Microphones / Compare
Neumann TLM 102 vs Shure KSM40C
Product A: Neumann
30 of 61 known
Change Neumann TLM 102
Product B: Shure
36 of 61 known
Change Shure KSM40C
22 of 53 fields differ
- 15 different values
- 7 known for one only
- 11 the same
- 20 missing for both
Biggest differences
Each bar uses the scale of all 69 microphones.
- Self-noiseLower is betterA: 12dB(A)B: 7.5dB(A)Shure is 4.5 dB(A) lower.
Size, drawn to scale
Front and side.
- ANeumann: 52 × 116 mm
- BShure: 47.6 × 171.1 mm
Weight
0 to 1,000 g
Microphone weight
A210g
B285g
All 61 fields
Every value links to where we found it.


General
5 of 8 differ
Series
Model numbers
GTIN / EAN
Not available
Announced
Not available
Status
Available1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/ksm40cRead 14 October 2026The US store page has Add to Cart and a New tag. The page data says availability: available.7Reviewsoundonsound.com/reviews/shure-ksm40c-ksm44mp-ksm32cRead 14 October 2026Review of June 2026 with a UK price of 849 GBP and a US price of 879 USD.8Retailer pagethomann.de/be/shure_ksm40c.htmRead 14 October 2026In stock and can be shipped immediately.
Predecessor
Not available
Not available
Successor
Not available
Not available
Launch price (US)
Not available
$8791Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/ksm40cRead 14 October 2026US store price 879 USD, the same figure as the NAMM press release.4Press releaseshure.com/en-US/newsroom/shure-unveils-ksm-studio-microphonesRead 14 October 2026KSM40C Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone (879 USD). The release gives no euro price.
Launch price (EU)
Not available
Markets
Not available
Not available
Colours
Microphone type
Condenser1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/ksm40cRead 14 October 2026Page data: transducer type condenser. The guide says condenser (externally biased).2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/KSM40C/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Specifications, type: condenser (externally biased).
Capsule and pickup
1 of 4 differ
Capsule size
Not available
Capsules
11Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/ksm40cRead 14 October 2026The user guide calls it a premium 1 inch single-diaphragm cardioid capsule.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/KSM40C/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026What is the KSM40C: a side-address condenser microphone with a premium 1 inch single-diaphragm cardioid capsule. No capsule count is printed, so one is the reading of single-diaphragm.
Polar patterns
Address type
Side address1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/ksm40cRead 14 October 2026Page data form factor: side-address large diaphragm. The user guide says the logo marks the front.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/KSM40C/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026The KSM40C is a side-address condenser microphone. The Shure logo marks the front.7Reviewsoundonsound.com/reviews/shure-ksm40c-ksm44mp-ksm32cRead 14 October 2026The KSM40C is a side-address mic with a very similar look to the KSM32.
Sound specs
7 of 10 differ
Frequency response
Sensitivity (analog)
Sensitivity (digital)
Not available
Not available
Max SPL
Max SPL distortion limit
0.5%1Maker product pageneumann.com/en-en/products/microphones/tlm-102Read 16 October 2026Maximum SPL for THD 0.5 percent. The manual prints it as THD below 0.5 percent.2Owner's manualsyntex.cz/media/document/16199/user-manual.pdfRead 16 October 2026Technical data: Max. SPL for THD < 0.5 percent 144 dB.
Self-noise
7.5dB(A)1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/ksm40cRead 14 October 2026Page data: equivalent self-noise 7.5 dBA.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/KSM40C/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical: 7.5 dBA.7Reviewsoundonsound.com/reviews/shure-ksm40c-ksm44mp-ksm32cRead 14 October 2026The review prints self-noise of 7.5 dBA for the KSM40C.
Digital noise floor
Not available
Not available
Signal-to-noise ratio
Dynamic range
Connectivity
0 of 7 differ
Outputs
Inputs for other sources
Not available
Not available
USB and XLR at once
Not available
Not available
USB port
Not available
Not available
Cable host plug
Not available
Not available
Cable length
Not available
Not available
Phantom power
Required1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/ksm40cRead 14 October 2026Page data: requires phantom power 48 V.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/KSM40C/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026For best performance the microphone needs +48 V DC phantom power. It works down to 12 VDC but does not meet all specifications. Power requirements: 48 V DC phantom power (5.6 mA).
