Here's what Neumann have to say about the TLM 193:
The TLM 193 is a studio condenser microphone with an exceptionally uniform cardioid pattern for a very linear response both on- and off-axis. This makes the TLM 193 a very truthful and straightforward microphone which will capture the source and its room ambience without unwanted coloration. Thus, the TLM 193s sound image is very close to what you hear with your own ears.
Technically speaking, the TLM 193 is a streamlined, cardioid-only version of our acclaimed reference microphone TLM 170 R. It uses the same K 89 large diaphragm capsule, which is a modern, edge-terminated design uniting the benefits of large and small diaphragm microphones. The TLM 193 combines the superior linearity and fast transient response of a small diaphragm capsule with the smoothness and high sensitivity only a large diaphragm microphone offers.
As a member of our TLM series, the TLM 193 uses transformerless circuitry which minimizes transmission losses and ensures a vast dynamic range of 130 dB. This means, the TLM 193 is able to capture very soft and very loud sources without sonic degradation. In numbers: The microphones self-noise of only 10 dB-A is way below the ambient noise in even a very quiet recording studio. And without requiring a pad switch, the TLM 193 is able to handle extreme sound pressure levels of up to 140 dB free from distortion artefacts.
Its sonic purity and technical excellence make the TLM 193 a very easy to use microphone for many applications. Just point it at the source to capture its natural sonic beauty. The TLM 193 is a superb microphone for vocals and speech, especially dubbing and voice-over work, where it will capture the authentic voice character without added flavours. Of course, the TLM 193 may also be used for a great variety of instruments such as acoustic and electric guitar, drums and percussion, piano, and much more.
The TLM 193 is mainly designed for home, project, and broadcast studios but is also a very useful and versatile addition for larger setups. Its linear, uncoloured sound image both on- and off-axis makes the TLM 193 an excellent spot mic in orchestral recordings e.g. for low strings, woodwinds and brass an. Due to its slightly smaller size and dark colour scheme, the TLM 193 is visually unobtrusive.
Very easy to use, even for novices
Uncompromised Neumann quality for small studios
Large diaphragm capsule with cardioid pattern
Even frequency response on- and off-axis
Transformerless circuitry with high SPL capability
Extremely low self-noise
