TLM 102 capsule compatibility

[ale47p]

Hello, there's a Neumann TLM 102 with a damaged capsule online for sale.

Do you know if an early '90s RODE NT1 capsule (I guess "K47 style") would be a good replacement for it?

I don't even know if they are compatible and the amount of work it requires to do the job

Thank You
Alessandro

 

[micolas]

Hello, there's a Neumann TLM 102 with a damaged capsule online for sale.

Do you know if an early '90s RODE NT1 capsule (I guess "K47 style") would be a good replacement for it?

I don't even know if they are compatible and the amount of work it requires to do the job

Thank You
Alessandro

Hi @ale47p !
The capsule of NT1 first edition from 1997 can be mounted in TLM102
(if it is in good condition and still works well after so many years), electronically is fine. It will work. The sound will be different (FR),probably with a different output level and a different polar behavior.
I've posted the frequency response of the stock microphones, if that helps. However the electronics are different, the bodies and headbaskets are different.
But in TLM102 many other capsule models can be mounted, preferably with a flatter frequency response.
After mod TLM102 will keep its sound clean, with low distortion, good SPL and low noise.

 

[ale47p]

good to know @micolas thank you

 

[LevinGuitar]

It seems that Behringer B1 uses the same circuit as the TLM103. I guess the TLM102 would be similar if not the same, so all the "magic" comes from the capsules. Why buying a TLM with broken capsule so? You would have the same result buying a used B1 for 30-40€ with no capsule change needed.

The B1 and the first white Rode NT1 uses similar capsule from the same factory. If you want a even closer capsule to the first NT1, go for a B2/B2pro.

But to match the response of the original capsule of the TLM102 you would have to try different chinese ck12s or a capsule from the new NT1a and see what you like more.

 

[ale47p]

It seems that Behringer B1 uses the same circuit as the TLM103. I guess the TLM102 would be similar if not the same, so all the "magic" comes from the capsules. Why buying a TLM with broken capsule so? You would have the same result buying a used B1 for 30-40€ with no capsule change needed.

I'm not sure I've understood.

you "guess" circuitries of B1 = 102 = 103 so you suggest to buy a B1 and put that old NT1 capsule on it to get similar results to the ones I would get putting it on a 102 ?

am I right?

 

[LevinGuitar]

It's not me who says B1 copied the circuit of TLM103 circuit, it have been discussed years ago. My guess is that 102 circuit would be similar or the same as 103.

So my guess is: if you put a 797audio k67 capsule (from early rode NT1 or any Studio projects/ Behringer mic) on a TLM102, you would be in the same category and curve as a stock Behringer B1 or MXL 2003 mic.

 

[micolas]

I can confirm that the TLM103, StudioProjects B1, Behringer B1, etc, have similar audio circuitry, except for the lo-cut or sensitivity pad options.
Some time ago I started an experimental TLM103 clone project, (point-to-point, with through-hole parts), with a Behringer B1 old edition capsule.
It worked great, comparable to my venerable TLM103. (I also bought a very good Ali 103 body, bigger than a better TLM102, waiting to be used)
It also works great with the Ali k67 capsule with edge termination (green/blue).
I think I will make a proper pcb.

 

[LevinGuitar]

I can confirm that the TLM103, StudioProjects B1, Behringer B1, etc, have similar audio circuitry, except for the lo-cut or sensitivity pad options.
Some time ago I started an experimental TLM103 clone project, (point-to-point, with through-hole parts), with a Behringer B1 old edition capsule.
It worked great, comparable to my venerable TLM103. (I also bought a very good Ali 103 body, bigger than a better TLM102, waiting to be used)
It also works great with the Ali k67 capsule with edge termination (green/blue).
I think I will make a proper pcb.

Pcbs are overrated

 

[micolas]

@ale47p

I think there is no point in buying a defective TLM102. With some common components and the parts from the pictures, you get a very good microphone.


https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005005417756958.html

https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005003795176204.html

 

[MidnightArrakis]

Hello, there's a Neumann TLM 102 with a damaged capsule online for sale.

Do you know if an early '90s RODE NT1 capsule (I guess "K47 style") would be a good replacement for it?

I don't even know if they are compatible and the amount of work it requires to do the job

Thank You
Alessandro

[there's a Neumann TLM 102 with a damaged capsule online for sale] -- I had purchased a brand-new pair of TLM-102's shortly before the entire planet went into the COVID-19 lockdown. I had bought them to use for both my "LIVE" recording business and for doing some "voice-over" production. However, when the COVID-19 lockdown took place, all of the concert venues and nightclubs were closed down, so bands weren't performing anymore and I never had an opportunity to use my TLM-102's!!! So, with my being stuck here inside my house during the lockdown, my interests then shifted more to my design engineering work (see my next reply) and I've never really gotten back into recording and mixing. However, I am still uncertain if I really want to sell my "still brand-new" TLM-102's!!! Both my TLM-102's are still "New-In-The-Box"!!!.....

/

 

[MidnightArrakis]

I think I will make a proper pcb.

[I think I will make a proper pcb] -- Whenever you get your PCB-design done and if you would want to, send me a PM with your GERBER and N/C Drill files attached and I will run them through a $4,200 "GERBER & N/C Drill Data File Analysis Program" that I have and I can check your files out for any fabrication and manufacturing issues. This program is the exact same type of program that the PCB-fabricators themselves use to check your files out when you send them your PCB files!!!

Other members of this forum have sent me their PCB-design files and have requested that I look for this or that type of error that they believe might be in their files. However, they are then shocked to learn when I respond back to them that my program found 5 other fabrication errors that they were entirely unaware of!!! From there, it is easy enough for me to correct the errors and then to generate new and updated GERBER and N/C Drill data files for them to send-off to their PCB-fabrication shop. It ends up saving them money because their project then becomes easier for the PCB-fabrication shop to get their files setup and processed to become actual PCBs!!!

Your call.....

/

 

[micolas]

[I think I will make a proper pcb] -- Whenever you get your PCB-design done and if you would want to, send me a PM with your GERBER and N/C Drill files attached and I will run them through a $4,200 "GERBER & N/C Drill Data File Analysis Program" that I have and I can check your files out for any fabrication and manufacturing issues. This program is the exact same type of program that the PCB-fabricators themselves use to check your files out when you send them your PCB files!!!

Other members of this forum have sent me their PCB-design files and have requested that I look for this or that type of error that they believe might be in their files. However, they are then shocked to learn when I respond back to them that my program found 5 other fabrication errors that they were entirely unaware of!!! From there, it is easy enough for me to correct the errors and then to generate new and updated GERBER and N/C Drill data files for them to send-off to their PCB-fabrication shop. It ends up saving them money because their project then becomes easier for the PCB-fabrication shop to get their files setup and processed to become actual PCBs!!!

Your call.....

/

Interesting proposal. First I have to decide if I will add a lo-cut and a gradual deemphasis option, and of course optimize them to taste, so that more types of capsules can be used. Maybe I will be tempted by the use of smds. Thank you!