Blue Spark SL

Blue Spark SL Condenser Microphone Overview

The Blue Spark SL microphone falls into the Blue Spark microphone . Indeed, the brand has designed several models of directional microphone with cardioid directivity which present a certain similarity.

When recording in the studio, in front of Blue Spark SL microphones, the quality of the recordings does not change. Every time, I benefit from a high-performance diaphragm with rigid SPL capsules.

The presence of a speaker and a moving coil can be seen by opening the interior of the directional microphone .

But what is the difference between a Spark SL radio microphone and other types of Spark stand microphones? Well, basically, the Spark SL boom mic is a versatile mic for condensing and capturing sounds in the studio .

When looking for a microphone for singing with more specific features for professional streaming, it would be better to upgrade to the Blackout Blue Spark SL model. The latter notably reflects a better design with chrome finishes.

However, when it comes to microphone sensitivity , there is no noticeable difference between the Spark SL and the Blue Blackout.

So, you can record acoustic waves, gooseneck, or amplify the proximity effect with these capsule microphones.

Focus on its design, weight and accessories

To define a good dynamic and condenser microphone, I am particularly interested in its design and its weight. In the case of the Blue Spark SL, I'm treated to a deep red design with a metallic shell.

The Blackout SL, for its part, has a black shell to better meet the criteria of professional recording equipment .

A priori, the Spark SL has a saucer-shaped basket that is stable thanks to a microphone stand. The amplifier and omnidirectional capsule of the lavalier microphone combine with a discrete FET circuit.

Everything stands on a shockproof mount without a USB cable to minimize disturbances due to the magnetic field. Ultimately, you aspire to buy a mic with little background noise and low pressure levels.

How does the Blue Spark SL boom mic compare to well-known mics such as the Rode NT USB or the Blue Yeti? If I refer to the weight of the microphone, it weighs 336 grams, a weight that falls well into the category of microphones for recording studios .

Therefore, you can easily move it and use it anywhere as long as you provide a good phantom source.

What accessories are included in the pack?

At first glance, like the Blue Yeti microphone, the Blue Spark condenser microphone is offered with a very light wooden box. This small box is particularly practical for carrying your cardioid acoustic microphone everywhere.

I also appreciate it for its luxurious, noble and authentic side.

Subsequently, the equipment equipped with a switch on its capsules is delivered with a Shockmount type suspension. A priori, this suspension serves as a noise attenuator against occasional vibrations caused by the tripod or the pole.

Small note : You can also consult our complete guide to Ribbon Microphones . Discover in this guide all the best ribbon microphones for recording studios.

Spark SL from Blue, an excellent condenser microphone

Dynamic microphones and condenser microphones differ significantly from USB microphone models . In fact, a micro-USB can immediately connect to a computer or a MAC and start different recordings.

It does not need any other type of microphone, accessories or connectors to electrical current to work. On the other hand, the absence of more recording equipment means that the sound quality it provides is less excellent.

With a dynamic or condenser mic like the Blue Spark SL, you get better quality ribbon sounds. Additionally, the handheld mic's audio interface fits easily with most Blue software drivers.

I highly recommend it as a studio gear for recording vocals from different shooting angles.

By making a brief comparison of the SL with the Beyerdynamic M160 microphone, and with other dynamic microphones on the market, I see that it is more versatile. Certainly, a dynamic vocal microphone or a USB microphone requires less special provision.

However, nothing beats the quality of the sound wave recorded on an external condenser mic. This type of microphone displays a much more interesting dynamic description with better developed acoustic pressures.

Moreover, handling noise is almost non-existent thanks to its highly functional amplifier. With the Blue Spark SL, you can both power dynamics and amplify dynamics with a mixer.

Just make sure you plug it into an external power source with stable DC bias. I'm talking in particular about a phantom power supply with an external sound card.

