Neumann TLM 102 - Cardioid or Figure 8?

hiddenmickey · #1 06-09-2021, 06:48 AM

I just bought my first large diaphragm condenser mic, a TLM 102. The specs say it is a cardioid mic, but it seems to be just as sensitive on the back as it is the front - like a figure 8. Is this normal?

rick-slo · #2 06-09-2021, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiddenmickey

I just bought my first large diaphragm condenser mic, a TLM 102. The specs say it is a cardioid mic, but it seems to be just as sensitive on the back as it is the front - like a figure 8. Is this normal?

It is a directional cardioid capsule of course but there are room boundary reflections.

hiddenmickey · #3 06-09-2021, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick-slo

It is a directional cardioid capsule of course but there are room boundary reflections.

I think it is because I'm too close to the mic. I'm used to eating an SM7B.

Rudy4 · #4 06-09-2021, 01:01 PM

Quote:

I think it is because I'm too close to the mic. I'm used to eating an SM7B.

You do want to be cautious about sending too much moisture( or excessive pressure from "plosives" from your breath on a rather expensive, and somewhat delicate, mic capsule.

hiddenmickey · #5 06-10-2021, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudy4

You do want to be cautious about sending too much moisture( or excessive pressure from "plosives" from your breath on a rather expensive, and somewhat delicate, mic capsule.

Good to know! I'm okay with a learning curve, until I break something...

KevWind · #6 06-10-2021, 07:07 AM

Quote:

I think it is because I'm too close to the mic. I'm used to eating an SM7B.

That could certainly be I tend to be no closer than 3-4 inches (with a pop screen) for soft intimate type vocal and sometimes 8- 14 inches (with out pop screen) like if I am also playing guitar. The beauty of a good condenser is you can still get some presence, even further away than you typically get with a dynamic

hiddenmickey · #7 06-10-2021, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevWind

That could certainly be I tend to be no closer than 3-4 inches (with a pop screen) for soft intimate type vocal and sometimes 8- 14 inches (with out pop screen) if I am also playing guitar. The beauty of a good condenser is you can still get some presence, even further away than you typically get with a dynamic

I am really liking the presence of the condenser. I get no presence with the SM7B.

KevWind · #8 06-10-2021, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiddenmickey

I am really liking the presence of the condenser. I get no presence with the SM7B.

In this Video I am about 8-10 inches out and 2 or so down from the diaphragm and no pop screen. Because I knew I would be using multiple vocals, I did not want the vocal to too present and hot (which can happen with if you are not carful with multiple vocal reenforcement .

hiddenmickey · #9 06-10-2021, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevWind

In this Video I am about 8-10 inches out and 2 or so down from the diaphragm and no pop screen. Because I knew I would be using multiple vocals, I did not want the vocal to too present and hot (which can happen with if you are not carful with multiple vocal reenforcement .

Very nice!