Turnstile Audio Concourse Series Review: Vintage & Versatile Microphones

There are new additions to the Turnstile Audio family hitting the streets as of today. The Turnstile Audio Concourse Series of microphones is sure to make a profound impression. First, the TAC 1100 Microphone is a vintage-voiced studio microphone with a beefy output transformer for classic sounds. There is also the TAC700 Microphone, a smaller yet powerful workhorse that remains flexible, and the minuscule TAC300 Microphone rounds out the selection with an unbeatable sound for the price.

Turnstile Audio is excited to showcase these new large-diaphragm condenser microphones to cover various needs from field recording, to podcasting, to the studio and anywhere in between. Let’s take a closer look at the Concourse Series and what you can expect…. 

First Impressions of Turnstile Concourse Series

Unboxing the Turnstile Concourse Series mics was a joy as each comes with a quality case. The flagship model, TAC1100, comes with a rugged metal case containing a thick, rigid foam lining. The TAC700 and TC300 alternately come with a durable-yet-softer case with a plush foam interior. I would have no problem bringing these mics to any session and feel safe knowing that my mics are secure during transport. 

The mics themselves have a solid feel and look professional. Quality metalwork is on display, and the finishes are elegant and understated. All three microphones have a solidity that belies their price. The included clips are easy to set up and retain their position well. Again, the flagship model TAC1100 stands apart with a suspension mount to eliminate rumble for critical voice work. All three models feature a -10 dB pad for louder sources and a high-pass filter to offset any low-frequency buildup.

Similarities and Differences Between the Mics 

The TAC1100 and TAC700 are dual-diaphragm microphones that provide several options for capture. Both models can be set to cardioid, omni, or bi-directional polar patterns to optimize the recording based on the room and source. The TAC300 utilizes a fixed cardioid pattern, making it perfect for VO and podcast recording.

How Can These Turnstile Concourse Series Mics be Used?

Turnstile TAC1100 Microphone

Key Features:

• Well-built, clean, and warm vintage sound with the inclusion of an output transformer circuit           
• Low handling noise, meaning you don’t listen to your mic stand, just the audio
• Sound source control with a dual capsule configuration with three settings (Cardioid, Figure 8, Omni) 
• Tone control with a 10 dB pad 
• Tone contouring with a low-cut filter switch
• Windscreen for reducing plosive “Ps” when recording vocal sources           
• Metal hard carrying case to keep the investment safe during transport 

I jumped on a chance to use these mics in a session right away. The TAC1100’s vivid vocals and saturated guitar tones benefited greatly from the output transformer and its warm, vintage character. The added thickness gave the tracks size and weight, while the included windscreen eliminated even the strongest plosives. 

Any budding studio owner or content creator would benefit from these mics. The flagship model, TAC1100, is perfect for expanding your recording options. It perfectly captures everything from up-close and intimate vocals to distant sounds. The colorful character and sheen were especially pleasant on thinner sound sources. I instantly liked this mic for its warm, organic tones. 

Turnstile TAC700 Microphone

Key Features:

• Smooth, clean sound
• Low handling noise means you don’t listen to your mic stand or rustle, just the audio
• Sound source control with a dual capsule configuration with three settings (Cardioid, Figure 8, Omni)
• Tone control with a 10 dB pad 
• Tone contouring with a low-cut filter switch         
• Soft carrying case to keep your microphone safe during transport

In contrast, the TAC700 was pristine and bright with a forward, modern sound. With both mics, you can grab a variety of tones in the studio quickly and easily. An added benefit of the TAC700 is its compact size. This mic is discreet in the best way, making placement in tight quarters effortless.

The TAC700 proved useful as I can fit it into tight spaces around amps and drumkits. The tiny mic size means almost any stand will work. Placing the mic up high was not an issue. The low noise floor and high sensitivity of the mics made for easy recording on softer sources. I loved using the TAC700 on classical guitar as it emphasized the delicate attack of the players’ fingers. A thick electric guitar tone required the natural clarity of the TAC700. 

A pair of either of these microphones opens a world of stereo recording techniques from XY and Blumlein, to Mid/Side and Spaced-Pair. The nominal impedance on all three microphones is 200 Ohms, which will pair perfectly with any interface or preamp. Field recordists and those who like to record on the go will appreciate the portability of these durable mics.

Turnstile TAC300 Microphone

Key Features: 

• Cardioid Polar Pattern
• Clean, Crisp Sound
• Tone Control with a -10 dB Pad 
• Tone Contouring with a Low-Cut Filter Switch      
• Soft Carrying Case for Easy Transport

The TAC300 is sleek, black, and small, making it my go-to choice for video work and streaming content creation. While using this in a series of instructional videos, the mic perfectly captured a polished recording of my voice while nicely blending in the shot. The cardioid pattern helped eliminate my room’s machine noise, resulting in a speedy post-production workflow.

While the TAC300 is my preferred choice for VO and podcast work, it is also an excellent option for musical instrument recording. Every studio needs extra mics on hand for larger sessions. The low price, diminutive size, and clear sound make it an obvious choice for auxiliary percussion. The Max SPL level of 149 dB is an additional benefit of the TAC300. It is a superb choice when the clarity of a condenser is needed on louder sources like guitar amps and kick drums.

Conclusion

These new additions from Turnstile Audio make it affordable for recordists of any kind to get quality recordings. After using all three mics on a variety of sessions, I found each to be uniquely suited for specific applications. Regardless of your needs, Turnstile Audio has an excellent-sounding and cost-effective mic for you.

Rich Crescenti

Rich Crescenti is a freelance engineer, producer, teacher, and drummer who works out of several studios in NYC and California. He loves helping bands make unique recordings. He also plays drums in the Art-Punk trio Bugs in the Dark.