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Digital version of the TLM 103 mic with A/D and remote-controllable DSP including peak limiter and de-esser.
The Neumann TLM 103 D Microphone is the digital version of their TLM 103 mic. TLM stands for transformerless microphone. The Neumann TLM 103 D features the Neumann A/D converter to receive the output signal directly from the capsule. With a dynamic range exceeding that of the capsule, the converter permits optimal utilization of the mic capsule's qualities. This ensures that the capsule signal is made available to the recording system with a hitherto unknown transparency and without coloration,
If required, the DSP functions integrated into the microphone can be configured and controlled remotely via the DMI-2 digital microphone interface and the RCS remote control software. These functions include gain setting, a compressor/limter with an additional de-esser function, and a peak limiter. The digital concept proves particularly beneficial here. The peak limiter, which receives the output signal almost directly from the capsule, acts as an automatic "safety valve", permitting safe exploitation of the entire available dynamic range even in stressful recording situations. For the purpose of clear identification, information concerning the name of the manufacturer, model, serial number and installed software version is transmitted by the microphones to the connected receiver.
Neumann TLM 103 D microphones are equipped with a 3-pin XLR connector for bi-directional signal transmission conforming to the AES 42 standard. This signal includes the balanced digital microphone output signal, the phantom power supply, and a remote control data stream that also contains a signal for synchronizing the TLM 103 D microphone with a master clock.
Two versions of the Neumann TLM 103 D are available: Classic nickel, and black finish. All standard sampling frequencies are supported, from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz.
The Neumann TLM 103 D is an ideal large diaphragm microphone for all professional and semi-professional applications requiring the utmost in sound quality on a limited budget.
By utilizing the tried and true transformerless circuit found in numerous Neumann microphones, the TLM 103 D features low self-noise and the highest sound pressure level transmission. The cardioid capsule, derived from the Neumann U 87 mic, is acoustically well-balanced and provides extraordinary attenuation of signals from the rear.
Applications
Due to the universal cardioid pattern, straightforward handling, extremely low self-noise level, and finally, the price, the Neumann TLM 103 D mic is suitable for demanding applications from home recording to professional broadcasting and commercial recording studios.
Polar pattern
The Neumann TLM 103 D is equipped with a large diaphragm capsule with cardioid pattern. By focusing on this pattern, used in most recording situations, the attenuation of unwanted rear sound has been optimized. Off-axis sounds are rendered naturally while isolation is increased. This also leads to a high feedback suppression when the microphone is used in live situations or where loudspeaker playback is a factor.
Acoustic features
The TLM 103 is addressed from the front, marked with the red Neumann logo on the microphone body. The K 103 large diaphragm capsule is based on the K 87, well known from the U 67 / U 87 microphones. The capsule has a flat frequency response up to about 5 kHz, and above that, a wide flat 4 dB presence boost.
The large wire mesh headgrille protects the capsule from plosive sounds and effectively prevents pop noises. These characteristics are achieved without resorting to corrective resonance effects. Therefore, the microphone maintains an excellent impulse response and reproduces the finest details of music and speech without coloration.
Electrical features
With just 7 dB-A / 17.5 dB CCIR the self-noise level of the TLM 103 is so reduced that even the smallest signals are reproduced basically noise-free. As it is capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 138 dB without distortion, the TLM 103 provides a dynamic range of 131 dB (A-weighted).
The letters TLM stand for "transformerless microphone". With TLM technology the usual output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. As with traditional transformers, it ensures good common mode rejection, and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signal.
Operational safety
The entire internal construction is elastically mounted to attenuate any structure borne noise that could interfere with the TLM 103's operation. Furthermore the capsule is set on an elastic mount. The frequency range reaches below 20 Hz and thus even very low bass signals are reproduced without coloration.
Due to this low frequency extension, the Neumann TLM 103 D is more sensitive to structure borne interference and wind noise. Use the elastic suspension Neumann EA 1 and the windscreen WS 87 to attenuate these effects. For close vocal use, Neumann recommends their PS 15 or PS 20 pop screens.
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