Blue Microphones has arrived at CES 2011 with two new additions to its high quality recording range. The company's latest desktop microphone, the Yeti Pro, is the first USB unit to combine 24 bit/192 kHz recording resolution with analog XLR output, while the US$69 Mikey external microphone for Flip – which includes a mic input jack – will likely be welcome news for fans of the popular pocket camcorder.
The Yeti Pro
The Yeti Pro's high-resolution recording capabilities make it possible to capture audio at four times greater detail than CD-quality. Yeti Pro also offers condenser capsules in a triple array with four distinct recording patterns (cardioid, omni, stereo, bi-directional) for both digital and analog recording. Like Blue's previous model the Yeti (which by comparison has a recording resolution of 16bit/48 kHz), Yeti Pro maintains zero-latency headphone output with volume control for direct monitoring, adjustable gain control, a digital mute and is compatible with both Mac and PC.
“With Yeti Pro’s high resolution capabilities, we are taking USB microphones to a truly professional level, while bringing its multi-pattern versatility to a studio setting,” said John Maier, CEO of Blue Microphones. “Yeti Pro not only breaks the quality/price barrier by bringing 192kHz resolution to our popular line of desktop USB products, but with the addition of stereo analog out, our users can now take the triple capsule array, and the variety of options it brings, into more traditional studio environments, such as professional broadcast, podcasting, home studios and more.”
Yeti Pro will retail for US$249 and will be available this month.
Mikey for Flip Video
The Mikey for Flip connects to all Flip video cameras and features two of Blue’s custom-tuned condenser capsules for compact professional-quality stereo recording. The 0.1 lbs device has a frequency response of 30Hz - 20kHz, 44.1 kHz/16 bit recording and automatic power-on with and relies on its own AAA battery to conserve power of the Flip video camera.
Users can choose between ‘Loud’ or ‘Automatic’ sensitivity settings for recording in different environments and a mic input jack enables plug-in of additional microphones like a lavalier, handheld or corded interview microphone. There's also a built-in tripod mount.
Mikey for Flip will retail forUS$69.
The announcements come on the back of a stellar 2010 for Blue Microphones. The company was named number 1481 Inc. Magazine’s fastest-growing 5000 companies and was also included in the Deloitte 2010 Technology Fast 500. The Yeti Pro USB microphone has also achieved Honoree status in the International CES Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Awards.