NEUMANN TLM102 Studio Condenser Microphone Instruction Manual

NEUMANN TLM102 Studio Condenser Microphone

Safety Instructions

1. Connect the microphone only to microphone inputs and devices that supply 48 V of phantom power by IEC 61938.
2. Repairs and servicing should only be carried out by experienced, authorized service personnel. Unauthorized opening or modification of the equipment will void the warranty.
3. Use the equipment only under the conditions specified in the Technical data section.
4. Allow the equipment to adjust to the ambient temperature before switching it on.

Short Description

The Neumann TLM 102 microphone is designed for professional audio recording and offers excellent sound quality and performance. It features a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response range of X Hz to Y kHz, making it suitable for various recording applications.

Package Contents

• TLM 102 Microphone
• MNV 87 Microphone Suspension
• DS 120 Mechanical Adapter
• WS 2 Foam Windscreen
• PS 15 Pop Filter
• IC 3 and IC 4 Connection Cables
• AC 25 Power Cable

Installation

1. Place the TLM 102 microphone on a stable surface or attach it to a microphone stand using the MNV 87 microphone suspension and DS 120 mechanical adapter.
2. Connect the microphone to a compatible audio interface or mixer using the IC 3 or IC 4 connection cable.
3. Connect the AC 25 power cable to the microphone and the power source.

Usage Instructions

1. Position the microphone so that the Neumann logo is facing the desired sound source.
2. Before turning on the phantom power, make sure to disconnect any cables connected to the microphone.
3. Adjust the microphone’s position and angle as needed to capture the desired sound.
4. When finished, turn off the phantom power and disconnect the microphone from the audio interface or mixer.

FAQ

• Q: Where can I find additional information and accessories for the Neumann TLM 102?
• A: Additional information and accessories can be found on the Neumann website at https://www.neumann.com.
• Q: Can I use the TLM 102 with other microphone inputs?
• A: The TLM 102 should only be connected to microphone inputs and devices that supply 48 V of phantom power under IEC 61938.
• Q: How should I store and transport the TLM 102?
• A: It is recommended to store the TLM 102 in a protective case when not in use and to handle it with care during transportation.

Introduction

This manual contains essential information for the operation and care of the product you have purchased. Please read the instructions carefully and completely before using the equipment. Please keep this manual where it will be accessible at all times to all current and future users.
Additional information, in particular concerning available accessories and Neumann service partners, can always be found on our website: www.neumann.com. Information about service partners can also be obtained by telephone: +49 (0) 30 / 41 77 24 – 0.
The following related fi les are available in PDF format in the Downloads section of our website www.neumann.com:

• Operation with Unbalanced or Center Tap Grounded Inputs
• Some Remarks on Microphone Maintenance The Neumann online forum on our website enables Neumann users worldwide to share their experiences. Through its integrated archive function, the forum has developed into an extensive knowledge pool.

Safety instructions

• The microphone has the intended purpose of converting acoustic signals into electrical signals.
• Connect the microphone only to microphone inputs and devices that supply 48 V of phantom power under IEC 61938.
• Repairs and servicing are to be carried out only by experienced, authorized service personnel.
• Unauthorized opening or modification of the equipment shall void the warranty.
• Use the equipment only under the conditions specified in the “Technical data” section.
• Allow the equipment to adjust to the ambient temperature before switching it on.
• Do not operate the equipment if it has been damaged during transport.
• Always run cables in such a way that there is no risk of tripping over them.
• Unless required for operation, ensure that liquids and electrically conductive objects are kept at a safe distance from the equipment and its connections.
• Do not use solvents or aggressive cleansers for cleaning purposes.
• Dispose of the equipment under the regulations applicable to the respective country.

Brief description

• The TLM 102 is a condenser studio microphone with transformerless (TLM) circuit technology and a cardioid directional characteristic.
• The transformerless design of the TLM 102 permits exceptionally clean sound transmission with no colouration, as well as a maximum dynamic range with low self-noise.
• The microphone houses a large diaphragm capsule.
• It has a linear frequency response up to approximately 6 kHz, above which there is a broad, flat presence boost.

