Top 3 Neumann Microphones
Since 1928, Neumann has been making audio equipment on the cutting-edge of technological advances. While they make a wide variety of high-quality products, their ever-expanding line of microphones stands above them all, and remain a standard across all performing industries. In this guide, WhatPods will explore some of their best microphones for budding podcasters and professionals alike.
Company profile: Neumann Microphones
When Gary Neumann founded Neumann Microphones in 1928, the recording industry was an entirely different place. Movies were just starting to have talking, and microphones were mostly used by record companies and radio hosts. Lots has changed since then and microphones are no longer only a professional tool for professional artists and engineers, but an easily-accessible product that is available to everyone. Because of this, there are thousands of microphone options available to everyone from cheap base models to expensive industry standards, and it is important for potential buyers to know exactly what they are looking for as they look for their next big purchase. At WhatPods, we are here to help make that decision as educated, simple, and fun as it can possibly be. Looking for a cheap microphone? Click here to view mics under $100. Want to learn how to make your own pop filter for your mic? Learn how here.
Choosing Your Microphone
With so many microphones on the market, there, unfortunately, are a lot of bad options out there. Fortunately for you, however, this is not the case with Neumann microphones. Each one is meticulously crafted to be at the front-end of the latest innovations. Whether you are looking for a microphone for your professional studio setup, or just getting started and dipping your toes in the water, they're costly, but the high-quality product line has something that will help you. These questions are important when deciding which product is best for you.
Where am I recording? What is the environment? Is it soundproofed, or is there outside noise? How many microphones do I need? Am I taking this show on the road, or will it be planted in my studio?
All of these questions are important to ask yourself as you enter your podcasting adventure. They should not stress you out and make you feel like choosing a microphone is a chore, but instead ensure that you don’t make costly mistakes from the get-go. Don’t start your journey from behind your takeoff point. Get ahead by making the right decisions. Choose the microphone that is right for you, and let us ease the process so that it’s as comfortable and painless as possible.
Condenser vs. Dynamic
Almost all of the questions you ask will lead you to one important one. Dynamic or condenser? Novices will quickly find out that most readily available models for podcasting are one of these two options, and without knowledge of them they can seem like complicated words. While more information is available for those who choose to seek it, the basic difference between the two lies in how they respond to wherever you are recording with them.
Historically, condensers are designed to be highly sensitive. They run on phantom power, which means they often need to be plugged into a power source. In a perfect environment, this means that they have better sound quality, as they can be fine-tuned to work with the speaker’s voice, the environment, and the format they are recording to. In the wrong environment, however, a condenser can offer some setbacks.
Do you live in a busy neighborhood? Are those birds outside chirping so much that you have forgotten? Do you have a lot of loud passersby screaming into the abyss? All of these things can affect your recording, but with a condenser microphone that isn’t properly set up or in the wrong environment, these sounds, even the ones you barely hear with your ear, may come in loud and clear on your condenser. Some smaller models, such as ones that attach through the USB port, come with safeguards against these nuisances, but it is important to factor this in when looking.
Range of Neumann microphones
Neumann has been used by musicians and professional talkers for over 90 years, and the more accessible digital medium makes it easier than ever for consumers to work with their products. They value all of their products for their quality and precision, and nothing is put out without meticulous research and development practices. Because of this, their lowest price points are admittedly higher than most companies’, but the quality should never be in question. This section will highlight the best options for you, the beginner. Before we start, it is important to know the difference between analog and digital microphones. Analog microphones typically run through other equipment, or in smaller microphones, a microphone jack. They will not always have native digital components, so if you go this route, plan on purchasing anything from a cord which will fix this issue, to an entire mixing system.TLM 49
The TLM 49 has a classic analog design which helps to bridge the early days of broadcast radio with modern sensibilities. The result is a beautiful, nostalgic, and ultra-powerful microphone based on decades worth of innovation. At a $1,700 price tag, this microphone is meant for those who take their recording seriously. Its cardioid pattern is meant to ease off some of the extra noise that condensers are known for and focus in on your voice as it was meant to be heard. Whether you are screaming into the microphone or whispering, the TLM 49 will capture it as though your listeners were there in the room with you. Its solid state circuit without the need of transformer also means that there’s very little self-noise emitting from the microphone and only you will be heard. Between the 20 Hz the kHz range, the classic design, and the high performance, this is one of the absolute best microphones for the modern consumer.
TLM 103 D
The only digital microphone on this list, the TLM 103 D condenser microphone is designed after a 103 model which has been a top choice of professionals for years. All it does is take these sensibilities and move them to the digital age. It’s a highly-functional microphone that is guaranteed to satisfy those who are willing to drop $1,700 dollars. It offers a lightweight portable design which can be taken on the road and stunning sound which replicates audio about as purely as one could ask for. With 20 Hz to 20 kHz range, it will pick up all the subtleties and all the louder sounds with no struggle. If you are looking for crisp sound, professional quality, and good design, this is the microphone for you.
TLM 102
With its chrome look and sleek design, this $799 condenser microphone is another one of the less expensive options which still packs a punch. The 20 Hz to 20 kHz range means that every sound will come in as it’s meant to sound. The cardioid pattern also means that this condenser will tune into your voice and let it shine. It’s a portable, analog, wonderful-sounding alternative to the 103 and 49 for about half the cost, and it comes with Neumann’s quality guarantee
BCM 705
The only dynamic microphone on the list, the $700 BCM 705 prides itself on offering listeners the “classic” broadcast voice that they may hear on crystal-clear radio.Its hypercardioid design offers great frequency response that is meant to get the most out of the human voice. Designed to hang over the recorder, it is perfect for those who get animated while they record. Its dynamic design is meant specifically to help those who may have soundproofing issues by blocking out unwanted noise. Built to last, those who can fork out the cheaper, but still hefty price tag will not regret their investment.
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