Blue Microphones
Mikey Digital Microphone with Lightning Connector – $99
PROS: Small, easy to use, great sounds, plenty of applications for media geeks and musicians.
CONS: None.
PRICE: $99
Apple’s portable devices have set the standard for being a multi-tool for musicians. Accessory companies have followed, and Blue Microphones have joined in, bringing superior sound quality to their latest mobile mic.
It connects with the new Lighting connector, and the options are very simple with just three settings; Auto, Low Gain, and High Gain. There is a USB connection on the side, allowing the iPhone to be charged while the mic is occupying the Lighting connection. A 1/8” input is on the top side as well, allowing direct recording, too. Included is a 1/8” to 1/4” adapter for plugging in most line-level instruments.
The stereo microphones mounted inside are a cardioid type, and can handle up to 130dB (that’s louder than most jet engines), so recording a death metal band’s rehearsal should be a piece of cake. The mic can swivel at 230 degrees, giving plenty of options for optimal positioning. Not only will it work for audio, but video recording as well, using a variety of iOS apps.
Sound wise, it’s excellent. There are three LEDs that light up green for a good clean signal, and turn to red when it’s too “hot” of a signal. Placement in the room, the sound sources, and the orientation of the mic will play a factor, but is well worth some experimenting to fine-tune the settings.
So what are the best applications of this? Well, any field recording (audio or video), interviews, podcasts, recording a band’s rehearsal sessions, just to name a few. For a band on the road, working on new material, that used to mean bringing a 4-track (which was cumbersome), or a micro cassette recorder (and with it, very questionable sound quality). Now there’s a small easy way to record ideas, jams and that new riff or vocal idea.
FEATURES
Microphone Type: Condenser
Mono/Stereo: X/Y
Polar Pattern: X/Y stereo
Frequency Response: 35Hz-20kHz
Color: Black
Connector: Lightning