Neumann tlm103 VS gefell UM70

[ddanyboy]

how is the at4060 compared to those?

[C/G]

I had both and ditched the TLM 103. Sounds like broken glass to me. I love my Gefells. I have the MV692 with the UM70 capsules. The capsules are expensive. Around $1125 Canadian new ( they still make them). The MV692 amplifier is still available new for about $650 Canadain. Used dont pay more than $450 for an MV692 with sd nickle capsule. About $700 -$800with a UM70 capsule is a good price if it is not abused. Since it is a pvc capsule, make sure it is good shape before you buy it since they are expensive to replace. Some have been converted to phantom power but make sure it was done professionally or by Gefell themselves. They do it for aboput $125 US if you send C-Tek the mic. I use them on everything. The ones that run off a power supply use a 7-pin cable which is a bitch to find and they are expensive new, but you can still get em. Check German ebay, always a lot of Gefell there cheap, but don't tell anyone.

Edit: the 691 should go a bit cheaper than the MV692 because it does not have the roll off and 10db pad.

[zarembo]

have not used the MG before, so...

Most folks around here slag the 103 pretty heavy but I must say I use a pair often with great results.

Maybe not the best on everything and no there's no pad or rolloff but
good source+tlm103+api/neve/focusrite/etc+vari-mu/fatso/el8=no broken glass

FWIW

good luck!

[ddanyboy]

thanks for your answers. how much should i pay for a 691 with um70 (48V)

[C/G]

If it is the one you mentioned for around $600 and the capsule is in good shape, I say go for it. Aske the seller about the condition of the capsule, it is the most expensive part about that microphone and really expensive to replace if it is toast. Gefell are the only ones making and selling the M7 capsule.

[heyman]

I will second Arembo's remarks. If you can find a good deal on the 103, go for it..

Try one out and let your ears be the judge...

[ddanyboy]

and the at4060?

[Chris Parsons]

The TLM103 is my favorite tom mic. The problem is that my 512c's are my favorite tom preamp so unless it's a light folk or jazz date I can kiss that combo goodbye!...time to get some pads I know...

I also dig the 103 as a room mic. Since it has a "scooped midrange" sound to it you can bring it up in the mix without it takeing up too much space.

However, for the $$$ there are many mics I'd get before the tlm103.

-Chris

[Bishbashbosh]

Originally Posted by Chris Parsons

The TLM103 is my favorite tom mic.

thumbsup Yep.... I'm with you on that!! Best (only!?) use for the 103...

Also love my 414's on toms (pad + filter!!)

[Trademarkh]

The geffel has less bass and more mids than the tlm 103. Also the midrange is very nice, precise and refined would be the way I perceive it. Quite a natural sound. The tlm has great bass sensitivity and is a also a good mic but can be a bit bright on some sources.
Of the 2 I think the Geffel is a better mic but costs more.
I've got both and I am keeping them.

[zarembo]

Originally Posted by Trademarkh

I've got both and I am keeping them.

Now that's the kind of sluttiness we can get behind

[eso]

Originally Posted by Trademarkh

The geffel has less bass and more mids than the tlm 103. Also the midrange is very nice, precise and refined would be the way I perceive it. Quite a natural sound. The tlm has great bass sensitivity and is a also a good mic but can be a bit bright on some sources.
Of the 2 I think the Geffel is a better mic but costs more.
I've got both and I am keeping them.

True, but the artificially high second-hand value of most Neumann mics (including this one) means that you can pick up a 2nd hand Gefell UM70 for less than a 2nd-hand TLM103 if you shop around...

[RCM - Ronan]

I think the MG and the 4060 will both smoke the 103. I am a huge fan of the UM70S, but lately I have been constantly blown away by the 4060.

To me the TLM 103 is the real dud of the Neuman line.

[ddanyboy]

thanks guys. hmm, this is hard. since its mostly for acc guitar and voices (probably mostly manly) i think the um70 will fit me best. but more opinions is apriciated. just one person about the UT4060? please also click the link. about modifikation of a solidtube..

[ringo.fire]

I have most of the common Gefell capsules, and IMO they are way better than the cheaper Neumanns. Even if the capsules are not in good shape you can send them to gefell and they do service it.

[goldphinga]

whats with the 103 bashing? seems like its a fashionable thing to diss it of late and i don't understand why. I think its a great mic and have no complaints from anyone about its sound.

I certainly wouldn't say it was the dud of the neumann range.I've used the 103 on all my commercial releases recently and have only had positive comments about the vocal sound. I've also used the 103 on piano and congas and trumpet with great results. It pairs nicely with my amek cib.

[Trademarkh]

"I think its a great mic and have no complaints from anyone about its sound."

Same here.
The only thing I can think of is that maybe the qualitiy changed a bit with time and that the later units are not as good but that 's very unlikely.





"To me the TLM 103 is the real dud of the Neuman line."

That's not been my experience. If anything, I was more dissapointed by the M147 when I tested it. (male vocals)
I mean it's good but for the money it's not great.

[heyman]

Yes, you will get a lot of people slagging the Neumann mics, esp the tlm 103...

Again, it is good to get feedback, but what is good for one person may not be good for another..

Find a place that will let you try out a number of mics for a 1-2 weeks period. Then return the one(s) you dont want....

Use your ears..

[Fredrik]

I have had great results from a TLM 103 > Avalon M5 combo. thumbsup

[ddanyboy]

trust me, i would listen to them if i had a chance, but i havent.. What do you think of soundelux U195? 899$ is that a good price for a new one?

[zarembo]

Originally Posted by ddanyboy

trust me, i would listen to them if i had a chance, but i havent.. What do you think of soundelux U195? 899$ is that a good price for a new one?

yes, it is.
however do some searches and see what people say about the presence/highs on this mic to see if its what you want
I know this is just what you want to hear.

[RCM - Ronan]

Originally Posted by goldphinga

whats with the 103 bashing? seems like its a fashionable thing to diss it of late and i don't understand why. I think its a great mic and have no complaints from anyone about its sound.

Its not a bad mic. I would certainlly take it over a Rode, or MXL etc, but almost every time I have put one up in a shoot out it has lost. I think in the same price point or lower there are much better mics by Shure, Audio Technica, Geffel...

[C/G]

Any of the three mics you are looking at, the Gefell and the Soundelux primarily, would be very easy to sell at the price you paid if you are unhappy with them. There are used U195's on the Slutz classifieds all the time. The only item you might take a hit on if you don't like it would be the TLM103. There are tons on ebay all the time and they come up used here too quite often. Buy used and save some cash, but you don't have the option of returning or exchanging if you don't like it.