Archive for the ‘Newsletters’ Category

Skipper Tip: Side address mic – How to use Yeti, Yeti Pro correctly

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

Are you using your Yeti or Yeti Pro correctly? Find out how to make sure you’re getting quality recordings with your Yeti or Yeti Pro. Blue Mics founder, Skipper Wise, explains how these mics were designed to capture sound.

The triple capsule arrangement inside of Yeti and Yeti Pro was designed to be as versatile as possible. The capsules are positioned in a unique configuration that allows for multiple patterns of cardioid, stereo, bi-directional and omni. In order to achieve this versatility, the capsules have been positioned in a side address manner, meaning they capture audio from the sides of the mic grill, not the top. You will lose presence if you speak directly into the top of the mic.

Side address mic: Capsules face OUT, not UP inside mic grill

For Cardioid and Stereo: When facing the Blue logo on the Yeti or Yeti Pro, you are in position for achieving the best sound.

For Bi-directional: Imagine the Blue logo is also on the opposite side of the Yeti or Yeti Pro, address the logos for achieving the best sound.

For Omni: The triple capsule array allows Yeti and Yeti Pro to capture the best sound 360 degrees around the mic when addressing the sides of the mic.

Skipper Tip: How to record acoustic guitar with the Snowball

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

When recording acoustic guitars, Blue’s founder, Skipper Wise, likes to hear the shimmering highs with a controlled bass in the finished track. The Snowball offers this type of sonic signature. Here is how he captures this sound:

First, choose the first position on the back of the mic, which is the cardioid pattern.

Second, position: place the Snowball near the sound hole of the guitar. With the close proximity, you can hear the pick strumming as well as the tone.

Third, record the same part twice

Editing: Pan the tracks – hard left and right will give you a large, yet focused sound that is pleasing to the ears.

The final track will highlight both the detailed highs and controlled lows that give depth to your acoustic recordings.

Here is an example of this type of recoding with the acoustic guitar being played with a Capo on the 5th fret.

Snowball_Acoustic Guitar

Skipper Tip: Get larger-than-life sound with Kiwi

Monday, October 4th, 2010

The key to getting a larger-than-life vocal sound is getting close to the Kiwi mic.

Get within an half an inch of the microphone capsule grill when performing.  Don’t be concerned about the proximity, as the hand built large diaphragm capsule can handle loud sound pressure levels (S.P.L.). This technique will yield a present and personal timbre as if someone is speaking or singing right next to your ear!

For a great deep and present bass sound with full frequency extension, try using the direct input of the Robbie microphone preamp. Plug your bass right into the front 1/4 inch input jack and adjust the volume for the right level. It is the ultimate direct box sound!

Want to get that larger-than-life sound onto your computer? The Icicle XLR-to-USB converter allows you to do just that! Plug the Kiwi into the Icicle, which provides phantom power and analog gain control, then plug the Icicle into the USB. Turn on your favorite computer recording program and you have a recording studio at your finger tips.

April 2010 Newsletter

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Click here to read our April 2010 Newsletter!