Neumann TLM103 vs Neumann U87 Ai Comparison (Versus Series)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ค. 2024
- Today I compare two of the most popular voice over microphones on the market, the Neumann TLM103 and the Neumann U87 Ai. I let you hear how they sound for spoken word and a couple of instruments to help determine which of the mics will be right for you and which of these mics you should buy (if you're trying to decide between them obviously).
HQ Audio Of Video: podcastage.com/rev/TLM103vsU87ai
Buy the Neumann TLM103 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/ntlm103
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/ntlm103
Buy the Neumann U87 Ai (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/u87aikit
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/u87
Buy the Universal Audio X8 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/uax8
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/uax8
00:00 - Intro to Versus Series
00:27 - Build Quality
01:25 - Blind Comparison
02:34 - Microphone Spoken Word Test (Price / Specs)
03:31 - Polar Pattern Tests
04:15 - Background Noise Tests
04:57 - Distance Tests
05:35 - Music Tests
07:48 - Conclusion & Winner
11:09 - Outro
#Neumann #VoiceOver #Comparison
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Well it's a Neumann, can't go wrong with either one! Great comparison
i like your last name
I saw this thumbnails and out loud said “BROOOOOOOO”
Dude such a good video, I have always wanted this comparison.
Thank you Bandrew for this review… I ever appreciate your comments. 👍🏻
For me the main difference is in the sibilants. The U87 is much smoother there. Doesn't mean that the 103 is harsh, but the overall SSSSSSes are much more pleasant for me, listening to the U87
Low mids as well - they just sound rounder where the 103 sounds a bit flat in comparison.
Please...if I only want a microphone for singing, why would I choose between them?
This was exactly my experience of the two mics. We had a U87ai in the production studio of a radio station I once worked in years ago. I loved how I sounded on it. But when I bought a TLM103, I was less than impressed. The S sounds were too sizzly for me. I prefer those S sounds to be smooth and transparent. They were anything but with the TLM 103.
i disagree, during the blind test i heard mic B to sound a little more abrasive with a thicker push in the mids, more punch you could say.
i found mic A to be quite a bit smoother and less "stop-and-go."
yeah. I think that's why the U87 works so well on acoustic guitar whereas the TLM103 never works in that context (unless paired with a smoother mic)
was excited enough about this one to bust out the good headphones. these are fun, i hope you keep doing them
I totally guessed right! Thanks for this Versus, Bandrew!
I liked the sound of the U87 AI better in the blind test.
It's definitely cool to have access to them to do these tests, but they're both neat and I don't think anyone would feel bad about purchasing one versus the other.
I own a U87 and it is one of the best microphones that suits all audio materials, whether the voice is women or men, and it has great flexibility in polishing and smoothing the sound.
Thank you brother for this nice comparison
My latest TH-cam video was all done on the TLM103. Check it out and tell me what u think of the sound .
Oh man! I sweared Mic A was U87 in the blind test, it sounded better to me. Then you revealed them and U87 sounded better to me. My conclusion is: we are biased towards expensive microphones even though the slight differences don't justify to pay the triple, but if I could, I would buy U87.
The most accurate comment.
Kudos for the truest comment on TH-cam. Our brains are powerful and high end gear desire will always lead our decision making. Uuuuunless we do the valued blind test and not give a 💩 what anyone else thinks.
And after saying all that…I still want a U87 too 🤣
Go get your ears checked 🤨
U 87 sounds a little fatter on voice which may not be the most desired thing always. Tlm 103 sounded a little thinner to me and I liked it finally personally. I think it because of the transformer less design. The transformer on the u87 gives fatness to the tone.
Put a real artist in front of the 2 microphones, and you will understand the difference in price. U87 is doing ART, others are just doing sound. It is applying for other high end microphones too.
Big thanks for this comparison. I have only recently realized how bright the 103 actually is.
U87 was much preferred during the talking segments - but, funny enough, 103 did sound more... normal on the electric guitar, more like the sound you'd expect.
I was unable to tell which was which in the blind test, but it turns out that I liked the U87 Ai better. That made me smile when you revealed which was which, but I know it was only a coin toss. I'm a fan of your Versus Series, but that's only because you do such a great job with it. Thanks, BLT.
