16Nov Tascam TM-2X XY DLSR Microphone
Tascam has been making some pretty cool stuff lately and the Tascam TM-2X seems to be another decent idea. Basically this thing is just the microphone portion of a field recorder mounted to a rubberized shock absorbing platform in a nice little package.
For $129 you get an adjustable microphone, shockmount, and cold shoe adapter. All this with a microphone cable that’s designed to be plugged directly into your camera. There are also some basic audio controls that you see on most camera mounted microphones, mainly a low cut filter and high/low signal switch. The frequency response range is advertised at 50 Hz to 20 kHz which means it already gives you a little bit of low end roll off even without the switch being used. Not a bad idea when using a microphone attached directly to the camera.
For an extra $30 you can get the Tascam TM-2X with a short little extension arm. Chances are, if you’re already using a rig, you probably won’t need this extra bit of plastic but it is a usable option. It would have been nice to see this included with the $129 model, but that’s another story.
All in all the Tascam TM-2X looks like something that could easily compete with Rode’s iXY iPhone microphone if the sound quality is comparable. You don’t get an iphone app with the TM-2X, but you also don’t have to deal with a proprietary (and obsolete) iphone adapter. A 3.5mm stereo plug is much more versatile and compatible with a lot more devices and doesn’t leave you stuck using an old iphone 4 or tablet. I’ll have to see if I can get my hands on a review model for test, could be useful to have around.
November 16th, 2013 at 1:02 pm
Looks like a great idea. It would be nice to hear an audio test, but I’m guessing it is better than the on camera mic. Question is how much?
November 16th, 2013 at 2:07 pm
I’m excited about this, because I used to have the Videomic Pro, and found it not nearly as directional as I expected a shotgun mic to be, especially for how expensive it is. Plus, if the audio is really important I’m using a boom, and I use the camera-mounted audio solution as reference audio (for pluraleyes) or ambient noises for backing track.
November 16th, 2013 at 10:05 pm
Is there a headphone jack?
November 17th, 2013 at 11:47 am
No.
November 17th, 2013 at 7:05 am
The noise isolation arm IS included not as separate buy. http://tascam.com/product/tm-2x/
November 17th, 2013 at 11:44 am
Amazon has it for sale with and without (here).
November 17th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
Doesn’t make sense as on amazon, both said it included. Just $30 difference. Their website said $129 include it too.
November 17th, 2013 at 3:23 pm
Strange.
November 18th, 2013 at 5:13 am
The comparison to the iXY seems a little unfair, when RØDE’s most direct competitor would be the Stereo VideoMic Pro, with the same switches and a 3.5mm plug. Granted, the price point is somewhat higher. The lack of a shock mount is disappointing.
November 18th, 2013 at 6:00 am
The rubberized base is the shockmount as I understand it.
November 18th, 2013 at 1:02 pm
You gotta love Tascam for being so experimental with product and price. They’re really putting out a lot of interesting stuff.
November 19th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
This is pretty cool. I really haven’t used my Rode Stereo Videomic due to it’s lack of +20db switch like the new Pro has. And with no gain you get some solid hiss when plugging the old Rode Stereo into your camera.
When I video a concert, I try to leave my Tascam DR-40 near or plugged into the sound mixer. Much better sound recording back there than in front of the stage.
Thanks for the post Deejay.
November 30th, 2013 at 12:31 am
Any idea how much drain on the camera battery this would have? Especially when using the high signal switch?
February 26th, 2014 at 8:46 pm
I just bought the bundle Tascam DR-60D with the TM-2X for $269
I’m not sure why i bought the extra mic but it was a bundled deal so yeah.
For some reason I cant get the TM-2X to work with the Dr 60D.
I am using it on channel 3/4 in stereo but nothing. Strange that they would sell the two items together and they aren’t compatible. I am open to suggestions from those with experience. The TM-2X works when plugged into the 7D.
April 24th, 2014 at 2:09 pm
Did you engage plugin power in the menu? It won’t work without it.
January 7th, 2015 at 5:37 pm
I have this and I am trying to get this to work properly with my Canon M mirrorless.
Getting a lot of background hissing noise.
Any idea what should be the ideal settings to record ambient sound?
Am attempting to record music playback on my hifi system.
May 20th, 2015 at 8:25 am
I personally didn’t like this. After a few shoots I took it back. I get a solid hiss on my D5300, the audio on the D5300 actually sounds clearer for what I do (interviews). The Tascam definitely picks up more audio if you need to capture everything, or from a distance… but I didn’t find the quality very good or worth lugging around. It also has a bit too much bass. If I get an external mic again I’ll spend in the 400-500 range. The plastic mount also doesn’t feel particularly solid.