Blue Microphone Grill
Blue Microphone Grill
|
|
Heil Sound The Fin Dynamic Microphone Blue $216 The Fin Dynamic Mic captures remarkably natural, clear sound and is designed for live sound, recording, and broadcast applications. The exceptional performance is achieved thanks to a special magnet structure with a large 1-1/18" aluminum low mass voice coil assembly similar to the Heil PR 20. The frequency response is 60 Hz - 18 kHz with that traditional Heil Sound mid range "bouquet" at 4 kHz, presenting incredible brilliance and presence. The Heil Fin exhibits a tight linear cardioid pattern. The chrome finish is a special "showchrome," where the steel body is copper-plated and then double chrome-plated, producing a deep chrome finish. A blue molded internal foam windscreen inside the grill covers the large diameter Heil dynamic microphone element mounted in a specially tooled Sorbothane shock mount. The fun part of The Fin is the four L.E.D. lamps mounted inside. These can only be illuminated when using The Fin into one of the 3-pin balanced XLR inputs of a professional mixing console that supplies a +48 volt DC phantom voltage down the balanced mic line. Standard 5/8" 27-thread connection allows The Fin to be mounted on booms or floor stands. The Fin mic from Heil Sound is terrific for vocals, instrument amplifiers, harmonica, and speech, and puts the fun back into the dynamic microphone. |
|
|
Blue Yeti USB Microphone $149 The Blue Yeti USB mic combines 3 capsules and 4 different pattern settings, making it an ideal USB microphone for creating amazing recordings directly to your computer. THX Certified for exceptional sound and performance, the Blue Yeti microphone captures any sound with a clarity and ease previously unheard of in a USB microphone. The Yeti mic is equipped with Blue's innovative triple capsule array, allowing for recording in stereo or your choice of 3 polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, giving you recording capabilities usually requiring multiple microphones. The Blue Yeti uses a high-quality analog-to-digital converter to send incredible audio fidelity directly into your computer. A built-in headphone amplifier offers zero-latency monitoring. Simple controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain located directly on the microphone make the Blue Yeti as easy to use as it is versatile and exceptional in sound quality. The Yeti microphone's exceptional performance and fidelity have earned it the distinction of being the first THX Certified Microphone, a validation of the Blue microphone's incredibly low distortion, high fidelity, and balanced frequency response. There are no drivers to install—simply plug the Blue Yeti microphone into your PC or Mac's USB port, load up your favorite recording software, and record something amazing. |
|
|
Blue Cactus Tube Microphone $2499 With detailed information in the midrange area and a soft silky response in the top end, the Cactus Tube Microphone from Blue details and mellows the program material. The Cactus Microphone's amplifier design is based on a single vacuum tube sub-miniature. Multipattern. 20Hz - 20kHz frequency range. Blue includes a power supply, ATA flight case, series one shockmount/pop filter, and Kiwi cord with your Cactus Tube Microphone.Requires phantom power. |
|
|
Used Blue Kiwi Microphone $1699.15 The Kiwi, Blue's top-of-the-line Class A Discrete microphone model, features 9 selectable polar patterns including cardioid, figure-8, omni, and selections in between. This is achieved in a careful, unique manner using Blue's double-backplate capsule. This unique capsule is measured in an anechoic chamber to ensure optimum performance. The capsule assembly is mounted to the Kiwi Microphone's body with a mold-injected rubber stem to help isolate unwanted rumble. The Kiwi is a microphone that provides enough options to satisfy the needs of even the most critical recordist!Requires phantom power.9 selectable patternsRugged, handbuilt constructionUnique, Blue-family sound |
|
|
