Teenage Engineering’s New Portable Mic Tugs At Dieter Rams Fans’ Heartstrings

By Mikelle Leow, 28 Apr 2023

It really seems as though Dieter Rams were invited back to design the next thing for the vlogging and podcasting generation.

Teenage Engineering’s first microphone is also the first “all-in-one mic” of its kind, packing “a combination of 48V phantom-powered mini XLR, USB-audio interface and preamp, 3.5 mm line output, and battery power” all into one portable, pocket-sized device.

For all its functionality, it’s the CM-15’s form that’s touting the boom factor. The slick, clean-edged metallic design has been likened to the work of legendary designer Dieter Rams, the former head of design at Braun who helped cement its reputation as a maker of stylish yet practical wall-mounted audio products.

Teenage Engineering knows how to please 'the children' of Dieter Rams.

Nicely done.https://t.co/ewZeBqTnUz pic.twitter.com/cfshCOaqhZ
— TvS (@vanschneider) April 27, 2023

The condenser microphone is understated but boasts amplified, “studio-quality” audio capture, thanks to the proportionately large, one-inch condenser diaphragm capsule hidden within. The device sports a super-cardioid polar pattern that enables it to pick up sounds in front, while isolating and canceling surrounding noises.

There are only two toggles: a power switch on the side and a toggle at the back to adjust the gain level for loud and gentle sounds.

The portable microphone also allows the use of three types of output—even simultaneously, if you wish—including phantom power, USB-C, and battery. Accordingly, the CM-15 is “the only battery-powered microphone to include all these features,” says Teenage Engineering, which is known for its compelling audio product designs.