Neumann TLM 170 i (1991) – A True Studio Legend – Brand New Capsule – Neumann Factory Serviced – 1 Year Warranty

A piece of recording history. A legendary Neumann. Reborn with a brand-new capsule.

Some microphones simply capture sound. Others become part of recording history.

The Neumann TLM 170 belongs firmly in the second category.

Introduced in 1983, the TLM 170 was a groundbreaking achievement in microphone engineering: Neumann's first transformerless microphone, combining extraordinary transparency, remarkable detail and a beautifully natural sonic character.

Unlike microphones designed to add a particular colour or flattering character, the TLM 170 has a different philosophy: capturing the instrument, the voice and the room exactly as they deserve to be heard.

And this microphone has some remarkable history behind it.

A microphone behind legendary recordings

The TLM 170 was used to record the vocals of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith on Tears for Fears' iconic hit "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", recorded at Union Studios in Munich.

It was also used for Damon Albarn's vocals on Gorillaz' breakthrough single "Clint Eastwood".

Legendary film-score recording engineer Dan Wallin was such an admirer of the TLM 170 that, when asked which single microphone he would choose above all others, his answer was simply: the TLM 170.

It's a microphone that has earned its reputation not through hype, but through decades of exceptional recordings.

A vintage classic – with a brand-new heart

The particular microphone offered here was manufactured in 1991, during the classic era of German Neumann microphone production.

Most importantly, it has just undergone an official inspection and service at Neumann in Berlin in 2026, including the installation of a completely brand-new original Neumann capsule.

The new capsule is covered by a 12-month warranty.

This is a particularly attractive combination: an authentic vintage Neumann TLM 170 i with its original heritage, professionally serviced by Neumann itself and fitted with a fresh, factory-original capsule.

The sound

What makes the TLM 170 so extraordinary is its effortless ability to sound both incredibly detailed and beautifully natural.

Open, smooth and remarkably transparent, with a wonderfully controlled low end, a sophisticated midrange and airy, unforced high frequencies.

No exaggerated presence boost. No artificial excitement. Just an exceptionally honest, refined and musical representation of the source.

Whether recording intimate vocals, acoustic guitars, grand piano, strings, orchestral instruments, percussion or spoken word, the TLM 170 excels at revealing the finest details of a performance.

Its five selectable polar patterns also make it an exceptionally versatile studio tool.

The highlights

• Original Neumann TLM 170 i, manufactured in 1991
• German-made professional studio classic
• Brand-new original Neumann capsule installed in 2026
• Fresh official Neumann inspection and service in Berlin
• 12-month warranty on the new capsule
• Revolutionary transformerless microphone technology
• Five selectable polar patterns
• Exceptionally natural frequency response and off-axis behaviour
• Outstanding versatility for virtually any recording application
• A microphone design with a remarkable recording heritage

Why this particular TLM 170?

Vintage microphones are wonderful instruments, but the condition of their capsules can make a significant difference.

Here, that uncertainty is substantially reduced.

You are getting an authentic 1991 Neumann TLM 170 i with the exceptional advantage of a brand-new original capsule, installed by Neumann's own specialists.

An outstanding studio microphone with a fascinating history – professionally refreshed and ready for its next chapter.

Some microphones come and go. Others become classics.

The Neumann TLM 170 is one of them.