We own a TLM103 and a U87 in our studio for many years. Many people forgot about the Art of recording and the Art of Microphone Knowledge. Biggest mistake we always see is that people compare DIFFERENT Microphones in the exact SAME position. EVERY Microphone got a DIFFERENT sweet spot, it might not be a big difference, but before you test two or more microphones against eachother, you have to find out in which position and with which preamp (not every chain works with every mic the same way!) each microphone sounds THE BEST. Only that way you can get a fair comparison. The K103 is actually the front side of the K87 and the capsule is responsible for 70-90% of the sound. Since the capsules are close to be similar the sound shouldn't be too far away. And surprise, it isn't. If you bring the TLM103 in its sweet spot its NEVER harsh or anything like this. People hating on the TLM103 and loving the sound of the U87 know nothing about the true Art of Recording. Also its very important to mention that the output transformer of the U87Ai is extremely transparent and neutral. So no matter with which microphone your going, you will get GREAT results as long as you got a great Talent infront of the microphone and a engineer who knows what he's doing.
Thanx! That's the best comnent I've read on this topic :-)
Well said
Perfect coment
all 3 sounds bad on your output sorry
I think I'm crazy but the U87 just sounds more realistic, not so bright but more normal
You're not crazy at all 😂 There's a reason it was the studio standard for so long. I do like the tone of the 103 too though.
I’ve used a U87 for a good bit of years now but my new favorite Neumann is the TLM 49. Love the sound that it gives
For me, mids are better presented in TLM102 than 103 (and I have a 103!). 102 sounds closer to 87. Thanks for your video, Saludos
Next time you got a 3000 USD mic in your hand please call a female singer, and also a bass singer where the differences might be more decisive. Thanks for Sweetwater
The U 87 is an incredible microphone... but for $3695 (price at the time of this post) you can get a Neumann TLM 107, a Neumann KM 184, a Royer R-121 and a Shure sm57 all for a grand total of $3693 and cover A LOT of bases with those mics!
For singing, the U87 is king. That's what it was designed for. For spoken word, for the same price: the TLM170 is usually better. The 103 is actually somewhat nasal sounding. And if you consider the 102 for voice, you could do your wallet a favor and compare it to an Audio-Technica AT-2035. You may not be able to tell the difference.
I have recorded vocals with a tlm 103 and tlm 193 in a professional studio with excellent results. It all depends on the type of voice and what preamp you have to get the best out of them. I currently have a tlm 102 in my homestudio connected to a preamp pre-q 73 and it sounds great. After all, any neumann microphone is synonymous with quality.
Do u think the tlm 102 is worth upgrading to from a rode nt1-a? I want the tlm 102 but only if it’ll be a significant from the rode
@@Kay_Locc Tlm 102 is a good investment, I have 5 years using it and it works perfectly, it is very versatile with a sound rich in bass and treble. I've recorded with the NT1 rode in a friend's studio and I feel like it's very wheezing. I recommend that you see more reviews and information of the tlm 102 if you want to buy it, so that you can decide for yourself if it’s convenient for you to get it.
Just got my tlm 103 and I'm in love ❤️
Awesome!!
are you using focusetie audio card or something else?
Universal Audio Apollo x4
@@Irshaad88 do you have a treated environment? I tried the tlm 103 on a non treated environment and lots of noise. The tlm 102 was more forgiving.
I have a treated space. I don't thinks it's the wisest move to invest in a mic of this tier without investing in a treated space. IMO
I've heard great sound through the tlm102 👍
I personally prefer the TLM 193 because it is the most versatile, flat, and true to sound Neumann that there is. Modern, flat, clean Neumann sound= TLM 193
I swear u can never go wrong with a neumann mic bro !!🔥 Love the content like usual!!!
Agreed! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
You can go wrong if your voice isnt a match…like mine isn’t…
@@minusx31 is ur mic a neumann? If it is then a little bit of EQ will help :)
@@Andre_Ang It was…sold it…preferred the tone of my AT4050 over my previous TLM49, 103 and 102…it had great clarity but to me for hip hop it was too clear…my AT4050 after some EQ mixed and sounded overall more pleasing to me…but we all like different things…that’s why it’s different mic brands and models…
these Neumann microphones sound great.
dope content as usual
SUCH A HIGH QUALITY VIDEO🤯
Thank you 🙏🏻
102 sounds a bit harsh compared to those 2.. but it's sounds far way superb compared to others brands
I have the same impression. I would buy 103 for your voice and a generic smarthphone speaker listening
Correction (based on a decent headset). U87 is distinguishable by including small details.
