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!

We’ve been posting a lot lately – here’s a quick digest of the top posts from the last week, in case you missed them:

• NSFW: Controversial Avant Garde Electronic Music: Blow Job 4
  Posted on Friday, December 19th, 2008 in Music Videos – Comments: (10)
  This is a new version of Wojciech Kosma’s Blow Job, which explores the audio feedback effects of fellatio on a microphone.
• The Top Electronic/Dance Albums Of 2008
  Posted on Monday, December 15th, 2008 in Music News – Comments: (5)
  Amazon has announced its picks for the Best Dance & DJ Albums of 2008.
• Amazing Robotic DJs Spin The Vinyl
  Posted on Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 in DJ – Comments: (4)
  
  These guys aren’t laying down the turntable science yet, but the RobotLab Juke Bots are still pretty impressive.
• Shure Microphone Survives Insane, Sadistic Torture Tests
  Posted on Friday, December 19th, 2008 in Gear Reviews – Comments: (4)
  
  Shure SM58 & SM57 mics have a reputation for being reliable to the point of being indestructible. Mats Stålbröst, editor of the Stockholm-based Studio, took that as a challenge…..
• Stevie Wonder On The Arp 2600, Talkbox
  Posted on Monday, December 15th, 2008 in Electronic Musicians – Comments: (3)
  
  These videos are of poor quality – but the offer some interesting historical perspective from Stevie Wonder’s 70’s electronic peak.

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TASCAM has announced three recording bundles designed to offer everything you need, besides your computer, to record high-quality audio.

TASCAM’s hitting several different price points, to appeal to different budgets and meet different requirements:

• The Track Pack T1 combines the US-122L audio interface with a dynamic microphone, headphones and Cubase LE4 recording software. Track Pack T1 sells for $299 MSRP/$179 street.
• The Track Pack T2 matches the US-144 interface with TASCAM’s new TM-78 condenser microphone. Track Pack T2 sells for $369 MSRP/ $199 street.
• The Field Pack pairs TASCAM’s DR-1 portable recorder with the TM-ST1 stereo microphone. Field Pack sells for $498 MSRP/$349 street.

“The Track Pack and Field Pack bundles give musicians everything they’ll need, even cables and stands, so they can start making music right away,” according to TASCAM’s Paul Jenkins. The bundles are scheduled to ship this month.

Marshall Electronics has introduced the MXL USB.008, a low noise USB large gold diaphragm cardioid condenser mic for the broadcast industry.

The mic uses low noise electronics and the latest in enhanced digital conversion techniques for pristine audio quality. The mic uses MOGAMI cable for the internal analog wiring to bring out the maximum definition.

The MXL USB.008 ships with a rugged tote bag, a desktop mic stand, mic stand adaptor, a 10-foot USB cable, wind screen, owners manual and an applications guide. The MXL USB.008 carries an MSRP of $199.00 and is now shipping. A stereo version will also be available.

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