Like most design fans, when Teenage Engineering releases a new product, I tend to take notice.
They have a minimalist, industrial style that aligns exactly with my tastes, and their new CM-15 Microphone is no exception.
The design
As usual, they've pared down this hardware to the absolute essentials, showing off a simple control on the back of the unit for a simple gain boost. I love that little splash of orange, it's very Braun circa 1970.
They've opted for a slightly textured aluminum body, complimented by a mesh grill covering the front and back of the device. As usual, they are intentional with keeping their branding to a minimum, and I like how they've tucked it away on the back of the microphone, keeping the front nice and simple.
If you add this microphone to the mix (no pun intended) of their other audio equipment, you can see how harmonious the design of each looks like as a whole.
Features
The CM-15 microphone is a serious piece of equipment with some pretty impressive features. First off, it's got a large 1-inch diaphragm capsule that should capture sound with exceptional clarity and detail.
And get this, the CM-15 has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 hours! So, whether you're recording on the go or doing a live performance, you won't have to worry about your mic dying on you.
The CM-15 also has a 48V phantom power compatible pseudo-balanced mini XLR output. Okay, that's a mouthful, but it basically means it can work with a whole bunch of different audio equipment. Plus, it's got dual mono 3.5mm jack line outputs for even more flexibility.
Here's the really cool part: the CM-15 is a USB-C class-compliant device. That means you can easily connect it to your computer or other compatible device without having to install any extra software. And to make sure your recordings sound their best, the CM-15 has an ESS Sabre ES9822Q PRO analog-to-digital converter.
The CM-15 is also super portable, measuring just 90mm x 65.5mm x 19mm and weighing only 132g (54.6 oz). You can take it with you wherever you go and capture high-quality audio on the fly.
They've also opted to include a small stand, which can easily be angled towards the audio source. This sort of thing is perfect for podcasters looking to have something on their desk.
Audio quality
I'm by no means an audio expert, so I'm not going to weigh in on how this microphone sounds to others in a similar price range. Once some in-depth reviews start coming out, I'll be happy to link them here so we can all get a full picture before dropping $1200 on this thing.
Stay tuned.