They are all great.. I have the TLM 103 and its been great! I also have the L22 Townsend labs.. all great and you can record great things with all of them!!!!
This is so good and I love that you left all the links in the bio because I was just about to ask where you got the pop filter from. Thank you ! ❤️ I look forward to the TLM 103
Here is a link - amzn.to/41NqPdZ
@@EdwardSmithMusic don't worry Edward I got it already when I saw this video 2 months ago! It's great and sturdy and I think it was shipped all the way from America to the UK. God bless you in Jesus name, lots of love.
What exactly accessories do you mean in case of u87Ai?
I love my TLM 102 only used for mini radio shows on tiktok sounds great ... nice review
You missed the TLM 107 - which is an amazing microphone. I would have loved to have you include this mic in your evaluation. It offers 5 polar patterns, a high pass filter and a 3 pad variance and has a price point between the 103 and U87. Just a thought.
.
Love the tlm 102 for the price.
The tlm 102 did the job right for your voice bro
Edward, thank you for reviewing all three of the Neumens! Beautiful pieces of work. My question, though, applies to the 87: aren't they supplying the preamp with the mic, or do you have to buy that separately? For almost $4,000, you would think they would give that preamp to you as well. Thank you for your videos! God bless.
Hi! Thanks For Watching! Unfortunerly it doesn't come with the pre-amp, but I feel your pain.
I love the high frequency Crystal sound of the microphones but I’m on a budget 😭
'D/ None of the above' is a perfectly valid, indeed valuable answer.
You deserve 1M this year mate
Thank you so much!!
I prefer the Lauten Atlantis over the U87 Ai at a much lower price. But it is a nice mic.
I felt that the TLM102 sounded much more processed than the other ones in your example. There is usually not that big of a difference between the 102 and 103 from my experience.
All three are great mics which have their uses.
The 102 has the steepest roll off, which isn't a bad thing if you would typically cut the low end on the source.
The 103 has a noticeable rise between 3-6kHz. It'll make the source stand out a bit more, BUT can make some sources sound harsh and strident.
The U87 is legendary. The 87ai maybe lacks a little bit of the original's mojo, BUT is still a great mic.
QQ
The vintage u87 has a bump at 8k compared to the new u87ai which has the bump at 10k. 🎉
It's really a confidence thing not a quality thing.
I've used that 103 for many things , vocal,amps, even bass drum.
When it's the best mic you have you try it everywhere
Question: What kind of mixer are you using with these microphones? I am just learning to record my own songs and need to know what kind of recording equipment to use to capture the sound quality of these microphones. Thank you for your advice. 🎸🎙
U87 is a better vocal mic, a better mic in general, but better for richer voices. If you sing and the frequencies in your vocal range are mainly in the upper register, then you might as well stick with the 103. Unless, you just can't do that and 102 is the best fit for your budget. All are great mics with that exclusive Neumann sound.
Above? You mean reply, or am I missing something?
Which Neumann you should buy? A Gefell of course!
that was sick editing on the shootout wow
What interface are you using? Preamps?
the tlm 103 i liked the best. :) more open sounding and capture more of the voice and has more clearity on the top. The tlm 103 was best.
You are imitating modern singing and not singing with your own voice, which can be heard when you are talking normally. This vocal technique makes most new singers sound the same ... That's not what music is supposed to be. It is meant to show diversity of timbre, because everybody's voice is different and not the same! This is rediculous!
this is literally his raw voice
You sing amazing man
Thank you so much!! 🙏🏻
Spotify link please for the song (your nice singing and guitar please please)
I useally HATE 102 but it actually sounds good on your voice
Which mic did you use for voiceover of this video?
Edward : Which Neumann Microphone Should You Buy?
me : non cause I'm broke 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I know what you mean 😂🙈
🤠 I would get the multi-pattern 107.
Thank you, very good review!💝
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I love your videos bro; I’m in the market for my first mic and I was wondering what did you think about the Sony c80 vs the 102 for rap/r&b vocals?
Lots of love from India
Mojave 201 FET I would recommend this mix to anyone
"Used by some of most successful artists of our generation". Which is just Billie Eilish 😂
Ngl they all sound more less the same, microphones could only sound so good.
I have a Shure 55SH Series 2 and it offers flawless crispy recording.
For $250
102 is best for your voice
Love your test. Saludos desde Chile. Greetings from Chile.
