WHICH IS BETTER? TLM 102 or TLM 103???

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[mikebottiaux]

I’ve owned the 103 for a few years now and am quite happy with the results.

[Bearseatingmandolins]

Great job with showcasing every element of the microphone! Super helpful with understanding what makes these mics tick

[NKWTI]

I wouldn't be mad at either, but while the 103 is overall warmer and rounder sounding with less air, the 102 seems to sound the exact same...just with more air. Neither are harsh, especially since the 102 has more "treble" out of the box, and since it is the clearer mic without losing any low-end quality, the cheaper mic is the smarter option. It is easy enough to make it sound like the 103 if you want to by starting to make some minor cuts starting at around 16k. So just get the most affordable Neumann and don't look back, you won't regret it. 102 is excellent, and there is no reason to spend a U87 price to get a quality Neumann sound unless you are recording multiple sound sources and want a better swiss-army knife mic. The U87 and higher cost Neumanns are expensive because they could probably record any audio source and be a dream, but if you are just doing one thing...like for example, voice over...you basically already have a U87 if you already own a 103 or 102...they are highly malleable in EQ, and you are getting genuine Neumann quality for cheaper. Don't hesitate!

[RayAFlanagan]

This is a great video. Thank you! I went for the 102 as sort of a gamble, this makes me feel better lol

[cruisingfanatic]

TLM 102 is beautiful... I bought two for the price of one TLM 103 both lovely mics though, but love the sound of the TLM102 .... another great review

[Beatledave]

Great video thank you. Both are brilliant microphones. The 102 has a lovely natural sound & could probably be used on anyone & anything & faithfully capture what’s in front of it. The 103 might have a little more hype on the top & bottom. Not a bad thing, just different & might suit certain applications better.

[barankaypakoglu]

from a home studio perspective the question you have to ask yourself is which one will take less background noise. that should make you lean towards the TLM 102 with less sensitivity.

[LetsGoHelio]

Your voice sounds good on any mic to be honest. Great video as always.

[TheKwaze]

Very informative thanks and have decided 102 would suit myself best. A test would have been nice, but I gather from the info that the 102 has a less bright top end, so would win that test.

[FredDeMassiveAlambic]

brilliant ! I'll go for a 102 thanks to you,

[ahall]

For the average home studio user, the self noise of the 102 is nothing compared to background ambient noise. So no real practical difference between the two there. It would really come down to your budget and which one sounds better for your application. Generally I prefer the sound of the 103, but agree that the 102 sounds better for your voice.

[StruggleSwingGolf]

Damn you, sir! I was perfectly happy with my NT-1. And now? I have to save $700 for a 102. Then again, I could always unsubscribe...
😜😜😜

Great video as always, Aiden!

[lionheartroar]

Didn't know I needed the nt2a till DC reviewed it. Also proud owner of these two Neumanns. I love the clarity of the 102 and the fullness of the 103. Depends on my project.

[LouieShowers]

The 103 is noticeably darker to me on my focal monitors in a treated room. I like the clarity of the 102 better

[Bammbamm]

Thanks for the review/comparison!!! I just purchased a 102 and am anxiously awaiting its arrival!

[matthooper]

I bought my 102 from Amazon a few years ago. Made payments. Have used it on every record that didn't have a "better" mic. This little sucker has been a butt kicker. Recorded several studio projects using U87's and U86's, at the same time on my fiddle and then compared the tracks.. Fantastic mic for the price. The fact that is very flat is what I like about it. 103 has that boost, which may work best for vocals, but little baby is epic for my old German fiddle.

[JoeStuffzAlt]

Someone said that the TLM 102 might have a few advantages. The 102 has more proximity effect (IN A WORLD), and because it's not as bright, if you have a bright or light voice, it can complement the voice better.

[troycopeland]

I bought the TLM 102 it has the same exact sound as the U87 AI on figure8 settings I hurried up and bought it before the price went up

[nickkendall]

these both sound fantastic to me id be over the moon to own either of then grate video as always

[markblack]

In addition, the 103 is an excellent saxophone mic as well. I have used it on all of my horns and it just sounds fantastic. I prefer the Coles ribbon but that 103 sometimes just gets the job done better.