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Teenage Engineering’s NEW CM-15 Mic and TP-7 Recorder

11/05/2023

Teenage Engineering have tackled pocket synthesizers, sound design workstations, and even tables. Now it’s time for microphones and portable audio recorders. And they are doing this – as always – with style.

The CM-15 is a pocket-sized condenser microphone great for recording on the go. It features a large diaphragm capsule and a host of next-level features.

This comes as the natural companion to the TP-7 Field Recorder. Made for recording on the go, this device also has a whole host of next-level features.

But what are these features and what’s the big deal?

In a hurry?

Here are some of the key features of the CM-15 Condenser Microphone:

  • A large-diaphragm condenser capsule that guarantees ultra-detailed recordings
  • Three output types for flexible use: mini XLR, 3.5mm jack and USB-C
  • Supercardioid polar pattern for focused pickup of any sound source
  • 10-hour rechargeable battery so you can take it with you anywhere
  • ESS sabre ES9822Q PRO ADC means pristine sound all the time
  • Built-in preamp and incredibly low self-noise for great recordings

Here are some of the key features of the TP-7 Field Recorder

  • Three stereo trrs input and output mini jacks
  • A main or headphones output jack
  • High quality 24-bit/96kHz audio interface
  • Internal microphone and speaker so no external equipment needed to get recording
  • 7-hour rechargeable allows you to take it anywhere with confidence
  • Record loads of projects with 128 Gb of internal storage
  • Voice-to-text transcription possible with the free iOS app

The CM-15: a new entry in the Teenage Engineering field system

With all their most recent offerings, Teenage Engineering have set their sights on making premium products to make great content – whether that’s music or something else – anywhere. And the CM-15 is no exception.


Superior sound

Teenage Engineering CM-15 Condenser MicBecause large-diaphragm capsules are preferred for professional recording but aren’t seen often in portable recording, Teenage Engineering have taken it upon themselves to make a mic with one. This means the CM-15 is good to record the best sound, anywhere.

The large-diaphragm condenser capsule will give you improved signals, with less noise too – and as a result, you get more depth to your sound. As well as this, it has an ESS sabre analog-to-digital converter. So you can preserve high-fidelity sound while recording with incredible detail – whatever the capture scenario.

The best sound for any situation. With its gain switch on the back, you can pad the CM-15 for different sound sources. So you can record loud snares without fear of clipping, or boost the gain for a quiet vocal source.


Portability prioritised

The CM-15 is also designed to be incredibly lean – ready to take on the go without taking up much space. It’s battery-powered – not requiring external phantom power – and features an integrated audio interface and preamp. So, you have less hardware and less hassle.

In fact, it has a wide range of connections, depending on how you’re using it. The three audio outputs include a mini XLR, a 3.5mm jack, and USB-C – and don’t worry, a mini XLR to XLR cable is included. And the jack output is multiuse – you can plug your headphones into it without worry. Plus, thanks to the USB-C connection, you can use it for charging, updates, and digital interface connection.

It’s easy to mount the CM-15 to any stand, with a 1/4″ and 3/8″ adapter. So, whatever boom stand, tripod, or any stand you want to use, it’s good to go. Plus it even has a handy foldout stand so you can conveniently place it on a table for quick microphone positioning.

What can you use the CM-15 for?

Teenage Engineering have designed the CM-15 to be useful in a wide range of situations. So whatever you need to record, it’s an ideal solution. But what are some of these use cases?


Record vocals with ease

Teenage Engineering CM-15The CM-15 is a directional microphone that has a focused pickup. This means it captures sounds that are directly in front of it, so, as a result, it’s perfect for the vocal booth.


Capture instruments with accuracy

With a super flat frequency response – even at a 50cm distance – the CM-15 is a great way to record instruments the way they were intended to sound. You can even use it to capture your drum kit!


Conduct seamless interviews on the go

Do you need a high-quality microphone for podcasts and interviews that you can take anywhere? The CM-15 is your solution. In fact, it’s perfect for any portable recording situation, with a 10-hour rechargeable battery and a super compact form factor.


