Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (IzovAge)

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 13:36:53 GMT

Larry,

I sent a MK-319 to Michael, got the standard mod with premium electronic upgrade and was blown away at the difference it made in the mic. In fact, it didn't return as the same mic at all. It made what was originally a pretty dull and lifeless sounding mic into one very fine sounding piece of kit.

He also does some nice mods to a couple of the cheap ribbons.

I would recommend any of his mods.

Great guy to deal with as well.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (krizrox)

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 11:58:49 GMT

ORIGINAL: LixiSoft

Until the end of the month you can turn your MC/MK 012 into a LDC for $99.

Check out this LINK

You can get a pair for $178, a great way to expand your options. These are hand made by BLUE mics in Latvia, similar to the "Red # 8" Capsule in sound.

I have a pair on the way !!

How cool - thanks for sharing. From what I understand, Oktavamod will also do some things to a stock MK12 to improve it. I haven't had anything done to any of mine yet but was considering sending one in to Oktavamod to have them work their magic on it just to see how different it sounds. Let us know how you like the new capsules.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (LixiSoft)

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 11:23:38 GMT

Until the end of the month you can turn your MC/MK 012 into a LDC for $99.

Check out this LINK

You can get a pair for $178, a great way to expand your options. These are hand made by BLUE mics in Latvia, similar to the "Red # 8" Capsule in sound.

I have a pair on the way !!

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (krizrox)

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 09:44:34 GMT

ORIGINAL: jsaras

I'll suggest something that's a bit out of the accepted 'norm', but it has worked for me numerous times with female vocalists. I have several nice LDC mics to choose from, but with female vocalists I'll use a small diaphragm condenser (Oktava MC..or is it MK012?) and it has been a smashing success every time.

Don't knock it until you try it!

I've used those mics for vocals too (male & female). They are great sounding mics for vocals. And acoustic instruments of any sort.

The only problem with them is that you really do need to use a pop filter in front of them for vocals. Even the slightest breath will cause them to pop loudly. They don't handle blasts of air very well. But a simple pop filter is the solution. Then you're good to go.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (j boy)

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 01:21:30 GMT

Jonas, looks like you can swap out the capsule on the Oktava MC/MK-012: http://sound-room.com/oktava?b=1. Check out that "Lomo" style capsule...

BTW I'm really digging a Rode K2, that I recently picked up.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (jsaras)

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 13:03:53 GMT

I'll suggest something that's a bit out of the accepted 'norm', but it has worked for me numerous times with female vocalists. I have several nice LDC mics to choose from, but with female vocalists I'll use a small diaphragm condenser (Oktava MC..or is it MK012?) and it has been a smashing success every time.

Don't knock it until you try it!

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (IzovAge)

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:54:26 GMT

ORIGINAL: DigiBiu

Ok, first, Im a keyboard player, not a singer, and I started recording for fun, and now have a few people who have come in and recorded and liked the results. Im not really a gearhead, so I don't keep up with the equipment like I should. I do not record with a preamp. I just use the pres that are in the FW1884. What Im seeing on different forums is that maybe my KSM32 is really good enough but I need to run it through a preamp. Is this the case? Can someone give me a little schooling on this? If I need a pre, which preamp should I get? And what exactly does the preamp do for the vocal? I know I sound like an idiot, but I really don't know.

Take a look at the Great River ME-1NV. Guaranteed you won't be disappointed.
You might even want to splurge for 2 channel and DI your keys.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (bitflipper)

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:13:11 GMT

Never used any Mojave products. Isn't that David Royer's new company? If so, no reason to believe they aren't excellent. Royer has a good track record for making great sounding microphones.

I investigated the Mojave Audio MA-200 a while back at the insistence of my Sweetwater guy, who had apparently been instructed to aggressively push that product.

I passed on it because it was just too new at the time and there had been almost nothing written about it. Shortly afterward, SoS published a review of it that was not very complimentary. They basically wrote it off as just another Shanghai mic out of the same factory as every other cheap condenser - except that at a grand, it's not cheap.

The justification given for the high price is that Mojave puts their own higher-quality electronics into what would otherwise be a generic Chinese microphone. I question how much the electronics contribute to the sound versus the mechanical components. In any well-designed mic the electronics should be transparent.

Since then, I've read other reviews that were a little more flattering. But no raves. By contrast, google the KSM32 and you will find a lot of glowing reviews. Same with the c414.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (Scoot)

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 10:07:58 GMT

ORIGINAL: DonM

ORIGINAL: Scoot

Here is an interview with George Massenberg

damn this is the second link that someone has posted that I can't open, I get the open with box in windows, but ok is greyed out. so this is definatly me and not the links!

S:
It opens in QuickTime with my browsers. Have you tried Right Clicking and choosing Save As?

-D

ickTime with my browsers. Have you tried Right Clicking and choosing Save As?

