Blue Microphones

Blue Microphones has introduced Yeti, the first THX Certified microphone and, according to the company, the “ultimate USB microphone for professional recording.”

Yeti Features:

• The first USB mic to offer Blue’s condenser capsules in a  triple capsule array for the highest quality, most versatile audio recording capability
• Four patterns (Omni, Cardioid, Stereo, Bidirectional) for  versatility and superior results
• THX certification
• Studio quality performance and features, with zero latency, amplified headphone monitoring, microphone mute, and hardware-based gain adjustment
• Driverless installation and works with both PC and Mac.
• The Yeti’s angle can be adjusted on its custom-designed desk stand.

The Yeti microphone is designed to offer quality recordings in a wide range of situations, including podcasts, vocals, live or event recording, interviews, broadcasts, instruments, bands and more.

“THX testing and certification ensures the fidelity of the recording always remains true to its source” according to Matthew Chrispen, director of certification at THX, “allowing artists to accurately capture voice-overs, interviews and other sound elements with confidence.”

The Yeti, MSRP $149.99, will be available beginning December 2009.

If you’ve used the Yeti microphone, leave a comment with your thoughts on it!

2007 Winter NAMM Show: Blue Microphones announced its newest addition to the Blue family of award winning microphones, the Woodpecker.

With the Woodpecker, Blue continues its style of introducing attractive vintage-styled microphones that look as good as they sound.

The Woodpecker was designed to provide the smooth, intimate sound associated with the most sought-after (and expensive) vintage ribbon microphones. With its focused mid-range, and outstanding bass response, the Woodpecker captures the essence of any recorded sound. It also excels at ambient recording, capturing room tone with the most intimate detail – whether for rock drums, guitars or vocals – any application where some natural space in the recording is desired. The Woodpecker package includes a custom made, solid brass shockmount and wood storage box.

Woodpecker specifications:

• Acoustical Operating Principal: Pressure Gradient
• Directional Pattern: figure 8, bidirectional
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Sensitivity (1kHz into 2.5k ohm): 26mV/Pa
• Rated Impedance: 50 ohm
• Rated Load Impedance: Not less than 1k ohm
• Noise Level A-weighted (IEC 651): Not more than 22dB
• Max Output (1% THD into 2.5k ohm): 10dBU = 2.5V
• Max SPL (0.5% THD into 2.5k ohm): 136dB
• Dynamic Range (2.5k ohm load): 114dB
• Supply Voltage (IEC 268-15): +48V phantom power (+35V min.)
• Current Draw (typical ai +48V): 2.4mA
• Weight: 1.6lbs

Price: $1299
Availability: Q1, 2007

2007 Winter NAMM Show: Blue balls are cheaper than ever, along with all the other unique microphones in Blue Microphone’s ball line.

Blue announced a new $99 price point on their popular Ball Series microphones: the Snowball, the 8-Ball, the Kickball, and the original Ball microphone. Read more…

Blue Microphones, a leading microphone technology vendor, has introduced two new Applets for their Snowball USB Microphone which add further flexibility to its dual-capsule design by giving users more control over the input gain.

The Snowball has been popular with computer musicians because it is a relativley inexpensive USB microphone.

“In addition to its dual capsule design, these new applets add to the Snowball’s ability to record just about any source you put in front of it,” said Skipper Wise, President and Co-Founder of Blue Microphones. “And with ever expanding distribution of the mic, more computer users will have access to this high quality audio tool.”

Two new free firmware applets for the Snowball let you adjust gain levels on a Mac or PC for greater control in recording loud or soft sources. Download the low gain applet for loud sounds (like drums, electric guitars, louder singing). Download the high gain applet for quieter sounds like speech, podcasting, internet telephony, or recording sounds from a distance. You can also switch back and forth as often as you need.

More information is available at the Blue Mic site.

2006 NAMM Winter Show: Blue Microphones seems to be doing its best to make mundane things interesting, with the introduction of Ralph – the Wonder Mount, a new shock mount designed for many popular recording microphones.

Ralph was designed to be an effective and inexpensive alternative or replacement shock mount for any mic with a diameter of 19.88mm-22mm. Precision crafted of solid brass, this shock mount is well suited to Blue’s Baby Bottle microphone as well as many other popular recording mics by AKG, Audio-Technica, Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser and Shure.

Employing an aesthetically unique design which has become a Blue calling-card, this custom mount is also designed for results and built to last. Ralph’s wrap-around design and suspension bands hold the mic out in front of the stand, positioning it directly in front of the sound source, helping to further eliminate low-frequency rumble generated by floor resonance or bumping the stand. It’s elegant, simple design also make mic changes and cable connections quick and easy. Read more…