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The team at Blue Microphone still know how to get a reaction. The ‘reactor’ is a radical, albeit functional offering, bringing to mind visions of a Fringe alternate reality episode.

This mic is hefty. Arriving in a handsome, padded flight case, a nicely crafted ‘orbital’ shock mount and rare earth magnetically affixed blast filter are on-board.

Unconventional as it appears, I found the lighted, large and magnified rotary pattern switch to be a treat! Just by a glance, you’ll know which pattern is selected and how to reach the others. The blast filters magnets attach it to the capsule, but a quick twist below the filter allows you to alter it’s position; left/right, near/far.

Being an externally charged, large diaphragm condenser; the reactor requires 48 volts phantom power. After lighting it up, the reactor treated me to a full, crisp sound. This one, indeed, would make a fine voiceover microphone. The omni pattern was very pleasing, as it didn’t pull up the noise floor.

Reasonably priced and a great performer (not to mention a head turner), I found this one from Blue to be a sonic gem.

At publish date, street prices are 9.xx.

Listen in and let me know what you think?

@markjensen

NewMediaGear

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast Recording, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

Sporting stereo XLR or USB inputs, the Yeti Pro is a versatile contender.

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First, there was the Yeti USB microphone from Blue. The ‘original’ Yeti broke the ice for a lot of people curious about USB microphones. It had the sought after features of a first class USB mic, such as zero latency monitoring and separate gain/phone volume controls. There was even a nicely padded mute button in front.

It seems the folks at Blue have one-upped their own original with the new Yeti Pro.

Dressed in stealth black accents, the Yeti Pro looks otherwise identical to its sibling with a hefty and unconventional base. However, a glance at the body bottom reveals not only a mini-USB and headphone jack but a strange 5-pin connection as well. Integrated into the body are threads to mount the Pro on a boom of your choice. The Yeti Pro body is large enough for improved digital capture resolution of 24-bits at 192kHz and the plumbing to bypass USB conversion and deliver stereo analog via a pigtail XLR jumper. Offering stereo X-Y, omni, cardioid and figure-8 patterns via a rotary switch, a single XLR wouldn’t work. The Blue people decided on a small jumper split into 2 XLR male connectors. It’s important to note that audio connection is via USB OR XLR. The Pro is not designed for USB and analog connections concurrently.

The Yeti Pro performs and sounds about the same as model one. I did notice that the front and back controls were much tighter than the original (that had just a little wiggle room). Also, I could use the Yeti Pro with my processing chain!

The Yeti Pro is, like most Blue microphones, one of a kind. How does the versatile Yeti Pro sound? Listen in as we try the Pro on its own terms (USB) and then tame it with the Studio1A processing chain

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I started this episode off by sharing something that has been on my mind as the result of watching the The Voice. The idea of simply making a point to really enjoy yourself behind the microphone. Too many people forget to just let go and let your passion lead you. Attitudes are contagious and you want to invite your audience to have a great time listening to your show. It’s hard to invite your audience to join you in the fun if you are not having fun yourself.

I shared that there has been a lot going on here at the PodcastAnswerMan.com site since last week’s audio podcast episode number 211.

I posted the video of my BlogWorld NYC session. I share my thoughts on how I feel about releasing this as an hour long video episode of Podcast Answer Man.

I posted the video interview that I did with Rick Calvert, CEO of BlogWorld: http://podcastanswerman.com/rickcalvert. I hope that podcasters will pay close attention to the things that Rick shared. I would love to see a ton of podcasters at BlogWorld LA.

Note: Zen Runner called in some amazing times for shooting a single camera interview.

I shared a very long blog post titled “First Client to get Pi$$ed Off Since I’ve Started Consulting/Coaching.” I would love it if you would be willing to go to that blog post and please leave a comment about whether or not you listen to podcasts, watch YouTube videos, or read blogs. And if you could please let Marcus know your age, or appox age, I am trying to convince him that the average listener to our podcast is not 35 and younger.

Video blog post on my new Affiliate Program for Podcasting A to Z. It demonstrates and amazing example of good affiliate marketing strategies from David Gardland of TheRiseToTheTop.com
You can find the video blog post by CLICKING HERE

Shawn Roberts is having issues with iTunes descriptions showing code on some of his episodes. I think it may be a plugin issue.

John Wilkerson asked about some of my thoughts on following people on Twitter when using an accout setup for the promotion of your podcast.

I was very happy to include my interview with Farnoosh Brock from ProlificLiving.com. I hope that you are inspired by her story of leaving her successful, full-time career in IT to pursue her own passion through self-employment. She has a great deal of valuable insights that I think many people need to hear about not turning your blog/podcast into a business, but as a tool for building relationships around it. I highly recommend that you follow Farnoosh and see where her journey takes her. I follower her on Twitter via @ProlificLiving.

PODCAST CONSULTING: I’m available for one on one podcast consulting and coaching. Whether you want someone to get everything set up for you or you just need a little help along the way, I’d love to work with you. I’m able to demonstrate using screen sharing technology during our call which makes it just like I was there sitting next to you at the computer. If you are interested, email me at Cliff@Ravenscraft.org or call me at 859-757-1399.

