Blue Microphones
on a Roll with the BallUnique first phantom-powered
dynamic mic
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| Computer Rendering |
January 25, 2003
Blue Microphones announced the birth of The Ball at Winter NAMM, a phantom powered
dynamic microphone.
The latest addition to Blue's family of handbuilt
microphones is sure to turn some heads. The Ball, so-named for its unique shape and
inimitable Blue styling, is Blue's first offering in the dynamic
mic category. But a phantom-powered dynamic? Yes. And no.
Most recordists know that conventional dynamic mics do not
require external DC power. Rather, they employ a relatively simple
circuit and derive their output voltage through electromagnetic
induction. While this makes them rugged, reliable and easier to
operate than their electrostatic counterparts, they also present
the user with a unique set of problems. Chief among these
is frequency-dependent variable resistance which has dramatic
effects on the transducer's acoustic balance, phase coherence,
noise specification and overall output. Blue engineers solved
this problem by incorporating a phantompowered
proprietary active balancing circuit
in the Ball's output stage. This circuit
maintains a constant pure-resistive 50-
ohm load across the useable frequency
spectrum yielding an exceptionally smooth
and open sound previously unheard of in
a dynamic microphone. Additionally, as a
dynamic mic, The Ball is capable of handling
extremely high sound pressure levels without distortion, making
it the ideal choice for studio, stage, broadcast, film or any
other applications where reliability, versatility and the utmost
sound quality is required.
According to Blue founder and president Skipper Wise, "This
unique-looking sphere delivers a frequency response and
acoustic balance associated with the finest large-diaphragm
condensers, yet performs with the setup ease and low cost of
a dynamic. Whether used live or in the studio, The Ball truly
delivers the kind of quality performance and unique character
that our users have come to expect, yet at a price that virtually
anyone can afford."
Technical Specifications
- Operating Principal: Dynamic transducer with active "Class-A" phantom-powered solid-state circuitry
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 35Hz -- 16kHz
- Sensitivity: 3.5mV/Pa at 1kHz, 1 Pa = 94dB SPL
- Output Impedance: 50 Ohms
- Recommended Load Impedance: 2k Ohms
- Maximum SPL: 146 dB SPL (2k Ohm load at 1% THD)
- Output Noise: 18 dB "A" weighted
- Power Requirement: 48V DC phantom-power
- Current Draw: 2.5 mA
$279.00 retail
For more information, visit their web site at www.bluemic.com. |