I listened several times. Cant tell a difference, for sure not an obvious difference.I've been recording for years and I;m thinking maybe I just cant hear well. All I could do was guess which was the 87.
Against other name brands I can pick the 87 out almost always. To me that 103 is excellent and I just have no reason to justify spending the 87 $$$$$
This ia GREAT review, as I was looking into these two very mics. Thank you!
We can always count on you for concentrated information. Thanks.
proud to say i guessed it correct, but it definitely took some close listening. thanks for the thorough content, keep it up!
The U87 Ai is just so much smoother in the high frequencies on the guitars! It sounded warmer on the vocals, but there really isn't much difference between the two, just a matter of preference at this point :)
You do a great job with these series.
Thanks for taking the time for all the examples!! The U87 sounded great. Sooo expensive though.
Amazing as always my friend! I sincerely couldn’t tell a difference on the blind test so, as you said, we who own any of these mics is the winners.
Your musical skill and artistry is well appreciated, thank you
Love you man, keep up the good work!
Thank You for the amazing comparison Bandrew. Love both but I like the TLM Neumann Series better. Love the smooth approach and articulation of the U87Ai on the accoustic guitar though. ' Me talking about articulation lol. Learned so much from Bandrew.
I was actually kinda surprised how different these two mics sound. I wasn't expecting the 103 to sound so bright in comparison. Also kind of surprised it took you so long to make this video. Lol
love the song! well done man, great comparison!!
I'd be perfectly happy with the 103, but would use it in full expectation that - for many sources & purposes - a couple of db of lowpass cut around 5khz would be helpful, to tame that sizzle a bit.
My TLM-103 is champagne colored and my U87 is black. Backwards of yours!
I did guess them correctly. The 103 is brighter but not quite as smooth on the top end and it's easy to pick out between the two.
Great comparison, Bandrew. I'd like to know your pick between the TLM 103 and the TLM 102 for voiceover purposes. I already have a TLM 102 and I'm pretty happy with it, but I have my doubts on whether I should upgrade it or not. Thank you!
He has an older vid thats a vs series of the 102 and 103
you didn't as me but I'll give my opinion: the 103 is amazing on deep voices but can sound harsh on higher pitched men and most women
whether trading up is worth it will depend on the talent's voice
As a user of the TLM 103, it's the very low self-noise vs 102 that got me going for it.
Thanks for the great review. one question, why do you use post boost to adjust the volume instead of just gain? Is the sound quality better that way?
We own a TLM103 and a U87 in our studio for many years. Many people forgot about the Art of recording and the Art of Microphone Knowledge. Biggest mistake we always see is that people compare DIFFERENT Microphones in the exact SAME position. EVERY Microphone got a DIFFERENT sweet spot, it might not be a big difference, but before you test two or more microphones against eachother, you have to find out in which position and with which preamp (not every chain works with every mic the same way!) each microphone sounds THE BEST. Only that way you can get a fair comparison. The K103 is actually the front side of the K87 and the capsule is responsible for 70-90% of the sound. Since the capsules are close to be similar the sound shouldn't be too far away. And surprise, it isn't. If you bring the TLM103 in its sweet spot its NEVER harsh or anything like this. People hating on the TLM103 and loving the sound of the U87 know nothing about the true Art of Recording. Also its very important to mention that the output transformer of the U87Ai is extremely transparent and neutral. So no matter with which microphone your going, you will get GREAT results as long as you got a great Talent infront of the microphone and a engineer who knows what he's doing.
Thank you ALL ELITE MUSIC. Thats the best comment Ive seen. And makes the most sense. I have a 103 and feel like I dont need an 87 mic. But Ive spent time with the 103 and know its habits well. When I sing on an 87 I feel I need to Eq it, with the 103 it feels ready before EQ. Thats just on my VX though, Another might not be the same. I dont own an 87 but have had them in my studio and sang on them in Nashville studios and I really love the 103 and dont feel Im coming up short at all. Both are great.