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Podcast Answer Man – Focused on Podcasting & New Media

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast Recording, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

New-look microphone from a trusted name. The Sennheiser MK4, shown with and without the optional spider/shock mount.

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It’s pretty hard to stand out in a crowd of professional microphones these days. Somehow, Sennheiser has managed to turn a lot of heads with their first side address large diaphragm condenser – the MK4.

The MK4 is a stark contrast to microphones that add on the features. This mic is all business. A nylon type pouch is included along with a basic mount. The MK4S spider type shock mount is optional, but I found that handling noise and low frequency resonances were not a problem.

No switches or mic-mounted adjustments. Simply plug it in and supply phantom power. As you’ll hear in our demo, the mic has a nice mellow sound, mimicking a good studio dynamic. If this German made mic holds up to some rough handling, I could easily see it as a cost effective condenser replacement for radio or live stage.

We also started using an audio measuring stick of sorts in trying out microphones. After trying out hundreds of microphones, some of them indeed start to sound alike. I used what we’ll call the “Reasonably Priced Microphone” to start the show and then introduce the star. Doing this will set a baseline for comparison. For me, this comparison helped tremendously in describing the character and sound of the mic at hand.

Enough with the typing. Let’s listen in and hear what, may possibly be, a future classic from Sennheiser. Meet the MK4…

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Studio1A is Powered by Panamax…

Studio1A BlueMax Lighting by full spectrum solutions…

Drop me a line with comments, thoughts and suggestions:
mark at newmediagear dot com

NewMediaGear

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast Recording, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

The classic character of a U67 in a modern TLM design. An old friend returns to our VO studio – the Neumann TLM-67.

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It always happens just as a piece of gear leaves Studio1A. I realize just how much it will be missed. And so, the story goes with the Neumann TLM-67 microphone.

The sound, brought back to life from a simpler time, just feels right. A bit of that cozy-warm character …but not too much, exemplifies the TLM-67. An 80th Anniversary tribute to Georg Neumann, the 67 has a bold bronze colored silhouette of the man himself

The 67 is available as a standalone microphone or with the classic shock mount ‘Set’. If you don’t have a Neumann EA87 shock mount laying around, the TLM-67 Set is the way to go.

Body size is roughly U87, but coated in a darker color with the bronze looking badge. Being a TLM, this is a transformerless microphone, relying on a circuit card to match the output. On the back, you’ll find attenuation and low-cut filter switches. On the front, a single pattern switch allows for cardioid, omni and figure-eight pickups. For a sensitive, large diaphragm condenser, this one is just right for a project studio. The 67 isn’t overly sensitive and proximity effect is minimal. That’s what I like about this model. It’s not too transparent, bright or boomy; but just right.

Don’t take my word for it, have a listen to the new Neumann with a classic sound…

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Studio1A is Powered by Panamax…

Studio1A BlueMax Lighting by full spectrum solutions…

Drop me a line with comments, thoughts and suggestions:
mark at newmediagear dot com

NewMediaGear

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast Recording, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

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The GXL3000 Studio Microphone from CAD Audio.

I first noticed the unassuming GXL3000 microphone as part of a BSW promotion. Intrigued by the low price; word on the ‘net was that this inexpensive (sub – 0USD) piece is a great performer.

After trying it out myself, I can say this one excels, even if you disregard the great price point. Why?

Before even plugging in, I liked the looks of this one. Squint your eyes a bit and stretch out the body. That little mesh crown at the top reminded me of a U47 on a diet. Looks aside, this model comes with a ‘pinch’ type shock mount …and a zipper leatherette pouch. You’ll find 3 pickup patterns included. Omni, figure-8 and cardioid. For everyday VO and speech/vocal work, I concentrated on cardioid. A glance at the microphones back reveals a 10db pad and a 100hz high pass filter.

How does it sound? Let’s fire up phantom and give it a try.

Well, the best answer is to listen in and hear the 3000 in Studio1A. In words, I would say it has excellent speech articulation. Nice and crisp. The bottom end is well cared for, allowing me to get by with barely a p-pop, even without a filter. I always listen for that articulation bump and how it is characterized. It gives a nice crispy, but subtle punch.

Let me know what you think? In the sub-0USD category, I think this is a lot of microphone for the money. That’s just my opinion though. Stop by and listen in!

Be sure to check out NewMediaGear page on Facebook! I’ll be posting there between shows.

Studio1A is Powered by Panamax…

Studio1A BlueMax Lighting by full spectrum solutions…

Drop me a line with comments, thoughts and suggestions:
mark at newmediagear dot com

NewMediaGear

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast Recording, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

Check out the NewMediaGear YouTube Channel

You’ll “Like” our FaceBook updates! Click for the latest

The Blue enCORE 200 on-boom at Studio1A.

In Studio1A, we’ve been having a lot of fun lately with Blue microphones. The latest offering from Blue is the enCORE series, featuring 4 models. The most intriguing to me is the 200, which hits a nice balance between performance and price.