Scope of delivery
TLM 102 (bk):

• TLM 102 (bk) microphone
• SG 2 stand mount
• Operating manual
• Wooden box

TLM 102 (bk) Studio set

• TLM 102 (bk), microphone
• EA 4 elastic suspension
• Operating manual bk = black

Setup
Mounting the microphone

• Attach the microphone to a stable, sturdy stand.
• Use an elastic suspension, if necessary, for the mechanical suppression of structure-borne noise.
• For this purpose set the microphone into the inner cage from above, and secure it to the inner cage with the threaded nut.
• If required, use a windscreen or popscreen from our range of accessories to suppress wind or pop noise.

Connecting the microphone

Caution: An incorrect supply voltage can damage the microphone!
Attach the microphone only to a power supply unit, a microphone preamplifier, a mixing console or other equipment that has phantom power with 48 V (P48), under IEC 61938. Any P48 power supply equipment can be used which supplies at least 3.5 mA per channel.

Caution: Very loud noise can damage loudspeakers or your hearing!

• Minimize the volume of connected playback and recording equipment before connecting the microphone.
• Using a suitable cable, connect the microphone to the microphone input of the audio equipment to be used for subsequent processing, or to the designated P48 power supply equipment. Information concerning connector assignments can be found in the “Technical data” section.
• Cable lengths of up to approximately 300 m between the microphone and the subsequent amplifier input do not affect the frequency response of the microphone.
• When connecting the cables, ensure that the connectors are locked correctly. Run the cables in such a way that there is no risk of tripping over them. Address the microphone from the side on which the Neumann logo is located.
• Gradually increase the volume of the connected equipment
• Set the gain of the connected equipment so that no distortion occurs at the highest sound pressure level.

Suppressing noise interference
The frequency response of the TLM 102 extends below 20 Hz. The microphone is of course correspondingly sensitive to low-frequency interference such as structure-borne noise and wind or pop noise. Depending upon the situation, the use of an elastic suspension, a windscreen and/or a popscreen is therefore recommended.

Sound test
Simply speak into the microphone. Do not blow into the microphone or subject it to pop noise, since this can easily result in hazardous sound pressure levels.

Shutdown and storage

• Before switching off the microphone or disconnecting the cables, reduce the volume of connected equipment.
• Only then should the phantom power be switched off.
• Disconnect the cables.
• When disconnecting a cable, always pull only on the connector and not on the cable itself. Microphones that are not in use should not be allowed to remain on the stand gathering dust.
• A microphone that is unused for a prolonged period should be stored under normal atmospheric conditions and should be protected from dust. For this purpose, use a lint-free, air-permeable dust cover or the original packaging of the microphone.

Troubleshooting

channel settings
The power supply equipment is not connected to the power supply line or there is no battery| Check the connection to the power supply line or check the battery of the power supply equipment
No signal transmission| The microphone is not connected to the correct microphone amplifier input of the subsequent equipment| Check the signal path
If necessary, activate the appropriate input on the corresponding channel of the mixing console
Distorted sound| Incorrect input sensitivity or gain setting of subsequent amplifier| Decrease the input sensitivity or gain of the subsequent amplifier to provide sufficient headroom
Wind effects| Use an appropriate windscreen (accessory)
Plosives| Use an appropriate pop screen (accessory)
Transmission of structure-borne noise| Use a suitable elastic suspension (accessory)
Sound is muffled and reverberant| Incorrect directional characteristic| Check to ensure that the microphone is being addressed from the correct side, as designated by the Neumann logo.