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RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (krizrox)

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 09:26:18 GMT

ORIGINAL: DigiBiu

Larry, have you ever used or heard the Mojave mic mentioned above? Im liking what Im reading about it

Never used any Mojave products. Isn't that David Royer's new company? If so, no reason to believe they aren't excellent. Royer has a good track record for making great sounding microphones.

Have fun choosing and buying! Let us know what you end up getting and how you like it.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (DonM)

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 09:14:24 GMT

ORIGINAL: Scoot

Here is an interview with George Massenberg

damn this is the second link that someone has posted that I can't open, I get the open with box in windows, but ok is greyed out. so this is definatly me and not the links!

S:
It opens in QuickTime with my browsers. Have you tried Right Clicking and choosing Save As?

-D

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (Scoot)

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 09:04:59 GMT

Here is an interview with George Massenberg

damn this is the second link that someone has posted that I can't open, I get the open with box in windows, but ok is greyed out. so this is definatly me and not the links!

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (DonM)

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 08:18:39 GMT

ORIGINAL: Lanceindastudio

Digi youre pres are fine. Preamps are overrated i think. Keep it simple. Good mic, un-altering pre.

With respect, absolutely not true. Preamps, converters, similar to microphones have qualities.

Here is an interview with George Massenberg

from about 3 and 1/3 years ago discussing the trends and differences in preamps.

-D

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (Lanceindastudio)

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 07:53:27 GMT

Digi youre pres are fine. Preamps are overrated i think. Keep it simple. Good mic, un-altering pre.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (DonM)

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 07:44:10 GMT

ORIGINAL: DigiBiu

Ive had the Shure Ksm32 as my vocal mic for 3 years now, never been really impressed with it. Good mic, but nothing special, IMO. Ive been looking at this Neumann TLM103 and thinking about getting one. Would I notice a difference? Do any of you guys have both? Suggestions?

What preamp(s) are we talking about? I have used the TLM103 into several pres - including milennia - I personally haven't kept a track on the 103 - just not my cup of "T".

I did a piano recording in august of '06 with the Shures, into a presonus pre - I can't believe how open natural and usable those tracks were - especially in a very tough room.

I would use the shures again, but they belonged to the AE's on this recording.

AKG 414's on occasion into my Yamaha or DAV pres. Oddly enough I have to say that I did several recordings last year with male vocalists and the CAD E300 (2) worked very well for the money - unfortunately I sold my pair and wish I still had at least one of them.

-D

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (cryophonik)

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 03:32:00 GMT

ORIGINAL: krizrox

ORIGINAL: DigiBiu

So, I guess what I should be asking is, Which mic do you recommend for female vocals?

In the price range of the TLM103, I'd say the AKG414 is a good choice.

Over the past year, I've been working pretty regularly with 7 different female vocalists. I traded some PA gear for a 1992 model AKG C414 a few months ago and all I can say is "Wow!" - it sounds phenomenal on most of their voices (I still prefer my trusty Rode NTK on two vocalists - the ones that don't have as much 'air' in their voices). Sorry I can't compare it to the Neumann or Shure models that you're considering, but I can give it a ringing endorsment for most female vox.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (DigiBiu)

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 03:13:24 GMT

Ok, first, Im a keyboard player, not a singer, and I started recording for fun, and now have a few people who have come in and recorded and liked the results. Im not really a gearhead, so I don't keep up with the equipment like I should. I do not record with a preamp. I just use the pres that are in the FW1884. What Im seeing on different forums is that maybe my KSM32 is really good enough but I need to run it through a preamp. Is this the case? Can someone give me a little schooling on this? If I need a pre, which preamp should I get? And what exactly does the preamp do for the vocal? I know I sound like an idiot, but I really don't know.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (Angler)

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 00:33:49 GMT

My friend uses a TLM103 for his vocals.

And for his drums in the videos, the TLM and a C1. That's all he can afford.
I have his cd with Gavin Harrison, and the sound is beautiful.

You can here him sing through the TLM103 here.

http://www.myspace.com/05ric

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (krizrox)

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:36:59 GMT

ORIGINAL: bitflipper

Well, I guess what Im saying is that, to me, the KSM is almost too flat. I actually really like the ksm on instruments-guitar, dobro, but I don't like it on vocals.

This has been a complaint about the KSM32 for years - great for acoustic instruments but not "sparkly" enough for vocals. According to Shure, that's specifically why they developed the KSM44, to answer that criticism. The 44 is similar to the 32, but is brighter, adds a two-position highpass filter and is even quieter than the famously-quiet KSM32. $800 and it comes an a nice metal box just like the Neumann.

I had a Shure employee/drummer in my studio a couple of years ago and he had a complete set of 32's for his drums. Sounded real nice. A little hard to position though - the weight of those mics required some extra care with the mic stands.

Interesting comments though. I've been really happy with my 32 - no complaints at all about flatness or lack thereof. It seems to work well on most of the vocalists that come through here. For rappers, I was favoring my C1. For females, I tend to use my 414. For sibilant screechy types, the Fathead or the TLM103 works well. And I've done plenty of sessions with a plain ol SM57.

