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Studio Microphone for Mac/PC + iPad
USB &
TM
LIGHTNING
CONNECTIVITY
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Congratulations on your purchase of Spark Digital from Blue Microphones. Spark Digital is a cardioid, solid-state condenser microphone that TM features USB and Lightning connectivity, designed to help you achieve professional studio-quality digital recordings in any environment. We’ve designed Spark Digital’s acoustic performance to ignite your inspiration and passion for recording. And we think you’ll find its unique design to be inspiring and easy to use anywhere you wish to create great re
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Setting Up Spark Digital includes a uniquely-designed shockmount stand that is designed to help isolate your microphone (and, thus, your recordings) from vibrations, bumps, and any low frequency noises you may have resonating through the recording area (air conditioning unit, nearby computers, passing semi-trucks, or whales in your bathtub). First, unpack the microphone and stand from the packaging. Loosen both knobs at the side of the stand, allowing the yoke to rotate Loosen knobs on yolk of
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Spark Digital Controls 1 All of Spark Digital’s advanced features are controlled with just two knobs: the large Control Knob at the front of the microphone and the Focus Control toggle switch at the rear. 2 Control Knob The Control Knob allows adjustment of headphone volume, microphone gain (sensitivity), and microphone mute. The status LEDs at the front of the microphone will light and change color to indicate the selected function and level. 5 5 Headphone volume: By default, the status
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8 Focus Control Recessed in the lower groove of the body tube at the rear of the microphone you will find a small, two-position toggle switch. With this switch in the OFF position (Normal mode), your Spark Digital provides increased low frequency sensitivity for recordings with great impact and definition. When the switch is in the ON position (Focus mode), Spark Digital will provide even greater clarity and detail. The Focus Control feature enacts a subtle change to the circuitry of your Sp
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OS Setup Spark Digital is designed for driverless operation with PCs, Macs, and iPads/iPhones. Here are specific instructions for setup with your operating system: iPad (4th generation), iPad mini iPhone 5 Plug in your Spark Digital Microphone using the provided y-cable with Lightning connector. Within a few seconds, the microphone will be recognized by the iPad or iPhone and be powered up. The microphone status light will illuminate blue. You can now use the microphone with any app that allows
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Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Vista 1. Plug the microphone into the USB port on your computer using the provided USB cable. 2. From the Start menu, select the Control Panel. 3. From the Control Panel, select the Sound icon. 4. Select the Recording tab. Select Spark Digital from the list. From this screen, you’ll want to adjust the computer’s internal microphone gain (volume) settings. Select the Properties button, then select the Levels tab. As a starting point, set the micro
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Usage Notes Spark Digital requires a powered USB port or Lightning iPad or iPhone connection for proper operation. To perform at its best, Spark Digital should be plugged directly into a powered USB port, so avoid connecting through USB hubs or other USB multipliers. With the Focus Control off, Spark Digital delivers a robust timbre that creates a large audio landscape. The bump in the top end of the frequency response chart (shown below left) at 8-12kHz brings definition and clarity, creating
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Optional pop filter and standard shockmount Blue has also developed a custom pop filter and traditional microphone shockmount for your Spark Digital microphone, both of which are available by contacting Blue’s Service Department at service@bluemic.com. Simple to install, the Spark Pop is a custom-designed pop filter that will cut down on plosive sounds in your recordings without impacting sound quality. For those wishing to use Spark Digital in a studio environment, a traditional shockmount
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If You Wanna Get Technical . . . Spark Digital’s analog electronics are Class A and fully discrete with a transformerless output. Simply put, this means that the sound which arrives at the diaphragm (mic capsule) is converted to electrical energy (transduced) is then amplified as accurately as possible, with minimal coloration and absolutely no integrated circuits (also known as “IC’s”) in the signal path. Integrated circuits, by the way, are smaller and inexpensive versions of large ‘discret
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vocalist, or podcaster and you’re guaranteed to get a truly inspired vocal performance. Position the vocalist at the front of the microphone (the side with the Blue logo) from one to twelve inches from the microphone. The closer you get to the mic, the more present and intimate you’ll sound. For a “big” vocal sound with maximum presence, get the vocalist within one to three inches of the capsule (microphone head). To avoid plosives at this close range, consider adding the Spark Pop filter.
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Acoustic Guitar Acoustic Guitars come in many different sizes, shapes and stringed variations to create different sounds and timbres. Positioning of Spark Digital can help you capture the sound that is ideal for your recording needs and is a perfect match for each of these different types of instruments. For a balanced sound with plenty of sparkling high-end, position Spark Digital’s head facing the guitar neck, right where the neck joins the body (usually around the 12th–14th frets). For sta
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Drums Spark Digital’s fast transient response, crisp highs, and high-pass filter make it an ideal mic for recording drums. For kit and hand drums, begin by placing the microphone two to four inches above the rim or hoop (where the head is secured to the shell). Angle the front of the capsule (microphone head) toward the player’s stick or hand to pick up more attack and definition. Turning the capsule toward the shell will soften the sharp attack of a hand drum, or pick up more of the bright,
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A less common, though very useful technique, is to position a stereo pair or single Spark Digital microphone just outside of the piano, either in the curve of a grand, above an upright, or a few feet away from the cabinet. This will give you a classically-oriented sound with a significant amount of natural room reverberation to add liveliness. Violins, Viola, Cello and Bowed Instruments When recording bowed instruments, especially the violin, the room conditions become even more important. Sin
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Technical Specifications System Requirements Warranty Blue Microphones warrants its hardware products against defects in ma- Transducer: Condenser PC: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows terials and workmanship for a period of TWO (2) YEARS from the date Vista, XP Home Edition or XP Professional Polar Pattern: Cardioid of original retail purchase, provided the purchase was made from an au- USB 1.1/2.0; 64 MB RAM (minimum) thorized Blue Microphones dealer. This warranty is void if the equipment Powe
