For a consumer electronics company as established as Teenage Engineering, it may come as a surprise that it does not have a microphone yet. But that has just changed with the latest addition to TE’s field system, the Teenage Engineering CM-15 Studio Microphone.
To call the Teenage Engineering CM-15 a ‘studio microphone’ is a little inaccurate because it is a field mic too. The Teenage Engineering CM-15 uses a large diaphragm capsule (1-inch) – rare in the world of portable equipment – that touts better signal, meaning there is less noise and better depth of sound, and promises versatile studio quality from an ultra-portable microphone.
How ultra-portable? Well, it measures just 90 mm x 65.5 mm x 19 mm (about 3.5 x 2.6 x 0.75 inches) and tips the scales at a mere 132g/54.6 oz.
Audio recording is bolstered by a built-in preamp and ESS sabre ES9822Q PRO analog-to-digital converter that preserves high-fidelity sound and captures exceptional detail in any recording situation, thereby delivering clean, rich, transparent, and natural sound.
It further touts a gain switch on the back for padding down mean drums, or the other way around. Versatility does not stop at audio recording; it also extends to the multiple outputs, which include a built-in professional USB-C audio interface, a 3.5 mm jack, and a 48v phantom-powered mini xlr. Even better is that multiple outputs can be used simultaneously.
The 3.5 mm port can be used with headphones too while the USB-C can be used for digital audio interface connection, firmware updates as well as charging. And yes, it can be battery-powered with up to 10 hours of operation on a single charge – in addition to phantom power, and USB-C. The device will instantly detect the right power source for your connected device.
It comes supplied with a mini xlr to xlr cable for connecting to a recording console and a standard 1/4” and 3/8” adapter for mounting it on standard mic stands and tripods. The adapter allows for 90°-110° tilt, thus allowing it to be used with a boom arm. You can also prop it up at an angle using the built-in table stand too. Finally, the CM-15 is treated to teenage engineering minimalistic design and renowned craftsmanship.
This super sleek field/studio microphone is perfect for vocal recording, instrument recording, interview/podcast, and field production, as well as serving as a camera mic for your videography jobs. The Teenage Engineering CM-15 Studio Microphone is set to arrive this summer for US$1,199.
Images: Teenage Engineering.
