Neumann TLM127...

I guess that if you're reading this review, you think that the Neumann TLM127 could be a mic that would suit your recording setup? Well, in our experience this is a fantastic mic for the money depending on what you're looking for in a mic.

Most shops in the UK will sell this mic for ~£1100 which is about right for a mic with the infamous Neumann badge on it. However, there are deals to be found on this mic, you just need to have some patience and keep checking regularly.

For example, online retailer Thomann do a promotion on this mic which includes the N248 controller (more on that later), the EA1 shock mount and of course the TLM127 for ~£800. Now considering that the remote unit costs ~£355 and the shock mount is ~£150, this is a phenomenal deal that you just don't see in the shops over here. The trade off is that you don't get the fancy wooden box most commonly associated with Neumann mics. Instead you get a smaller standard cardboard box with plenty of foam to protect the mic, but in my opinion, I'd rather have useful tools than a fancy wooden box. Anyone who disagrees can place their order for a £400 wooden box via this website ;)

So, to the mic. It features a switch on the front that controls the polar pattern (omni, remote and cardioid), a switch that attenuates by 14dB (for use with loud sound sources) and a high pass filter switch. As with most Neumann mics, it's available in silver or black finishes (as show here) and has a nice heft to it.

The N248 remote unit really allows this mic to fulfill its potential by allowing you to choose from FIVE polar patterns. They will cover you for almost any situation your should find yourself in and offers exceptional feature set for not a lot of money (compared to other mics of this quality). It offers two channels which means you can pair two TLM127 to this unit or simply use another mic that requires phantom power by setting the dial to P48 (read the manual for confirmation though).

As usual, the shock mount is exceptionally made and doesn't shift once you've secured it, of course this is a Neumann shock mount and is priced accordingly at around £150. Not cheap, but when you spend this kind of money on a mic don't use a £20 ebay mount that is likely to shift (or perhaps let go completely hitting the mic stand). You get a standard issue mic clip with the TLM127, but we all know that shock mounts are a necessary evil when using mics with singers.

So is this mic really worth the money? At £1100 for the mic alone, probably not. You're aren't far off U87 territory and with a bit of haggling, you could probably get the shock mount thrown in. For an extra £300 I would buy the U87 any day of the week, especially if vocals is the main use. However, for £800 which includes the mic, remote unit and shock mount, I really can't see anything else in this price category that touches the TLM127. The results it produces are spot on whether it's drums, guitars (acoustic & electric) or vocals.

I own this mic, use it often and for the price I paid, I have absolutely no complaints at all.