Great content as usual
damn i didn't know you could sing like that bro! The U87 sounds best but the 103 is honestly pretty close to me. I would be happy using any of the the above though tbh
keep going brother!
Amazing review boss
Thus example is 🔥🔥🔥
road to 100k!!
very informative
i prefer 103
103 was the best
Cloise?
Are you using a pre amp or audio interface
Only used an audio interface for this test
Cool vid, but U87 "released in 1986? -- I think you'll find it is more like 1967
102 sound da best
TLm 103 sounds better
👋👋👋☺️👍Спасибо за обзоры.
Пробовала в магазине 102 и мне он не понравился, он был очень тихий.
Great mic review...
People are going to buy the tlm 103 because you showed Billie eilish
Let's assume you have a well-treated vocal booth and a great signal chain with, say, a 1073 and clean converter:
TLM 102 sounds good with good singers and COULD be the mic for you. this is the best bang for your buck with Neumanns. You get incredible value packed into a tiny package, and it's tailored for vocal recording. something to keep in mind if you're only looking to record vocals and voiceover.
TLM 103 sounds better with the right singer. Again, this could be perfect for you. This is also where the law of diminishing returns starts to work against you as the buyer.
U87ai sounds good on everything. Good... but not the "best". Though, this mic will definitely be more of an all around workhorse, whether it's drums & percussion, amps, pianos, rooms, or vocals, the U87 will be good. but NOT the best for everything. As far as bang for your buck goes, you have to be at a certain point in your professional career for this investment to make sense.
If you want the best mic, test all three, and test as many mics at as many different price points as possible. I recommend testing Neumann LDC's next to similar spec mics from Mojave, Soyuz, Shoeps, and Microtech Gefell.
If you are a producer.. and you want a mic that can be used to record anything, and I mean ANYTHING, then you can't go wrong with a U87. They are very consistent and you'll never have an issue making it "work". However, if you're interested in catering the sound per instrument, per singer, per song, and.. if "flavor" or "color" have ever crossed your mind... you'll always need a locker with more than one high quality mic.
whitch voice type do you belong to? tenor?
I got my 103 for $800
No need for the 102
The u87 is 2300.- CHF here in swizerland and CHF is almost exactly the same course like the dollar. The u87 is way better than the tlm 103 or 102 than people tell in their YT-videos. If you put the 103 in a 2500.- preamp it may sounds good enough but otherwise you still have to mix alot while the u87 almost sits perfect in the mix even in an unprofessional room, you just record and it sounds like mixed already. For Billy the 103 is good enough because she sings reallly softly, even cheaper mics sound professional if you just talk or sing softly.
Even hear the difference through my Mac speakers
Buy all of them.
why is the voice not mono???? it's stronger on the right sight and sibilant???
Eyy what about the 107??
Thanks
Thank you so much for arabic translate ❤️
You're welcome 😊
U87 was released in 1967.
Where did you find a TLM 103 for $,1000?!?
87 is king
Buying none, cus nigga broke 😄
Much love from Ghana 🇬🇭
I don’t see the price justification
so if you have a Neumann you're already doing well
what is the name of the pop killer?
the popfilter? a bit of foam
@@sgeggbub1008 yeah, but this one has a specific name 😂
@@HabibiTommy98 hmm, are you wanting to buy one? There is really no distinguishable sound difference between that and a normal one, it doesn’t seem like he linked it
Here is a link - amzn.to/41NqPdZ
I bought a 150 euro Rhode instead... And never looked back
lol why are the vocals panned to the left
3:32 Here starts the reason why everybody clicked on this video.
He is sooo wrong in that there is a definite vocal difference in the 102 to the 103. IMO his voice sounds much better using the 103 than the 102. BIG mistake on his part.
its the same bro, dont be victim to placebo
@@sgeggbub1008 It's literally not. The frequency response is literally different, the capsule is literally bigger, and I don't know what you are listening on but it definitely sounds different than the 102. They are similar, but there is a definite difference. Uh, oh yeah, Bro!(?) 🙄
Tlm102 is more crisp in the high while the 103 clearly allows for more air and low end frequencies. The difference is marginal but for professional productions it definitely gives the edge to the 103.
102 however is amazing bang for the bucks
Ed, stop wagging your tail, the U87 is just unbeatable. I have seen this chick in shootouts with telefunkens and c800gs and she held her own coolly. I will definitely get one. hmm
you pulled me cla-oice. 🤔
None...
Bad test, no spoken word comparison
No point of buying the U87. The 103 is the exact same quality
1k like it me 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
what is this accent