Blue Kiwi Microphone $1999 The Kiwi, Blue's top-of-the-line Class A Discrete microphone model, features 9 selectable polar patterns including cardioid, figure-8, omni, and selections in between. This is achieved in a careful, unique manner using Blue's double-backplate capsule. This unique capsule is measured in an anechoic chamber to ensure optimum performance. The capsule assembly is mounted to the Kiwi Microphone's body with a mold-injected rubber stem to help isolate unwanted rumble. The Kiwi is a microphone that provides enough options to satisfy the needs of even the most critical recordist!Requires phantom power.9 selectable patternsRugged, handbuilt constructionUnique, Blue-family sound |
|
|
Blue Yeti Usb Microphone $149 The Blue Yeti USB mic combines 3 capsules and 4 different pattern settings, making it an ideal USB microphone for creating amazing recordings directly to your computer. THX Certified for exceptional sound and performance, the Blue Yeti microphone captures any sound with a clarity and ease previously unheard of in a USB microphone. The Yeti mic is equipped with Blue's innovative triple capsule array, allowing for recording in stereo or your choice of 3 polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, giving you recording capabilities usually requiring multiple microphones. The Blue Yeti uses a high-quality analog-to-digital converter to send incredible audio fidelity directly into your computer. A built-in headphone amplifier offers zero-latency monitoring. Simple controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain located directly on the microphone make the Blue Yeti as easy to use as it is versatile and exceptional in sound quality. The Yeti microphone's exceptional performance and fidelity have earned it the distinction of being the first THX Certified Microphone, a validation of the Blue microphone's incredibly low distortion, high fidelity, and balanced frequency response. There are no drivers to install - simply plug the Blue Yeti microphone into your PC or Mac's USB port, load up your favorite recording software, and record something amazing.4 settings: bidirectional, omnidirectional, cardioid, stereo Master volume Mute button Proprietary tri-capsule array Mic gain control Zero-latency headphone output with amplifier & volume control USB mini jack Standard threaded mic stand mount Custom base with cable management |
|
|
Blue Kiwi Microphone 889406775565 $1499.25 The Kiwi, Blue's top-of-the-line Class A Discrete microphone model, features 9 selectable polar patterns including cardioid, figure-8, omni, and selections in between. This is achieved in a careful, unique manner using Blue's double-backplate capsule. This unique capsule is measured in an anechoic chamber to ensure optimum performance. The capsule assembly is mounted to the Kiwi Microphone's body with a mold-injected rubber stem to help isolate unwanted rumble. The Kiwi is a microphone that provides enough options to satisfy the needs of even the most critical recordist!Requires phantom power. |
|
|
Blue Kiwi Microphone 886830130120 $1699.15 The Kiwi, Blue's top-of-the-line Class A Discrete microphone model, features 9 selectable polar patterns including cardioid, figure-8, omni, and selections in between. This is achieved in a careful, unique manner using Blue's double-backplate capsule. This unique capsule is measured in an anechoic chamber to ensure optimum performance. The capsule assembly is mounted to the Kiwi Microphone's body with a mold-injected rubber stem to help isolate unwanted rumble. The Kiwi is a microphone that provides enough options to satisfy the needs of even the most critical recordist!Requires phantom power. |
|
|
Blue Kiwi Microphone 886830036019 $1699.15 The Kiwi, Blue's top-of-the-line Class A Discrete microphone model, features 9 selectable polar patterns including cardioid, figure-8, omni, and selections in between. This is achieved in a careful, unique manner using Blue's double-backplate capsule. This unique capsule is measured in an anechoic chamber to ensure optimum performance. The capsule assembly is mounted to the Kiwi Microphone's body with a mold-injected rubber stem to help isolate unwanted rumble. The Kiwi is a microphone that provides enough options to satisfy the needs of even the most critical recordist!Requires phantom power. |