Connect as a camera mic

If you create video content, high-quality audio is a must. You can connect the CM-15 directly to your camera for synced audio via the line out. So you’ll have pristine audio for your videos all the time.

The TP-7: field recording with a difference

The TP-7 is designed to make recording on the go even easier and more enjoyable. It does this by reducing the time it takes between wanting to record and being able to record. With the TP-7 you can just do it. But how?


Beautiful controls

Teenage Engineering TP-7 In-HandOne of the central ideas behind the TP-7 is it feels great to use. It fits neatly into the palm of your hand, with all of the controls easily accessible and usable.

Take the motorized tape wheel, for instance. This gives you hands-on access to your recordings that you won’t find on other portable devices. When recording, it spins, providing a beautiful visual reference to what is taking place technologically. And, yes, when you stop the tape wheel spinning it also stops the recording.

As well as this, the tape wheel can also be used for scrubbing, pausing, menu navigation, and as an intuitive visual feedback device. This, along with the bright red record lamp, will take you back to the golden age of tape recording, all in the palm of your hand.

Mounted to the side of the TP-7, the rocker allows for fast scrubbing through your audio. All you do is press on the top edge to fast forward, and on the down side to rewind. This is linked to the wheel – so you will get an exciting visual reference to what you are doing with this button.


Record anywhere, anytime

The TP-7 is made so you can get recording in an instant. With high quality and high ease.

For example, what if you needed to conduct an interview? Well, with the TP-7 you can grab it, record with its internal mic within seconds, and place it in a discreet place so you can focus on the interview at hand.

If – at any point – the interviewee wanted to go off-record you can simply place your finger on the tape reel and the recording will pause. And with the TP-7 transcription app, you’ll be able to get accurate speech-to-text without any hassle. Perfect.

With three inputs you can set the TP-7 up with multiple microphones too. This means multi-track recording is always around the corner. And if you combine it with the previously mentioned CM-15, you have an ultra-portable recording solution.

What can you use the TP-7 for?

Unobtrusive interviewing

Teenage Engineering TP-7 Field RecorderWhen conducting an interview, you want to focus completely on your subject. The TP-7 allows you to do this thanks to its subtle size and dedicated function. So it won’t get in the way of conducting engaging conversations.


Making premium podcasts

Sometimes you need the option to podcast anywhere, and the TP-7 lets you do just that. You can connect up to three external mics or even use an internal one. And to make sure it stays high quality, there’s a VU meter and headphone output for monitoring.


Voice memos in an instant

If you’re a creative type, your phone is likely full of voice memos. Make this process easier by using the TP-7 instead. It can capture your thoughts quickly thanks to the handy memo button, and the TP-7 phone app lets you convert those audio thoughts into text with high accuracy.


Recording on-the-go

You never know when you’re going to need to record something. With the TP-7 by your side, you have an internal mic, three inputs, and seven hours of battery life – so you’re always ready. Whether you’re recording samples or demos – do it anywhere with the TP-7.


Live performance with a difference

The TP-7 can be used for both live performance and recording. How? You can record instruments from your studio or even record your live set. And you could even use the TP-7 as a live turntable, for next-level creativity in your live set.

What’s next?

The CM-15 is a great new entry in Teenage Engineering’s field series. And it’s made to integrate with that field series seamlessly, too. In fact – it’s perfect as a companion to the new TP-7. Combined, you have a whole portable studio on the go. But why stop there? Why not add even more Teenage Engineering devices?

You can use the TX-6 Ultra-Portable Mixer to mix with even more sound sources. Or use the mic to record high-quality samples directly into the OP-1 Field Portable Synthesizer and Sampler, and then create new ideas for tracks by recording into the TP-7. The possibilities are endless.

Why not check out our full range of Teenage Engineering products? And then you can start building your dream field set-up.

 

Content Editor - Live Sound

Rowan Evans writes and edits live sound content for Gear4Music. He has a degree in audio technology and has engineered for everything from musicals to country bands. He also loves writing music, making noise in all corners of York on most nights of the week.

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