Has anyone tried the Blue Spark microphone and can give some feedback?

I'm thinking about purchasing the Blue Spark microphone, which goes for $200. I've heard some good things online on reviews, but I wanted to hear some first hand opinions from SONAR users if there are any. Thanks!

bapu


My friend Mooch4056 in Chicago has one.

He likes it very much.




Yet I think he calls it Orange Spark.  Figures.

Thanks, that's good to hear!


If anyone else has any input, such as why they do or do not like it, I'd greatly appreciate it

Jind


I've been considering the same microphone so I'll be interested in feedback.  I've been looking at a couple of microphones and the review on SOS caught my attention (I apologize for a link to a subscription article if you don't have one): http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/apr11/articles/blue-spark.htm

Yes, I've seen the same article and it caught my attention as well! SOS doesn't do a lot of reviews on low-end microphones (as far as I know, but I could be wrong) so the fact that they did one on the spark was very interesting.

I have a Spark, and it works well as an all around mic. I don't have any high end mics, so I can't compare it to anything in the mid-upper range. My collection is very modest, The Spark, an Apex 460 Large Diaphragm Tube, a matching pair of PVM480 pencils, then a couple 58's and 57's.

With that in mind - I find the Spark (which is a medium diaphragm) works well with a male lead vocal and acoustic instruments. The sound is a little more focussed than the APEX 460 - but that doesn't mean it is better Even with the same vocalist I might use the APEX on one song, and the Spark on another. I really like it on my acoustic instruments. Steel String, Gut String, Mandolin, Dobro - it works great on all of them.

The mic has a small button they call a "focus" button. The sound appears to get tighter with that pushed in, but I really have not found a use for it yet, and almost always leave it in the off position. The sound I get with that in is similar to my PVM480 pencils, so if I want that sound - I tend to reach for the 480's.  On the other hand, if you don't have a small diaphragm (pencil) condenser - the focus button may come in really handy.

Packaging is excellent. The shockmount works, but is not great - and the windscreen is nothing more than decoration. I still put a proper POP filter in front of the mic.

Is is worth $200? Absolutely. I would put this mic head to head with any mic under $500. It won't win in all conditions, but would hold it's own. Just don't expect it to be a substitute for a much better mic or you will likely be disappointed. You do get what you pay for - and this is just a $200 microphone.
 
EDIT: I just glanced at the SOS article and they say this is a large diaphragm mic which is a mistake. It is a medium diaphragm microphone. The Blue Bird has a large diaphragm, but not the Spark.

For a few more reviews see:

http://www.bluemic.com/spark/reviews/em_spark_june_11.pdf

http://www.bluemic.com/spark/reviews/dj_times_spark_april_11.pdf

http://www.bluemic.com/spark/reviews/canadian_musician_spark_may_11.pdf

http://mixonline.com/gear/reviews/blue_microphone_spark_microphone_review/

and quite a detailed one here:

http://www.bluemic.com/spark/reviews/Blue_Spark_RECreview.pdf

cclarry


I have an Avantone CK-6...and, for the money...
it's a great mic....

It comes in an aluminum padded case...
It has Low roll off and 10 db pad...

It's a beautiful mic...and sounds really good..

AND it's only $169 bucks....a little less then the Spark..

It also gets really great reviews..

Here are some Google links to reviews...

http://www.google.com/#hl...p;biw=1231&bih=792

Hmm I dont know too much about Avantone, are they a reputable brand? Doesn't seem like Guitar Center or Musician's Friend carry that brand's mics, and I couldn't find a single video review on YouTube.

One thing I can tell you, I'm definitely digging that aluminum padded case... much better than the wooden case that comes with the Blue Spark. But then again, the important thing is the mic, not the case haha

cclarry

 I got my Mic  at Zzounds.com - they offer a 4 pay option...that's how I buy my gear..
It helps me spread out the cost in an affordable (for me) way...

You can also look into American Musical Supply - they seem to carry the Avantone mics if your interested, and much like zZounds offer multiple payments (well, it would'nt apply on a $169 mic as I think it's $200 and up, but just add a couple of cables and your set ).  They also carry the Blue Spark.  I've done quite a bit of business with them as they tend to get products to my house the next day even with free shipping.

cclarry


If Terry Brown of Rush fame uses one...that's good enough for me...

Probably my favorite band of all time and a great producer as well.  Good call. 

Probably my favorite band of all time and a great producer as well.  Good call





I couldn't agree more Jind!