Technical data and connector assignments

Permissible atmospheric conditions1)

• Operating temperature range ………..0 °C to +70 °C
• Storage temperature range ………..–20 °C to +70 °C
• Humidity range …………………0 % to 90 % at +20 °C 0 % … 85 % at +60 °C
• Acoustical op. principle ………….Pressure gradient transducer

Directional

• pattern ……………………………………………….Cardioid/
• Frequency range ………………………. 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Sensitivity2) ………………………………………. 11 mV/Pa
• Rated impedance ………………………………… 50 ohms
• Rated load impedance ……………………. 1000 ohms

Signal-to-noise ratio),

• CCIR4) ………………………………………………………73 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio),
• A-weighted4) …………………………………………….82 dB

Equivalent noise level,

• CCIR4) ………………………………………………………21 dB Equivalent noise level,
• A-weighted4) ………………………………………… 12 dB-A Max. SPL5)
• for THD < 0.5 % ……………………………………. 144 dB
• Max. output voltage for THD > 5 % …………… 13 dBu
• Power Supply ……………………………………………P486)
• Current consumption …………………………….. 3.5 mA
• Required connectors …………………………….. XLR 3 F
• Weight ……………………………………………………..210 g
• Dimensions ………………………………..Ø 52 x 116 mm

94 dBSPL equiv. to 1 Pa = 10 μbar 0 dB equiv. to 20 μPa

The microphone has a balanced, transformerless output. The 3-pin XLR connector has the following standard pin assignments:

• Pin 1: 0 V/Ground
• Pin 2: Modulation (+phase)
• Pin 3: Modulation (–phase)

1. All values are for non-condensing humidity.
   The values are valid for clean and well-looked-after microphones or microphone capsules, respectively. Any kind of pollution of capsules and membranes may restrict the said values.

2. at 1 kHz into 1 kohm rated load impedance.

3. re 94 dB SPL

4. according to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting according to CCIR 468-3, quasi-peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS

5. THD of the microphone amplifier at an input voltage equivalent to the capsule output at the specified SPL.

6. according to IEC 61938

*Selected Accessories (see photos in appendix)**

Elastic Suspensions

• EA 1 ……………………..ni ………………Cat. No. 008449
• EA 1 mt …………………blk …………….Cat. No. 008450

Auditorium Hanger

• MNV 87 ………………..ni ………………Cat. No. 006804
• MNV 87 mt ……………blk …………….Cat. No. 006806

Stand Mounts, Misc. Mechanical Adapters

• DS 120 …………………blk …………….Cat. No. 007343
• SG 2……………………..blk …………….Cat. No. 008636

Table and Floor Stands

• MF 4 …………………….blk …………….Cat. No. 007337

Foam Windscreens

• WS 2 …………………….blk …………….Cat. No. 008637

Popscreen

• PS 15 …………………..blk …………….Cat. No. 008472

Power Supply

• N 248 …………………..blk …………….Cat. No. 008537

Connecting Cables

• IC 3 mt ………………..blk …………….Cat. No. 006543
• IC 4 ………………………ni ………………Cat. No. 006547
• IC 4 mt …………………blk …………….Cat. No. 006557

Adapter Cables

• AC 25 ………………………………………Cat. No. 006600

Meaning of colour codes

• ni = nickel, blk = black, gry = grey

Detailed descriptions and additional articles can be found in our accessories catalog or at: www.neumann.com.

PARTS

• Frequenz- und Polardiagramme
• Frequency responses and polar patterns

Limitation of Liability
Georg Neumann GmbH shall not be liable for consequences of inappropriate use of the product not complying with the technical allowance in the user manual such as handling errors, mechanical spoiling, false voltage and using other than the recommended correspondence devices. Any liability of Georg Neumann GmbH for any damages including indirect, consequential, special, incidental and punitive damages based on the user’s non-compliance with the user manual or unreasonable utilization of the product is hereby excluded as to the extent permitted by law. This limitation of liability on damages does not apply to the liability under European product liability codes or for users in a state or country where such damages cannot be limited.

Declaration of Conformity
Georg Neumann GmbH hereby declares that this device conforms to the applicable CE standards and regulations.
® Neumann is a registered trademark of the Georg Neumann GmbH in certain countries.

CONTACT

• Subject to errors and technical changes
• Errors excepted, subject to changes
• Printed in Germany
• Publ. 09/15 535661/A01
• www.neumann.com.

References

• Neumann – the reference since 1928
• Manual-Hub.com – Free PDF manuals!

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