What sets the 200 apart from other stage microphones (Blue does list Broadcasting as an application as well)?

This is a dynamic mic that cleverly uses 48VDC phantom power. The 200 has a transformer as well as active electronics needed to boost amplification. This unique design allows for a very low impedance of 25 ohms. A feature of the enCORE 200 is that it tolerates long cable runs better in this configuration. I wasn’t able to test this, since our longest in-studio run is about 75 feet.

The 200 sounds a bit like a hybrid, having punchy mids and plenty of gain (almost condenser-like) while using the Blue aria dynamic element. I think the real beauty of this mic is it’s proximity effect; not allowing things to get boomy, but ultra-smooth.

Physically, the body of the mic extra tough, with a small LED that lets you know 48 volts has arrived. The laser engraved capsule area and large grille ring add to the unique look.

The enCORE 200 is supplied with a carry pouch and mounting clip. As we recorded this show, street prices were about 0USD. Have a listen to the Blue enCORE 200 and let me know what you think?

Be sure to check out NewMediaGear page on Facebook! I’ll be posting there between shows.

Studio1A BlueMax Lighting by full spectrum solutions…

Drop me a line with comments, thoughts and suggestions:
mark at newmediagear dot com

NewMediaGear

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast Recording, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

Check out the NewMediaGear YouTube Channel

You’ll “Like” our FaceBook updates! Click for the latest

Silky smooth Voiceover Microphone from Blue. The Mouse is here.

Don’t let the Mousy stature of this mic fool you. The Blue Mouse delivers killer low-end; about as smooth as it gets for vocals and speech.

The Mouse is a condenser, but handles like a world-class dynamic. The capsule rotates on the stout body giving the Mouse its unique look. The included shock mount works well. I was actually able to adjust the capsule smoothly without making a (noticeable) sound. In the large box, you’ll find the mic cradled in a rosewood finished, velvet lined case. Fit and finish is immaculate.

Besides the shock mount, standard threads on the mic body allow it to be mounted from the bottom.

The sound? Deep and rich, allowing you to roam a little off axis without throwing things off. Even with all the lows, proximity and plosives were never a problem. The Mouse isn’t inexpensive, but delivers with amazingly big sound and equally strong quality. It stands up to the best of them in this price class.

Have a look and listen to the Mouse and let me know what you think?

Be sure to check out NewMediaGear page on Facebook! I’ll be posting there between shows.

Studio1A BlueMax Lighting by full spectrum solutions…

Drop me a line with comments, thoughts and suggestions:
mark at newmediagear dot com

NewMediaGear

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast Recording, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

Check out the NewMediaGear YouTube Channel

You’ll “Like” our FaceBook updates! Click for the latest

A fearful, legendary name for a practical, friendly looking microphone.

With a name like ‘Yeti’, visions of the mythological Himalayan snow creature disappear at the site of this Blue USB microphone. Looking at the mic, those thoughts are replaced with visions of a stretched out R2D2.

The Yeti is Blue Microphones latest USB offering; as unique in form and function as its name. This microphone is big and the desktop stand is hefty. However, boom mounting is no problem thanks to the recessed threads at the base.

Feature-wise, the Yeti offers zero-latency monitoring through the adjustable gain headphone amp. A handy mute switch is on front. The back reveals a gain pot above the pattern switch. The Yeti has plenty of gain. The sound is good, but very different depending on the pattern. Four patterns, three 22mm elements. This mic excels at being versatile. The stereo pattern allows voice imaging or instrument separation. The cardioid was a favorite of mine for speech. The figure eight would work fine for interviews and the omni opened things up with an airy sound.

As with most USB mics, the nice part is simply plugging the device in a compliant (1.1 or greater) port and recording. See the Blue microphone site for detailed requirements.

The Yeti is a great value and very versatile. Have a look and listen!

Be sure to check out NewMediaGear page on Facebook! I’ll be posting there between shows.

Studio1A BlueMax Lighting by full spectrum solutions…

Drop me a line with comments, thoughts and suggestions:
mark at newmediagear dot com

NewMediaGear

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

Check out the NewMediaGear YouTube Channel

You’ll “Like” our FaceBook updates! Click for the latest

In the USA, we have a handful of broadcast classic microphones, used on-air for radio/television. The Sennheiser MD 421 is definitely among the broadcast elite.

The Sennheiser MD 421 recently celebrated its 50th birthday. As with all classic microphones, minor tweaks have been made along the way, but the same classic 421 sound remains unchanged. For a dynamic, the 421-II sounds nice and bright. The very aggressive 5-step low-pass filter allows for a dramatic change in sonic character.

In this Vidcast, I take the MD 421-II around the block in Studio1A, demonstrating the filter, its bright sound and unique mounting bracket. All these things make the Sennheiser MD 421-II a trusted studio staple.

Be sure to check out NewMediaGear page on Facebook! I’ll be posting there between shows.

Studio1A BlueMax Lighting by full spectrum solutions…

Drop me a line with comments, thoughts and suggestions:
mark at newmediagear dot com

NewMediaGear