Blue Microphones has unveiled the first studio microphone for both Apple's 30-pin iOS dock connector and USB -- the Spark Digital. The new digital version of the microphone features the same studio-grade condenser capsule and hand-selected components as the original, delivering high-fidelity recording and consistent performance.
MacNN had a chance to check out Blue Microphones' latest offering, an upgraded version of the Yeti. The updated design, named the Yeti Pro, brings the same form factor as its predecessor, but with several features that may prove appealing to musicians. Both mics share the same arrangement of three condenser capsules, but the Pro variant adds stereo XLR outputs alongside the existing USB option.
Blue Microphones has formally detailed an add-on microphone for Cisco's new Flip Ultra HD pocket camcorder, the Mikey for Flip. It connects to the devices' FlipPort accessory port and enables stereo audio recording. It contains Blue's condenser microphone capsules and gets its own power source courtesy of an AAA battery.
Cisco tonight unveiled a new slate of Flip cameras that promise a major lift in video quality. The Flip Ultra HD 2 hour and both 1 hour (4GB) and 2 hour (8GB) versions of the Flip Mino HD now shoot 720p video at 60 frames per second, improving their ability to handle motion and the perceived clarity. A gyroscopic image stabilization system is also new and prevents many of the more sudden jitters common to a pocket camcorder.
Blue Microphones has expanded its line of consumer products with the Yeti, a USB-attached condenser mic with THX certification. The mic features three of the company's 14mm condenser capsules arranged in a triple array, with support for omni, cardioid, stereo or bidirectional polar patterns. Users can attach headphones directly to the 16 ohm, 130mW amp for direct zero-latency monitoring.
Blue Microphone has released the Eyeball 2.0, its upgrade to the original camera and microphone combo. The 2-megapixel upgrade is capable of broadcasting video at a maximum resolution of 1600x1200 at 30 frames per second. Like the original reviewed here, it has a retractable lens which can be stored into the microphone unit and automatically turns off to help ensure privacy. The device is designed to mount onto any display or notebook using its integrated adapter.
With audio recording finally moving down into the home after years of being largely confined to studios, Blue Microphones has decided to follow suit by launching one of its first sub-$100 dedicated audio devices, the Mikey. But can piggybacking on an iPod provide a complete, properly high quality means of getting audio for a company used to providing the whole solution? We answer this in our Mikey review.
Blue Microphones first foray into the world of consumer video products is with the Eyeball webcam. Blue Microphones is best known for its audiophile quality recording microphones used by recording stars such as Bob Dylan and Lil’ Wayne; many of their professional makes, however, have prices well into the four digits. The Eyeball is one of its few devices to dip below $100. The Eyeball packs a unique design and a hide-away camera lens, but whether the audio and video quality stand up to Blue Microphones' reputation is the real test for our review.