|
|
Blue Baby Bottle Microphone $399 The Blue Baby Bottle Microphone is a handcrafted solid-state, class A, discrete condenser mic with a precision-machined, gold-sputtered capsule enclosed in a lollipop spherical grille. Fixed cardioid pattern. The Baby bottle Mic is ideal for recording vocals, percussion, or any acoustical instruments. 20Hz-20kHz. 133dB max SPL.Requires phantom power. |
 |
 Astatic JT 30 Harmonica Microphone Shure JT30 Harp Mic  US $145.00
|
 Electro Voice 301856000 Condenser Cable Professional Microphone US $99.99
|
 BLUE enCORE 100 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone US $46.36
|
 Shure Beta 87a US $145.00
|
 Blue Mouse Large Diameter Cardioid Condenser Microphone US $1,249.00
|
 Heil Sound The Fin Microphone Showroom Chrome Finish with LEDs US $229.00
|
 Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone Gloss black US $59.95
|
 SHURE DMK57 52 BETA 52A 52 A SM57 SM 57 DRUM MICROPHONE MIC KIT DMK5752 W CASE US $359.00
|
 Shure BETA 52A Kick Drum Mic US $135.00
|
 Blue enCORE 100i Dynamic instrument microphone mic US $89.95
|
 Blue enCORE 200 Dynamic handheld live performance mic US $149.95
|
 Blue enCORE 300 Condenser live performance microphone US $199.95
|
 Blue enCORE 100 Dynamic live performance microphone Mic US $99.95
|
 Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone Alluminum US $59.95
|
 c1940s BULLET MICROPHONE MIC US ARMY w WOOD STICK candlestick BLUES HARP OLD US $11.50
|
 2 Set Blue Microphone Grill Foam Cover Audio Mic Shield US $.99
|
 Blue Baby Bottle Mic with shock mount pop filter cherry box NEW In Box US $99.99
|
 AKG C214 C 214 Large Diaphragm Recording Studio Microphone Mic PROAUDIOSTAR US $275.00
|
 Shure SM58 FIVE PACK Vocal Microphone 5 PACK DEAL US $495.00
|
 Shure Beta 52A mic Bass Drum Microphone w Free 20 ft XLR Cable Mint Mic US $132.99
|
 BLUE MICROPHONES Mikey 2 iPod Recorder US $34.95
|
 Shure Beta 87A Professional Vocal Microphone Bundle US $259.00
|
 AKG C214 Studio Condenser Microphone c 214 mic BRAND NEW US $309.00
|
 Shure BETA 58A Vocal Mic BETA58A 58 A BETA58 US $159.00
|
 5 x Color Microphone Grill Foam Cover Audio Mic Shield US $2.99
|
 Heil The Fin Dynamic Microphone Mic Chrome LED lights Live Broadcast Retro USA US $216.00
|
 5 pcs Multicolor Mic Windscreen Foam Dynamic Fit Grill Color Cover Sponge 0069 US $3.89
|
 Blue Yeti Premier USB microphone with 3 Capsules mic US $149.95
|
 Hi Z Lime Green Bullet Harp Harmonica Mic Microphone Shure Dynamic Element VC US $64.99
|
 5 colour Microphone Grill Foam Cover Audio Mic Shield US $6.99
|
 Shure Beta 58a 58 Beta58 Handheld Vocal Mic Stand XLR US $169.00
|
 Blue Microphones Encore 100 Dynamic Performance Mic w Mic Stand XLR Cable US $99.00
|
 Blue Baby Bottle Large Diameter Studio Condenser Mic Recording PROAUDIOSTAR US $399.00
|
 AKG BBB DFive Dynamic Beatbox Battle Beat Boxing Mic Microphone New from Dealer US $129.00
|
 SHURE SM58 LC MICROPHONE AUDIO VOCAL STUDIO DJYNAMIC DJ US $99.00
|
 Shure BETA 57A DynaMic Handheld Instrument Vocal Mic FREE NEXT DAY AIR US $139.00
|
 Shure Beta 87C Beta87C Cardioid Condenser Microphone FREE NEXT DAY AIR US $249.00
|
 Shure BETA 87A BETA87A Hand Held Condenser Stage Microphone US $249.00
|
 AKG Perception 220 Cardioid Condenser Microphone B Stock US $154.99
|
 Shure PGXD24 Beta 58A Wireless Handheld Vocal Microphone System UHF 58 a US $499.00
|
 Shure BETA 52A Kick Drum Mic BETA52A 52 A BETA52 FREE NEXT DAY AIR US $189.00
|
 Shure BETA 58A Vocal Mic BETA58A 58 A BETA58 FREE NEXT DAY AIR US $159.00
|
 AKG WMS 450 ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY C5 VOCAL WIRELESS MICROPHONE MIC SET UHF C 5 US $278.99
|
 NEW USB Microphone Four Pattern Blue Microphones YETI PRO US $279.99
|
 NEW Snowball iCE USB Microphone Blue Microphones Snowball ICE US $99.99
|
 Shure Beta 56A Instrument Microphone US $159.00
|
 Heil Sound The FIN vintage microphone mic Fin 20ft XLR mic cable NEW Free Ship US $216.00
|
 Instrument Microphone Shure Beta 57A® US $139.00
