TLM 102 or OC18

[Macca_25387]

I’m fancying a new mic to add to my collection. I’ve kinda narrowed it down to the Neumann TLM102 and the Austrian Audio OC18. Anyone own both? Anyone with either what’s your real world Pros and Cons? Cheers.

[Guest]

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/neumann-tlm102

[Drew Stephenson]

Just resurrecting this thread with a bit of a twist as, due to a combination of my current main vocal mic continuing its slow death and an unexpected windfall, I might be in the market for a new vocal mic around the £600 mark.
So as well as the TLM 102 and OC18, I was thinking of adding the Warm Audio WA-87 R2 and, as a left-field option, the Rode NTR to my short list.
Anything else people would recommend trying around this price?

[Macca_25387]

Funnily enough i had a warm 87 in mind also.

[Folderol]

Whenever I see OC18, I immediately think of something like this.

Sorry! I'll get back under my rock now

[Drew Stephenson]

Whenever I see OC18, I immediately think of something like this.

That's not my fault.

[James Perrett]

Whenever I see OC18, I immediately think of something like this.

Sorry! I'll get back under my rock now

It isn't just you Dave - I have exactly the same vision.

[Drew Stephenson]

Whenever I see OC18, I immediately think of something like this.

Sorry! I'll get back under my rock now

It isn't just you Dave - I have exactly the same vision.

Speaking of vision, that was Will not Dave!

[James Perrett]

Whenever I see OC18, I immediately think of something like this.

Sorry! I'll get back under my rock now

It isn't just you Dave - I have exactly the same vision.

Speaking of vision, that was Will not Dave!

[Folderol]

Screen cleaner please

[Darren Lynch]

I own a TLM102, but not the OC18. I've posted before that the 102 is very competent microphone. It records sound with no obvious issues. On launch, the 102 was often described as having a much more likeable sound than the brighter TLM103. I would say that the 102 lacks an obvious Wow! factor - which is why it's a very adaptable little microphone capable of capturing a usable recording of most sources. One day I should record 16 tracks with just the 102. I imagine mixing them would be straightforward with nish harshness.

[Drew Stephenson]

Thanks Darren

[Darren Lynch]

Perhaps my post makes the TLM102 sound unremarkable - far from it. It reminds me in a way of the AT4033. With the mid-market so full of claims of "retro warmth", "sparkling highs" yada, yada, yada there is a group of understated mics that have a thoroughly professional quality and go about the job of capturing audio with no hype.

[Drew Stephenson]

I took your comment as a positive endorsement.

[Darren Lynch]

My wonderful Italian wife would be charmed by this example of 'British fuss' (She calls them out constantly) - no need to follow up Drew, I was just reflecting on my first post about the TLM102.

[Drew Stephenson]

Out of curiosity, has anyone tried any of the more expensive DIY kits? Things like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP7HoXldptw