Tula is a recently established organization created to design accessible hardware and software solutions for audio recording, and their first product, the Tula Mic, is currently available following a well-received crowdfunding effort in the previous year. The Tula Mic functions as both a USB-C microphone interface for computers and smartphones, and as a standalone recorder featuring integrated storage and a battery capable of delivering up to 14 hours of uninterrupted operation. This initial product demonstrates considerable potential and addresses a wide range of user requirements at a competitive price.

Basics

The Tula Mic is compact – accurately characterized as hand-held, with dimensions and a footprint similar to those of a standard playing card deck. Its construction features microphone capsules positioned at the top, with control buttons located along the sides, and a USB-C port for charging centered on the rear panel. A conventional 3.5mm jack is also included on the upper-left side, serving dual purposes: it accommodates headphones for monitoring audio and playback, and also accepts input from lavalier microphones, allowing the Tula to function as a wireless body pack recorder.

Beneath the grille protecting the recording capsule, two indicator lights are visible on the front of the Tula Mic. These lights display gain levels and peaking, as well as recording status, offering clear and straightforward visual cues. The device incorporates 8 GB of internal storage, and its integrated rechargeable battery provides up to 14 hours of uninterrupted recording capability. Internally, the Tula Mic utilizes a dual-capsule system, featuring both a cardioid pattern for focused audio capture from a single speaker directed at the microphone, and an omnidirectional pattern ideal for recording ambient room sound, such as at gatherings or during interviews.

A stand is included with the Tula Mic, designed to fold up and attach magnetically to the device’s center for convenient portability. This stand is also detachable and can be replaced with a standard microphone-mount threaded connector. This is a straightforward and refined design that is particularly useful during operation; however, the use of a unique mounting system means that lost accessories cannot be easily substituted with generic replacements, unlike a standard tripod thread.

Design and performance

The Tula Mic features a design that clearly evokes classic styles, and its distinctive, flattened oval form is instantly noticeable and memorable. This unique appearance also contributes to a comfortable grip, and its design readily indicates the optimal positioning when used with the included stand. The integrated flip-down stand is both stylish and stable, securely holding the microphone in place due to its solid metal build.

The Tula Mic’s controls, positioned along each side, are clearly marked, though I discovered that frequent consultation of the provided user manual was necessary to reliably recall the function of each one. While the icons are beneficial, they aren’t immediately self-explanatory. The inclusion of physical buttons is a welcome choice, offering a preferable alternative to touch-sensitive controls or a display screen for operation.

A key aspect of the Tula Mic is its excellent sound quality, whether operating in wired USB-C mode or as a standalone recorder. The ability to select between omnidirectional and cardioid polar patterns significantly enhances the microphone’s adaptability, making it a versatile solution for various applications. It performs well for podcasting, recording educational content, or capturing interviews with up to two participants, consistently delivering high-quality audio.

Tula has also incorporated a built-in noise reduction feature that utilizes a local algorithm. This allows you to record a short sample of ambient sound to automatically eliminate it from your recordings. This is a particularly useful and surprisingly effective function, likely to improve the accuracy of transcriptions generated by services such as Otter.ai.

Final Thoughts

With a price point of $199, the Tula Mic competes directly with the cost of numerous popular USB microphones currently available. Considering its additional capability as a completely functional, independent digital recorder – a feature commonly found in devices within the same price range – it presents a compelling option for individuals seeking adaptable recording solutions in a conveniently sized form.