Neumann tlm 102 or AT 4047 anyone?

[eeoo]

I'm thinking of purchasing a new mic and these two are high on my list. Anyone have any experience with either one? This will be primarily a vocal mic although if it's good for other sources it will get used. Mostly going through a UA 710 pre.

Thanks!

eo

[rnrmachine]

Hey eo,

I have heard a number of different vocal takes from you and I think the Neumann would suit you VERY very well. It should add the right character to your voice over the AT which would be a little brighter. IF memory serves me correct... I am hoping I am not thinking of a different AT 4000 series.

Anyway.. even if I am wrong about the 4057, that 102 will sound good for you and your style imho. IF you wanted something a bit brighter over the 102 I would tell you to go for the AKG C414 over the AT. It has a nice smooth silky sheen to it that would be great for you as well.

So out of the 2 you mentioned the 102 hands down, BUT I can hear your voice, in my head, through a C414 and it would sound great!!! IF the C414 is too much $$$ look at the C214... it's the same mic but... quote from site

The new C 214 is designed as a cost-effective alternative to the high-end, industry-leading C 414 family. It captures sound combining one side of the legendary C 414 dual-capsule system and AKG’s patented Back-Plate Technology which results in an outstanding performance close to the famous C 414 B-XLS

Not sure IF the AT would be better than the 214 but I seriously think the C414 would be worth buying for you. The C414 XL II is meant specifically for recording solo vocals and instruments... the other C414 is more of a "all around mic"

Good Luck!!!

EDIT: Traditionally Neumann is darker and AKG is brighter BUT the AKG in smooth silky way AND it still has good low end if ya need it. Just not as good as the Neumann for that deeper rich tone. But your voice don't have that real deep "country low" voice going on. The AT 4057 is more along the lines of the AKG C414... IF I am thinking of the same mic. I am sure I am but not 100% sure.

EDIT2: sorry lol... I know a guy that would probably let you test both in your own home and beat any price out there. http://proaudiotoys.com/ OH SNAP a special on Tele mics... haha... NOOOO I am SO broke /cry

He's a great guy... Greg is his name.

[eeoo]

Thanks for the input Rob, points taken!

eo

[Len911]

Interesting. I had a Neumann TLM 193, neumann M149,AKG 414 XLII, and now I have a Telefunken.

Personally I would choose the Neumann. For tubes, telefunken.

[rnrmachine]

Interesting. I had a Neumann TLM 193, neumann M149,AKG 414 XLII, and now I have a Telefunken.

Personally I would choose the Neumann. For tubes, telefunken.

OOh did you like the M149? I haven't had a chance to test drive that yet...

[Len911]

Interesting. I had a Neumann TLM 193, neumann M149,AKG 414 XLII, and now I have a Telefunken.

Personally I would choose the Neumann. For tubes, telefunken.

OOh did you like the M149? I haven't had a chance to test drive that yet...

Yes I loved the M149. I bought it used for about $3,000. I think people thought they weren't "tube" sounding enough, though in a way that is what makes them nice imo. I don't think it was worth the $5000 or so they are retailing for though.

[Kolstad]

I don't know, but I've been looking at the Neumann tlm 103 lately. What's the difference between the 102 and the 103? What made you consider the 102, E?

Only thing I can say is that you often sing in the high register (falsetto), E, so the Neumann's sounds like a logical choice for you, as they are famous for a smooth ("industry standard") high end.

I thought the AT reportedly was darker, and that the character of the Neumann's are more accurately described as "warm", "rich" and "smooth" (all the nice +words ) than "dark" but again, I have no first hand experience, so I'm not advicing just joining the inquiry..

[Len911]

I don't know, but I've been looking at the Neumann tlm 103 lately. What's the difference between the 102 and the 103? What made you consider the 102, E?

Only thing I can say is that you often sing in the high register (falsetto), E, so the Neumann's sounds like a logical choice for you, as they are famous for a smooth ("industry standard") high end.

I thought the AT reportedly was darker, and that the character of the Neumann's are more accurately described as "warm", "rich" and "smooth" (all the nice +words ) than "dark" but again, I have no first hand experience, so I'm not advicing just joining the inquiry..

The 103 is a cardioid u87. The 102 is a new design. Comparisons from the frequency graphs:
102= flat to 6khz +2db@7khz +4db@8-10khz
103= flat to 3khz +2db@5khz-15khz

My interpretation is that the 103 has more of a presence boost, but the 102 would be silkier overall on vocals. The 4db boost@8-10khz should add a little sparkle or sheen. The 3-5khz range on the 103 might not be as flattering on some vocals, but it would punch through a mix more. Conversely the 414 xlii I had had a +4db boost @ 5-7khz, and had a slight unnatural or plastic feel there. The Neumann tlm 193 was flat to 2khz, then actually had a -2db drop from 3-6khz. It gave it a "darker" sound, smooth, but with a negative presence made it difficult to hear your voice @ some frequencies. The AT 4047 is flat to 1khz and then has a bump @ 1.5khz, ouch,lol, that is not a flattering frequency, a lot of non-linear ups from 2-6khz. I looked up the u87 cardioid. It is flat to 5khz. +2db@7khz-10khz. A little different than the 103 which claims to be a cardioid version of the u87, though not as present as the 103 and probably smoother. The 102 seems to be a smart choice.

[manninghollow]

Het Ethan! I've been lusting for a 4047 for a long time for use with female vocals. If you go to the AT website they have samples of vocals recorded with their various mikes. The 4047 stands alone to my ears. The 102 is an entry level Neumann but it sounds pretty darn good and reviewers give it high marks. Hard choice, but I would bet they both would be great for your stuff.

[eeoo]

Thanks so much for all the great info and input guys! I found a pretty ridiculous deal on ebay for a 4047 so I went for it, I'll give an update after I've used it some. I have a fairly bright vocal mic (Rode NTK) so I'm hoping the 4047 will be something different, especially for female vox, I'm recording someone right now whose voice doesn't get along with the Rode.

Thanks again!

eo