Mic Archive
Neumann TLM 170 R
Photo: Neumann, from its manual, p. 1.

Neumann

Neumann TLM 170 R

Large-diaphragm condenser, transformerless, five patterns (omni to figure-8) switchable on the mic or by remote, with pad and low cut

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni / wide cardioid / cardioid / hypercardioid / figure-8
Sensitivity
−42 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
14 dB(A)
Max SPL
144 dB SPL
Impedance
50 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual, p. 16. Free field, IEC 60268-4, tolerance ±2 dB (as printed). Distance not stated. Pad off.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the manual, p. 16. Free field, IEC 60268-4. 125 Hz to 1 kHz drawn on the left half, 2 to 16 kHz on the right; the pattern is taken as symmetric. 5 dB per ring, centre -25 dB.

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All specs

From the manual
Self-noise14 dB(A), IEC 60268-1, A-weighted RMS. One figure for all patterns.p. 3
Self-noise (CCIR 468)26 dB, CCIR 468-3 quasi-peak
Max SPL144 dB SPL, less than 0.5% THD; also 154 dB SPL, with pre-attenuation. "THD of microphone amplifier at an input voltage equivalent to the capsule output at the specified SPL."
Signal-to-noise ratio80 dB, re 94 dB SPL, A-weighted; also 68 dB, CCIR
Output impedance50 ohm, rated
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, rated load
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz. "Frequency range 20 Hz...20 kHz"; p. 2 adds that the response "extends far below 20 Hz".
Poweringphantom, 48 V ± 4 V (P48, IEC 61938). Any P48 supply giving at least 3 mA per channel (p. 2).
Current draw3 mA. The 2005 manual's description says "48 V, 2.6 mA" (p. 2); its spec table also says 3 mA.
Pad−10 dB. "The pre-attenuation switch reduces the microphone sensitivity by 10 dB"; switch on the back. Not shown in the graphs.p. 2
ConnectorXLR-3. Matching connector XLR3F; balanced, transformerless output; pin 1 ground, pin 2 +, pin 3 -. The 2005 manual calls it a "3-pin Switchcraft connector".p. 3
Weight625 g
Dimensions60 × 152 mm. Printed as "60 mm x 152 mm": diameter x length.
Supplied accessoriesDust cover; Wooden box. TLM 170 R (mt). The Stereo Set is two mics, two EA 170 elastic suspensions, dust covers and an aluminium case.p. 2
Max. output voltage10 dBup. 3
Operating temperature0 °C to +70 °C
Remote pattern controlSwitch position "R": the pattern is chosen from the N 248 power supply; the output is muted while the pattern changesp. 2
VersionsTLM 170 R (nickel) and TLM 170 R mt (matte black)
Selected accessoriesEA 170 elastic suspension, MNV 87 auditorium hanger, DS 120 mount, PS 15 / PS 20 a popscreens, WS 87 windscreen, BS 48 i battery supplies, N 248 power supply, IC 3 mt / IC 4 / IC 31 mt cablesp. 3
From the manual 2005
CapsuleDual-diaphragm, large-diaphragm. "Its grille houses a dual-membrane capsule with a particularly linear frequency response for all polar patterns". Diaphragm size not stated.p. 2
Sensitivity−42 dBV/Pa (8 mV/Pa), 1 kHz into 1 kohm. "The output sensitivity is 8 mV/Pa = –42 dB re. 1 V/Pa."
Dynamic range130 dB, DIN/IEC 651, without the pad. "providing, without any switch-over, a dynamic range of 130 dB (DIN/IEC 651)".
Low cutoff, 100 Hz; 100 Hz. "a switchable high-pass; –3 dB point at 30 Hz in LIN position, or 100 Hz". "off" here is the LIN position. The 100 Hz setting flattens the proximity effect at about 25 cm in cardioid and 50 cm in figure-8 (p. 4).
Diffuse-field responseFlat for sound arriving within about ±100° up to 10 kHz in every pattern, so the diffuse-field response follows the on-axis curvesp. 3
MountElastically mounted swivel bracket with 5/8"-27 thread (adapter to 1/2" and 3/8"); can be moved to the other side or removed for the EA 170

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Neumann, unchanged, with its original address.

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