The Ultimate Home Narration Recording Mic - The Compact Neumann TLM 102 that Packs a Punch With Its High Sound Quality

NEUMANN is a microphone manufacturer founded in Berlin in 1928. They have released a number of standard recording microphones and have remained a staple for professionals as well as for home recording users.

The TLM 102 is probably the only microphone in NEUMANN's lineup that has been developed primarily for home recording.

NEUMANN / TLM102 NICKEL Condenser Microphone

This microphone is the standard microphone for vocal recording as well as narration recording at home, so I will introduce its specs, sound quality, and feel.

As of October 2022, a limited edition version with the model number TLM 102 LESP is available; the TLM 102 LESP includes the TLM 102 microphone itself, the special suspension EA 4, and the NEUMANN pouch that’s included is being sold for the same price, making it a great value. There are only a limited number being made, so you’ll have to hurry if you’re looking to buy it.

Low noise performance in a compact housing that’s reminiscent of miniature mics

＜You can see how small it is when compared to the microphone holder＞

When you open the package, you will be surprised at its size. The TLM 102 is surprisingly compact even though it doesn't look like it in the picture.

＜The TLM 103 is on the left and the TLM 102 is on the right＞

The TLM 102 is even smaller than NEUMANN's relatively compact TLM 103 microphone, which is only 116 mm in length and 52 mm in outer diameter. (The TLM 103 is 132mm in length and 60mm in outer diameter.)

＜Although the 102 is small, both the contents and the housing give the impression of being fully packed＞

There is no compromise in its internal circuitry, structure, or strength even though it’s fairly compact.

Although it’s small in size and weighs only about 210g, it feels like a solid mass of iron when you hold it in your hand. This isn’t surprising, as the specs show that it boasts high performance comparable to higher-end models.

One thing to particularly note is its noise performance, with an equivalent noise level of 12 dB-A, the same as that of the U 87 Ai, the most standard microphone used throughout the world. Equivalent noise level indicates the magnitude of noise that the equipment has, and it is said to be excellent if it is suppressed to 15 dB-A or less. In situations where you are recording a small voice or listening to a voice alone, the noise of the recording equipment, including the microphone, will stand out. The noise can be heard at critical moments and it takes away the ear's attention.

Noise performance is very important for vocal recordings, of course, but also for YouTuber and VTuber voiceover recordings. In fact, this is more crucial in voiceover recordings than in vocal recordings. Preparing a high-quality sound with low noise will attract more viewers.

Wide Range and Low Distortion Sound Quality

I actually recorded some of my vocals and narrations.

While recording vocals, I was so surprised by how wide and clear the low frequency range sounded. The compact size of the unit would make you think that this mic could only produce a lighter sound, but even in a compact size, the sound is very much the signature sound of a NEUMANN. As for the low frequency range, I felt more powerful in the lower frequency than I did when using standard microphones such as the U 87 Ai. I not only heard the bass clearly, but also the low frequency range was coherent and pushy with little distortion.

＜TLM must mean transformerless microphone＞

As its name suggests, the TLM 102 is a transformerless microphone. Transformerless refers to the structure of the microphone's internal circuitry, meaning that there is no transformer, which is the part used for amplification inside the microphone. It is said that a transformerless structure produces rich low frequencies with little distortion, and it can be said that the TLM 102 also has the benefit of having a transformerless structure.

＜This microphone is perfect for narration＞

Of course, the clarity of the low frequency range is outstanding for narration as well, especially for male voices with attractive low frequency range. Even when speaking in a low, quiet voice, the attractive low frequency range can be heard clearly without being buried in noise.

On the other hand, the high-frequency characteristics are also distinctive and, in a way, sound good without any equalization.

This is probably due to the frequency response of the TLM 102, which has a slightly boosted bandwidth above 5 kHz. It is interesting to note that the characteristics of the upper microphones are also adjusted, but to a slightly different degree.

＜The frequency response of the TLM 102＞

Engineers use microphones with appropriate correction, but this is not the case for home recording. The TLM 102 has been made to produce a good voice even after recording.

Engineers may feel that this is an unnecessary adjustment, but home recording users who use the TLM 102 for voiceover recordings and streaming will appreciate it. I got the impression that the TLM 102 is an equalized microphone for narration recording.

The Convenience of the Built-in Pop Screen

Finally, let me introduce the built-in pop screen.

The TLM 102 has a built-in pop screen. The reason you can't see the diaphragm inside the microphone when you look at it is due to the pop screen.

I tried the microphone without the external pop screen and found that the built-in pop screen alone prevented blowing noise when recording narration. It is easy to set up because it is ready to use as soon as the microphone is installed and the cable is connected. The microphone is also small enough to be effective in situations where it is better to have a clear view of the face, such as online lessons and streaming.

Most blowing noise can be prevented for vocal recordings, but some loud or airy voices can cause blowing at close range. If necessary, an additional small pop screen can also be used.

＜EA 4 suspension for TLM 102＞

What’s more, the suspension can be used for the EA 1 or EA 4. However, for the TLM 102 with a built-in pop screen, the EA 4 suspension with an open front is specified.

What do you think of the TLM 102?

In summary, the TLM 102 is a microphone that is specifically designed for recording voices at home, and although I have the impression that NEUMANN microphones are not for everyone, the TLM 102 seems to be an exception. This is the kind of microphone that you can just pick up and use at home, record, and get a good sound. This is the kind of microphone that leaves a lasting impression. Because of its narrowly focused application, the TLM 102 may be a little dissatisfying as a microphone for engineers in the studio. However, for YouTubers, VTubers, voice actors, singers, and others who want to record their own voices at home, this is the perfect microphone. I hope you will enjoy the pleasure of recording clear and realistic sound with the TLM 102.

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