|
 Kick Drum Microphone Shure Beta 52A® US $189.00
|
 Vocal Microphone Shure Beta 58A® US $159.00
|
 |
Blue Microphones enCORE 100 Studio-Grade Dynamic Performance Microphone List Price: $99.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $59.99  |
|
Designed by Blue Microphones to provide true all-around performance, the enCORE 100 studio-grade dynamic performance microphone delivers natural vocals, balanced highs, and all the detail and clarity that you need to make your live act shine... |
 |
Blue Microphones enCORE 100i Microphone, Cardioid List Price: $89.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $65.00 |
|
The en core 100i utilizes a new dynamic capsule with a custom-tuned diaphragm designed specifically to provide a tighter polar pattern perfect for miking instruments and other sources requiring high isolation... |
 |
Hohner HOHNER HH1490 BLUES BLASTER HARMONICA MIC List Price: $145.00 Sale Price: $79.99 |
|
The Hohner 1490 Blues Blaster Harmonica Microphone is a hand-held mic with volume control that produces that classic, dirty Chicago blue harp tone. Requires standard XLR mic cable (included) and lo-to-high impedance transformer with 1/4" plug (product# 427600 or 270570) to plug directly into your amp. |
 |
Samson C01U USB Studio Condenser Microphone with Cakewalk Sonar LE List Price: $134.99 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $48.95 |
|
The C01U USB Studio Condenser Mic is an affordable studio condenser mic with a USB interface, granting musicians who record music on computers a simple, affordable way to capture high-quality vocal and acoustic instrument performances... |
 |
Blue Microphones Encore 100 Series Live Studio Microphone Bundle with Stagg MIS-1020 Tripod Mic Stand List Price: $149.99 Sale Price: $96.50 |
|
Purchase this unique bundle and receive a Stagg MIS-1020-BK Tripod Mic Stand for free in addition to the Encore 100 - the flagship live vocal microphone from Blue!Everything we've learned from years of building the world's best studio recording microphones has gone into the enCORE 100, a studio-grade handheld dynamic microphone designed to deliver exceptional all-around performance, no matter what your application... |
 |
Samson C01 Large Diaphragm Vocal Condenser Microphone List Price: $99.99 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $34.62 |
|
Great for recording vocals, acoustic instruments and for use as overhead drum mics, the new Samson C01 large diaphragm condenser microphone is accurate, detailed, and smooth, with plenty of warm bass and extended top end... |
 |
Pyle Mic and Stand Package - PDMIK1 Professional Moving Coil Dynamic Handheld Microphone - PMKS8 U-Base Gooseneck Desktop Microphone Stand - PPMCL50 50ft. Symmetric Microphone Cable XLR Female to XLR Male List Price: $99.99 Sale Price: $29.99 |
|
The PDMIK1 is a professional moving coil dynamic handheld microphone. It makes your voice sound great, thanks the unidirectional element. The durable zinc alloy metal construction means this mic is great for everyday use... |
 |
Blue enCORE 100 Hand Mic 3 Pack with gator Case Sale Price: $489.99 |
|
The enCORE 100's Proprietary Dynamic Capsule is specially tuned by Blue's capsule engineers to deliver natural vocals, balanced highs, and amazing detail and clarity, making it an incredibly versatile tool for live performance as well as studio and broadcasting applications... |
 |
Pyle Mic and Stand Package - PDMIK5 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone - PMKSPAD1 Multimedia Microphone Stand With Adapter for iPad 2 (Adjustable for Compatibility w/iPad 1) - PPMCL15 15ft. Symmetric Microphone Cable XLR Female to XLR Male List Price: $99.99 Sale Price: $79.99 |
|
The MIK5 cardioid redefines the entry-level price point for quality condenser microphones. Class A solid state electronics are engineered for low noise, distortion and coloration. You will be amazed at how much microphone PMIK5 gives you for the money... |
 |
