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microphone posts

Yeti USB Condenser Mic gets certified by THX, fellow Yetis

by Darren Murph posted Nov 10th 2009 at 7:26PM

Blue Microphones, the same company responsible for the heralded Snowball, is today introducing the planet's first THX certified microphone... or so it says. The hilariously named Yeti USB Condenser Mic ($149.99) touts condenser capsules in a triple array, four total patterns (omni, cardoid, stereo, bidirectional), a zero-latency headphone output (with volume control for direct monitoring), an adjustable microphone gain control and a mute button. As expected, the USB mic will play nice with both Mac and Windows-based systems, and if you've been looking high and low for a mic that gets an oh-so-coveted stamp of approval from Sir Abominable Snowman, you can finally call off the hunt next month.

Laser-Accurate microphone proves once and for all that everything is better with lasers

by Paul Miller posted Sep 21st 2009 at 2:28PM

The press release on this one is full of superlatives, but somehow most of them seem justified. Schwartz Engineering & Design just announced its Laser-Accurate microphone technology, which promises to provide "pure sound" from a microphone for the "first time ever." It works by detecting the impact of sound on the motion of particles in a stream of air by running a laser across them, and was created by David Schwartz, who holds several digital audio patents, including one that is foundational to the MP3 format (which is, ironically, not a traditional friend to the audiophile). The idea is to avoid the inherent "coloring" of sound due to a regular microphone's physical diaphragm, since the moving particles are virtually weightless. Of course, it seems that a Laser-Accurate mic would have plenty of variables of its own to deal with in regards to the stream of air, but we suppose we'll find out just how tight Schwartz has this thing when it's shown off for the first time in NY next month. PR is after the break.

Continue reading Laser-Accurate microphone proves once and for all that everything is better with lasers

Yamaha's PSG-01S is the speakerphone version of a mullet

by Vladislav Savov posted Sep 18th 2009 at 4:22AM

Following in ASUS' hot sweaty footsteps today comes Yamaha with a pair of Skype-certified USB speakerphones. The PSG-01S 'SoundGadget' (pictured) aspires to be everything to everyone, by automagically switching between an all-party speaker mode and dressed-up speakerphone duty, depending on its vertical orientation. The PJP-25URS, on the other hand, seems pretty well identical to its predecessor, the PJP-25UR, but for its support for Vista (and presumably Windows 7) machines. That means you still get a crazy twelve mic array and those fetching swing-out mic arms that corporate types must be simply in love with, given the distinct lack of changes. Both are powered via the USB connector, sport dedicated Skype controls, echo cancellation, and noise reduction, and are expected in Europe and the US this month.

Gallery: Yamaha PSG-01S

M-Audio and Digidesign team up for $99 Pro Tools, hardware bundles

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Sep 12th 2009 at 7:49AM

It's probably safe to assume that most of the Grammy Award-winning readers of Engadget (hi, Evanescence!) already have expansive -- and expensive -- recording studios in their Bel Aire mansions. For the rest of us, however, the fruits of Avid's acquisition of M-Audio is beginning to pay off in the form of inexpensive Pro Tools bundles that see the digital audio workstation paired with entry-level recording gear. Right now, we have three Pro Tools Essentials packages for you, including: the Pro Tools Vocal Studio USB condenser mic (includes a stand and a case for $99), the Pro Tools Recording Studio comes with a Fast Track 2-in / 2-out USB audio interface with mic / line / instrument inputs ($129), and finally Pro Tools KeyStudio 49-key MIDI keyboard (bundled with M-Audio USB Micro soundcard for $99). Of course, for prices this low you can't expect the full-blown ProTools treatment, but even the streamlined version here should be sufficient for most would-be Johnny Marrs: 5 GB of instruments and loops, 60 virtual instrument sounds, and the usual reverb / chorus / delay / flanger / phaser / compression / EQ effects. To be released mid-September, but in the meantime check out the hardware in the gallery below.

Gallery: M-Audio and Digidesign team up for $99 Pro Tools + instrument bundles

Klipsch Image S4i hands-on and impressions

by Darren Murph posted Sep 10th 2009 at 10:04AM

Earlier this year, we had the chance to take a listen at Klipsch's Image S4 in-ear headphones. Even earlier this year, we heard that the same company was looking to push out a set of VoiceOver-compatible 'buds that were significantly easier to listen to than Apple's stock alternative. That very device is the Klipsch Image S4i, which is nothing more than an Image S4 with an in-line microphone and 3-button remote. As of now, there still aren't a smorgasbord of options for those on the hunt for a VoiceOver-friendly set of headphones that actually sound decent, so head on past the break for a mostly predictable take on the little guys shown above (and below, for that matter).

