Tascam TM-280

Tascam TM-280
The TM-280 is the top model in the Tascam microphone series offering rich, warm and bright sound with a low noise level. Its wide frequency response with a slightly enhanced high end is ideal for precise and smooth reproduction of vocals, acoustic string instruments, wind instruments and other sound sources in your home or project studio.

A switchable low-cut filter allows you to add clarity by reducing the amount of unwanted low-frequency sounds or to compensate for the proximity effect in close miking. There is also a switchable level attenuation that reduces the risk of distortion caused by excessively loud sounds. And the cardioid directivity pattern enables the TM-280 to pick up the intended source while rejecting off-axis sounds.

The TM-280 is a condenser microphone opposed to dynamic microphones which are usually being used in live performances. Unlike dynamic mics, a condenser mic does not need a relatively heavy magnet and voice coil to convert acoustic waves into electrical signals. Instead, it uses a diaphragm coupled to an electrical condenser where vibrations are converted to changes in capacitance, realising a lightweight structure that helps to create a wider and smoother frequency response. To derive a signal from the changes in capacitance, electrical power is required.

Condenser microphones are largely divided into two categories according to the size of diaphragm. While small-diaphragm mics are more robust and have a very even frequency response, large-diaphragm mics are known for low noise, they have higher sensitivity and can handle higher sound pressure levels. Large-diaphragm microphones are often used for vocals as they can help to create a distinctive sound due to their warm colouration.
With its 34-mm gold-plated diaphragm, the TM-280 offers the typical warm and bright sound of large-diaphragm microphones with a smoothly increased high-end presence.

The polar pattern of a microphone shows how well the mic picks up the sound from different directions (directivity). The TM-280 has a unidirectional, or cardioid, pattern. This type of directivity is ideal for vocals and other single sound sources because it mainly picks up the sound from the front and reduces off-axis sounds from the sides and rear.

The circuit in the TM-280 is made of selected discrete electronic components that lead to an overall signal-to-noise ratio of 80 dB. When connected to a Tascam HDDA mic preamp (as used in the US-2×2/US-4×4), for instance, this means you can turn up the input gain and still have a low noise level even when you’re not singing or playing.

The TM-280 is equipped with a switchable low-cut filter and a second switch to reduce the microphone’s sensitivity.
Use the low-cut filter (also called high-pass filter) to add clarity to your sound by reducing the amount of low frequencies. When you’re close to the mic while singing or speaking, for instance, your voice may sound too rich due to the so-called proximity effect. Using the low-cut filter can compensate part of that effect.
When recording very loud sounds like brass instruments or very powerful voices, you can set the level attenuation switch to -10 dB to avoid distortion.

Since a large-diaphragm microphone is sensitive against structure-borne noise, the TM-280 comes with a professional suspension shockmount that holds the mic while minimising vibrations from the mic stand. Also included is a pop filter that reduces plosives when recording vocals. The filter can be attached to the suspension. And not least, a sturdy flight case allows you to safely carry your mic set to a different location.