Pyle Mic and Stand Package - PDMIK5 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone - PMKSPAD1 Multimedia Microphone Stand With Adapter for iPad 2 (Adjustable for Compatibility w/iPad 1) - PPMCL30 30ft. Symmetric Microphone Cable XLR Female to XLR Male List Price: $99.99 Sale Price: $89.99 |
|
The MIK5 cardioid redefines the entry-level price point for quality condenser microphones. Class A solid state electronics are engineered for low noise, distortion and coloration. You will be amazed at how much microphone PMIK5 gives you for the money... |
Antec 902 Midi Tower Case and Antec TruePower 750W PSU Review
Introduction
Case Packaging
The Antec 902 Unveiled
Case Performance
PSU Packaging
PSU Build and Cabling
PSU Performance
Conclusion
Introduction
Founded in 1986, Antec is recognized as a pioneer in the high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, and has maintained its position as a worldwide market leader and international provider of quiet, efficient and innovative products. They recently sent us their 902 Gaming case and a 750W power supply to test.
We'll start with the case and then move to the PSU.
Case Packaging
Clicking on any picture in this review opens up a larger, more detailed image and in some cases may be the only way to spot fine details such as the front mounted fan speed controllers.
Shipping in a sturdy box the 902 weighs in at 13.5 kg with only 2kg being accounted for by packaging material. Speaking of which, we were pleased to note the soft flexible foam and not expanded polystyrene surrounding the case. This offers better protection, last longer (for case re-use later) and does not break off in small particles when taking the case out.
The Antec 902 unveiled
Since this is a gaming case the clear window is a must for modders just as a side mounted fan is essential for overclockers. The two side panels are held on with thumbscrews and not tool is needed to add or remove them.
Looking inside the power connectors for the 4 fitted fans are apparent and we were able to daisy chain them all to run of just one power connector while still tucking the cable away unobtrusively. This saves the need to plug them into the motherboard and for this reason there are separate fan speed controls for each fan.
The front shows the vast grill and the 9 bays running the full height of the case. The air intake potential is huge and should pose no bottlenecks or contribute to annoying acoustic related noises. You can just make out the two small dials that control the speed of the front mounted fans.
The back shows the bottom mounted PSU position and the default shield (remember to use the one that comes with your motherboard if you can) The two holes are for liquid cooling and allow a radiator to be positioned externally at the back of the machine. The expansion slot covers are of the re-usable type in case later re-arrangement of cards is required. There are no feet unlike our Chieftec and Coolermaster cases but the width is such that there were never any stability issues, especially with the heavy PSU at the bottom.
The top view shows the feature that excites overclockers the most - we don't mean the space to hold an i-pod or the useful front connectors but rather the large 20cm fan which only blows air out (at quite a rapid flow rate too). The two USB connectors, external SATA connector and headphone/microphone sockets are just in the right position to be useful but sadly are not labeled or color coded. We can envisage that at some point someone unfamiliar with building PCs will try to stick a USB connector into the E-SATA connector and/or vice versa so even just including some labels on a sticky sheet would have been useful.
The case comes with ample accessories including a 3.5" converter for the front bays (for hard drives and SSDs) and plenty of screws. The internal fan mount is detachable and given the positioning of the two front fans may never be needed except to blow air over an SLI/CrossFire setup from close range. Cables of ample length are provided for the front connectors and are easily tucked away when assembled (in our experience PC builders tend to be much more tidy when the case has a window - even if they are not planning on a fancy light show).