Gallery: Klipsch Image S4i hands-on and impressions

Continue reading Klipsch Image S4i hands-on and impressions

Two-mic system detects fetal heart rate anomalies, prenatal beat sampling

by Ross Miller posted Aug 30th 2009 at 4:59PM

Patel Institute of Engineering and Technology's A.K. Mittra and associates have devised a clever and inexpensive early warning detection system for monitoring the fetal heart rate of that bun months-long in the oven. With two microphones -- one placed on the pregnant soon-to-be mother's abdomen and one inside the bedroom -- hooked up to a nearby computer, the two audio feeds are used to estimate and subtract the ambient room noise for a better read on the baby's vitals just before the woman goes to bed. Converted to a wav file, if anomalies are detected it's immediately compressed to MP3 and sent to the doctor for further testing. An efficient plan, to be sure, and we can only hope the baby is healthy and hyper-intelligent enough to give normal heartbeats and start recording his or her first LP.

Xbox 360 Wireless Microphone ships this fall for $49.99

by Darren Murph posted Jun 23rd 2009 at 5:05PM

Remember that microphone that we peeked just before Lips hit and (subsequently fell off) the scene? Microsoft has just announced that a standalone version will soon be available sans a tether, giving owners of the aforesaid title, Guitar Hero Metallica, Rock Band 2, Disney Sing It: High School Musical 3: Senior Year and The Beatles: Rock Band the ability to carry a tune in a bucket right in the comfort of their living room. Too bad it'll run you $49.99 when it ships in the fall, but who knows, maybe there's some sweet Sennheiser diaphragm in there that we're not aware of.

[Via Joystiq]

Creative's Fatal1ty Professional Series Gaming Headset MkII hands-on, and news of its sequel

by Tim Stevens posted Jun 4th 2009 at 5:36PM

Cans are so hot right now; the bigger and gaudier the better, because nothing says "Don't talk to me" like giant domes covering your ears. Creative's latest set, Fatal1ty Professional Series Gaming Headset MkII, don't really have much to offer in the flash category and certainly aren't excessively sized, but for serious gamers they seem to be a solid option and just the thing to keep your mom from interrupting your session. Shipping next week for $99, they offer an over-ear design with memory-foam surrounds and a sophisticated but not particularly flashy look that says "I want to look cool while wearing these, but I'll leave the chrome to my CPU fan, thanks." They sport a detachable boom that has not one but two microphones in it and some apparently fancy-schmantsy processing that can discern your howl of war from your dog's howl of neglect, meaning your CS teammates hear only the former. Unfortunately we weren't able to try that out for ourselves, so we'll have to see how well that pans out in the real world. The set uses the standard jumble of 3.5mm audio jacks to connect to your machine, but a Creative rep was kind enough to disclose plans for a USB version that'll work sans-soundcard. That model is due sometime next month for a $30 premium.

Gallery: Creative's Fatal1ty Professional Series Gaming Headset MkII hands-on

Mute Mic is the perfect addition to your next antisocial karaoke event

by Joseph L. Flatley posted May 1st 2009 at 4:11PM

You know how your voice always sounds better in your own head than it does on tape? Apparently, someone in Japan agrees with you. To that end, they've put together a little microphone with a silencer -- so the next time you come home at 3 am, all hopped up on Sake and intent on generating a sorrowful wail alongside the backing track of what was once a hit for the Carpenters, make sure you're packing the Mute Mic. This bad boy is designed to muzzle your song-hole, ensuring that whatever sound you do generate remains restricted to you and your Wii. Your neighbors will thank you, and the estate of Karen Carpenter will thank you. Already a karaoke star? Show us your skills after the break.

