Comments on: Blue Icicle XLR to USB Mic Converter

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:31:17 +0000

Actually, Mads, the Icicle does have a gain control knob on the device itself.

Not having used it personally, I can’t vouch for it working in Garageband or Logic, but I’ve had no problems with my Blue Snowball in Garageband, so I assume the Icicle would be equally functional.

By: Mads

Mads — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:55:16 +0000

Hi
I want to record my lectures, since im taking notes on my laptop anyway…. but i don´t want to bring a Sound Interface with me to school. does the Icicle or micport run on garageband or logic8 ? any problems with osx10.5.6? clicks or missounds?
Icicle does not have level controls on the device itselv is that a problem or will I be fine adjusting on the computer. . .

Aloha:)

By: Better Late Than Never: Shure USB Microphones | eQuixotic

Better Late Than Never: Shure USB Microphones | eQuixotic — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:31:52 +0000

[...] If you have an XLR microphone that you harbor an undying love for, ditch the breakout box/mixer and plug it directly into your computer with the X2u XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter (retail $129), which is about $70 more than the Blue Icicle I mentioned in November. [...]

By: Hugh Scarlett

Hugh Scarlett — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 00:31:46 +0000

The Icicle looks very interesting, I wonder how its performance will compare to something like the Edirol UA25EX which performs the same function but with 2 inputs, and has verious other controls. I have been investigating for using with camera mics for location sound to avoid DAT recorders and even more mics!! . I already have the Macbook Pro for downloading video on location, so using the same system for location sound, ambient, wildlife or VO would be a great advantage. What I don’t know is the quality. If I am going to overaly onto video for screening, its gotta be crash hot.
Has anyone seen any reviews or comparisons yet???

By: Steve Anthony

Steve Anthony — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:56:03 +0000

In the under $100 category, the CAD GXL2400 is a decent mic. Another popular mic is the AKG Perception 100. It really depends on budget and use. I use a Neumann TLM103. All of those are condenser mics and extremely sensitiive. They need an external power source call Phantom Power (48 volts), usually available through the mic preamp, such as the Micport Pro.

Then there are dynamic mics. They don’t need a power source, but require more gain or volume. They are less sensitive and will usually pick up less background noise. Shure makes a couple of good ones. They are the SM57 and SM58, both around $100. The big three dynamic mics in commercial broadcasting are the Sennheiser MD421, the Shure SM7b, and the Electro Voice RE20. They run between $300-$400.

As for headsets, no suggestions, there.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:02:21 +0000

Thanks for the info, Steve, I’ll have to check that one out too. Which XLR-based mic would you recommend for narration recording? And do you know of any really good headset XLR mics?

By: Steve Anthony

Steve Anthony — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:18:32 +0000

Let me correct the link; CEntrance Micport Pro. Steve

By: Steve Anthony

Steve Anthony — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:16:06 +0000

Chris, The Icicle looks promising. Another device along the same lines is the CEntrance Micport Pro. A lot of narrators, including myself, are using it. It's great for use on the road. On the other hand, it more than twice the price. But quality wise, both in build and sound output, it is excellent. Steve