Blue Microphones announces the Reactor
(Dave Molter | Posted 2011-01-16)
The new multi-pattern Reactor mic from Blue Microphones pushes the envelope of modern microphone design and performance while making multiple mic setups more accessible. Reactor fuses an innovative pattern selection method with a swiveling capsule head for perfect positioning, and features Blue's premium condenser capsule, fully discreet Class A solid state components, and proprietary preamp for noiseless live switching between patterns (Cardioid, Omni or Figure-8). To facilitate use in multiple mic setups (like Mid/Side, X-Y), Reactor's capsule head rotates a range of 90 degrees for perfect positioning in tight spaces and easy pattern adjustability. Reactor's recording pattern selection is both intuitive and stylish, featuring LED backlighting on the pattern indicators and a magnifying element that compliments its forward-looking design.
* Large-diaphragm premium condenser capsule
* Three recording patterns: Omni, Cardioid, Bi-directional
* Swivel head allows for flexible placement and multi mic positioning (like Mid/Side, X-Y)
* Unique selection method with magnifier for easy toggle
* Fully discreet, Class A solid state components
* LED backlit pattern selection
* Simple pop filter installation
* Includes custom designed storage case and shockmount
Street price for the Reactor is expected to be around $500 USD.
About Blue Microphones
Blue Microphones was founded in 1995 to improve the front-end of audio recording by utilizing the increased bandwidth benefits enabled by digital technology. Advances in digital processing (e.g. extended frequency response, dynamic range, project recording capability) fundamentally changed the recording process as well as the potential for microphone performance. Basing many of their concepts, designs, and technology on knowledge gleaned from years of repairing and improving classic microphones from a wide variety of manufacturers, but by simultaneously integrating new technologies, materials and a first-hand knowledge of today’s recording process, Blue began to pioneer the perfect analog input devices for the digital age.
Starting with state-of-the-art technology that ensures the purest possible signal path and Class A fully discrete circuitry with no ICs, pads, or filters, each microphone is designed to fill a specific role in a recording repertoire. Every single design contains its own propriety capsule that is hand-tested and approved to capture specific sonic signatures in specific ways. The first proprietary design, the Blueberry (Electronic Musician 2000 Editor’s Choice Microphone of the Year) was designed and engineered at the behest of John Gass, a Grammy award-winning engineer/mixer, who asked Blue if it was possible to create a contemporary pop vocal mic that also substantially eliminated the need to spend hours “EQing” or over-processing the signal source. The Blueberry’s success led to future Blue designs that focused solely on delivering the best possible reproduction of specific vocal or instrument types. The result is a portfolio of professional microphones that create a palette of sounds, enabling artists to realize the sonic landscape of their vision.
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Blue is 100% committed to getting the very best microphones in the world into the hands of those who have a passion for high quality audio; this is our heritage and will always be the core focus of everything we do. We also realize that great sound enhances every environment, and for this reason Blue has leveraged its pro-audio DNA to launch a line of products catering to life outside the studio. These include high-quality USB products for both Mac and PC, iPod accessories, and an XLR-to-USB converter that allows everyone to take advantage of the quality and performance inherent in every Blue microphone on their computer. From the uncompromising and revolutionary Bottle to the HD audio/video Eyeball webcam, every product reflects Blue’s rare expertise and inimitable design sense. We encourage you to audition each Blue microphone to discover the ideal sonic character for your audio needs.
From a press release and information on the Blue website:www.bluemic.com.
