Neumann TLM 107

Neumann engineering:

The newly developed transducer, which has been specially tuned for this microphone, impresses with its fantastic impulse fidelity. Unusual for a large diaphragm capsule is also the high consistency of the five patterns, omnidirectional, cardioid, figure of eight, with the intermediate stages wide cardioid and hypercardioid. The TLM 107 not only delivers optimum sound results in the cardioid position, but also maximum precision across the entire frequency range for all other polar patterns. The sound image always remains balanced with an almost linear reproduction up to 8 kHz and a soft boost of the highest frequencies, which gives voices presence and freshness. Particular emphasis was placed on the natural reproduction of speech sounds, especially the critical S-sounds. The speaker basket has been acoustically optimised to reduce susceptibility to pops. In addition, the transducer is edge-contacted, with both diaphragms at ground level. In concrete terms, this means significantly less susceptibility to dust and moisture.

Uncompromising sound design:

The transformerless circuit offers high linearity and great dynamics. The self-noise of just 10 dB-A is practically inaudible, while the TLM 107 is also very level-resistant. The maximum sound pressure level is 141 dB SPL and can be increased up to 153 dB SPL by means of pre-attenuation (pad). This means that the TLM 107 transmits even the loudest instruments without distortion. The bass roll-off with linear, 40 Hz and 100 Hz settings is precisely tuned to recording practice. The 40 Hz setting cuts the noise below the fundamental range (the open E string of the double bass is at 41 Hz) without any side effects, while the 100 Hz setting has been optimised for speech/vocals (100 Hz corresponds to the lowest notes of a baritone).

Innovative operating concept:

For the first time in a microphone, all switching functions are intuitively controlled by a navigation switch. The illuminated pattern display in the chrome ring is a visual highlight, while the switching states of the pad and low cut are indicated by LEDs to the left and right of the switch. The switch and display have been positioned at the rear so as not to irritate singers. The displays switch off automatically after 15 seconds.