Characteristics of TLM-103 vs. C414-TLII

[popkid]

I´d be very happy to hear from people who have worked with Neumann TLM-103 and AKG C414-TLII (or the XLS) what the differences are in sound.

I´ve searched the forum and found lots of information on both, but never compared to eachother.

This is gonna be for male vocals in heavely populated mixes and the music is "modern" pop/rock so I dont mind a "hyped" sound.

So, can anyone tell me the difference?

Very happy for answer(s)!

 

[OneRoomStudios]

There are only a handful of people on this board that have either one of those, much less both. You're better off trying over at gearslutz

 

[popkid]

Ok. I´ll try that.

Thanx.

 

[Dot]

popkid, The TLM103 has a bit of color and is hyped [ boosted ] in the high-mids. The 414 TLII is a much more versatile mic - especially when using with instruments. The 414 has long been an industry standard "worhorse" mic. The 414 is more neutral with a bright top. For getting vocals to cu through dense mixes the 414 is a much better choice.

You can hear a 414 on lead vox in a dense mix on Track 4 at
http://www.thelisteningsessions.com/session7.htm

You can hear a 103, 414 and other mics on acoustic guitar at
http://www.thelisteningsessions.com/session5.htm

And there's a graph here that give an idea of the characteristics of various mics
http://www.thelisteningsessions.com/images/mic-graph1.jpg

Hope that helps.

 

[popkid]

Thanks a lot Dan.

That was very useful information indeed.

Nice graph!

Thanks again.