For singers, rappers, and musicians who need a large-diaphragm studio condenser mic and don't have the funds to go big, the TASCAM TM-80 presents a simple solution. Since it shares design characteristics with pricier mics and has no switches to configure, it offers a blend of quality and ease of use that makes it appealing for home recording. Also included with the mic are a shockmount, tabletop tripod stand, and mic cable, making the TM-80 a complete mic package.

The heart of the mic is its 0.7" aluminum-diaphragm condenser capsule, which produces a hotter output level and wider frequency range than most dynamic mics. Use it on vocals, acoustic instruments, or even guitar/bass speaker cabinets. By utilizing a cardioid polar pattern, the TM-80 is able to capture less room sound and background noise than the omnidirectional mics found in computers and mobile devices. For proper functionality of the TM-80, it should be plugged into to the XLR input of a device that can supply phantom power.

For Vocal and Instrument Recording

The TM-80 offers strong output signal and full-spectrum tone that enables it to clearly reproduce vocals (sung or spoken) as well as instruments, thanks to its high sensitivity and 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. Compared to a typical handheld dynamic mic, the TM-80 needs less gain and produces a wider frequency response. Considering its maximum SPL handling of 136 dB, it can also be used on guitar cabinets and some drum miking applications.

Friendly for Home Setups

Whereas most mics built into computers and smartphones pick up sound from all directions, the TM-80's cardioid condenser element captures minimal sound behind it. This behavior allows it to lessen the presence of room reflections in recordings, a significant benefit when working in places that lack acoustic treatment.

Phantom Power Required

Since the TM-80 needs phantom power to operate, it must be connected to a device that can send phantom power rated between 9 and 48 VDC, which most audio interfaces, mixers, and mic preamps can do. Rather than plugging the mic into a computer soundcard or a mobile device, the TM-80 is designed to be connected to an XLR mic input.

Shock-Absorbing Mount

By placing the TM-80 in the included shockmount, it is decoupled from the stand and separated from vibrations and rumble that would otherwise travel through the stand to the mic. Use the supplied mini tripod for convenient tabletop positioning, or attach the shockmount on a larger mic stand when you need to use it while standing or recording instruments from above.

Features at a Glance

• Traditional side-address design
• Condenser capsule with 0.7" aluminum diaphragm
• Cardioid polar pattern keeps the recording from sounding too ambient
• High sensitivity
• Wide frequency response (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
• XLR output connector
• Requires phantom power (9 to 48 VDC)
• Sturdy die-cast zinc housing
• Includes shockmount, tabletop tripod stand, and XLR cable