Hermoso todo lo que aquí se comenta todo es super genial .Quisiera preguntar cual seria ese punto óptimo para el tlm103 que se menciona , saludos un gran abrazo a todos .
Hey Bandrew, I really like your "versus series"! But you know this already. I appreciate, that you made clear that both of these microphones are great. But there is one point, where I have a different opinion. For acoustic guitar I like the U87 much more than the 103. The sound of the acoustic guitar opened up, was very clear and natural to my ears. I'd always prefer the U87 for this purpose.
This comment says it all.
For me, you just hear more of the sound with the u87ai.
But also having a 103 would be an amazing stepping stone at 1/3 the cost.
Thanks so much for your Vidz Brandrew! Before I buy any mic, I watch your reviews first. Could you please, please do a review or comparison for the new UT Twin87 vs U87ai. Thanks!
Awesome test review! Question when you did the singing vocal test what was your vocal chan and recording sample rate 48khz etc... and are you using the Apollo converters? I notice when your were singing that both mic's sounded a lot smoother opposed to before when you were talking they both seem a little gritty sounding. Thanks very much for your time and knowledge. 🙂
Awesome as always, Bandrew. Would love for you to compare the Sennheiser MKH 416 vs the TLM103.
Ooooo im so ready for this VERSES
This was really obvious to me in ther blind test. The top end on the 87 is just so smooth. BUTTER!
I definitely determined which mic was which, the 103 is quite bright, U87 is very smooth. Great video, thank you!
I love these helpful videos, also because I like intro: “Greetings Earthlings.” 💛
Hi - looking for a condenser mic. Vocals are strong at the higher end but can sometimes be a little harsh, but need more sensitivity at the bottom end where vox are weaker - any suggestions from the many that you have tried/reviewed. Was going to buy Aston Spirit but clarity at top end has put me off. Thx
Would so love a comparison on the neumann tlm 107 and the earthworks ethos. also do you think one or the other is better for room tone rejection? outside sound etc. which do you think has a better tone overall for vocals?
I passed the blind test successfully, I already knew that U87 Ai is “warmer” from other comparison videos, it has some bump in the mids comparing to TLM 103. I’m not sure if I can tell which one I would prefer over another judging only the sound. I think it depends on the purpose. TLM 103 definitely wins the guitars test. I even disliked the sound of U87 Ai for guitars, not only liked TLM 103 more. TLM 103 has less “body” and more “crystallness”/“clearness” of the highs. I think I would prefer TLM 103 for spoken word (at least for your voice) and for singing U87 Ai. But for the spoken word I think I would prefer TLM 102 over TLM 103. And TLM 103 for singing over TLM 102. They all are pretty good and it’s not easy to tell which one you would like less or more.
@GRiiMy I have no idea. Rap is not my thing, I don’t listen to it.
Both sound great, and I agree that the U87 wins, but it’s maybe harder to justify the price difference. I will say I felt like the U87 sounded better on your electric guitar test (I guess I’m a sucker for the more mid-forward sound you mentioned!), and I think adjusting the U87’s position slightly for the acoustic test could have made that the clear winner. As always, thanks for making it easier for the rest of us to make informed purchases!
Awesome video as always Bandrew!
Quick Note: the link in the description for the "HQ Audio Of Video" is currently innacurate. The current web address has no capital letters:
"tlm103vsu87ai" vs
"TLM103vsU87ai" (current address link)
Cont:
I did not guess the mirophones correctly :,<
I would have expected the U87 to have more mid presence, but I was completely backwards. The TLM 103 is so strong on baritone and bass voices, I wouldn't have guessed it had such forward mids! I preferred the U87's smoother approach to the mids; it feels very clean and clear and smooth! However, the 103 doesn't seem harsh. Both microphones have that Neumann "sheen" on the high frequencies that maintains clarity without being sibilant or harsh.
I guessed these right immediately. I'd love to hear a comparison review of the Serrano Vintage 87.
They sound so similar!🤯
Also, first
@podcastage do you have any plans to look at u67 vs TLM102.
those two are my top picks for neumans.
Can you make a video about in-ear monitors for stage performance???