If I can find the time - I'll post a few vocal samples from some recent sessions. We positioned a Fathead and a TLM103 next to each other and recorded a bunch of vocal tracks for a album project. The singer and I both preferred the Fathead.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (stratton)

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:21:12 GMT

The 44 looks interesting. It comes with the shockmount, which my 103 did not.

BTW, my main vocal mic is a Neumann U67 and I freaking love it. Always delivers at least a really good sound, and with some singers it's perfect.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (bitflipper)

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 19:01:02 GMT

Well, I guess what Im saying is that, to me, the KSM is almost too flat. I actually really like the ksm on instruments-guitar, dobro, but I don't like it on vocals.

This has been a complaint about the KSM32 for years - great for acoustic instruments but not "sparkly" enough for vocals. According to Shure, that's specifically why they developed the KSM44, to answer that criticism. The 44 is similar to the 32, but is brighter, adds a two-position highpass filter and is even quieter than the famously-quiet KSM32. $800 and it comes an a nice metal box just like the Neumann.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (koikane)

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:23:16 GMT

I have both mics and if I was going to say one or the other was better I would say the 103, nice warmth although is hardley my go to mic. The AKG 414 is the best vox mic in my opinion, many more options than either mic and does the job flawlessly every time. My go to set up is a UA LA-610 and the 414. If you want the neumann sound go with the U87 which is ultimately the best mic for the money, may be overpriced but will never let you down.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (ohhey)

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:57:52 GMT

ORIGINAL: mikedocy

........
Get the KSM44 for female vocals plus it has 3 patterns. The TLM103 does not sound like a U87. KSM44 sounds more like the U87 and makes a great AC guitar mic too.

The good news is it doen't sound exactly like a U87, it's much better for digital recording. The U87 was perfect back in the analog tape days because it added that sizzle you needed to not sound dull. Neuman needs to do a rev on that thing to update it for digital recording.. it's just too harsh. It has been updated several times already from the a and ai versions they need a new version of the 87 just for digital. But yeah.. the Shure KSM-44 is the known good thing right now.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (bmdaustin)

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:54:56 GMT

+1 on the Mojave. A friend of mine does a lot of vocal recording and his stuff always sounds great. Previously he used a Rode NTV and an AKG 414 before that.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (mikedocy)

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:49:47 GMT

ORIGINAL: DigiBiu

Well, I guess what Im saying is that, to me, the KSM is almost too flat. I actually really like the ksm on instruments-guitar, dobro, but I don't like it on vocals. I don't record my voice, its other people. Mostly female voices. I am doing a pretty heavy metal band right now, and it actually sounds alright on his voice, but its low and powerful. I mainly am looking for a vocal mic to record female vocals. I used a Neumann u87 about a year ago in the university studio, helping a friend record, and I loved the sound it gave the female vocal. I brought my ksm along in case, and didn't really like the sound as much as the u87, which the 103 is supposed to be very similiar to. So, I guess what I should be asking is, Which mic do you recommend for female vocals?

Get the KSM44 for female vocals plus it has 3 patterns. The TLM103 does not sound like a U87. KSM44 sounds more like the U87 and makes a great AC guitar mic too.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (j boy)

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:34:52 GMT

ORIGINAL: DigiBiu

Well, I guess what Im saying is that, to me, the KSM is almost too flat. I actually really like the ksm on instruments-guitar, dobro, but I don't like it on vocals.

Are you sure it's not the preamp, that's not floating your boat?

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (ohhey)

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:23:19 GMT

ORIGINAL: DigiBiu

Ive had the Shure Ksm32 as my vocal mic for 3 years now, never been really impressed with it. Good mic, but nothing special, IMO. Ive been looking at this Neumann TLM103 and thinking about getting one. Would I notice a difference? Do any of you guys have both? Suggestions?

I would suggest the Shure KSM 44, the best new mic to come along in years and great for digital recording. Save up or try to find a 44 used.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (stratton)

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:07:04 GMT

Guaranteed you'd hear a difference, but would it be a difference you'd like?

Like so many other audio tools, the results depend on the source.

The TLM-103 would sound great on your voice if you have a big, rich baritone. If your voice a little airy, I wouldn't recommend it as the presence peak of the mic will exaggerate that airiness, resulting in a vocal sound that is more sizzle than steak.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (IzovAge)

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:53:11 GMT

ORIGINAL: DigiBiu

Larry, have you ever used or heard the Mojave mic mentioned above? Im liking what Im reading about it

According to a pretty fanatical mic guy over at another forum it's pretty similar but not exactly like a U67.

IMO, he's a pretty reliable source for mics.

RE: Shure Ksm 32 vs Neumann TLM103 (DigiBiu)

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:39:10 GMT

Larry, have you ever used or heard the Mojave mic mentioned above? Im liking what Im reading about it