Seems odd as I know I’ve used mine via usb to the TP7. I tend to go with the jack as you get the gain control.
Not related to your issues, but well worth trying both gain settings on the mic with different gain settings on the tp7. Quite different results, at least with acoustic guitar. Love the pair!
Hope you get it sorted. Maybe worth a firmware update to see if it sorts it, even if they’re both upto date.
Are there any sonic differences between the USB, 3.5mm, and XLR (+ phantom power) outputs?
I have heard that phantom powering the CM-15 produces a better sound compared to the 3.5mm and USB outs w/battery power. But I would like to know from owners here if that’s true.
In my case, I wouldn’t know, being a very new owner. But since the USB mess, I’ve used only the line out into TP-7, and damn this microphone is da shit. It sounds so bloody good it’s pissing me off.
It’s been one of my best purchases ever! Love it.
Does seem to better on a tripod or mic stand compared to the built it stand for me. And mid gain setting preferably as I seem to get less bass on that setting.
You got the official tripod?
no. I dread to think how much that is. I had a little manfrotto for my camera I could use
I’m also curious about how the CM-15 stacks up against the mic in the OP-1 Field (the only portable mic I own). Novak’s video is the best apples to apples comparison I can find, and I have to say the difference between them isn’t as great as I would have guessed. Seems that the CM-15 does have significantly less noise though.
Any thoughts from folks that have used both?
Chalk and cheese tbh. Though I guess that depends what your recording and how it sits in a mix. But acoustic guitar, being recoded for detail and to be the main thing going on, not running it through effects etc… CM15 all day long.
Don’t compare. If the Lord himself emerged from the heavens and blessed my OP-1 Field’s microphone, it would still not come close to what the CM-15 can capture.
Tho if that matters, depends on your needs.
Heya.
Just wanted to share an experience with this mic.
I’ve now bought this mic four separate times. Once a while back and then twice more recently, each time returning it because every time I moved it even a little I got terrible handling noise - like heavy distortion - which I attributed to insufficient internal shock mounting. In addition just sitting on my desk it would carry a low-grade rumble from ambient vibration very easily. By the third time I just figured it was part of the design. But I went for it one last time as I still think the specific combination of features (and design of course) are quite unique and feel special.
Well this latest version does NOT suffer from the same issues - neither the hair-trigger distortion, nor the low-frequency rumble. It now handles much more like any other condenser mic I’ve used in the past. I can even handhold it without too much issue which was not the case with the previous units.
TE’s quality control is notoriously bad and I’m afraid this experience mirrors my experience with the TX-6 - I went thru two of those units before landing a good one on the third try. Perhaps it’s that. Perhaps they have made an adjustment to the design. Who knows.
Just offering this in case anyone (like me) feels very compelled by this mic but has similar issues. May take a few attempts to land a good one. Now we’ll see if it holds up…
I may have spoke too soon. Ha.
I seem to recall that when plugged into an interface the mic will use phantom power when available even if the switch is not turned “on”.
This latest unit doesn’t do that. Can any current owners confirm?
This sounds like something that might have been fixed with a FW update if this was causing issues?
Yes it should use phantom power when connected via xlr. In that scenario, the power switch should be in the off position but the status light should turn green.
Do you have another phantom powered source you can try to connect the mic to?
I’m up to date according to their web tool
Curses. This is how I remember the other units as well.
I’m hoping it’s just the cable but it’s not an easy cable to swap out.
I’ve tested it against another xlr port that is supplying phantom power to another mic without issue.
Got a replacement unit and can confirm the unit should be able to use phantom power regardless of switch position. New mic does this.
I’m noticing a bit more self-noise in this one but I might be growing paranoid. How’s the self-noise for other owners? Don’t have a lot to compare it to but the Rode NTG 5 I have on hand is noticeably quieter when at similar gain (though this mic is significant for its low self-noise in general).
Thinking this would be a fun addition to my setup, but I’m curious about the sound of the mic when it’s handled. For instance, if I was chilling on the chouch or laying in bed and thus was holding the mic in my hand while it recorded, would there be handling noise coming through on the recording?
Thinking since it’s a sensitive condenser that it would generate all kinds of handling and mic movement sounds, but then again the thing is partially advertised for field recording use, which would likely mean holding it in your hand while you recorded a babbling brook… So maybe they designed it to be less loud with handling noise?
Thanks in advance!
firm grip and not fumbling, you’ll be good.