Great Review Bandrew, as always. Both Extremely clean Mics. Every time I hear the U87, I see Lennon. The U87 is a little warmer, and can feel the depth more than the TLM 103. I agree as I thought the TLM 103 sounded better on the electric guitar, however the acoustic sounded better with the U87, to my ears. Vocals over the Electric guitar tracks go to the U87 as well.
Correct findings.
Thanks for all these great comparisons! It would be great if you'd do a comparison of the Neumanns with the K89 capsule: the U89 (intended as an improvement of the U87), the TLM 193 and, my favorite, the TLM 170.
Great Review! Still heart to choose... i got the TLM 102, now thinking of U87 or TLM 103... ahhh....
i have been looking into getting another micophone. The U87 is of cause is a jump when it comes to price. I know i have a higher midrange on my vocals. I do like how the u87 brightened your vocals up but for me it would sound tinny if that makes sense. is there a diffrenace between the TLM102, and U87 or the TLM102 vs the TLM 103 let me know or if you can do a video the would be great
Could you do a comparison between Marantz mpm-1000 vs Audio Technica at2020, please?
Great Review! They sounded very similar to me. I'm listening on Sennheiser HD280 pro headphones.
🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, U87 has less base! More clear, pure sounding! Awesome video, very informative!
Hi, do you have a review of shure ksm8 (dualdyne) on some one of yours channels?
Whats preamp and audio interface? Nice sound
Nice comparison! Both sound great, but the U87 takes the cake.
The very slight forwardness in the low mids of the 87 is what makes it the perfect vocal mic for me. It is a signature of all the old Neumann mics and decidedly missing in the TLMs, which are probably more flat. It may even be a contribution of the transformer. It is a very broad boost of perhaps 1-2dB with a Q lower than many console EQs can even manage. I would not be unhappy to see a 102 or 103 when visiting in a studio if I was not traveling my 87s. They share much of the magic smoothness in the heart of the vocal range as well as the legendary overhead.
@Podcastage Testing BCM104? Maybe best described as a Speech optimized version of the Tlm103.
I love em both. The U87 is my favorite though.
Would love a review of the TLM 107 :3
In a vocal booth 4x4x7 with treatment between walls and inside booth the 103 is very brittle vs a U87 where talking at a normal level one can be at 2 inches and no sizzle or proximity effect. Both with a 75hz hp filter at the apollo twin duo using an M1 John Hardy Preamp. Would like to hear a comparison between the u87 and TG Chandler on Cardioid for VO. Can send you the TG if you wish. Super video and guitar skills.
I couldn't find the U87 on a price comparison site in Norway, but I did get the shock mount listed. For over 300 dollars.. 🤕
Excelent review, thanks a loro🤘🏻👏🏻👏🏻
A lot*
Can you demo the United Twin87? Please? Thank you.
Yippie!! I guessed right. Oddly, I felt I heard the smallest amount of distortion in the U87 in voice.
The U87 sound quite different than the TLM103 both guitars, perhaps less in voice.
I liked the TLM103 better on voice, but the U87 on the guitar, though I don't know what the guitar is supposed to sound like.
Won't make my voice sound better : (
Huuuuge difference when it comes to proximity effect performance, I guess PE is where ultra expensive mics shine. the U87 did an amazing job maintaining clarity!
I noticed that you test the off-axis coloration horizontally. but you dont test how the u87ai would sound if you spoke into the top of mic as if it were an end address mic. Some people like to speak into the top of the u87ai.
Patiently waiting for the Telefunken TF47 review😳
Heads up to anyone near Nashville...I went to their Guitar Center the other day and they actually had a TLM 103 set up for testing!
I’d prefer the 103 for electric guitar, and the 87 on the acoustic guitar. For sung voice, I’d prefer the 103, for narration maybe the 87. but, as you pointed out, it a matter of taste. Both are great microphones!
Would love to see a review of the Shure SM81!
What about the Neumann TLM 101 (aka Sennheiser Mk4) ?
Who prefer more Sennheiser Mk4?
Bandrew awesome vid! Tlm 103 vs c414!
