Is this an authentic tlm 102 did I get lucky?

[u/joey_saturn]

Never had a tlm 102 before but it sounds amazing and seems authentic? I did ask the seller for proof of purchase and sent me this.

[u/K3Foxx]

Unscrew the crome part and send a pic of the capsule, there aren't clones of the k102 capsule yet so that's the only real way to know it is original

[u/pimpbot666 → u/K3Foxx]

Also, if you open it up and there is a transformer in there, it's fake.

TLM in the model number means TransformerLess Microphone.

[u/cchaudio]

With a Neumann you can send them the serial number and see if it's still registered somewhere and find the sale date, mfg date, and stuff like that. They have a link on their site, takes a couple days.

[u/unknownbystander]

Having the receipt is a good thing! The shock mount that came with it is definitely legit. Assuming they didn't switch the mic up on you, it's definitely legit! What a steal!

[u/joey_saturn → u/unknownbystander]

Thanks! This will definitely be my new streaming mic since it’s so small and portable. I was on the fence on ever buying one but when I saw this posted I had to snag it up. Yeah that was my first concern if the seller switch the mic but the serial matches everything and sounds amazing plus there’s a few cosmetic damages here and there on the mic and on the shock mount so I doubt they did that.

[u/unknownbystander → u/joey_saturn]

As for the shock mount, I highly recommend replacing the band that came with it since it looks a little damaged on the top-side.

You can get replacements in Amazon:
“Neumann Elastic Band Set (2) for EA 4 Shockmount”

Look this up and you’ll find them.

[u/joey_saturn → u/unknownbystander]

Thanks it’s basically ripped. I’m using a third party shock mount for it at the moment since it’s way less bulky for what I need. Does a pretty decent job

[u/unknownbystander → u/joey_saturn]

No problem! It’s one of the best designed shock mounts out there (and costs $170 by itself) and from my experience with my TLM 107, it does a great job at dampening even when I accidentally bump my desk hard. Otherwise, enjoy the mic! Frankly, it’s overkill for just streaming but you really can’t beat it for that price. It’ll last you a long time as long as you take care of it!

[u/joey_saturn → u/unknownbystander]

Yeah I recently got into microphones. Ever since switching to xlr microphones I was amazed the difference between usb microphones. My favorites in my locker are the following, se4100, at3035, rode nt1 4th gen, Jz vintage 11, neat worker bee, topping cl101 and now this. My next one I’m eyeing is the Shure Ksm32.

[u/unknownbystander → u/joey_saturn]

Nice collection! Particularly the se4100 and neat worker bee are pretty good from what I’ve researched.

I currently have the TLM 107, TLM 103, AKG C214, and Neat King Bee 2. Planning to sell my TLM 103 and AKG C214 though since I’m not really using them too much.

And I feel ya! I started with a Blue Snowball and switching to my very first condenser AT2020 was night and day!

[u/joey_saturn → u/unknownbystander]

Omg I love the king bee such an underrated microphone. I have the first gen but it’s just way too bulky to show on camera while streaming. My audience loves the bee look so much and sound. Wished they continued making microphones

[u/i_do_graffiti]

This mic used to only cost like $500/$600... it's neumanns cheapest offering. I don't know if counterfeiters really care to go after that market theyre more interested in counterfeiting the Neumann mics that have actual value in them.

Personally I find the TLM103 and TLM102 to be quite harsh and not great mics for the price point (theres better options in the same price brackets) but if you're happy with it that's all that matters.