Teenage Engineering CM-15-BK

The Studio Format Adapted to a Mobile Recording Chain

The CM-15 Black combines, in a compact format, elements usually spread across several devices: a large-diaphragm capsule, a preamp and a USB audio interface. This design makes it equally at home in a home studio or a mobile recording setup.

Its main advantage lies in this continuity between different uses. You can keep the same microphone for a session connected to your audio interface, a direct USB-C recording or a battery-powered recording. The Black version applies this approach with black finishing, while keeping its footprint small for transport and setup.

For Musicians, Vocals and Creators on the Move

This portable studio microphone is aimed at musicians, podcasters, videographers and content creators who alternate between several working environments. It can be used to record sung vocals, acoustic guitar, voice-over or spoken-word content, with the connection suited to the available equipment.

Its supercardioid polar pattern favors on-axis capture and attenuates sounds arriving from the sides. Careful placement therefore remains important: point the capsule toward the source and take the time to adjust the distance. This approach helps achieve a focused recording, especially when the environment does not benefit from dedicated acoustic treatment.

For video or mobile recording, the line output can be connected to a camera or recorder equipped with a compatible input. In the studio, the included mini XLR-to-XLR cable makes it easy to integrate the microphone into a recording chain equipped with 48 V phantom power.

Three Outputs to Build Your Workflow

One Recording, Multiple Destinations

The CM-15 Black offers three modes: XLR microphone with phantom power, USB-C microphone and standalone battery-powered microphone with a 3.5 mm jack line output. These three modes can operate simultaneously. This allows you to send the signal to multiple destinations without having to change microphones between setups.

This flexibility is useful for combining computer recording with sending the signal to a camera, or for integrating a parallel recording into your setup. Naturally, each connected device must have an input suited to the signal received, particularly in the case of the line-level output.

An Integrated Audio Chain, from Capsule to Conversion

The 1-inch Peluso condenser capsule is paired with a JFET OPA 140 amplifier and an ESS Sabre ES9822Q PRO converter. Conversion reaches 96 kHz over USB-C. The stated self-noise of 14 dBA provides a useful reference for vocal and instrument recordings, while the maximum sound pressure level reaches 138 dB at 0.5% harmonic distortion.

A selector provides three gain settings: -18 dB, 0 dB and +18 dB. It allows you to quickly adapt the level to the recorded source. For a more powerful source, the attenuated setting helps preserve available headroom; for a quieter source, the positive gain setting raises the level.

Battery Life Designed for Out-of-Studio Sessions

The rechargeable battery provides up to 10 hours of use. The microphone can also be powered via USB-C or 48 V phantom power, depending on the selected mode. The included stand adapter, tiltable from 90 to 110 degrees, makes positioning easier, while the pouch and supplied cables support the transition from one setup to another.

Technical specifications

Phantom power supply	48V	Connection	XLR, minijack, USB-C
Category	studio microphone	Use	Microphone
Type	studio	Color	Black
Directivity	cardioid	Weight	132 g
Capsule	Large Diaphragm	Dimensions (mm)	90 x 65.5 x 19
Diaphragm diameter	1 "

Model	CM-15 Black	Simultaneous modes	XLR, USB-C and line output
Finishing	black	XLR impedance	600 ohms
Polar pattern	supercardioid	Line output impedance	300 ohms
Amplifier	JFET OPA 140	Power sources	integrated rechargeable battery, USB-C or 48 V phantom power
Analog-to-digital converter	ESS Sabre ES9822Q PRO	Battery life	up to 10 hours
Maximum sampling rate	96 kHz	Specified dimensions	90 x 65.5 x 19 mm
Self-noise	14 dBA	Other specified dimensions, height x width x depth	90 x 65 x 22 mm
Maximum sound pressure level	138 dB at 0.5% total harmonic distortion	Carrying case	included
Gain settings	-18 dB, 0 dB and +18 dB	USB-C cable	included
XLR connection	mini XLR, with 48 V phantom power required for XLR use	Mini XLR to XLR cable	included
USB connection	USB-C with integrated audio interface	Stand adapter	included, with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads
Analog output	3.5 mm line-level jack	Adapter tilt	from 90 to 110 degrees
Preamp	integrated for standalone battery operation