Comments on: Voice Over Mics Compared: Neumann U87 vs. TLM103

By: Bob Stinman

Bob Stinman — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:27:07 +0000

Wow, that previous post is a little narrow minded. This seems to be an informative article about the choices a voice talent has and Gary just has a hard-on for the U87 regardless of the use or budget.

He ignores the fact that the real reason a U87 is cheaper is because it offers things some don’t need like pattern switching. He also ignores the fact that the TLM is the quietest mic in the industry. It accomplishes this by its transformerless design.

Sounds like sour grapes because no one is using his $55/hour studio… Oh and he really needs to take some spelling and grammar classes, too.

By: Gary King

Gary King — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:43:18 +0000

U87 is the better microphone. Sounds like to me this is writen by and read by a bunch of voice-over people that don’t want to shell out the extra cash so they are trying to justify the lower cost Microphone here.
For most you voiceovers, if you have a good voice? you would probably get away with a good quality dynamic mic. with a good quality compressor or limitor with low noise. To set here and try to say that one microphone is better than another is all bull-crap anyway because we all have differnt hearing and what we think sounds good. U87 is a better microphone plain and simple, that is why Nuemann prices it higher. You think they don’t know the difference? But there are plenty of cheaper microphone you all can buy out there. Then I am sure you will find a place like this where people say how great it is. But to give back some here and not be all negitive, the TLM 103 does sound good as any good Nuemann microphone should. But most voice-over people like it because it is cheaper, but remember most voieover people have home studios, which means they are trying to cut back anyway.

By: Microphone Technique for Voice Over Talent « ProComm Voice Over blog

Microphone Technique for Voice Over Talent « ProComm Voice Over blog — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:56:11 +0000

[...] “Polar pattern” refers to the space around the microphone’s diaphragm that picks up sound. A microphone for voice over typically (although some are adjustable) utilizes a cardioid polar pattern. Imagine a space the [...]

By: GEORGE LEE

GEORGE LEE — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:42:55 +0000

THE U87I IS A GREAT MIKE I HAVE TWO UP ON EBAY NOW IN THE ORIGINAL BOXES Item number: 320449097690 THESE ARE 1968 VINTAGE FROM A SERIOUS AUDIOPHILES ESTATE.

By: Luis Fernando

Luis Fernando — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:13:20 +0000

Neumann TLM 103 sounds like U87? No way!
U87 have a good transformer (tlm 103 transformerless), U87 have a GREAT capsule (tlm have k103)… TLM 103 is muuuuuuuch more brighter than u87.
The tlm 103 is good for low budget… but if you have the $$, go for u87.
U87 you will have the tlm 103 sound just ADD eq… but you don’t have u87 in tlm 103 with eq

By: Carter Dimmock

Carter Dimmock — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:18:58 +0000

How do you feel the Microtech Gefell M930 stands against the U87 / TLM 103 … ?? … frequency curve actually looks closer to the U87 AI than the TLM 103 does … Personally, I find the M930 not quiet as “harsh” as the 103 – but its all down to individual taste, I guess … And the pedigree of the MG mics could really be considered more Neumann than Neumann … Carter

By: Vic Stathopoulos

Vic Stathopoulos — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:13:19 +0000

I have tried both U87 and TLM 103. They are both great mics. Personally find the TLM103 suits my voice better. My voice sounds too full with the U87 even if I eq. With the TLM 103 it has a nice neutral sound. I have also compared it to the TLM 49 which I liked alot also. I think my voice sounds more natural wiht the TLM 103, but I feel with the TLM 49 it sounds a bit more like broadcast voice. It changes it slightly. Its a hard choice, I think the TLM 103 is better. Vic

By: Which Voice Over Microphone is Right for You? « ProComm Voice Over blog

Which Voice Over Microphone is Right for You? « ProComm Voice Over blog — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:06:01 +0000

[...] or 2) if they do not sound as good on your voice as something else. For voiceovers or voice acting, the Neumann U87, TLM 103 and Sennheiser 416 are industry standards because of their well known characteristics and sound [...]

By: A comparion of the U87 and TLM103- Voices Of Advertising

A comparion of the U87 and TLM103- Voices Of Advertising — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:08:40 +0000

[...] the ProComm Studio Services blog you’ll find a well-written article comparing these two Neumann microphones. My thanks to my friend David Houston for tweeting the [...]

By: Peter O'Connell

Peter O'Connell — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:57:39 +0000

Guys:

As a TLM 103 owner for a while, I’m pleased to see you share your insight on the mic.

I have only on two occassions used a U 87 and it did sound great.

But having done professional voice over for 27 years including professional radio production for more than a few, voice over needs are few. The bells and whistles can be found in software.

Clean, pure and noiseless sound are all we need for our clients. The TLM 103 delivers that every time.

Best always,
- Peter