Neumann TLM 107 condenser microphone: features and spec-based rating

Neumann’s TLM 107 is a switchable-pattern condenser microphone with XLR connection.

A condenser microphone records small sounds in fine detail. It is often used to record singing and narration.

In this article we rate it on 5 criteria using only the specifications the manufacturer publishes, and show how it ranks among the 32 microphones we compare.

Disclosure: This site takes part in affiliate programs. Specifications are as of the date we checked them and can change.

Figure: SoundBounty

Summary

Among the 32 microphones, TLM 107 is rank B. The ranks run S, A, B and C, and B is third from the top. Averaging the scores for each criterion (out of 5) gives 3.2.

Strengths

• Quietness (10 dB(A), 4 points): The microphone itself makes little noise, so whispers and quiet songs record cleanly.
• Features (3 of 3, 5 points): You can adjust to the sound you are recording with switches on the body.

Things to keep in mind

• Sensitivity (11 mV/Pa, 2 points): Sensitivity is low, so you need to turn the gain knob on the audio interface up a lot.
• Lightness (445 g, 2 points): It is on the heavy side, so you need a sturdy microphone stand.

Who it suits: judging from the specifications, it suits people who want to record quiet voices and whispers cleanly; people who want to adjust the recording with switches on the body, such as the pad and low-cut.

Main features of TLM 107

Five pickup patterns, plus pad and low-cut on the body

You can choose from omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid and figure-of-eight. The pad is 0 / −6 / −12 dB and the low-cut is lin (flat) / 40 Hz / 100 Hz. Everything is set with a single control switch on the back.

Self-noise of 10 dB-A, maximum SPL of 141 dB

According to the official technical data, the equivalent noise level is 10 dB-A (A-weighted), the sensitivity is 11 mV/Pa and the maximum SPL is 141 dB (THD 0.5%). With the pad on it handles up to 147 dB (−6 dB) and 153 dB (−12 dB).

A model made for small studios

The official page presents it as a model made for project studios and home studios. A swivel mount SG 2 and a wooden box are included (the Studio Set comes with the shock mount EA 4).

Video: “The Neumann TLM 107 Microphone (HD-Video available)” (official Georg Neumann GmbH YouTube channel; narration in English) Watch on YouTube

Where it is useful

• Recording vocals when you want to change the pickup pattern and compare
• Recording a variety of instruments, such as guitar, piano and drums

Rating by criterion

Quietness: 4 / 5

How little of the small hiss the microphone itself makes (self-noise). The smaller the number, the quieter.

TLM 107: 10 dB(A). That is a high rating among the products we compared. The microphone itself makes little noise, so whispers and quiet songs record cleanly.

Sensitivity: 2 / 5

How large a signal the same voice produces (sensitivity). The bigger the number, the easier it is to get a good level from a quiet voice.

TLM 107: 11 mV/Pa. That is a modest rating among the products we compared. Sensitivity is low, so you need to turn the gain knob on the audio interface up a lot.

Handling of loud sound: 3 / 5

How loud a sound it can record without distortion (maximum SPL).

TLM 107: 141 dB. That is a standard rating among the products we compared.

Features: 5 / 5

How many of the pad (lowers loud sound), low-cut (reduces low noise) and pickup-pattern switch it has.

TLM 107: 3 of 3. That is a high rating among the products we compared. You can adjust to the sound you are recording with switches on the body.

Lightness: 2 / 5

The weight of the microphone. The lighter it is, the less load on the microphone stand.

TLM 107: 445 g. That is a modest rating among the products we compared. It is on the heavy side, so you need a sturdy microphone stand.

The gray marks in the figure below (the dotted line on the pentagon) show the average of the 32 products we compared. Price is not part of the score.

How we score (Microphones)

Criterion	Basis	5 pt	4 pt	3 pt	2 pt	1 pt
Quietness	Self-noise	≤7	≤12	≤16	≤20	>20
Sensitivity	Sensitivity	≥25	≥20	≥15	≥10	<10
Handling of loud sound	Maximum SPL (without the pad)	≥148	≥144	≥140	≥135	<135
Features	Pad, low-cut and pickup-pattern switch	All 3	2	1	—	None
Lightness	Weight	≤300	≤350	≤400	≤450	>450

Scored only on the body specifications published by the manufacturer. Price and accessories are not part of the score. Items that are not disclosed are not scored, and the rank is based on the average of the remaining items. Where a model publishes only the signal-to-noise ratio and not the self-noise, the self-noise is converted as "94 minus the signal-to-noise ratio".

TLM 107 connection and getting started

Connection	XLR (3-pin). Connect it to the microphone input of an audio interface or mixer (it cannot connect to a computer directly by USB)
Power	Phantom power (48 V ±4 V, 3.2 mA) is required
In the box	Swivel mount SG 2 and wooden box (the Studio Set comes with the shock mount EA 4) (an XLR cable is not included)

Checked on the manufacturer’s official pages on October 18, 2026.

Compared with other microphones

Click a heading to sort. On a phone, the table scrolls sideways.

Before you buy

• It needs phantom power (+48 V). This is an XLR condenser microphone, so connect it to an audio interface or mixer that can supply phantom power.
• Check what comes in the box. The manufacturer lists: Swivel mount SG 2 and wooden box (the Studio Set comes with the shock mount EA 4) (an XLR cable is not included). Anything not on that list (a shock mount, a pop filter, cables and so on) you need to prepare separately.
• It has a pad and low-cut switch. When loud sound would distort, or when you want to reduce low noise (such as an air conditioner), you can adjust it on the microphone itself.

Read next

• TLM 102: features and rating (rank B)
• AT4050: features and rating (rank B)
• C414 XLII: features and rating (rank S)
• C414 XLS: features and rating (rank S)