Newmann TLM-103???

[xstatic]

When dealing with Neumann, keep in mind that even the U87ai's are Sennheiser owned now. Neumann is still Neumann, but their manufacturing has certainly changed over the years, as has most every companies. My only real gripe with Neumann is that I feel that they are overpriced because they are still trading on their Heritage. 10 years ago there were not a whole ton of options in any cheaper price ranges, but nowadays there are a lot of options if you just do some research. I personally am not a big fan of the U87ai, but that derives mostly not from its sound quality, but from weighing out sound quality to price. I feel like the U87ai is virtually a waste of money at around $3000. At about $1500 however it seems like a solid purchase. Now if you are talking an older U87 or U87i, thats a different story. I would be more prone to paying $2500 for a used U87 in good condition than a new U87ai for even $2500.

 

[gvdv]

I was in a store a couple of days ago to check out audio interfaces, and had planned to A-B mics another time.

However, when I had finished my audio interface stuff, and was asking the salesman about rode mics., he pulled three off the shelf and also showed me the Neumann TLM 103. Now, he we only listened to them through headphones, and only through one mixer, so it was a pretty subjective, 10 minute test.

For me, the rodes we tried outperformed the Neumann in that they were less sibilant on 's's and 't's. The Neumann seemed to have more inherent gain - not sure if I'm expressing that correctly; what I mean is that it needed less pre-amplification/gain at a given setting that the three rode microphones did. The Neumann also seemed a little more open than the main rode that I liked - can't remember if it was the K2 or not, but I think so.

Overall, I actually ended up preferring the sound of the rode because those ssssssss and t sounds just grated on me each time.

Next time I go in, I'm going to ask to hear the mics. through a variety of mixers, speakers and headphones to try to get an idea of each mic.'s character.

I'm then going to hire/rent the mics. that I like and use them at home to record the same instrument into the same recording set up.

The store I was in also has a month-long return policy, no questions asked, so that's another way of trying something out thoroughly to see if you like it or not.

Just a few thoughts.
GVDV

 

[pohaku]

The merits (or lack thereof) of the current Neumann mics are endlessly debated over on the GS board - especially the U87 and its modern variants. I'd say both the new and older model mics have their supporters and detractors, although the balance appears to be tilted in favor of the older model mics. The very few Neumann mics I've been fortunate to acquire have been older models and I sort of lucked into them, rather than specifically searched for them. While the brand certainly has a cachet that may be important if you are a commercial operation, for those of us with just a project or home studio, it more likely comes down to what sounds best for you with your gear and your sources. After all, if you aren't really trying to market yourself and your services, the only person you have to impress is . . . . .

 

[undergroundtoon]

I was in a store a couple of days ago to check out audio interfaces, and had planned to A-B mics another time.

However, when I had finished my audio interface stuff, and was asking the salesman about rode mics., he pulled three off the shelf and also showed me the Neumann TLM 103. Now, he we only listened to them through headphones, and only through one mixer, so it was a pretty subjective, 10 minute test.

For me, the rodes we tried outperformed the Neumann in that they were less sibilant on 's's and 't's. The Neumann seemed to have more inherent gain - not sure if I'm expressing that correctly; what I mean is that it needed less pre-amplification/gain at a given setting that the three rode microphones did. The Neumann also seemed a little more open than the main rode that I liked - can't remember if it was the K2 or not, but I think so.

Overall, I actually ended up preferring the sound of the rode because those ssssssss and t sounds just grated on me each time.

Next time I go in, I'm going to ask to hear the mics. through a variety of mixers, speakers and headphones to try to get an idea of each mic.'s character.

I'm then going to hire/rent the mics. that I like and use them at home to record the same instrument into the same recording set up.

The store I was in also has a month-long return policy, no questions asked, so that's another way of trying something out thoroughly to see if you like it or not.

Just a few thoughts.
GVDV

what!!!!!!!!!someone actualy tried gear to form their own opinion instead of asking for other peoples opinion....are you sure your on the right site?

a pop filter will help with the ssss, but if you like the rode better who cares.

rep points from toon..............