Neumann TLM 170From real comments

Verdict distilled from 7 mentions across 5 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment57%
PROS 57%
CONS 43%

Rank based on 7 mentions across 5 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You record saxophone, acoustic guitar, or voice-over and want a mic praised for warm, versatile tone
  • You want a studio condenser with a track record of lasting decades in regular use
  • You're comfortable paying a premium price for a well-regarded Neumann condenser

What users love

What users complain about

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Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31Premium
Neumann TLM 170
Versatile across sourcesLong-term durabilityWarm toneUnclear differentiation from TLM 193Perceived as overpriced
Neumann TLM 170
Versatile across sources
Long-term durability
Warm tone
Unclear differentiation from TLM 193
Perceived as overpriced

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Praised for versatility across sax, acoustic guitar, and voice-over work. One commenter said it's incredible for tenor saxophone, killing it with a vintage Selmer Mark VI and calling it well worth the money. Another commenter, using it for a while, described a nice warm tone for acoustic guitar and reliable performance as a voice-over mic in video work. Together these comments suggest the TLM 170 adapts well across instruments and spoken word, delivering a warm character reviewers appreciated in both studio and video production settings over extended use.

Long-term durability keeps it in rotation decades later. One user reports owning two units since the 1980s that are 'still working great' for band studio recordings, indicating the microphone has held up reliably over decades of professional use. This longevity, cited without any mention of repairs or failures, points to solid build quality that has let this owner keep relying on the mic for band studio sessions across roughly four decades of continuous ownership and use.

Some question whether the price is justified. A skeptical commenter dismissed the mic as an 'overpriced over engineered pile of dung,' claiming it sounds the same as a $200 DIY mic and directly challenging its value proposition. Separately, other commenters asked how it compares to the TLM 193, noting both share the same capsule, leaving some uncertain whether the price difference between the two models is justified by any real sonic distinction beyond circuitry differences.

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