Neumann TLM-103 Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)If your looking for a pristine mic and require vocals that are clear and transparent, then this mic is worthy of your consideration. This mic has a wonderful clear and warm quality which can help make recording vocals a pleasure and can really help you shine.

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Ideal for all professional and semi-professional applications requiring high sound quality on a limited budget. The TLM-103 uses the transformerless circuitry found in numerous Neumann mics and a capsule derived from that used in the U87. Cardioid pattern, acoustically well-balanced, and provides extraordinary attenuation of signals from the rear. Frequency range: 20Hz-20kHz. Impedance: 50 ohms.ApplicationsDue to the universal cardioid pattern, straightforward handling, extremely low self-noise level, and finally, the price, the TLM 103 is predestined for all demanding applications from home recording to professional broadcasting and commercial recording studios.Acoustic featuresThe TLM 103 is addressed from the front, marked with the red Neumann logo on the microphone body. The K 103 large diaphragm capsule is based on the K 87, well known from the U 67/U 87 microphones. The capsule has a flat frequency response up to about 5 kHz, and above that, a wide flat 4 dB presence boost. The large wire mesh headgrille protects the capsule from explosive sounds and effectively prevents pop noises. These characteristics are achieved without resorting to corrective resonance effects. Therefore, the microphone maintains an excellent impulse response and reproduces the finest details of music and speech without coloration.Electrical featuresWith just 7 dB-A / 17.5 dB CCIR the self-noise level of the TLM 103 is so reduced that even the smallest signals are reproduced basically noise-free. As it is capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 138 dB without distortion, the TLM 103 provides a dynamic range of 131 dB, according to DIN/IEC 651. The letters TLM stand for "transformerless microphone." With TLM technology the usual output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. As with traditional transformers, it ensures good common mode rejection, and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signal.Operational safetyThe entire internal construction i

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RODE NT1000 Vocal Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I went shopping for a Rode NT1. Rode mics use superb capsules mounted in machined housings you could drive a truck over, and the NT1 is a great mic for male vocals. The guy at the store suggested the NT1000. I recorded myself on both, and there wasn't much difference, but the 1000 just sounded a little smoother. But, the NT1 had a painted finish (may have changed since), made out of aluminum. When you screw the mount on it feels rough, like screwing in a light bulb with an aluminum base. The NT1000, though, feels rich and expensive, a nickel-steel finish (I guess) more like the expensive Neumanns. And when you screw the parts together they feel precise and elegant. It was a hundred bucks more than the NT1, but with the slightly nicer sound, and the much nicer look and handling feel, it seemed worth it.
The only problem I've had with it is weight. It's fairly heavy, and can't be extended very far on my boom stand without falling over.
Great dynamic range, low noise, very detailed.

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The Rode NT1000 brings new standards to the recording industry. When today's musicians and recording engineers demand clarity and dynamic range, they demand large capsule performance. The Rode NT1000 is superior in both vocal and instrumental performances. Voiced for application versatility , the NT1000 has been hailed by many as the ultimate drum over-head and grand piano mic selection. The NT1000 is also equally at home as a first call vocal mic. With its Australian made 1 inch HF-2 capsule incorporating internal shock mounting, the NT1000 boasts a 134 dB dynamic range, and 140 dBA SPL capabilities and a 20 Hz - 20 kHz frequency response. Includes mic stand mount, and zippered pouch. Rode NT1000 Features HF2 1 inch capsule with gold-plated diaphragm Ultra low-noise transformerless circuitry Cardioid polar pattern Heavy-duty cast metal satin nickel body High-strength welded and heat-treated mesh head Internal capsule shock-mounting True externally biased condenser Full frequency response AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Rode products.

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Rode NT2A Vocal Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)This microphone is doing a great on instrumental section and solo
recording. With great sensitivity and low noise doing live recording of
a solo (saxophone) and the sax section at the time is possible.
Also a good room ambiance microphone.

