The Neumann TLM 107 is a five-pattern, large-diaphragm condenser microphone aimed at studio, broadcast and project recording applications.
The mic requires 48V phantom power and uses a newly developed transducer based on that used in the top-of-the-line D-01 mic. Neumann claims that the consistency between the five polar patterns – omnidirectional, cardioid and fig-8 – with the intermediate wide-angle cardioid and hypercardioid patterns is unusual for a large-diaphragm capsule. It offers almost linear reproduction up to 8kHz, with a slight boost in the highest frequencies. Here the manufacturer says that particular attention has been paid to the ‘natural reproduction of speech sounds, especially the critical s sound’. The grille is acoustically optimised for low sensitivity to pop sounds. In addition, the transducer is edge-terminated, with both diaphragms at ground voltage. Specifically, this ensures considerably reduced sensitivity to dust and humidity.
Supporting the mic’s 20Hz-20kHz frequency response, the mic’s transformerless circuitry provides a high degree of linearity and a large dynamic range. The self-noise is quoted as 10dB-A and accompanies high-level stability. The maximum sound pressure handling of 141dB SPL can be increased to 153dB SPL using a pre-attenuation pad. The Low Cut settings of Linear, 40Hz, and 100Hz reflect practical recording situations. Without side effects, the 40Hz setting cuts interference noise below the range of fundamental tones (where 41Hz is the frequency of the double bass open E string), while the 100Hz setting is optimised for speech and vocals (where 100Hz corresponds to the lowest notes of a baritone).
For the first time on a Neumann model, all of the microphone switch functions are controlled via a navigation switch. A visual highlight is the illuminated pattern display in the chrome ring, while the Pad and Low Cut status is displayed by LEDs to the left and right of the switch. The switch and display are located on the back of the microphone. After 15 seconds, the displays are turned off automatically.
The TLM 107 is available in the colours matte nickel and black. A stand mount (SG 2) is included.
More: www.tlm107.neumann.com
