AT4050 vs. Neumann TLM102

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Nickolej

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Hey folks,

I’ll try and make this short and sweet. Currently I’m looking to add a good versatile condenser microphone to my small laundry list of microphones. My only large diaphragm condenser I own is a Rode NTK, and I do like it on a lot of various sources. In fact I do find uses for this microphone in a number of different situations and applications. Although I don’t like how my voice sounds through this microphone in particular. In fact I often use an SM57 as an alternative, but I find it lacks the presence and silky overtones that condensers often bring. Unfortunately I don’t have the luxury in the small town I live in to run trails on all different types of microphones.

Presently my band and I have really been diggin’ the 60’s sound etc. Beatles, Kinks, and the Beach Boys. In a lot of ways we have been trying to emulate the feeling and unique sound of the time. Unfortunetly I cannot afford u47 or it's legion of clones.

My budget is very limited and I have found two microphones that have received good reviews but I was wondering if you guys could give a few opinions. I’ve narrowed down my search for a good condenser at my price point down to the Neumann TLM102 and the Audio Technica 4050. I’ve heard great things in regards to both microphones but I want something to really capture a good vocal but also a good all arounder (guitars, bass, strings, piano etc.)

Any and all opinions would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Nickolej said:
Hey folks,

I’ll try and make this short and sweet. Currently I’m looking to add a good versatile condenser microphone to my small laundry list of microphones. My only large diaphragm condenser I own is a Rode NTK, and I do like it on a lot of various sources. In fact I do find uses for this microphone in a number of different situations and applications. Although I don’t like how my voice sounds through this microphone in particular. In fact I often use an SM57 as an alternative, but I find it lacks the presence and silky overtones that condensers often bring. Unfortunately I don’t have the luxury in the small town I live in to run trails on all different types of microphones.

Presently my band and I have really been diggin’ the 60’s sound etc. Beatles, Kinks, and the Beach Boys. In a lot of ways we have been trying to emulate the feeling and unique sound of the time.

My budget is very limited and I have found two microphones that have received good reviews but I was wondering if you guys could give a few opinions. I’ve narrowed down my search for a good condenser at my price point down to the Neumann TLM102 and the Audio Technica 4050. I’ve heard great things in regards to both microphones but I want something to really capture a good vocal but also a good all arounder (guitars, bass, strings, piano etc.)

Any and all opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Check out the MXL V67g or non condenser SM7b
 
How is your experience with the Marshall on vox? Compared to some higher end condensers?
 
I am also a fan of the V67, as cheap condensers go, it's an all-star. When you get into the AT4050 or TLM102, you are in a somewhat different ball park. For what you asked for, I'd probably go straight to a Shure KSM44, a guaranteed swiss army mic that's good on vocals. The TLM 102 is a tougher read, because it is so new. Most of us have heard clips, which like statistics, can be made to say anything. My guess is that Neumann is tired of reading about the end users who are not that impressed by TLM103, and may have made an effort to build a mic that can really compete in the mid priced mic market, against the likes of the 4050, KSM44, C414, or B.L.U.E. Dragonfly/Bottle Rocket, etc. That's the real battleground of prosumer mics, where you're trying to grab the people who want to graduate from cheap Chinese condensers to a real studio mic, but aren't ready to shell out for a Brauner or a U67.

That's just my guess, though, which is way off from a statement of fact. Like most folks, I haven't gotten my grubby little hands on a TLM102, but I sure would like to. If you go for it, you are a little bit of a gambler. It's on the bleeding edge of mid-priced mics. It could be a dud, or on its way to becoming a studio standard. I think you should buy the sucker, and then tell us all what you think about it, up against an NTK. If you are a conservative, and you don't like to take chances, get a KSM44. It's a known quantity.-Richie
 
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Sorry, don't want to hijack the thread or anything, but these are 2 mics I am interested in, also the Shure KSM44 and 32. Why the 44 over the 32? I'd be interested to know your opinions, thanks.
 
My reason for preferring KSM44? Almost entirely for the omni and figure 8 options. The OP is looking for a mic to record lots of things, and variable polar patterns expand options for close mic'ing, MS stereo recording, etc. Is there anything inferior about KSM32? No.-Richie
 
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