The Legendary Neumann condenser with that “67 Sound”? The TLM-67 Set.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Experienced or novice, I don’t have to tell you that there are a lot of professional microphones out there. Many incredible mics have passed through the sound absorbing doors of Studio1A over the years.

There is an ever increasing lot of USB mics, dynamics for the field, small electrets and shotguns for video …even re-releases of classic velocity microphones.

Neumann is a name that brings to mind quality, consistency and history. The Neumann logo has faced almost every major singer and voice actor that would visit a sound studio. If we condense the vast and various lines of microphones offered by Neumann down to a few of the current studio voice workhorses, we are left with models like the U87, the TLM-103 and the TLM-49. The BCM 104 and BCM 705 are tailored for broadcast and the brilliant KMS-150, used on stage by one of my favorite singers. These are all World Class microphones and just a sampling of the current lineup.

If we look at, not just the hits, but a few of the time-honored Neumanns of yesteryear, models like the U47/U48, the KM series and the U67. Finally the TLM-170 come into focus. Condensed even further, I would pick the U47, U67 and U87 as my own favorites for voice. Of course, there are many others depending on how old you are and what field you work in. Georg Neumann and his company is steeped in rich History, which is beyond the scope of this cast, but only a search away.

To over simplify things, and focus on current mics, keep in mind that the Neumann TLM models are “TransformerLess Microphones”. Perhaps, one of the most famous Neumann mics of present day is the U87, based on current transistor technology, replacing tube circuitry. If you prefer tube excitation, the current “M” models remain quite popular today.

In going forward, we must rewind, just a bit from the current day U87 (several different U87 models were produced) to its older brother, the U67. The U67 was actually an “improved” model of the (now highly sought after) U47.

If I could characterize and compress (pun intended) decades of History and dozens of models, I would say that the U47 and U67 had a “sound”. They had a unique sonic signature that was, and is, sought after. Some say the U67 softened the U47?

Fast forward to 2008. The U87 remains the “do it all” studio microphone.
…a highly respected centerpiece for almost any studio
Just a few of the duties the U87 can perform include spoken word announcing, micing instruments, along with radio/television/film voiceovers. The U87 is a favorite for many singers.

Throughout all of this, I had used many, but owned few Neumanns. Of course, with quality and precision comes a price.

When first hearing about the TLM-67, I was absolutely floored. I fell in love with the U47, but it can be difficult to find, and much harder to find without taking out a substantial loan.

Even though I’ve used vintage U47’s, the U67 is a model I have not.

When the TLM-67 became available, it wasn’t long before one was on the way to Studio1A. The white, double boxed TLM-67 Set, with a large Neumann logo and hand written serial number told the story. Something special was inside. A shock mount, a very nice foam filter, Neutrik connected cable and a beautiful rosewood colored wooden box make up the set.

The nickel colored body of the mic carries the famous red Neumann logo. Just above, commemorating 80 years, is the coin-sized bust of Georg Neumann, with simple lettering that reads “Neumann.Berlin, Since 1928″.

The TLM-67 is not a copy of the U67. Features include a pre-attenuator, along with multiple pickup patterns, both switch selectable.

For me, the TLM-67 offers sound that I have never heard articulated in the voice, with exceptional range and clarity. I won’t pretend to offer an explanation of the sound. It is simply captivating.

If you create voice work, in a reasonably quiet environment (and use a quality pre-amp), the TLM-67 has no equal. That is just my opinion. I was pleasantly surprised with the amazing detail and clarity, while not being overly sensitive. I didn’t need an iso-booth to work the TLM-67. The pre-attenuator is very handy.

The question remains. Why use a TLM-67 on a Podcast? I’m not sure if Podcasting is the foremost application for the TLM-67. I do see the TLM-67 as king of the spoken word. Perhaps you are a voice talent, a studio owner or want to capture every detail of an acoustic guitar.

Podcasting? Why not? I do like compression and we also use the MP3 format at a relatively standard low bitrate (to keep file sizes reasonable). Even so, I find the sound of the TLM-67 sneaks through. It just sounds “right” to me.

In the end, it’s always a balance of application, budget and personal preferences. Podcasting, studio vocals, dialogue replacement, voiceovers, or helping capture the nuance of an orchestral instrument. …perhaps the TLM-67 is also a chameleon?

For a Neumann of this caliber, I was actually surprised at the accommodating price. The TLM-67 embodies a unique character, based on a classic but with a sound of its own, that is nothing short of magic.

Street Price at Publish Time: $2299.00

Best,
MarkJensen and Laura

Filed under: PodCasts