Blue has come back with full force in a way that might interest podcasters. With Icicle, Mikey Portable Recorder for iPod and Eyeball Web Cam there should be something cool for most of you.
Icicle
Starting with Icicle (pictured above), an in-line USB converter and preamp designed to make connecting XLR microphones directly to your computer simple and effective.
From the Blue press release:
“Today’s musicians live in both the analog and digital worlds, and Icicle bridges those worlds in a way that only Blue can, with sophistication, an understanding of how musicians work, and a clean, simple style,” said Skipper Wise, President of Blue Microphones.
A key design goal of Blue is to keep technology out of the way of making music, so there are no complicated drivers, I/O boxes, or messy converters required. Icicle works with dynamic and condenser microphones, providing high quality and hassle free connectivity with Mac or PC for recording, podcasting, voiceovers and more.
Icicle features:
• Studio quality microphone preamp
• 48V phantom power
• Fully balanced low noise front end
• Analog gain control
• Plug and Play driverless operation
• 44.1 kHz, 16-bit CD quality converter
• Mac or PC operation
Icicle will be available in December 2008 for a suggested retail price of $59.99.
Mikey and Eyeball
Blue doesn’t stop with the Icicle, they’ve also announced Mikey and Eyeball. Two tools intended to turn webcams and portable recorders a little less, dare I say, crappy?
“With Mikey and Eyeball, we’re building on the success of Snowflake and Snowball, our first consumer products, and changing the game for portable recording and personal broadcasting,” said Skipper Wise, Blue’s president. “Previous web cams and recorders were designed like computer peripherals, not specialized consumer electronics; we’ve re-invented these markets with Blue’s sense of style and commitment to superior sound.”
At this price point (see below) I still wouldn’t think it’s exactly high-end.
Mikey is a recording device for the iPod intended for recording lectures, voice notes, live music, interviews and such.
Mikey features:
• Blue’s stereo condenser capsules
• Three position user selectable gain settings
• Built in speaker for playback
• Unique user positionable head
Mikey works with iPod 4G, 5G, 6G, iPod Nano 2G, 3G and iPod Classic and is compatible with most protective cases.
Eyeball is a web cam with “exceptional audio and outstanding video, making it perfect for instant messaging, and video conferencing” says Blue (I haven’t tried it).
Eyeball features:
• Blue’s condenser capsule
• Premium lens with Super HD video
• Camera-off privacy position with innovative lens pop in and out feature to prevent accidental broadcasts
• Plug and Play
Eyeball also includes a custom designed monitor adapter making it simple to position it on virtually any laptop or desktop monitor according to Blue.
Both Mikey and Eyeball will be available in December 2008 for a suggested price of $79.99 for Mikey and $99.99 for Eyeball.
Originally posted on November 8, 2008 @ 8:59 am