Tascam TM-280 - Condenser Microphone

The more you know the tone of the condener microphone, the more fun it gets! A fine microphone is the doorway to a great recording, and TASCAM's TM-280 Studio Condenser Microphone has been designed to capture each and every nuance of your performance faithfully and accurately. Featuring a switchable high pass filter and a 10dB pad, this large diaphragm condenser microphone is sensitive enough for the most demanding acoustic sessions while being robust enough to handle the most powerful rock and roll. In recording, microphone plays an important role, that is, converting the pneumatic vibration that turns the sound into electric signals. Of course, a preamplifier that amplifies the microphone signals, an AD converter that converts the sound into digital signals, and the DAW software that shapes the sound. These gears are important after the recording stage. However, these gears work with the sound which has already been converted by the microphone. This means, the quality of a microphone detemine the sound quality of the entire song. To easily acquire high-precision sound in a home recording environment, why not starting from adding a condenser microphone in your recording gears? The condenser microphone has a different structure from the dynamic microphone which can be easily seen everywhere. In general, the condenser mic has high-precision, subtle sound quality. Diaphragms are largely divided into large diaphragms and small diaphragms according to the size of diaphragm that converts the sound into electric signals. Small diaphragms are normally used for condenser microphones for their versatility. The TM-280 is the high-grade model Among the TASCAM microphone series that has bright sound characteristic and low noise level. In addition to this, the product includes a professional-use suspension to avoid noise from the microphone vibration during recording, and a pop filter, a must-have gear for vocal recording. Vocal Recording The vocal recording can be a typical application for a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. The US-2x2 incorporates Ultra-HDDA microphone preamplifier which boasts a great EIN performance of -125dBu. This means you can record a vocal track by US-2x2 with an extremely low noise level even when you are not singing while solo part is playing. Please use TM-AG1 (optional) as a dedicated pop filter. When the room resonance does not work at home, use TM-AR1, the acoustic control filter that gives you a dry, processable sound quality. Acoustic Guitar Recording A large diaphragm condenser microphone is also suitable for an acoustic guitar. When recording an acoustic guitar, the multi-mic recording can be worked out very well. We recommand the setup with a TM-280 as the main mic, and TM-80s as backup mics for adding ambient sound. For the multi-mic recording, US-4x4 is recommanded. It could connect with four condenser microphones simultaneously. Other than the acoustic guitar recording, when you want to add acoustic guitar to other recordings, the TM-AR1, TASCAM acoustic control filter is definitely essential when recording with the TM-280. It adds the classic dry sound to your recording. Wind Instrument Recording A large diaphragm condenser microphone works great with saxophone or trumpet solo recordings. The recommended setup is no different than the vocal recordings. If you wish to record with easy settings, we recommand the iXR, TASCAM portable audio interface and your iPad to start your recordings with the TM-280. In addition, iXR has the Ultra-HDDA microphone preamplifier with extreme low noise level which is equivalent to the US-2x2. Easily gets a precise, high-definition sound quality from a condenser microphone TM-280 is a condenser-type microphone, which is quite different from the dynamic microphone which usually being used in live performances. The diaphragm operates due to the pneumatic vibration. Inside of a dynamic microphone, the voice coil operates with the diaphragm, which increases the weight of the entire part. On the other hand, the condenser microphone incorporates a diaphragm in the either side of the electrode in an electrical part referred to as condenser, realizing a lightweight structure. This allows excellent follow-up performance, greatly contributing to high-precision sound. Thus the mechanism to convert into electrical signals is completely different between the two: the dynamic microphones are powered by electromagnetic induction to obtain electrical signals, whereas the condenser microphones take out the static signals. To give the condenser the potential difference, power supply is required. A large-sized φ34 diaphragm contains suitable frequency response that highlights the lead part Condenser microphones are largely divided into two categories according to the size of diaphragm: large diaphragm types, and small diaphragm types. While the small diaphragm types have flat frequency response and tolerance to high sound pressure, the large diaphragm types allows high sensitivity, low noise, and distinctive sounds. This is why the large diaphragm types are relatively popular for vocal recordings. TM-280 applies a large size, 34mm pure gold-coated diaphragm, and it is often characterized by its bright sounds. The frequency response of TM-280 shows a distinct curve at 1kHz or higher, and have a loose peak especially around 9kHz. By these characteristics, TM-280 acquires a clear outline in the recording of lead instruments as vocal or sax, for a strong, standout sound. Ideal for a recording of single sound source, with unidirectional characteristics to catch the target sound The polar pattern shows the characteristics in which the microphone can pick up the sound in a specific direction (directivity). TM-280 has a unidirectional pattern (cardioid). The unidirectional condenser microphone is ideal for recording vocal and any single sound source because it mainly picks up the sound from the specified direction. Reached the low noise, SN ratio of 80dB by using high-quality parts A large diaphragm type handles noise really well. Especially the TM-280, it is formed with exceptional parts that has made this model the highest SN ratio with up to 80dB among the TASCAM mic series. It is ideal for vocal recording or any other lead parts when the volume needs to be turn up. Designed high sound pressure tolerance keeps performances undistorted under a big volume In general, a small diaphragm type handles high sound pressure better. However, the TM-280, 34mm large-size diaphragm is built with the sound pressure tolerance that reaches up to 135dB SPL. It could be easy for vocalists or any other instrument players to perform with a loud volume. –10dB switch and a low cut filter switch, that smooths out the harshness from instruments Low cut filter switch that enables to eliminate the background noise or any low frequencies on some particular instruments that you want to get rid of. For recordings like percussions or other instruments with high sound pressure, by turning the equipped-10dB switch on, it prevents sound distortion from an instrument that has high sound pressure during the recording. Comes with a suspension shock mount, a pop filter and a flight case A professional suspension shockmount is included in order to secure the microphone with screws. A noise due to vibration during recording can be avoided as well. The package also comes with a pop filter that can be attached to the suspension, so you can start your vocal recording right away. In addition, a flight case is included that prevents damage while carrying. Operation and sound quality verified with TASCAM products The microphone has been tested with the TASCAM audio interfaces as well as PORTASTUDIO for their functionality and sound quality. The audio samples of TM-280 with a few TASCAM products are available on our web page. Of course, the microphones can be used with any acoustic equipment that complies with a condenser microphone. Model Condenser (34mm Pure Gold-sputtered diaphragm) Directivity Cardioid (Uni-directional) Frequency response 20Hz to 20,000Hz Output impedance 50Ω ±30% Load impedance > 1kΩ Sensitivity –36dB ±2dB (0dB=1V/Pa at 1kHz) Max. SPL 135dB S/N ratio 80dB Connector 3 pin XLR, Male × 1 Phantom power 48V Dimensions (φ×L) φ1.98" × 7.4" / φ50.5 × 187.5 mm Weight 14.7 oz. / 417 g (Microphone body only) Accessory Suspension shockmount (Screw φ5/8"), Pop filter, Flight case, 5/8 to 3/8 conversion adapter