The width of the case was enough to allow us to use any type of Cooler available for both Intel and AMD platforms and with everything in place if was obvious that the placement of the side, rear and top fans was perfect in terms of the components whose cooling needs they were addressing.
Case Performance
The comparison with our other cases shows a significant improvement in performance even at low fan speeds, no doubt mainly to the huge top fan and the side intake. We suspect the GPU temperatures would be even better if we fitted a side fan and the optional internal fan as the air from these would flow over the GPU slot.
PSU Packaging
The Antec TruePower New 750W PSU (available in several different glowing colors during operation) was also sturdily packaged but in a more traditional "egg-carton" type of cardboard. This is rated for SLI/CF use (we had no trouble with quad SLI although Antec's PSU selector tool does recommend a different, more powerful, model).
PSU Build and Cabling
The cables take up more room than the PSU unit itself and consist of two varieties. The essential ones are permanently attached and there are several other cables that fit onto the modular connectors (more on that later). This allows clutter to be minimised in a simple system but still gives plenty of options in a fully loaded PC with multiple HDDs/SSDs, dual GPUs and other add-in cards.
Unlike some other power supplies the Antec TruePower has an exhaust grill that takes up the full rear of the PSU thereby ensuring that every component gets a breeze of cool air without straining to push through a smaller opening.
The sticker shows the important details of power by voltage and rail and it is crucial in our opinion to understand the way the power is distributed (treating the 750W as a lump sum could lead to problems if things are not carefully balanced in a heavy duty system. We recommend downloading and reading the detailed manual on Antec's web site (we can't post a direct link as its dynamic).
A close up view of the modular connectors shows the intended uses for the different rails. It's a good idea to stick to these intended uses unless some formal training as an electrician has been undertaken. The red connectors provide power for an SLI setup or very demanding GPU and the HDD ones have extra SATA connectors for systems with many drives. Cables are provided for all of these uses.
Finally, the PWM fan can be seen here. This fan and all the others in the 902 case are made by Antec themselves and this fan is specially designed to run at full efficiency at low speeds. Simply reducing the voltage would not work beyond a certain level so PWM fans overcome this problem.
PSU Performance
The Antec TruePower New 750W had no trouble handling any of our tests with a confident blue glow and barely a whisper. The fan was more noticeable with the others in the case turned off but from a normal seated position could not be heard at all even on the highest setting above the noise of CPU and Graphics Card. Although not designed for quad SLI, we were able to run two Nvidia 295s in SLI mode (4 GPUs in total) by carefully ensuring each pair was drawing power from a different rail and still have plenty left for the Core i7 processor and other components.
Conclusion
The Antec 902 Midi Tower Case and TruePower New 750W PSU, when combined, reach new heights of performance in thermal dissipation in a PC case. Our last test rig used a seasoned Chieftec Dragon case but even with the full complement of fans became worryingly hot during load testing. The inclusion of a side and especially large top fan with ample front air intake (full length grill) means a huge amount of air is being continually shifted to keep the case temperature as close to ambient as we have come in a non-aluminum case. The importance of this for overclocking the CPU and GPU cannot be understated. A quick Wiki search on thermodynamics shows that the ability of heatsink/fans to cool down hot components like a CPU is directly proportional to the difference between it and the case temperature. What this means is that if you reduce your case temperature by 5 degrees then your CPU temperature falls by a similar amount. If this allows you to lower your CPU temperature then you can either stick with that to extend the component life or overclock it further to take advantage of the additional threshold made available by an efficient case.
With the exception of lack of labeling on the front connectors on the case, we can find no negative issues with either product and we will be using Antec's case and PSU as the basis for our next test rig and have no hesitation in awarding both products our Gold Award.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
About the Author
Amar Mahmood is one of the founders of The Hardware Review (www.hardwarereview.net) and has over a decade of experience writing reviews for PC hardware.