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Blue's Yeti Nano is built for simple, high-quality desktop recording
When it comes to podcasting and livestreaming, USB microphones are a great option due to their plug-and-play design. And perhaps no name is more synonymous with these recording devices than Blue Microphones. The company that's best known for it's popular Yeti and Snowball modes (in addition to a line of pro-level studio mics) is introducing its first new product since it was purchased by Logitech for $117 million last month. Meet the Yeti Nano.
Blue's Lola headphones slim down for a more comfortable fit
Blue, a company known primarily for its microphones, announced its Mo-Fi headphones last year. They sound great, but the cans are quite hefty. Mo-Fi houses a built-in amp to handle the high-quality audio, so the extra weight is necessary, albeit somewhat uncomfortable during extended listening sessions. Now, the company has a comfier headphone option with Lola. These new headphones leave out the amp, which cuts out the extra weight, and feature a slimmer headband. Without the bulk of the Mo-Fi, Blue says Lola brings the high-fidelity sound in a package that's more cozy.
Blue Nessie: Excellent mic for entry-level podcasters and beyond
If I say "Nessie" your first thought is somewhere in Scotland, right? Well the folks over at Blue are changing your definition of that word forever with their latest microphone. For US$99 you can now record all sorts of things armed with a Mac that has a USB port (sorry Beige G3!)) and it will all sound pretty fantastic. Design This is a mic that doesn't take up a lot of space, something that's particularly painful to Blue Snowball users. No more wide tripod base, this is a single solid disc on your desk, and included in the base is both a volume dial for your headphones, and an indicator light that lets you know the mic is connected and powered up (solid white), or muted (pulsing white). Just above where the mic "neck" meets the base is where you plug in your monitor headphones (it's a 3mm audio jack, just above the red switch in the photo). I have been using my EarPods in this setup and they sound just fine. I'm not recording music or anything too complex, so the EarPods do a fine job. I've also used my previous iteration of Apple earphones successfully, so if you have comfy monitor headphones, you're all set. Functionality This is a cardioid microphone, so it's good for lessening sound that isn't what you want to pick up. It has a built-in pop filter and built-in shock mount, so two common issues of recording are resolved without additional equipment. You can choose from three preset modes when recording: Vocal, Instruments and a "raw" setting for those who wish to tweak and rejigger audio later on. When you take the Nessie and the cable out of the packaging, you're ready to go; there are no drivers or "management software" to install. And once it's unpackaged, you can tip Nessie's head in all sorts of directions, which is handy if you are looking to use those other modes and record more than just podcasts. Also inside the aforementioned base is an internal shock mount, which teams up with the pop filter to help keep even more incidental noise out of the recording. Conclusion If you need a microphone that works in a variety of settings that all involve a horizontal surface to set the mic on, Nessie has excellent sound quality at a very good price. This is a very good mic for someone who might be interested in recording with more than an iPhone, but maybe isn't ready to drop "pro audio" amounts of money. Pros Great sound quality Excellent base design (including volume and shock mount) Modes available for different use types Easy to find and use mute button Cons Requires a stable horizontal surface (not the best for field recording or saving desk space) Who is it for? This is for someone who might be using a USB headset or an iPhone mic and wants to up their audio game with a separate "point and shoot" microphone that can take care of some basic settings, or just record raw audio for more advanced folks.
IRL: Blue Mics Yeti, Western Digital My Passport and Razer's Naga Hex gaming mouse
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. It's been a busy week for tech writers. Capping out a week populated by not one, not two, but three smartphone reviews, we're happy to take a breather and return our attention to life's littler pleasures. Like USB mics and portable 2TB hard drives. And also, gaming mice.
Blue's Mikey microphone for iPhone and iPod finally shipping to picky recorders
If you need a little better acoustic recording from your iPhone or iPod, or if your portable device is simply fitting a little too easy into your pants pocket, Blue Microphones has your solution. Its Mikey microphone is finally shipping, after getting a debut nearly a year ago. The specs are still the same as we expected before, including CD-quality recording in stereo or mono with a swiveling base that lets it cover 230 degrees of your own little sound field. One thing that has changed, and quite nicely, is the cost: down to $80 from the previously expected $99 MSRP. Everybody likes that.
Blue's new Mikey iPod / iPhone microphone still rocks the retro
Blue Microphones' original Mikey made the quite the impression when it landed back in late 2008, and while a good bit of time has passed, the new and improved version doesn't stray from its roots. Debuting here at CES, the second-generation Mikey Portable Recorder for iPod and iPhone touts "improved circuitry for superior recording and enhanced new features," which happens to include a pair of custom-tuned Blue capsules and an optimization for recording high-volume concerts. There's also a 3.5mm line-input here for direct recording of other sources, and the USB pass-through connections enables simultaneous charging and syncing. You'll get a 230-degree range of adjustability with seven detent positions, and it's bundled with a delightful carrying case to keep it safe from harm as you shuffle through the masses. Interested? Check it later this Spring for $99.99 at Apple Stores, Guitar Center, Amazon.com and your local nondescript white van. %Gallery-81538%