Very interesting to see the tonal differences. It's not that small of a difference. What I hear is as follows: 1. The TLM103 has more bass boost but also more harmonic color down there. You can really hear it on the off axis test when listening to the rear of the mic. It picks up a LOT of low end from the rear of the mic. 2. The treble is more boosted on the TLM103, you can hear it almost like a lazer beam on Bandrew's voice. It doesn't sound bad, it's just more apparent. 3. The u87ai's off axis colouration sounds rfar superior. 4. The dynamic character of the u87ai makes it worth the price alone. It's incredibly smooth and easy to listen to. It's like listening to something sitting by a fireplace drinking hot cocoa lol
103 is 16 more than 87, QED. ;-) Great comparison.
It's 16 more so it's 16 better!
@@Podcastage exactamente!
@@BoothJunkie Two peas in a pot.😁
Do you know What mic Valuetainment podcast use?
what was the volume on the microphone itself and the volume in Windows?
now we need a U89i test 🤟
Awesome versus !
Two mics I can't afford :D :p
Danke!
Have you ever reviewed the TLM193?
hmmmm, between a TLM 103, WA-67, or AKG c414 what would you choose from your experience?
is it bad that 103 has 50ohms impedance? i mean u87 has 200ohms but i thought that the less the ohms the better the microphone? am i wrong?
I guessed right, but they both sound perfect.
What's a good mic for those of us with bad voices?
Nice comparison. I think the 102 is closer to the 81ai. The 103 I feel has to much low end roll off and too much high end crispy. I like the 81 over the 103, personally and would be interested in hearing the 102 compared to it. I'm so tempted to send you my Golden Age U47 extended to see what you think.
I'm curious where the Warm Audio WA-87 R2 stands in the Neumann U87 Ai/TLM103, and Rode NT-1 style mic. Is it a decent budget U87? Does it crush the NT-1 given their pricing? Love your videos, they have taught me so much.
he gave it a really good review. I have one I use for voice and guitar and I love it
@@artcamp7 I'll have to go digging through all his videos now. I'm going to need to get a lot more thumbs ups out of the bag.
I could tell right away that B was the U87 sound full and smooth
Please do a rereview of TLM102
Both of these are choice mics. I'd just like to say thank you for teaching me about sibilance. I used to call it "whispyness" or the SSSsssSSsss but now I know there is an actual _real_ word already to describe it and it has helped me hone my craft.
Please do a Shure KSM32 vs Shure KSM44 comparison
After many videos, I finally chose mine (Samson Q2U (black)). I'm just waiting for the sales of this version here in Brazil! =D
I judged them right, but they are very close. The TLM 103 is a little crisper to me. I bought a TLM 102 a bit back for my personal studio and think I should have just bought the 103, but the 102 is a great mic too. I don't see ever buying a U87. It just doesn't seem worth the cost to me. There are others mics for far less that seem great for my vocals.
What do the buttons do on the u87
Akg 414 xls vs xlii in the future maybe?
Yep. You nailed it.
Wow! Useful content!...
guessed it right.. liked u87. Guessed it with harsh high end of 103..
Dude, you really have the skills and the voice to sing amazingly well - that voice of yours is well tuned to the guitar.... I'm serious. Have you ever considered going into music as well?
Please...if I only want a microphone for singing, why would I choose between them?
''QUESTION'' could EQ make these mics sound the same? Its a toss up for me to begin with. I own the 103 and if It would give me a better result I will upgrade but the 87 is just very slightly different to me. When I use the 103 the top seems smooth enough, its not what Id call a problem. Anyone own both? done this ? Wish I had an 87 to compare side by side but I dont. After mix and master I dont think youd hear any difference at all. But cant hear that for myself. :)
Thanks for doing this one. Good to hear them together. In my humble opinion, the heavier LF of the 103 works much better for you on voice. The boosted mids of the 87 is less flattering for you I think. Possibly a little ‘nasal’?
Agree
Do you think the 103 is close enough in a professional studio? When everything is mixed and mastered would we hear a difference running through hardware that would also bring some nice harmonic distortion? Like a BAE 1073, Pultek EQ and 1176 Bluey going in to your DAW? I think that narrows the gap even more. Curious what you think. :)