What type of microphone capsule does the Tascam TM-95 use?

The Tascam TM-95 utilizes a back-electret condenser capsule. This design is chosen for its ability to capture subtle vocal nuances with high fidelity compared to standard dynamic capsules.

What is the primary purpose of the dual gooseneck design?

The dual gooseneck allows for highly flexible positioning. It enables the user to adjust the microphone at two different points, ensuring it can be perfectly angled toward the speaker's mouth regardless of their height or seating position.

Does the Tascam TM-95 require phantom power?

Yes, as a back-electret condenser microphone, the TM-95 requires phantom power to operate. This is typically provided by the mixer, preamplifier, or audio interface through the XLR cable.

What accessories are included in the box?

The package includes the TM-95 microphone, a dedicated tabletop base, a custom XLR cable, and a custom pop windscreen. These components provide everything needed to set the mic up on a flat surface immediately.

Is the Tascam TM-95 suitable for live music performances?

While it is primarily designed for speech in meetings and classrooms, it could be used for static sound sources. However, it is not intended for handheld use or high-pressure musical stage environments like a Shure SM58 would be.

How does the uni-directional pattern benefit the user?

The uni-directional pattern focuses audio pickup on the front of the microphone. This helps to reduce the pickup of background noise and significantly lowers the risk of acoustic feedback in live sound settings.

Can the TM-95 be mounted to a standard microphone stand?

The TM-95 is specifically designed to fit into its included tabletop base. While it uses an XLR connection, its physical form factor is optimized for desk and podium use rather than standard mic stand clips.

What is the purpose of the included windscreen?

The windscreen is designed to remove unwanted plosives (such as 'P' sounds) and sibilance ('S' sounds). This ensures a smoother and more professional audio output during presentations.

How does the TM-95 compare to a Sennheiser e945?

The Sennheiser e945 is a dynamic supercardioid handheld vocal mic designed for singers on loud stages. In contrast, the TM-95 is a gooseneck condenser intended for stationary speech, offering more flexibility in positioning for presenters.

Is the base of the TM-95 stable enough for heavy use?

Yes, the Tascam TM-95 comes with a custom base designed to keep the microphone steady on tabletops. It is weighted to prevent the microphone from tipping over when the gooseneck is adjusted.

What is the typical price range for the Tascam TM-95?

The Tascam TM-95 typically retails for approximately £114. This price includes the microphone, base, and necessary cabling, making it an all-in-one solution for speech reinforcement.

Does the TM-95 capture a natural voice sound?

Yes, the lightweight diaphragm is specifically designed to capture the natural nuances of speech. This results in superb audio fidelity that sounds clear and detailed for listeners in a class or meeting.

Gear article

Tascam TM-95

The Tascam TM-95 is a uni-directional back-electret condenser microphone designed for speech applications in educational, corporate, and public speaking environments. It features a dual-gooseneck design and includes a dedicated weighted base for tabletop stability.

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Background and Design

The Tascam TM-95 is engineered specifically for fixed-installation and tabletop speech reinforcement. Produced by Tascam, a division of TEAC Corporation, the microphone targets users who require a dedicated podium or desk-based solution rather than a handheld vocal mic. Its primary design feature is the dual gooseneck, which provides two points of articulation for precise positioning relative to the speaker's height and posture.

The unit is supplied as a complete kit, including a custom base that ensures the microphone remains steady on flat surfaces. This eliminates the need for external mic stands or permanent drilling into furniture, making it a flexible option for meeting rooms and temporary lecture setups.

Technical Features

As a back-electret condenser microphone, the TM-95 utilizes a lightweight diaphragm designed to capture the subtle nuances of human speech with higher fidelity than many standard dynamic microphones. The uni-directional polar pattern is intended to focus on the speaker's voice while rejecting ambient noise from the sides and rear, which is critical in live sound environments to prevent feedback.

The microphone package includes: * A custom XLR cable for direct connection to mixers or audio interfaces. * A custom pop windscreen designed to mitigate plosives and sibilance during close-range speaking. * A dedicated mounting base for tabletop placement.

Sound Character and Performance

The sonic profile of the TM-95 is tailored for clarity and speech intelligibility. Because it employs a condenser element rather than a dynamic one, it offers a faster transient response, allowing for a more detailed representation of vocal frequencies. The inclusion of the pop windscreen is a functional necessity for this type of sensitive capsule, ensuring that 'P' and 'B' sounds do not cause low-frequency distortion or 'popping' during presentations.

Comparative Context

Unlike general-purpose dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58 or the Sennheiser e935, which are designed for handheld stage use, the TM-95 is a specialist tool for stationary speaking. While a Shure SM57 or SM58 might be used on a lectern with a standard clip, the TM-95’s integrated gooseneck offers superior positioning flexibility.

In comparison to high-end broadcast microphones like the Electro-Voice RE20 or Sennheiser MD 441-U, the TM-95 offers a more compact and cost-effective solution for everyday presentation tasks. It lacks the bulky footprint of an RE20, making it less visually intrusive on camera or in a classroom setting.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of microphone capsule does the Tascam TM-95 use?: The Tascam TM-95 utilizes a back-electret condenser capsule. This design is chosen for its ability to capture subtle vocal nuances with high fidelity compared to standard dynamic capsules.
What is the primary purpose of the dual gooseneck design?: The dual gooseneck allows for highly flexible positioning. It enables the user to adjust the microphone at two different points, ensuring it can be perfectly angled toward the speaker's mouth regardless of their height or seating position.
Does the Tascam TM-95 require phantom power?: Yes, as a back-electret condenser microphone, the TM-95 requires phantom power to operate. This is typically provided by the mixer, preamplifier, or audio interface through the XLR cable.
What accessories are included in the box?: The package includes the TM-95 microphone, a dedicated tabletop base, a custom XLR cable, and a custom pop windscreen. These components provide everything needed to set the mic up on a flat surface immediately.
Is the Tascam TM-95 suitable for live music performances?: While it is primarily designed for speech in meetings and classrooms, it could be used for static sound sources. However, it is not intended for handheld use or high-pressure musical stage environments like a Shure SM58 would be.
How does the uni-directional pattern benefit the user?: The uni-directional pattern focuses audio pickup on the front of the microphone. This helps to reduce the pickup of background noise and significantly lowers the risk of acoustic feedback in live sound settings.
Can the TM-95 be mounted to a standard microphone stand?: The TM-95 is specifically designed to fit into its included tabletop base. While it uses an XLR connection, its physical form factor is optimized for desk and podium use rather than standard mic stand clips.
What is the purpose of the included windscreen?: The windscreen is designed to remove unwanted plosives (such as 'P' sounds) and sibilance ('S' sounds). This ensures a smoother and more professional audio output during presentations.
How does the TM-95 compare to a Sennheiser e945?: The Sennheiser e945 is a dynamic supercardioid handheld vocal mic designed for singers on loud stages. In contrast, the TM-95 is a gooseneck condenser intended for stationary speech, offering more flexibility in positioning for presenters.
Is the base of the TM-95 stable enough for heavy use?: Yes, the Tascam TM-95 comes with a custom base designed to keep the microphone steady on tabletops. It is weighted to prevent the microphone from tipping over when the gooseneck is adjusted.
What is the typical price range for the Tascam TM-95?: The Tascam TM-95 typically retails for approximately £114. This price includes the microphone, base, and necessary cabling, making it an all-in-one solution for speech reinforcement.
Does the TM-95 capture a natural voice sound?: Yes, the lightweight diaphragm is specifically designed to capture the natural nuances of speech. This results in superb audio fidelity that sounds clear and detailed for listeners in a class or meeting.