NEUMANN TLM 102 Studio Condenser Microphone Instruction Manual

NEUMANN TLM 102 Studio Condenser Microphone

Specifications

• Model: TLM 102
• Intended Purpose: Convert acoustic signals into electrical signals
• Phantom Power Requirement: 48V (according to IEC 61938)
• Impedance: 1 kOhm
• Sound Pressure Level: 94 dBSPL

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Instructions:

• Connect the microphone only to microphone inputs and devices supplying 48 V phantom power.
• Repairs and servicing should be done by authorized personnel.
• Do not operate the equipment if damaged during transport.

Setup:

• Position the microphone with the Neumann logo facing towards the sound source.
• Turn off phantom power before connecting or disconnecting cables.

Operating the Microphone:

• Activate the corresponding input on the mixer channel.
• Ensure proper microphone orientation to achieve desired polar pattern.

Care and Maintenance:

• Keep the microphone at ambient temperature before use.
• Store the microphone in a safe place when not in use.

FAQ

• Q: What should I do if the microphone is not functioning?
  • A: Check if the correct input is selected on the mixer channel and ensure proper connection.
• Q: Can I use the microphone with other devices that do not supply 48V phantom power?
  • A: It is recommended to use the microphone only with devices supplying the required phantom power to avoid damage.

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 files 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 in accordance with 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 in accordance with 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 coloration, 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 windscreenor popscreen from our range of accessories in order 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), in accordance with 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 assignment can be found in the “Technical data” section. Cable lengths of up to approximately 300 m between the microphone and the subsequent amplifier input have no effect on 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 which 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

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)

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 color codes: ni = nickel, blk = black, gry = grey

1. All values are for non-condensing humidity. The values are valid for clean and well-looked-aft er 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 acccording to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS
5. THD of microphone amplifi er at an input voltage equivalent to the capsule output at the specifi ed SPL.
6. according to IEC 61938

Frequency responses and polar patterns

measured in free-field conditions (IEC 60268-4)

Limitation of Liability

Georg Neumann GmbH shall not be liable for consequences of an inappropriate use of the product not being in compliance 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 is not applicable for the liability under European product liability codes or for users in a state or country where such damages cannot be limited.

References

• Neumann – the reference since 1928
• Профессиональная акустика — Активные акустические системы.

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