Neumann TLM-103 vs AKG-414

[BobSacamano]

Okay these mics are virtually the same price, and you see them in LOTS of studios, which one would you choose?

 

[Hart]

I'd choose the one that best fit my voice. Which one is that? Well I'd have to try them both to find out. Bob, I'm not being a smartass here, or at least I'm trying hard not to be one. That's the best answer there is.

 

[Emmett1057]

The Neumann will generally perform better for spoken-word. I don't care for the AKG at all. The Neumann is much more "lively". The 414 is a very dead, almost boring sounding mic.

Emmett

 

[VODood]

I've had both. I personally prefer the TLM103. More "up front" in the mix. The 414 is tough to EQ.. at least for me.

My next big mic purchase is the Soundelux U195 (retail $1095).

Two VO's I deal with use Soundelux, the E251 and the U195. Great sounding mics. Obviously the E251 (tube) is way too expensive. But the U195 has the expensive sound without crushing the budget.

 

[voiceguy]

I've used the 414, and I hate that thing.

Just hate it. It's hard to eq...to me, it just sounds like mud. The TLM-103 has a bright sound, with that nice warm low-end that you're looking for, especially for spoken word...it's fabulous for long-form narration, and it's forgiving enough in its pickup pattern, that you can move around a bit while "acting," and still sound great on the mic.

I'm using the Sennheiser 416 Shotgun most of the time, but when I have a commercial voiceover that requires a bit more finesse, I reach for a large-cap mic.

I actually have been farting around with an APEX 460 Tube mic, modified with a different type of tube...and it actually has a great sound.

A bit of sizzle in the highs...but nothing SO aggrivating that I want to throw it out the window.

I just ordered an Audio Technica 4050. I've always wanted one, and I used to know a guy that used it exclusively and loved it. It sounds good on voiceover...a little bump in the mids gives it a nice vocal presence.

I'm looking forward to its arrival...I'll post a bunch of comparisons soon.

I've got a new Preamp on the way too...the True P2-Analog.

Once it's in, I'll plug everything in, leave all the compression out, and see how they sing.

Peace,

Mike Bratton
Voice Guy

 

[VODood]

Millenia Media STT1 mic pre?

Anyone know anything about the Millenia Media STT1 mic pre?

It appears to be a rockin' box.

http://www.boyntonproaudio.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=722

 

[VODood]

I've used the 414, and I hate that thing.

Just hate it. It's hard to eq...to me, it just sounds like mud. The TLM-103 has a bright sound, with that nice warm low-end that you're looking for, especially for spoken word...it's fabulous for long-form narration, and it's forgiving enough in its pickup pattern, that you can move around a bit while "acting," and still sound great on the mic.

I'm using the Sennheiser 416 Shotgun most of the time, but when I have a commercial voiceover that requires a bit more finesse, I reach for a large-cap mic.

I actually have been farting around with an APEX 460 Tube mic, modified with a different type of tube...and it actually has a great sound.

A bit of sizzle in the highs...but nothing SO aggrivating that I want to throw it out the window.

I just ordered an Audio Technica 4050. I've always wanted one, and I used to know a guy that used it exclusively and loved it. It sounds good on voiceover...a little bump in the mids gives it a nice vocal presence.

I'm looking forward to its arrival...I'll post a bunch of comparisons soon.

I've got a new Preamp on the way too...the True P2-Analog.

Once it's in, I'll plug everything in, leave all the compression out, and see how they sing.

Peace,

Mike Bratton
Voice Guy

I got the 414 U-BLS for VO b/c I recalled using it at another station...WMJI/Cleveland... in prod and on air. We had 414's throughout the entire station. Only one RE-20! This was mid 90s when the 414 was over $1200. Station had top notch gear. Anyway...on air mics sounded SWEET running to 528s. Of course they also went through the on air processsing - old Orban CRL Milleniums. It would scare me everytime I opened the mic. BIG SOUND.

WMJI still uses the 414's on air. One of the best sounding stations in the market...from an audio aspect.
We ran 414's to Valleys and UREI 1176's in the prod studios. Sounded great.

So... years later when I could buy my own 414 I did. Sold my TLM103 to get it. More patterns...days of old...etc. I couldn't get it EQ'd to save my life.

Needless to say... I should've kept the TLM103. Great mic. Especially for the price. In 2002 I bought it - at Guitar Center - for $650! Brand new! Added the spider mount for another $160. Still costs less then to buy a TLM103 today new.

 

[Emmett1057]

The 414 sounds exceptionally good with no EQ when placed at 12-18 inches away. Of course, you need a really good booth with absolutely no leakage or reflections to take advantage. The 414 also has LOTS of proximity effect, so it's good if you really want to "work the mic". It has it's merits, but the TLM103 is really hard to beat at any price...The fact that you can pick one up for around a grand makes it that much more attractive.

Emmett

 

[voiceguy]

To VoDood...

I LOVE the Soundelux mics. I had the pleasure of speaking on one at a session about a year ago...the engineer was A/B testing it with his usual U-87.

He would blend the signal back and forth for my headphone mix, so as not to disturb the guys out in the room.

The directors and writers don't give a good gosh-darn what you're talking into in the booth...it was just a nice little "geek-fest" moment for me and the engineer.

I don't think I was on the U195 thought...I seem to recall it being the E251C, but it might've been the 195...who knows, and really who cares...it sounded HUGE...and my voice isn't...normally.

They're really close in sound to alot of vintage gear, including the Telefunkens of yore...I talked on a vintage Telefunken once...there's a studio here in Chicago that has not one, but two of them...don't remember the model numbers, but they were from back in the Nazi Germany era...kinda freaky to see little swastika emblems on the mics...but while they were creepy to look at, they sounded amazing...

And I'm sure they were priceless...