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Reactor Now Available …Everywhere!

August 17th, 2011

After a limited release, we are excited to announce that Reactor, our latest large diaphragm, multi-pattern studio mic is now widely available at authorized Blue dealers!

Reactor comes with custom pop filter and shockmount

Reactor unites Blue’s proprietary pre-amp circuit and innovative pattern selection method (cardioid, omni or bi-directional) with a swiveling capsule head for precise positioning, making it inherently well-suited for multiple mic setups.

Blue’s founder, Skipper Wise, introduces us to Reactor:

Multiple Patterns and Sonic Signature:

Drawing from the design of Blue’s renowned B6 capsule, Reactor’s capsule technology delivers a full sonic signature with a detailed top end, texture mids and a full bottom end. With the versatility of choosing between the cardioid, bi-directional and omnidirectional patterns, Reactor’s sound can be tuned to specific uses such as full and present vocals, warm guitar acoustics, even capturing the room frequencies of drums.

Features:

Featuring an innovative swiveling design, Reactor’s capsule head rotates fluidly across a 90 degree range, with resistance to hold the head in a precise position. Facilitating ease-of-use in multiple mic setups such as Mid/Side or X-Y recording, Reactor’s swivel head allows for accuracy and fine-tuning of setup geometry and microphone tone.

Reactor comes with a high-quality metal carrying case for protection and storage, along with a custom-designed shockmount and a custom magnetic pop filter complete the recording experience.

HOW TO: Reactor is designed to be great at multiple mic setups. We’ve provided an introductory overview to get you started with it here.

WHERE TO BUY: Reactor, MSRP $499 is now available! Want to find out where you can buy one (or a few)!?

Check out our Dealer Locator to find a dealer near you!

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Which to choose….Yeti or Yeti Pro?

August 16th, 2011

First, we created Yeti, the ultimate USB mic, with three capsule, four polar patterns, gain control, zero latency direct monitoring, volume control and digital mute…oh my!

Then, we created Yeti Pro. Taking those features to the next level by adding 24bit/192 kHz digital recording resolution and XLR output.

And now you’re asking yourself, which one is for me? What are the differences?

Here is a comparison of the mics and what a few experts have said about this timeless question – Yeti or Yeti Pro?

Word on the street…

“If you are looking to have the best microphone you can for USB, Blue has taken their top-of-class Yeti and made it more responsive. If you are looking for the ability to go beyond USB and hook up your microphone to a professional sound board, the stereo XLR output will be worth it. If you need a microphone for recording podcasts, and you don’t need the XLR outputs, then you are probably better off saving a $100 and sticking with the Yeti.” -The Gadgeteer

“The bottom line. The Yeti Pro takes an already great mic and turns it up a few notches. It’s an awesome addition to any recording studio for both digital and analog recordings.” -Mac|Life

“Based on our previous tests, the Yeti was already what we considered the ideal desktop USB recording microphone for most users. But throw in the pro features mentioned above, and it becomes a true “pro” product. Is the Pro worth the $100 extra? That depends on how badly you need them…” - BeatWeek

“With the option to use a USB or XLR input however it is totally worth the extra cost. I highly recommend the Yeti Pro if you are into podcasting. It has everything you need if you are just starting and allows room to grow when you decide to add a mixing board and other audio equipment.” -GearDiary.com

“…the Yeti Pro is a solid upgrade for you if you…need the versatility of a true dual-system microphone, it’s unsurpassed…If you’re already a Yeti owner you might not need the upgrade. If you’re not, then it’s well worth a few bucks to see what having fewer limits will inspire you to do.” –Appletell

“It is more expensive, however, and the differences will be most clear to musicians rather than, say, casual podcasters. Indeed, unless you’re already planning to wed it to studio gear for one reason or another, the XLR outputs (which require 48v phantom power from a pre-amp) will only sit there encouraging you to buy some so that you may.” -BoingBoing

“I’d say that if you’re just chatting with your girlfriend on Skype, it’s not an expense that makes sense versus, say, a better camera, but if you seek a professional sound or are recording audio — voice or instrumental — that needs the best possible reproduction, then the Yeti Pro is a splendid choice and it’s ability to also interface with XLR audio equipment makes it a must-have for any digital roadie too.” – Ask Dave Taylor

Tags: blue, blue microphones, blue mics, comparison, Yeti, Yeti Pro
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Skipper Tip: Side address mic – How to use Yeti, Yeti Pro correctly

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.

Tags: blue microphones, blue mics, Newsletters, side address, Skipper Tip, Yeti, Yeti Pro
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Shock & Awe – Breakdown of Blue Mics shockmount accessories

July 27th, 2011

Blue Microphones ships specific custom shockmounts with some of our pro mics including Reactor, Spark, Woodpecker and Mouse. BUT we also have shockmounts that work for multiple mics and can be purchased separately. Find out which shock would work for you:

S2 Shockmount was designed to work with Blue’s Dragonfly, Blueberry and Cactus microphones. All of our shockmounts and pop filters are composed of solid brass and individually hand-built and soldered.

S3 Shockmount was designed for use with Blue’s Bottle Rocket Stage 1, Bottle Rocket Stage 2, Kiwi, Baby Bottle, Bluebird, and Spark mics. Isolates mic from stand vibration and protects mic capsule from shock, while built-in thumbscrew assembly allows easy positioning.

Radius is the shockmount for the Yeti and Yeti Pro USB microphones. Combining cool vintage styling with rugged durability, the Radius isolates the microphone from ambient vibration. Radius works with Yeti/Yeti Pro as well as virtually any mic with a standard thread mount.

The Ringer is a vintage-style suspension mount designed to isolate the microphone body from ambient vibration when mounted on a mic stand. The Ringer works with Blue’s Snowball USB microphone as well as virtually any mic with a standard thread mount.

Tags: blue microphones, blue mics, shockmount
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9 Sounds of the Bottle Cap series

June 28th, 2011

The Bottle Caps are Blue’s innovative system of nine interchangeable capsules, each offering the recordist a different tonal characteristic and pickup pattern. From airy highs to larger-than-life lows, the Bottle Caps capture anything from vocals to bass, wind instruments to horns — and everything in between with a level of detail and clarity found in only the most expensive and rare vintage classics. The Bottle Caps work with Blue’s Bottle, Bottle Rocket Stage Two, and Bottle Rocket Stage One mics, or any microphone with a foundation for interchangable capsules. Each capsule in the series is numbered from B0 to B8, and each has their own unique sound, let’s find out what they are…