Digital audio
None of 3 known
Max bit depth
Not available
Not available
Max sample rate
Not available
Not available
32-bit float recording
Not available
Not available
Monitoring
0 of 2 differ
Headphone output
Zero-latency monitoring
Not available
Not available
Controls and processing
1 of 2 differ
Onboard controls
Not available
Not available
Onboard processing
Not available
High-pass filter, Attenuation pad2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/KSM40C/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Three-position low frequency filter switch: flat, 6 dB per octave below 115 Hz or 18 dB per octave below 80 Hz. The 0 or -15 dB attenuation switch is stored as pad.7Reviewsoundonsound.com/reviews/shure-ksm40c-ksm44mp-ksm32cRead 14 October 2026The KSM40C keeps the 15 dB pad and the high-pass filter options of earlier models. The review calls the two high-pass settings useful.10Reviewbonedo.deRead 14 October 2026The pad and the low cut at 80 Hz with 18 dB per octave or 115 Hz with 6 dB per octave are on the KSM40C.
Mounting and accessories
2 of 4 differ
Mount threads
5/8 inch, 3/8 inch2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/KSM40C/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Furnished accessories: the AKSM40/44-SM shock mount and a 31B1856 brass adapter. The thread sizes come from the retailer listing of the shock mount.9Retailer pagegoknight.com/shure-aksm40-44-sm-shockmount-for-ksm40c-and-ksm44mpRead 14 October 2026Retailer spec of the AKSM40/44-SM shock mount, which ships with the KSM40C: mounting thread size 5/8 in-27 female, 3/8 in-16 female with the included adapter.
Shock mount
None2Owner's manualsyntex.cz/media/document/16199/user-manual.pdfRead 16 October 2026The scope of delivery has no elastic suspension. Section 5 says to use an elastic suspension if necessary. The EA 4 is only in the Studio Set.3Retailer pagethomann.co.uk/neumann_tlm_102_nickel.htmRead 16 October 2026The spec list reads shockmount included: No. It also lists Pad: No and Low Cut: No, which matches the maker's data and the Keys test.
Included1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/ksm40cRead 14 October 2026Box list: 1 Shock Mount and 1 set of 8 replacement bands.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/KSM40C/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Furnished accessories: AKSM40/44-SM shock mount for KSM40C and KSM44MP and AKSMEB elastic bands. Version 0.2 (2026-A) of the guide.7Reviewsoundonsound.com/reviews/shure-ksm40c-ksm44mp-ksm32cRead 14 October 2026A shock mount ships with the KSM40C.10Reviewbonedo.deRead 14 October 2026Shipped with a spider shock mount.
Pop filter
External screen1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/ksm40cRead 14 October 2026Box list: 1 Magnetic Pop Filter. Shure calls it a curved magnetic pop filter in the launch release.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/KSM40C/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Furnished accessories: A4PF magnetic pop filter.4Press releaseshure.com/en-US/newsroom/shure-unveils-ksm-studio-microphonesRead 14 October 2026Curved magnetic pop filters ship with the line.7Reviewsoundonsound.com/reviews/shure-ksm40c-ksm44mp-ksm32cRead 14 October 2026A pop shield fixes magnetically to the upper ring of the shock mount.10Reviewbonedo.deRead 14 October 2026Bonedo, 2026-08-20: the KSM40C ships with a shock mount and a magnetic pop filter made of metal.
Desk stand included
Design and build
1 of 3 differ
Housing material
Not available
Machined, anodized aluminum alloy1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/ksm40cRead 14 October 2026Page data lists a metal housing. The user guide says machined, anodized aluminum alloy.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/KSM40C/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Housing: machined, anodized aluminum alloy.4Press releaseshure.com/en-US/newsroom/shure-unveils-ksm-studio-microphonesRead 14 October 2026Lightweight, all-metal construction.7Reviewsoundonsound.com/reviews/shure-ksm40c-ksm44mp-ksm32cRead 14 October 2026The headbasket is formed from a single piece of metal. The reviewer says the body is a black cylinder.10Reviewbonedo.deRead 14 October 2026Two-part metal tube, aluminum lower part and a steel basket.
