NeumannTLM-193 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

I was able to remove the grill and repair the dents. A Computer cable was included that was junk. I got the microphone and the box but not in the condition described in the add. The price was good but the condition was not. I will keep the microphone because it works well.

I am very impressed with the microphone. I have read its reputation of being a great microphone for voice over artists, and I can see why. The craftsmanship is very solid, and the sound pickup is very realistic, with a nice bass end. I recommend it.

The Neumann TLM-193 is a frequently overlooked professional microphone. Many people purchase either the most well-recognized (and pricey) Neumann mics, like the U-87Ai or M149 Tube OR they go straight to the lower priced TLM-103 (which is a very good mic in it's own right, despite costing about 1/3 of what a U-87Ai does) The TLM-193 has a slightly different sonic profile than the U-87 and TLM-103, which have a similar enhanced high end that can give you that "in your face" presence on vocals (and certain instruments).By contrast, the cardioid-only TLM 193 is frequently described as having a "darker" sound. This is not exactly the case. I would say this mic is more honest (and, perhaps, a little less flattering) than many high end large diaphragm condensers. It is very neutral. As such, it can really tame a harsh or sibilant vocalist. It truly shines on "bright" pianos, brass instruments and percussion. I find I use this mic more frequently than others. While any quality microphone will benefit from being connected to a high quality pre-amp, of all Neumann mics, the TLM193 will probably give recordists more "bang for the buck" when plugged into the stock mic pre's found on mixers from Presonus, Allen & Heath, Toft, and Mackie. Physically, the TLM-193 looks like a smaller version of the black finish U-87 - it's gorgeous and very well constructed. Being smaller, it may not receive the "wow factor" of other offerings from Neumann, Telefunken, Brauner or others - but it can be placed inside a grand piano or over a drum kit more easily. Unfortunately, it doesn't ship with a shock mount, so factor that recommended accessory along with your purchase price. All in all, the TLM-193 deserves a better reputation - it's much more than adding that Neumann badge" to the project studio mic locker. This is a superb vocal and instrument mic, with a very flat response, and one that should earn a place among studio favorites. Check it out.

I have owned my Neumann TLM193 for a number of years now and it still works perfectly. I also have several other German and Austrian mics that still perform flawlessly. I recommend the Neumann shock mount, but the microphone is pretty well insulated on its own. Compare it to USA made Shure and EV top of the line mics, and all of my USA mics have had to be refoamed, and some have required new transducer elements. My old EV mics came with a lifetime warranty, which has proven to be totally useless in that EV won't honor their lifetime warranty (I even have the original receipts). So, in short, buy German and you get the best - best sound, best quality, best long life, and best value for the money spent.