Before I went traveling to Europe I had the honour of
sampling Blue Microphones newly updated Essentials Series. I’m not one for
doing reviews but a lot of you have messaged me asking what I think about Blue
and the microphones they create, so I thought that I would share my experience.
I have always been fond of Blue and have achieved some of my
best records using their microphones; the sound that is captured is raw and
flawless. So since there were three in the series, I wanted to get a feel for
all of them.
The improved microphones (Spark SL, Bluebird SL and Baby
Bottle SL) have all been updated with pad and filter switch and have a new body
that is impossible to disassemble. Previously a lot of people were complaining
about past designs because when undoing the capsule the circuit board
construction was not finished to a high standard, I can assure you that this is
not the problem on the new models. Besides the new body, each microphone is
supplied with two years warranty, wire frame elasticated shock mount and is
packaged in a wooden case, as always Blue supply the beauty in packaging.
I don’t want to get into the price of the microphones
because I want to explain the overall sound and experience I had with them. As
explained before in previous posts I feel that when you look at the price of
any equipment you automatically assume that the more expensive will be better. Specifications
are all well and good, but don’t just choose your equipment on that alone. If
you are looking for a Blue microphone from this series or any other model, look
at the use of each microphone and what sound you want to capture using it. I
tested these microphones out for vocals only, however these microphones can be
used to record vocal and instruments if that is what you are looking for.
Anyway… vocals. I love a natural feel to a vocal especially
when recording acoustic tracks that are mainly focused on an artist’s voice. If
your artists has a distinctive or raspy voice the whole nature of sound is
picked up and it gives the sound a personal touch that captivates the listener
so you want a microphone that will pick up all those extra breaths and vocal
styles.
A lot of engineers who are starting out feel the need to EQ
a great amount of a sound because they are missing some of mid range or high
end. When you start to tamper with a vocal recording because you feel like it
is lacking something, never try to add what can’t be added by manipulating the
sound. Get your source sound perfect then you can add a few tweaks to aid it with
a finish gloss. The engineer is only as good as the equipment he or she uses,
so take advantage of information provide about a bit of kit because you’ll soon
find what records well for a certain style.
I feel that the main things wrong with mixes on tracks are
the vocals and the way they have been recorded. If you are a singer and
dedicate yourself to a genre you need to make sure you pick the right recording
equipment and find the right engineer who can enhance your sound by capturing
it at it’s best.
When you’re looking for a microphone have a look at the frequency
response and the sensitivity of it, then look at the polar patterns. Once
you’ve targeted that information you can go from there.
(Those of you who do not understand polar patterns, please click
>here< to be directed to a post I wrote discussing different patterns and
the uses for them)
Blue’s reincarnated microphones are all condensers and have
a cardioid polar pattern with a frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz. All
three microphones also have a new on-board switchable high-pass filter at 100Hz
and a -20db pad; this is a very handy because they can capture a voice or instrument
with more flexibility.
All three microphones had a
well-balanced sound, the only noted difference is the character they give when
in the room. I found the Spark SL delivered a transparent sound with rich
harmonics that are great for vocal recording and other instrument sound
producing. If you wanted to record yourself with just voice and an acoustic
guitar this microphone embodies all the necessary for you to create a beautiful
track.
The Bluebird SL showed a slight sound
enhancing than the Spark SL but both picked up more vocal imperfections than
the Baby Bottle SL. The reason being is because the Baby Bottle SL microphone
has a flatter frequency response than the others. The smoothest sound came from
the Baby Bottle SL, which gave it a rich full tone unlike the others. This is
not necessarily a prominent sway in preference it just helps make the decision
a little easier when you’re looking for a microphone to suit your personal
need. I still had the vocalist’s true sound and didn’t lose their style of
voice but it added an over tone to the overall mix that didn’t need to be
manipulated or fine-tuned dramatically.
If I were to chose between the three
then I would pick myself the Bluebird SL because of the natural sound captured
and the overall balance between the lows and highs. I’m a sound engineer as
well as female, so I know that female vocalists can have some unwanted vocal
changes especially because we have a higher vocal register than males. Having a
microphone that aids control and a response for the hot areas like the Bluebird
SL really caught my attention. If you’re starting out as an engineer or a
singer songwriter and have a small budget, this microphone should be part of
your collection.
I have never had a bad experience with
Blue and have always been more than happy with the products I have purchased.
Blue is not just about the sound recording it’s about the overall style and
unique difference with other microphones on the market. No matter what the need
is, Blue will always have something waiting for you in hope that you’re ready
to create.
Experience it, I promise you it’s worth
it.
To access Blue Microphones online store
click >here< or click below on your preferred model for individual prices
and specifications.
What is the difference between casino games and slots?
ReplyDeleteSlot games are https://jancasino.com/review/merit-casino/ the goyangfc most popular types jancasino.com of casino games, and the majority are https://deccasino.com/review/merit-casino/ slots. and the most commonly played slot games. poormansguidetocasinogambling
Great post much appreciate the time you took to write this
ReplyDelete