Turnstile Audio Platform Series: Hands-On Review

The new Turnstile Audio set of microphones and headphones are a great addition to any podcasting setup. The brand currently has 16 audio products across its Station, Passenger, Platform and Concourse series. I had the opportunity to test out two products from the Platform Series, which consists of the TAP300 and TAPH500 Broadcast Microphones, TAP100MP Microphone Preamplifier, and TAP400 and TAP600 USB Microphones. In this article, I’ll be breaking down the features, differences, and benefits of each and why you should consider adding them to your current setup.

TAP400 USB Microphone

I was able to test out the TAP400 and TAP600 USB Microphones alongside the TAPH300 Headphones from the Passenger Series. The TAP400 Microphone is priced at $79.99 and comes with a desktop stand that’s easy to set up.

You can control both the gain of your microphone and the volume of your headphones on the microphone itself, as well as mute your mic with a simple tap. This mic has a clear and clean sound, along with a cardioid polar pattern. This means it’ll reduce any background noise and mainly pick up what is in front of the microphone. The TAP400 Microphone is amazing for individuals who are live streaming, recording solo podcasts, or creating their own videos. Ideally, this microphone would be recording one person because the best audio will come from the individual directly in front of it.

The microphone is also great because it doesn’t require any audio drivers to use. You can simply plug it in via USB C to A cable and have a fully functional quality microphone. The microphone will work exceptionally for content creators that want a reliable microphone that can be used quickly and efficiently. No customization is needed and everything is easy to adjust — especially when you need your audio levels higher or lower. It’s optimal to have these options in front of you with no hassle.

TAP600 USB Microphone

The TAP600 USB Microphone actually goes a step further. It allows the user to pick their preferred microphone polar pattern. It has four options to choose from: Cardioid, Omni, Stereo X/Y, and Figure 8. This microphone is priced at $129.99 and costs only $50 more than the TAP400USB microphone while still providing that great quality.

I’d recommend this microphone to anyone who needs a high quality microphone and also expects to have someone else record with them often. It would be perfect for podcasting because you can adjust the microphone pattern to fit your setup — whether you are by yourself or recording a group of people. If you have people sitting around the table, place it in Omni mode. If it’s you and one another person, you can have it in Figure 8 mode with the other person on the other side of the microphone. The TAP600 USB is perfect for those who want to have those options.

In addition to microphone polar patterns, the TAP600 USB Microphone has a few features to give you more control. There is the independent headphone volume and monitor mix knob for controlling playback levels. You also get built-in metering inside the microphone for real-time monitoring, and even a dedicated aux send for recording and live streaming on smart devices. It provides control to the users that want to adjust not only the sound, but even the devices taking input. This microphone is also a USB C to A cable and doesn’t require any drivers to set up or use.

TAP300 Broadcast Microphone

TAP500 Broadcast Microphone

TAP100MP Microphone Preamplifier

Be sure to check out the other three products in the Platform Series. Overall, each one of these items are great for setups both for professional and personal use. If you want to upgrade your audio setup for gaming, zoom meetings, and personal projects, having one of these microphones — especially the TAP400USB — would be a perfect addition. For those pursuing creative ventures, whether it be streaming or recording, the TAP600 USB has the necessary features to make your setup more efficient.

Headphones to Pair with Your Turnstile Microphone

If you’re looking to expand your gear even further, the Turnstile TAPH300 Headphones are a great addition. The selling point is not only the price and quality of sound, but also the durability, adjustability, and lightweight design. In fact, Turnstile Audio’s Passenger Series of headphones let you explore and fully connect with your sound. 

For only $39.99, you can have 50mm speakers that give you quality sound regardless of the environment. The TAPH300 Headphones are adjustable and have a semi-open back design to provide a more natural sound. An adapter is also included for 1/8th inch (3.5mm) to 1/4th (6.3mm) plugins, making it usable with laptops, tablets, smartphones, and audio mixers. 

Check out all of the offering from Turnstile Audio, exclusive at Adorama.