Neumann introduced its new TLM 107 large diaphragm studio microphone at the 135th AES Convention in New York City.

The mic offers numerous polar patterns for studio, broadcast and home recording applications.

All of the TLM 107’s switch functions are controlled through a wear-resistant navigation switch. An illuminated pattern display can be found in the chrome ring, with the Pad and Low Cut status LEDs situated to the left and right. The display is turned off automatically after 15 seconds. 

Its new double-diaphragm capsule is inspired by one of Neumann’s best-known models, the D-01. The TLM 107 is ideal for percussion and stringed instruments, and provides balanced sound for all five directional characteristics – omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8, as well as wide-angle cardioid and hypercardioid.

For all polar patterns up to 8kHz the sound reproduction is almost linear, with a slight high frequency boost that lends "brilliance and freshness" to recordings. Neumann has paid particular attention to the natural reproduction of the human voice, especially the all-important ‘s’ sound. Low sensitivity to pop sounds is ensured by an acoustically optimised grille with characteristic Neumann design.

The capsule was created to minimise sensitivity to humidity and other environmental influences. For example, the front and rear diaphragms are at ground voltage, which prevents the electrostatic attraction of dust particles. In order to ensure that no dust gets inside, the sound transducer – like all Neumann capsules – is mounted in "one of the best cleanrooms in Germany," according to Neumann.

The TLM 107’s transformerless circuitry allows for a high degree of linearity and a wide dynamic range, while its self-noise of only 10 dB-A is practically inaudible. The maximum sound pressure level, specified as 141 dB SPL, can be boosted to 153 dB SPL via the two-stage pre-attenuation, so that sound from even the loudest sources can be transmitted with no distortion. The switchable Low Cut with Linear, 40 Hz and 100 Hz settings was designed with practical recording situations in mind – the 40 Hz setting prevents interference noise below the range of fundamental tones, while the 100 Hz setting is perfect for speech and vocal recordings.

"The TLM 107 is a modern, high-resolution sound transducer with excellent reproduction characteristics that enable it to capture the original sound without any coloration, thus ensuring unlimited design freedom in mixing and post-production," said Wolfgang Fraissinet, president of Neumann Berlin.

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