Tascam TM-180 Studio Condenser Microphone

OVERVIEW

Tascam TM-180 is the standard model in the Tascam microphone series that have been tested with the Tascam products, specialized in the bright sound quality with a large-sized diaphragm. In addition to this, the product includes a professional-use suspension to avoid noise mixing due to the microphone vibration during recording.

Precise, High-Definition Sound Quality

TM-180 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 potential difference between the condenser electrodes as a signal. To give the condenser the electric potential difference, power supply is required.

Suitable Frequency Response

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-180 applies a large size, 34mm pure gold-coated diaphragm, and it is often characterized by its bright sounds. The frequency response of TM-180 shows a distinct curve at 1kHz or higher, and have a loose peak especially around 9kHz. By these characteristics, TM-180 acquires a clear outline in the recording of lead instruments as vocal or sax, for a strong, standout sound.

Unidirectional Characteristics

TM-180 The polar pattern shows the characteristics in which the microphone can pick up the sound in a specific direction (directivity). TM-180 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.

Smooth 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.

Included Accessories

A suspension shockmount is included. A noise due to vibration during recording can be avoided as well. In addition, a soft mic case and a hard case is included that prevents damage while carrying.