RGB lighting
Not available
Not available
Lighting zones
Not available
Not available
Software
None of 2 known
Software
Not available
Not available
User firmware updates
Not available
Not available
Compatibility
None of 2 known
Works with
Not available
Not available
Consoles
Not available
Not available
Dimensions and weight
2 of 3 differ
Microphone dimensions
Width52Height116Depth52mm(2 × 4.6 × 2 in)1Maker product pageneumann.com/en-en/products/microphones/tlm-102Read 16 October 2026Diameter 52 mm, Length 116 mm. The microphone is upright and side-address, so the length is stored as height and the diameter as width and depth.2Owner's manualsyntex.cz/media/document/16199/user-manual.pdfRead 16 October 2026Technical data: Dimensions diameter 52 x 116 mm.
Width47.6Height171.1Depth47.6mm(1.9 × 6.7 × 1.9 in)2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/KSM40C/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Dimensions drawing, page 6: 171.1 mm (6.74 in) long including the XLR base and 47.6 mm (1.87 in) in diameter. The microphone is spoken into from its side, so the length is the height and the diameter is used for width and depth.8Retailer pagethomann.de/be/shure_ksm40c.htmRead 14 October 2026Dimensions (D x H): 48 x 171 mm, which matches the maker's 47.6 x 171.1 mm.10Reviewbonedo.deRead 14 October 2026The KSM44MP and KSM40C are both 17.1 cm long.
Microphone weight
210g(7.4 oz)1Maker product pageneumann.com/en-en/products/microphones/tlm-102Read 16 October 2026Weight approx. 210 g. The Sound and Recording test weighed 260 g and Keys 265 g, probably with the stand mount.2Owner's manualsyntex.cz/media/document/16199/user-manual.pdfRead 16 October 2026Technical data: Weight 210 g.
285g(10.1 oz)1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/ksm40cRead 14 October 2026The page data lists weight 285 g.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/KSM40C/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Weight 285 g (10.1 oz), the microphone without the shock mount.8Retailer pagethomann.de/be/shure_ksm40c.htmRead 14 October 2026Weight: 0.285 kg.
Weight with stand
Not available
Not available
Certifications
1 of 1 differ
Other certifications
In the box
1 of 1 differ
In the box
TLM 102 microphone, SG 2 Swivel Mount, Operating manual1Maker product pageneumann.com/en-en/products/microphones/tlm-102Read 16 October 2026Order info for TLM 102 lists the TLM 102 Microphone and the SG 2 Swivel Mount. The manual's scope of delivery adds the operating manual and a wooden box. The 2009 Sound and Recording test describes a cardboard box with a foam insert, so the box is not stored.2Owner's manualsyntex.cz/media/document/16199/user-manual.pdfRead 16 October 2026Scope of delivery, page 6: microphone, SG 2 stand mount, operating manual, wooden box.
KSM40C Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone, Shock Mount, Magnetic Pop Filter, Premium Zippered Carrying Case, Set Replacement Shock Mount Bands (8), Threaded Adapter1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/ksm40cRead 14 October 2026Box list as printed, each with quantity 1. The set of bands holds 8. The guide's furnished accessories also name an A4M swivel hard mount, which the box list on the page and in the press release leaves out. The page list is followed.
Links
Not compared
Product page
Spec sheet
Not available
Not available
Manual
www.syntex.cz/media/document/16199/user-manual.pdf2Owner's manualsyntex.cz/media/document/16199/user-manual.pdfRead 16 October 2026Neumann TLM 102 operating manual, German and English, Publ. 09/15 535661/A01. The copy is hosted by the Czech distributor Syntex. The Neumann download center did not list a direct link.
EPREL registration number
Not available
Not available
Warranty
1 of 1 differ
Manufacturer warranty (source market)
Not available
Both are also in the API. Back to all microphones.