Continue reading Mute Mic is the perfect addition to your next antisocial karaoke event

The Karaoke Kit: everything you need to be a singer, save for courage

by Darren Murph posted Mar 26th 2009 at 7:21AM

Eager to add a little spice to your weekly "family night?" No, we're not talking about forcing your kids to hack your DS into a MIDI controller while you and the spouse race to see who can eat the most frankfurters in ten minutes, we're talking about karaoke. The KARAOKE Channel ONLINE has just branched out by introducing its first hardware kit, which includes a pair of microphones, a vocal mixer and a volume controller. Oh, and this is somehow the first and only karaoke system "designed explicitly for use online," which likely means it's too lousy to be used in public. Anywho -- the singing system can be procured right now for $99.95 with a one year's subscription to The KARAOKE Channel ONLINE's library of more than 5,000 songs, or if you've got all the latest hits logged in your brain, you can snag the standalone kit for $39.95.

Video: Sanwa's throat mic for city-bred sissies

by Thomas Ricker posted Mar 23rd 2009 at 6:24AM

Throat mics have been around for decades. However, unless you're manning a tank or involved in black ops, you've likely never seen such a set beyond the reach of a typical paintball turret. Sanwa's throat mic (pictured) is an urban take to the otherwise, combat-inspired gear design you'll find at retail. Unfortunately, we can't find any additional detail beyond the images. We can, however, drop in a hardcore video of the $50-ish US Special Forces Throat Mic (as it's called) from Real Action Paintball. This rugged mic with voice-box positioned transducer is compatible with VOX-capable radios and features four styles of discrete listening devices (special forces, secret service, SWAT, and Socom) and a remote push-to-talk (PTT) switch that can be strapped to the index finger supporting your sniper rifle. Fake-war is so much fun.

Read -- Sanwa's throat mic
Read -- RAP's US Special Forces Throat Mic

Continue reading Video: Sanwa's throat mic for city-bred sissies

SwitchEasy's ThumbTacks are the cutest iPod mics you ever did see

by Darren Murph posted Mar 18th 2009 at 11:23PM

SwitchEasy's ThumbTacks are far from being the first third-party microphones designed to function nicely with Apple's iPod nano 4G and second-generation iPod touch, but we'll be darned if they aren't the cutest. Clearly designed to mimic the iconic thumb tack, these itty-bitty microphones function with all third-party voice applications and can be selected in black, white or red. Not too shabby for $15.99 shipped, wouldn't you say?

[Via iLounge]

Gallery: SwitchEasy's ThumbTacks are the cutest iPod mics you ever did see

Mini microphone spruces up voice recording possibilities on iPhone / iPods

by Darren Murph posted Feb 24th 2009 at 10:22AM

Not that this is the very first microphone designed to function with Apple's iPhone or anything, but it's certainly amongst the cheapest and most universal that we've seen. The Mini Microphone reportedly plays nice with the iPhone 3G, iPod touch and iPod nano, giving 'em all that extra special voice recording oomph that's so badly needed. The best part(s)? It's only $14.99, and it's barely bigger than a valve stem cover to boot.

[Thanks, Junior]

Shure wants to bring microphones to your USB port

by Steven Kim posted Jan 7th 2009 at 7:48AM

Whether you choose a direct USB microphone or you're an audio-specialist XLR type, Shure has you covered on getting that audio routed to your computer's USB port. The PG27USB and PG42USB are direct-to-USB condenser microphones with a cardiod pickup pattern -- pick the $199 PG27USB for a flat response or the $249 PG42USB if vocals are your thing. Like we've seen from other devices, the $129 X2u will marry your favorite XLR-type mic to your USB port with zero-latency, phantom power and headphone monitoring. The Shure name is well-trusted in microphones, but check the full details after the break if you're still not, um, sure.

Continue reading Shure wants to bring microphones to your USB port

Samson introduces highly portable $49 USB Go Mic

by Darren Murph posted Dec 18th 2008 at 3:51PM

For the podcaster-on-the-go, there's always a need for a portable microphone to get through less-than-ideal situations. Clearly, Samson Technologies is lookin' out, as the simply titled Go Mic provides all that and a bag of chips. The "pocket-sized" USB microphone comes with a built-in mount for siting atop one's laptop display and can be used to record audio in a variety of scenarios (Skype, lectures, etc.). It's supposedly plug-and-play with both Macs and PCs, and it features a 20Hz to 18 kHz frequency response, selectable cardioid / omni directional polar recording pattern and a condenser transducer with pressure gradient. Speak up in one (available in black or white) right now for $49; full release is after the break.

Continue reading Samson introduces highly portable $49 USB Go Mic