I've been happily using a matched pair of Neumann KM184 mics for the past ten years. They generally sound great but the presence peak in the lower highs is a little stronger than I'd like. But one day I pressed the magic button at Amazon and a Neumann TLM 102 MT appeared on my doorstep...
Neumann TLM 102 MT | Available in nickel or matte black with impeccable fit and finish. Seems to be fingerprint resistant too. | Image courtesy Neumann
Sound Characteristics
The TLM 102 MT is a large-diaphragm microphone in a compact palm sized body, making it ideal for cramped home studios. Albeit small, it packs surprising heft and feels like quality. Obviously Neumann is counting their beans with this model and didn't include a case or storage bag. So I stow my 102 in an old Shure padded mic bag. No one will steal it if they think it's a SM57!
Shalom Chaverim | Neumann TLM 102 MT, Tascam US 2x2 and Logic Pro X | Cordoba Mini SM-CE (guitalele) and small percussion. I love how the TLM 102 MT renders guitar and ukulele tone but it also does well on percussion timbres like finger cymbals, cabasa, temple blocks, etc.
For the time being, I've purposed the TLM 102 MT for multi-track use. I wasn't sure if I'd like it so I purchased only one. So no stereo recordings. After an initial test recording ("Accidental Blues" below), I knew I had hit on something really good. In my line of work—classical guitarist—I don't use multi-track recording much since I mainly play solo guitar. However, as a music teacher I often record multi-track demonstration and practice tracks for my students, so the 102 is sure to get a workout.
God IS So Good (folk hymn) | Neumann TLM 102 MT (pointed at bridge), Tascam US 2x2 and Logic Pro X | Cordoba Mini SM-CE on melody and chords | Hirade TH90 classical guitar (bass).
I tracked with the 102 for six months in my home studio and it proved be the easiest to use mic I've owned, and I've owned many. I didn't have to fuss much over position, countering strange coloration or proximity effects. Of course an optimal mic position works best but it proved to be very forgiving and sounded good almost anywhere. I found it accurate, responsive, tonally balanced but noticeably warmer than the KM184. Neumann specs indicate a slight presence peak at 6KHz but, to my ears, is significantly less pronounced than the KM184 presence boost. Although 102 mids are warm and fat, higher pitches like artificial and natural harmonics still have plenty of sparkle. In fact, for natural classical guitar and ukulele tone, the 102 sounds great flat, i.e., little or no EQ is required for solo classical guitar. A touch of reverb and I'm usually done.
Here's a recording I made for my beginning guitar class (no EQ):
Accidental Blues | Neumann TLM 102 MT, Tascam US 2x2 and Logic Pro X | Hirade TH90 classical guitar in a multi-track recording (mic pointed at 12th fret).
Signal output is strong enough for soft instruments, so no need to crank gain wide open. While the before mentioned may not seem like a big deal to most musicians, finger-picked instruments like the classical guitar are relatively soft and many mics fall short, requiring the gain sliders to be buried just to twitch the meters! Plus, the ultra low noise of the 102 allows delicate tones like harmonics to shine in the track without a hint of background noise. Bravo Neumann!
Now is the Month of Maying | Tascam US 2x2, Neumann TLM 102 and Logic Pro X | Kremona Fiesta CW-7 7-string classical guitar.
Although I mainly use the 102 to record classical guitar and ukulele, I also found it excellent for small percussion, rendering temple blocks, shakers, claves and guiro with warm beautiful tones. The hand percussion in Avignon was recorded about 12 inches from the 102 and slightly offset. I had to MIDI the bass line so ignore that sound.
On The Avignon Bridge | Tascam US 4x4, Neumann TLM 102 and Logic Pro X | Hirade TH90 (chords), Cordoba Mini R (melody) and small percussion.
Finally, in a pinch, the 102 makes a great stage mic for acoustic and classical guitar. Unlike many recording mics, the 102 is small (5"/116mm length), robust and has plenty of output. Bring your own clip as the 102 won't fit most stage mic clips.
A recording I made for my beginning ukulele class:
Banks of the Ohio (folk song) | Neumann TLM 102 MT, Tascam US 4x4 and Logic Pro X | Cordoba Mini SM-CE (melody and strummed chords | Hirade TH90 classical guitar (melodic fills) | hand percussion
Final Mussings
I'm extremely pleased with my of Neumann MTL 102 MT: impeccable fit and finish, sweet, natural and balanced sound and clean output. For recording classical guitar and ukulele, the 102 is my new favorite. Now I need to buy another one so I can record stereo!
Greensleeves | Neumann TLM 102 MT, Tascam US 4x4 and Logic Pro X | Hirade TH8SS, Cordoba Mini R (guitalele) and small percussion in a multi-track recording.
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Sound Characteristics
Final Mussing
Major Features