Teenage Engineering revealed a unique, compact mixer last spring known as the TX-6. At a price of $1,200, the TX-6 seemed to pair a high price tag with unusually small controls. This caused division among music making communities, with critics suggesting that the company was damaging its reputation. Nonetheless, the TX-6 was the first in a new series of “Field” products, later joined by the TP-7 recorder and CM-15 microphone, completing the family. The company is considering adding more products in the future. When used together, the four products are more powerful and exciting as a whole. However, the $5,900 cost for the complete set might deter some potential buyers.
The CM-15 microphone is Teenage Engineering’s first studio microphone, featuring a small, rectangular CNC aluminum design similar to the other products in the “Field” range. Priced at around $1,200, the CM-15 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone, preferred in studios for its sensitivity. It features three output options, making it compatible with various devices, and has a gain adjustment switch at the back. The microphone’s clear sound quality and versatility make it a solid choice for any studio or mobile application. However, Teenage Engineering states that the CM-15 can function as an audio interface, but this feature did not work in testing.
Regarding the TP-7, it is a portable recorder with a built-in microphone, 128GB of storage, tactile scrubbing controls, and a thumb rocker. This versatile device can be used for various recording applications and even boasts a unique transcription feature via a companion app. The TP-7 also offers three 3.5mm inputs that can be configured for line-level or headset/TRRS input, making it a suitable podcast recording tool or mini studio recorder. Additionally, when connected to a phone via USB-C, the TP-7 enables direct sound recording, as well as the ability to record multitrack WAV files. The device’s playback features also allow for manipulation of sounds and rudimentary scratching, adding another layer of creativity to its functionality.