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The RODE NT2A is a professional, multi-pattern studio condenser microphone. The NT2A is based on the legendary NT2 - the tone behind countless recording hits of the last decade. A professional large capsule (1 inch) studio microphone incorporating three-position pick-up patterns, PAD and high pass filter switches conveniently located on the mic body. At the heart of the NT2A is the Australian designed and manufactured HF1 dual diaphragm capsule. The frequency and transient response of this transducer has been voiced to complement today's modern recording techniques, and yet still evoke the silky smooth character of the legendary microphones of the 50's and 60's. These features provide the flexibility and superlative audio characteristics that make the NT2-A one of the most versatile condenser mics available. RODE NT2A Features Large 1 inch HF1 gold sputtered capsule On body control of polar pattern, HPF and pad Three position variable polar pattern: Omni, Cardioid & Figure 8; all controlled on the mic. Three position variable high-pass filter: Flat, 40 Hz or 80 Hz Three position variable pad: 0dB, -5dB or -10dB Ultra low noise, transformerless surface mount circuitry Wide dynamic range High strength heat-treated steel mesh head Internal capsule shock mounting Supplied complete with ZP1 zip pouch and RM2 stand mount AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Rode products.

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Shure Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone (Chrome) Review

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(More customer reviews)Oh what a beautiful piece of craftsmanship!This mic has it all ,looks,sound just to name a few!I have a Shure SM58,AKG D5 and a Sennheiser E 845 S and none of them compare to this wonderful mic.The sound is crisp and clear,no feed back and you can crank up the power amp and still sounds great! Shure has got a winner in this mic! You can spend (and I have) $120 -$150 for other mics but if you can spend a little extra money and get this mic,this will be the last mic you'll own.Truly a hit at the gigs and performs excellent!Oh did I mention it makes you want to perform better and it makes you sound better!!If you try to sing and can't carry a note this mic won't help you but if you can sing what a wonderful sound you will have!I hope this helps in your decision and Amazon is the place to purchase this fine mic.

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The Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone features a signature satin chrome-plated die-cast casing, Supercardioid polar pattern, vibrant blue foam, and tailored frequency response for natural vocals and speech. Integrated swivel stand mount is included. The combination of updates make the Super 55 the ideal choice when looking for a dramatic - yet affordable - improvement in sound quality with an unmistakable vintage design. Ideal for stage, studio recording, podcasting, and other sound applications where a stand-mounted microphone with a classic look is desired

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Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone, Cardioid Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are looking for a microphone for voice-overs or broadcast use, THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO BUY.
The Shure SM-5 and SM-7 microphones are the best voice mics ever made. The large SM-5 is no longer made, so you can only find it used, but the SM-7 is just as good.Either one, you have the best.
Don't let the price fool you. I have brought this in to studios that have $3000 Neuman condenser mics and they laughed when I said I wanted to use my $300 Shure mic instead.I told them to put up both mics and do an A/B test while I spoke into each of them. The three other audio engineers in the studio had to agree, the Shure was better and it was a night and day difference, not hard at all to decide it was best.
This mic has a warmth and rich sound no other mic can give you.
Even industry publications like MIX MAGAZINE and RadioWorld have done reviews where they did the same tests and said the same things about this mic in comparison to the expensive condenser mics...
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from MIX MAGAZINE, March 1998, page 53:
Eric Paul has made a career out of recording country giants like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and many others: "My favorite overall microphone for voices is the Shure SM-5. If they can't get a Shure SM-5, they can still get Shure SM-7s, which are still available. If you've tried out three very expensive tube mics and you aren't happy with any of them, then the next step should immediately be a Shure SM-7. I will almost always guarentee you that if the expensive mic doesn't work, an SM-7 will. For some reason, people sound better on them."----------------------------------------------
from RADIO WORLD, February 18 1998, page 62:
Joe Stack, director of engineering for ABC radio said: "When I worked at WATH in Athens, Ohio, I had someone call and offer me ten RE-20s for the three SM-5s we had. I turned him down." ------------------------------------------
from EQ MAGAZINE, July 2006 issue:
The SM7 is perhaps most famous for being used as the vocal microphone on Michael Jackson's Thriller engineered by Bruce Swedien. -----------------------------------------------
Some interesting facts about the SM-7..."When we were doing "Off The Wall", "Thriller" and "Bad" I ended up with 6 Shure SM7's. That is a fantastic mike." - Bruce Swedien
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have used the SM 7 on vocals on every album they have done.
You can see James Hetfield from Metallica singing into a Shure SM 7 on the "Some Kind Of Monster" DVD.
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Another thing I have noticed in the studio, is that some of my other mics require gating and downward expanders on the mics to get rid of room noise, but the SM-7 doesn't need it. It is quiet all by itself.
And to save many hours trying to edit out mouth noises, clicks and smacks from voice-over talent that use expensive CONDENSER microphones, just have them use the SM-7 next time, and no more wasted time editing out mouth noises anymore.Throughout the years on the Howard Stern Show, they have replaced and tried all sorts of microphones, from the Electrovoice RE-20 to Neuman mics. But if you notice, the Co-host, Robin Quivers, STILL uses the Shure SM-7 and refuses to change to any of the other mics. You can see throughout the years on the TV show that although the mics are always changing for everyone else, Robin ALWAYS has the SM-7 to this day.
Since the Howard Stern Show has moved to Sirrius Sattelite, the show had to buy new microphones, (couldn't take them with from CBS) and everyone seems to be using the same mics they did before. Robin has another SM-7 so she really likes this mic! It looks different now, because she has the larger windscreen that now comes with the SM-7.


