The TLM 170 R is an excellent microphone for orchestral recordings and may be used both as a main microphone and as a spot mic. At the same time, the TLM 170 R is a superb microphone for vocals and speech, capturing the human voice in its natural beauty.

With a self-noise of only 14 dB, the TLM 170 R can be used for delicate sounds without adding unwanted hiss. At the same time, it can handle extremely loud sources of 154 dB SPL using the –10 dB preattenuation switch. A second switch activates a 100 Hz low cut. Five polar patterns may be selected via a rotary switch: omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, and figure-8.

In the sixth position, patterns may be remote controlled from the optional N248 PSU. No special cables are required as pattern control works via Neumann’s voltage sensing scheme: The phantom voltage is varied within the permissible ±4 V range of the P48 standard. The TLM 170 R sets its pattern according to the absolute voltage, while other microphones remain unaffected.

There may be no such thing as a perfect microphone, but the TLM 170 R comes fairly close: It combines the sonic precision and linearity of a small diaphragm microphone with the smoothness and flexible pattern control of a classic large diaphragm microphone.

• Versatile studio workhorse for vocals and instruments
• High dynamic range: 130 dB
• Very low self-noise
• Even frequency response for all 5 polar patterns
• Remote control option for pattern selection