Best USB Microphones for Recording

August 31st, 2010

Whether you’re podcasting, recording music to your computer, posting a YouTube video or recording professional voiceover material, you need a professional-quality USB microphone for recording. Blue Microphones offers a range of USB microphones to fit your specific needs. Need help deciding what you need? Take a quick look at each, their features and strengths:

Blue Microphones Snowball

USB Microphone

Snowball Style: Black, Brushed Aluminum or White

Features:

*Great for podcasting, vocal and instrumental recording

*Three settings: Cardioid for talking in front of the mic, Omni for round-table or multiple source recording and Cardioid with a -10dB pad for louder sounds such as a band, guitar, or if you want to temper any “popping” you hear in your audio

*Plug-and-play: No complicated drivers required and works on PC and Mac – Use it with GarageBand, Audacity, iChat, Skype, Power Point, YouTube

* Buy here

Yeti

USB microphone, THX certified

The world's first THX-certified microphone

The ultimate in-home studio USB mic, features:

*Perfect for instrumental or vocal recording, podcasts, Skype, voiceover, sound effects, broadcast, and more

* Contains three premium condenser capsules for allowing four recording patterns – Omni: For round-table or multiple source; Cardioid: For directly in front of the mic; Bi-directional (or Figure of 8): For front and back of the mic (great for duets or interviews); Stereo: Records the right and left channels (great for music; paints a true audio picture of your live instrumentals)

* Gain control

* Zero-latency headphone jack for direct monitoring, along with volume control so that you can hear instantly what’s being recorded

* Digital mute button (for a cough or content you don’t want on the podcast)

* Buy here

Snowflake

portable USB microphone

The portable solution for USB recording, features:

* Great for Skype calls, recording quick musical demos on the road or podcasts on location

* Carrying case for protected, easy traveling

* Cardioid pattern for recording Skype, podcasts, interviews on-the-go

* Sits on the tabletop or hangs on the back of your laptop for easy positioning

* Buy here

Icicle

XLR to USB adapter

Do you have your favorite professional microphone, but you want to get that sound onto your computer? The Icicle XLR-to-USB converter allows you to do just that!

* Great for getting that XLR professional sound straight into your computer without the mixing board

* Plug the XLR cable into one end, then plug the USB cable into your computer

* Supplies phantom power

* Analog gain control

* Buy here

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Blue Microphones Introduces Stacey Moran as Vice President of Marketing

August 30th, 2010

Stacey Moran brings comprehensive marketing experience with brands in the music product and pro audio industries to Blue Microphones

(Westlake Village, CA—August 30, 2010) – Blue Microphones (www.bluemic.com), a leading innovator in microphone technology and design, welcomes Stacey Moran as the Vice President of Marketing. Moran, a veteran of marketing in the audio industry, will be responsible for Blue’s overall marketing strategy and messaging of the Blue brand. She will also be working closely with the product development team in establishing strategic plans, along with executing the launch process and marketing for each product.

“We’re excited to have Stacey on the team to fulfill this important position,” said John Maier, CEO of Blue Microphones. “Her knowledge of the audio industry and strategic approach to marketing are a perfect fit for bringing the Blue brand to market and helping continue our aggressive growth.”

Moran comes to Blue from TC Group Americas, where she handled North American marketing for brands like TC Electronic, TC-Helicon, Lab.gruppen, Dynaudio Acoustics and Tannoy.  Prior to that, she held various marketing roles for such brands as Alesis and Sonic Foundry, and has also spent time on the advertising side of prominent audio publications. Moran’s key roles included the responsibility of developing and promoting brands, defining marketing objectives in partnership with executive management and product managers, and creating 360 degree marketing plans based on sales goals and long-term brand direction.

“Blue is in a perfect position to capitalize on their creativity and reputation in both the consumer and professional market,” said Moran. “I am looking forward to activating their market strategy and guiding brand awareness for such an innovative company.”

Moran will be based at Blue Microphones headquarters in Westlake Village, CA and can be reached at smoran@bluemic.com.

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Blue MOB Artist, DJ Skee, honored in Billboard Magazines’ 30 under 30

August 27th, 2010

This month, Blue MOB Artist DJ Skee was honored in Billboard MagazinesPowerPlayers: 30 Under 3o!

You can find all 30 under 30 here.

DJ Skee is back with his revolutionary live new band & stage show, SKEETOX! Find out what you missed at the legendary Roxy when DJ Skee, Pall Wall and Xzibit performed Wednesday 8/25/10. (Video of the winner of the DJ Skee and Xzibit “Hurt Locker” remix contest, coming soon!)

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Skipper’s Tip: Capture bass frequencies with the enCORE 200

August 26th, 2010

Did you know? The enCORE 200 is incredible in handling loud bass frequencies that could muddy up a live performance. Its ability to handle loud SPL (sound pressure level) makes it the perfect mic for kick drums, tom toms and bass amplifiers.

Tips for great bass sound:

Don’t forget to put on the phantom power, the active circuit helps create the smooth response need in this application. 

Place the microphone closes to the signal source. Don’t be afraid to get right on top of the amplifier or drum, the enCORE 200 will not distort. This way there is little bleed through in the mix.

EQ to your liking adding or subtracting the frequencies that help blend the mix of your live performance.

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Neon Trees captivating performance of “Animal”

August 23rd, 2010

Blue artist Neon Trees captivates audiences with their performance of Animal live on LP33 TV, using the Blue enCORE 200 mics.

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