Neumann
Neumann TLM 50
Small-diaphragm condenser, omni: a pressure capsule set flush in a 56 mm sphere, as in the M 50, so it grows directional at high frequencies; transformerless; discontinued
Power Phantom P48, 48 V ± 4 V (IEC 61938).
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Omni
- Sensitivity
- −34 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 69%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 79%
- Self-noise
- 13 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 67%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 68%
- Max SPL
- 136 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 45%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 42%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
- Released
- 1990
vs 75 side-address condensers
More output than 62% of 75 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 99 side-address condensers
Quieter than 45% of 99 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 107 side-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 43% of 107 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the manual, p. 16.
Free field, IEC 60268-4, tolerance ± 2 dB ("measured in free-field conditions (IEC 60268-4), tolerance ±2 dB", printed under the graph). Distance not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the manual, p. 16.
Free field (as the response). Each curve is drawn on one side only (125 Hz to 1 kHz left, 2 to 16 kHz right); the pattern is taken as symmetric. Filter setting not stated.
In practice
All specs
| From the manual | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | −34 dBV/Pa (20 mV/Pa)1 kHz into 1 kohm rated load; ± 1 dB. Stated as 20 mV/Pa ± 1 dB; converted: 20·log10(0.020) = -34.0. | p. 3 |
| Self-noise | 13 dB(A)IEC 60268-1, A-weighting IEC 61672-1, RMS. "13 dB-A". | |
| Self-noiseCCIR 468 | 26 dBCCIR 468-3, quasi peak | |
| Max SPL | 136 dB SPLless than 0.5% THD; also 146 dB SPL, with preattenuation. "THD of microphone amplifier at an input voltage equivalent to the capsule output at the specified SPL." | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 81 dBre 94 dB SPL, A-weighted; also 68 dB, re 94 dB SPL, CCIR 468-3 | |
| Output impedance | 50 ohmrated impedance | |
| Rated load impedance | 1000 ohmrated load impedance | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHzThe manual (p. 2) adds: "The frequency response of the TLM 50 extends below 20 Hz." | |
| Powering | phantom P48, 48 V ± 4 V (IEC 61938) | |
| Current draw | 3 mA | |
| Low cut | off, on; 100 Hz"A switchable high-pass filter increases the lower cutoff frequency from 30 Hz to 100 Hz." The brochure (p. 3) calls the off position "LIN" (cutoff 30 Hz). Slope not stated. | p. 2 |
| Pad | −10 dB"The pre-attenuation switch reduces the microphone sensitivity by 10 dB". The brochure (p. 3): "The switch does not extend the dynamic range of the microphone amplifier, but shifts it upward by 10 dB." | |
| Connector | XLR-3 maleMatching connector XLR3F; pin 2 +phase, pin 3 -phase, pin 1 ground. Balanced, transformerless output. | p. 3 |
| Weight | 490 g | |
| Dimensions | 56 × 145 mm"Ø 56 mm x 145 mm": diameter × length. | |
| Supplied accessories | MNV 87 mt auditorium hanger; IC 4 mt microphone cable with stand mount; dust cover; wooden boxScope of delivery of the "TLM 50 Set". | p. 2 |
| Max. output voltage | 10 dBu | p. 3 |
| Address | Addressed primarily from the side with the Neumann logo | p. 2 |
| From the catalog | ||
| Capsule | small pressure capsule, 12 mm titanium diaphragm 5 µm thick, mounted flush in the surface of a plastic sphere; built as an "active capsule" with the impedance converter in its housing"The diaphragm of the pressure capsule is 12 mm in diameter and is only 5 µm thick ... made out of titanium" (p. 2); active capsule (p. 3); "plastic sphere" from the manual (p. 2). | p. 2 |
| Dynamic range | 123 dBmicrophone amplifier, A-weighted | p. 4 |
| Finish | black"TLM 50 Set ... blk". | p. 3 |
| Diaphragm | 12 mm, titanium, 5 µm thick, electroplated by Neumann | p. 2 |
| Padhow | Capsule polarising voltage reduced from 60 V to 23 V | p. 3 |
| Suspension | Can hang freely from its own cable with the MNV 87 mt hanger (e.g. from a concert-hall ceiling) | |
| Cat. No. | TLM 50 Set (black) 007135 | |
| Award | MIX magazine TEC Award, 1991 | p. 2 |
| UseNeumann | Classical recording; AB main pair; Decca tree with three mics; spot (solo) mic | p. 3 |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 1990 | |
Documents
- TLM 50 Operating Manual, 06/2010English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Italian
- Pressure Microphone TLM 50, Product Information, English, Publ. 01/08058155/A04
- TLM 50, neumann.com historical products
- Neumann TLM 50 | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents), unchanged, with their original addresses. Each is © its publisher.