Tascam TM 2X – On board Condenser Microphone for DSLRs

News

by Tim FokNovember 14^th, 2013

Tascam has released a new microphone for DSLR cameras, The TM 2X is a stereo condenser microphone – hot shoe mountable, 180 degrees of rotation and requires no battery power.

As you can see in the above video, it’s targeted heavily towards DSLRs. It caters for Image Stabilization noise by providing an isolation arm that extends the microphone further away from the camera body. As well as offering a 130Hz low cut filter and floating structure mount to reduce handling noise.

The 180-degree rotating microphones are the same used in Tascam’s DR recorders, here’s what they say:

“The directional condenser microphones equipped on the TM-2X are the same mics used in our highly-regarded DR-series recorders. The X-Y pattern and two mic capsules are ideal for capturing a true representation of the sonic atmosphere, whether it’s sound from a wide area or directly in front of the camera. As a result, the TM-2X records pristine sound that fits naturally with the recorded video”

And further more on it’s audio performance:

“We have consistently utilized our expertise in developing recording devices that focus on the design of the analog circuits behind the mic capsules. As a result, the TM-2X achieves a high performance rating and a frequency response of 50 Hz to 20 kHz. Furthermore, we designed the TM-2X with the capacity to handle high sound pressures up to 120 dB SPL to prevent distortion even in loud scenarios.”

The microphone requires no batteries, and is therefore at the mercy of your camera/device. Whilst being targeted primarily at DSLRs, it’s compatible with any camera/device that provides plug in power from a 3.5mm input. The TM 2X has a two-way sensitivity switch which is said to aid compatibility with your camera.

It’s a pretty ugly looking device, especially with it’s extended arm, but it’s nice to see a company addressing certain problems we’ve almost learnt to accept when capturing audio with DSLRs; IS (Image Stabilization) noise has always been a major flaw when shooting with this format.

It’s not going to solve all your DSLR audio problems; it’s still advisable to capture audio separate when considering any content that has critical audio. However this is a well-priced device and offers solutions to a couple of niggles. Looking forward to hearing this up against the almost-industry-standard Rode Video Mic Pro and Sennheiser MKE 400.

As the device uses the same microphones as the DR series recorders, it’s also compatible with the same windscreen.

The Tascam TM 2X is available now from B&H for $129.99.