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The SM7B is a selectable frequency response microphone that delivers warm and smooth audio in close-proximity studio and vocal applications. Optimized shielding from external electromagnetic hum, along with internal shock mounting, external windscreens and adjustable bass roll-off and midrange emphasis response settings provide clean, consistent reproduction.

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Rode NT2000 Vocal Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)Everyone should have a multi-pattern mic around for utility purposes and this is the one I chose after demoing a half-dozen of interest (I had particularly high hopes for the Blue Mics). Aside from one super-expensive, and unnamed mic, the Rode NT2000 was actually my favorite by quite a margin. As I regard this type of mic as a utility piece, I was looking for a mic that was fairly neutral on voice/cardioid and without too heavy a proximity effect, airy and crisp on omni, and had to have an attentuation switch.
The NT2000 has all that, plus a rugged build. I've been very pleased since purchase, having used it for voice, acoustic guitar (could probably use a warmer mic here), cab miking on electric, bagpipes, recording ambience, and percussion. I'm especially pleased with the mic's ability to capture detail in high sound pressure conditions.
The NT2000 has continuously variable patterns, not a fixed selection of patterns. It has a variable pad, not a simple cut type attentuation switch, which really helps in nailing the sound without having to compromise the mic's position. Finally, the high-pass filter is also continuously variable. All go a long way in making this a HIGHLY adaptable mic.
After my demos, I went in to buy one mic, got an offer I couldn't refuse on two, and walked away poorer but happier! You won't be able to equal that price, as it was something of a favor, but the price here is good.
Although I love NT2000's sound and capabilities, I'm not wild about the controls (pattern, etc.). These aren't knobs you grab and turn - they're thin and flat. They have an edge pattern, but I can't turn them reliably by trying to grab the edges. I have to put my thumb on the knob surface and rotate it that way. It works and the knobs won't get accidently moved, but it's not exactly the height of convenience.
Great multipurpose mics.

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The World's First Fully Variable Control Microphone! The RØDE NT2000 is the latest brainchild from Australian master microphone designer Peter Freedman. Never before has this much control and versatility been available in a superlative class large capsule recording microphone. You have totally variable polar pattern, filter and pad all located on the body of the microphone! The NT2000's state of the art surface-mount electronics combined with the new Australian designed and manufactured HF1 Capsule, provide extremely low self-noise (7 dBA) and a maximum SPL of 147 dB (157 dB with pad fully engaged) ensuring exceptional results and the ultimate in recording creativity. The NT2000 includes a hard case and a shockmount. Rode NT2000 Features Large 1 inch HF1 gold sputtered capsule Continuously variable polar pattern, from omnidirectional to cardioid to figure 8 controlled on the microphone Continuously variable pad and high-pass filter Ultra low noise, transformerless surface mount circuitry Wide dynamic range High strength welded and heat treated steel mesh head Internal capsule shock mounting 'I could go on to share the thousands of hours that went in to the research and development of this microphone, instead I am prepared to put my reputation on the line. I am saying without fear of contradiction, the NT2000 is the best sounding and most versatile 1' FET studio microphoneon the world market today, regardless of cost.' Peter Freedman, President RØDE Microphones AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Rode products.

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