A fine microphone is the doorway to a great recording, and TASCAM's TM-280 Studio Condenser Microphone has been designed to capture each and every nuance of your performance faithfully and accurately. Featuring a switchable high pass filter and 10 dB pad, this large-diaphragm condenser microphone is sensitive enough for the most demanding acoustic sessions while being robust enough to handle the most powerful rock 'n' roll.

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 type allows high sensitivity, low noise, and distinctive sounds. This is why the large-diaphragm types are relatively popular for vocal recordings. TM-280 applies a large size, 34mm pure gold-coated diaphragm, and it is often characterized by its bright sounds. The frequency response of TM-280 shows a distinct curve at 1 kHz and higher, with a loose peak especially around 9kHz. By these characteristics, TM-280 acquires a clear outline in the recording of lead instruments such as vocal or sax, for a strong, standout sound.

The polar pattern shows the characteristics in which the microphone can pick up the sound in a specific direction (directivity). The TM-280 has a unidirectional pattern (cardioid). The unidirectional condenser microphone is ideal for recording vocal and any single sound source… read more because it mainly picks up the sound from the specified direction.

A large-diaphragm type handles noise really well. Especially the TM-280, it is formed with exceptional parts that has made this model the highest SN ratio with up to 80 dB among the TASCAM mic series. It is ideal for vocal recording or any other lead parts when the volume needs to be turn up.

In general, a small-diaphragm type handles high sound pressure better. However, the TM-280, 34mm large-size diaphragm is built with the sound pressure tolerance that reaches up to 135 dB SPL, to capture vocalists or instrumentalists who perform with a loud volume.

The TM-280 has a 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 percussion 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.

A professional suspension shockmount is included in order to secure the microphone with screws. A noise due to vibration during recording can be avoided as well. The package also comes with a pop filter that can be attached to the suspension, so you can start your vocal recording right away. In addition, a flight case is included that prevents damage while carrying. read less