Mic Archive
Neumann TLM 50
Photo: Neumann, from its catalog, p. 2.

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

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni
Sensitivity
−34 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
13 dB(A)
Max SPL
136 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 ("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

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.

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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-noise13 dB(A), IEC 60268-1, A-weighting IEC 61672-1, RMS. "13 dB-A".
Self-noise (CCIR 468)26 dB, CCIR 468-3, quasi peak
Max SPL136 dB SPL, less 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 ratio81 dB, re 94 dB SPL, A-weighted; also 68 dB, re 94 dB SPL, CCIR 468-3
Output impedance50 ohm, rated impedance
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, rated load impedance
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz. The manual (p. 2) adds: "The frequency response of the TLM 50 extends below 20 Hz."
Poweringphantom P48, 48 V ± 4 V (IEC 61938)
Current draw3 mA
Low cutoff, 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."
ConnectorXLR-3 male. Matching connector XLR3F; pin 2 +phase, pin 3 -phase, pin 1 ground. Balanced, transformerless output.p. 3
Weight490 g
Dimensions56 × 145 mm. "Ø 56 mm x 145 mm": diameter × length.
Supplied accessoriesMNV 87 mt auditorium hanger; IC 4 mt microphone cable with stand mount; dust cover; wooden box. Scope of delivery of the "TLM 50 Set".p. 2
Max. output voltage10 dBup. 3
AddressAddressed primarily from the side with the Neumann logop. 2
From the catalog
Capsulesmall 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 range123 dB, microphone amplifier, A-weightedp. 4
Finishblack. "TLM 50 Set ... blk".p. 3
Diaphragm12 mm, titanium, 5 µm thick, electroplated by Neumannp. 2
Pad (how)Capsule polarising voltage reduced from 60 V to 23 Vp. 3
SuspensionCan 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
AwardMIX magazine TEC Award, 1991p. 2
Use (Neumann)Classical recording; AB main pair; Decca tree with three mics; spot (solo) micp. 3

Documents

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

Product page on neumann.comRecording Hacks

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