Blue Spark SL: an XLR type microphone

The Blue Spark SL pro microphone is defined as an XLR type condenser microphone . This condenser mic is among the best studio mics 2021 . Indeed, it uses a capacitor/electrostatic type transducer to capture and transform sound vibrations.

Simply put, this transducer is located behind its rigid membrane of a more or less small size. I would even call it a minimalist lavalier mic due to its small size.

A priori, an XLR microphone presents a higher output level thanks to its recorder, high level amplifier . It transforms sound sources into an electrical signal and can therefore easily be combined with analog recorders.

The Blue Spark SL therefore easily connects with most analog interfaces to obtain a good frequency response.

But to mix and record voice with this stereo microphone , it will still be necessary to digitize the captured analog signals. To do this, it will be necessary to use a low-impact shockproof transformer called ADC.

This conversion allows you to somehow translate the bandwidth into a language known to your interface and audio headset. In an inverted context, we will rather use a DAC to transform digital vibrations into an analog signal .

However, contrary to popular belief, analog condenser microphones are not just about XLR connections. In addition to the analog diagram that it offers with its connector and transducer, its voice pickup technologies are better developed.

Thus, treble, bass, or high frequencies, you always benefit from perfect analog capture, regardless of the sound environment.

Sensitivity and frequency response of the Blue Spark SL

The Blue Spark SL omnidirectional microphone has a sensitivity of 34.9 mV/Pa at 1 kHz. In front of a condenser studio microphone, this value is easily close to the average sensitivity felt.

In principle, this recording studio microphone supports SPLs which can reach 128 dB. Also, the noise nuances of the acoustic guitar response curve stop at 10 dB in phantom power.

As for the frequency response, it ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This range considers all kinds of sound waves between ±5 dB and 15 kHz.

I also notice the absence of a peak in dramatic stereo sounds under the influence of an additional preamp or amp.

In short, the wireless lavalier microphone projects natural sounds with or without acoustic instruments. It can only be suitable for beginners and voice-over artists : podcast fans, singers, gamers…

Switch between two different tones

Blue designed its Spark SL with the ability to switch between two different types of sound. I am referring in particular to a shift in tonality which affects the coil and bandwidth frequencies.

Studying the response curve diagram, I notice a noticeable difference in sound pattern. Indeed, an increase in the sensitivity of low frequencies below 80 Hz is observed in normal mode.

To do this, I turned off the coil static switch.

By activating the switch, the sensitivity considers frequencies below 120 Hz, i.e. 40 Hz more in monitoring. So, with this studio microphone , you can easily adjust the sensitivity of your recording equipment to captured vibrations.

Rode NT2-A condenser microphone . This guide presents the complete test of this microphone, the advantages, the characteristics, as well as opinions.

Blue Spark SL, a cardioid polar pattern microphone

Regarding the polar pattern, the Blue Spark SL condenser microphone has a cardioid type of pattern. This directivity refers to a pickup that focuses primarily on on-axis vibrations in front of the mic.

It therefore considers all the noises emitted in front of the microphone. However, slight fluctuations are noted in the capture of side noises. The microphone input should have been bidirectional or omnidirectional to better consider them.

The Blue Spark SL's electrostatic elements make for excellent studio recording equipment.

With a good quality/price ratio, the microphone remains one of the best sound source converters for home studio enthusiasts.

The technical characteristics of the Blue Spark SL microphone

• Type: condenser microphone
• Directivity: cardioid
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 34.9 mV/Pa at 1 kHz
• Impedance: 50 ohms

• Max SPL: 136 dB
• High pass filter: 100 Hz, 12 d/octave
• Phantom power supply: 48 V
• Pad: -20 Db
• Dimensions: 221 x 45 mm
• Weight: 336g

Our opinion on the Blue Spark SL

The Blue Spark SL microphone is a good mic for recording vocals in a home studio. Its lollipop style promises excellent sound quality in a cardioid pattern. XLR type, it remains a perfect professional microphone model for live and recording studios.

Blue Spark SL demo

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