Blue Microphones Spark Digital

❱❱ PRICE £126(£151incVAT)

❱❱ OVERALL ✪✪✪✪✪✪

Taking its professional cardioid condenser microphone, the Spark, as a starting point, Blue has created the ultimate USB- and iOS-compatible mic. The Spark Digital retains the retro styling and weighty build of its studio-focused stablemate, but does away with the need for a pre-amp equipped with +48v phantom power. Instead, the Spark Digital has a mini-USB connection and a pair of cables for connecting to a standard USB socket or the 30-pin connector of an iOS device (you’ll need a 30-pin-to- Lightning adapter for newer models). A dial adjusts the input volume, or clicks inwards to mute the audio, and a rocker switch toggles the Focus mode on and off, which tweaks the frequency response to give more presence and high end. In our tests, the Spark Digital recorded rich, crystal-clear 44.1kHz audio at 16 bits. The heavy, adjustable stand makes it easy to secure the mic in the perfect position, and, since the mic is isolated from the stand by bungee cords, recordings pick up little in the way of extraneous thumps or vibrations. At £151, it’s overkill for podcasting, but, for musicians, the ability to record superb-quality audio on the move is immensely attractive.

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