Blue Microphones Icicle XLR to USB Mic Converter/Mic Preamp Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought the Blue Icicle because I had to quickly record some trumpet lines and I didn't have an interface. Well, actually, I did pick up an open box unit that didn't work because they couldn't provide me with the external power supply, so I took it back and got the Icicle as a quick fix that would get me where I needed to go in a timely manner.
Hardware: iMac, dual core 2.0 GHz processor and 4 GB or RAM. OS 10.5.8.
Software: Garage Band.
Mic: Shure SM57.
Pros. For recording trumpet with an SM57 it was perfect. Clear sound, low noise, LOTS of signal. With the gain a little over half way on the Icicle and about 58% in Garage Band I got hot horn lines with gain to spare. Any hotter and they would have started clipping, so it definitely gave enough signal to get the job done.
Cons. The gain knob has no dial or indicators for how far you have turned it - it has to be done by feel making it almost impossible to duplicate your settings exactly. This could be improved with a knob with an arrow and a marked dial so you can see where it's set. It also feels a bit cheap - it's lightweight and feels almost fragile. Treated with care it's fine, but I doubt it would take much abuse before it would break and I have been ultra careful with it because it feels so lightweight and cheap. I also used it as recommended in the accompanying literature and didn't plug it directly into the back of the mic - I used it with a mic cable.
For what I needed it was perfect - simple plug and play that got good sound into my computer, and it worked well in a pinch. I just wish it was a little higher quality in terms of construction. A bit heavier and a better dial for the analog gain, and I would have rated it a full 5 stars but as it is, I can at best give it 4.


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The Icicle is Blue's new stylish USB converter and mic preamp combo that allows you to connect any XLR microphone directly into your computer via USB. The Icicle features a studio quality microphone preamp, 48V phantom power, fully balanced low noise front end, analog gain control, and driverless operation.

Make Any Mic a USB Mic The Icicle works with both dynamic and condenser microphones, providing high quality and hassle-free connectivity with Mac or PC. Whether you're using a microphone for digital recording, podcasting, voice messaging, or voice recognition applications, the Icicle is the quick and easy way to get connected.
Plug and Record Simply plug in the USB cable and your mic will be live--no special driver installation is required.
Quality and Simplicity The Icicle features a built-in, studio-quality mic preamp, along with a fully balanced, low-noise analog front end to send a clear signal via USB.
It also supplies 48V Phantom Power for condenser mics.
On the control front, the Icicle keeps it simple, with a single analog volume level control.
What's in the Box Blue Icicle, 6-foot USB Cable

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Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 Firewire Audio Interface, (SAFFIRE PRO 24) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After 6 years with a Presonus Firebox, I decided to change. Before the firebox I used the original MBox from digidesign. The pres in that unit sounded great. I did not realize that until I switched to the Presonus. Although the preamps were acceptable, it didn't have that extra something the Focusrite pres delivered. The Saffire 24 brings back that fantastic sound I was missing. Great input options and software that is easy to grasp. I will probably stick with Focusrite for a long time. This unit is quiet and rock solid.

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The Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 is the latest in Focusrite's new generation of FireWire audio interfaces.As with all Focusrite interfaces, Saffire PRO 24 is the best sounding interface in its class, attentively designed with recording musicians and the modern home studio in mind. With Saffire PRO 24, sonic integrity reigns supreme. The two Focusrite pre-amps ensure low noise and distortion, while quality digital conversion and JetPLL jitter elimination technology ensure pristine audio quality as your audio flows between analog and digital domains. Alongside the two Focusrite pre-amps are a host of I/O options; two additional analog inputs, six analog outputs, ADAT inputs, stereo SPDIF I/O and 2 virtual ‘loopback' inputs for routing digital audio between software applications - ideal for capturing online audio. Front panel 5-LED metering for each analog input offers detailed viewing of levels. Saffire Mix Control, the zero-latency 18 x 8 DSP Mixer/Router software provided with Saffire PRO 24, sets a new standard at this price point for audio interface control. It features flexible output routing and monitoring, as well as intuitive one-click set-up solutions designed to help you track, monitor and mix as quickly as possible. Saffire PRO 24 also comes with all the additional tools needed to start making music straight away. These include the latest version of the Focusrite Plug-in Suite, providing a significant upgrade from your standard sequencer effects. The suite includes Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ VST/AU plug-ins.Focusrite's established Xcite+ bundle is also included. Focusrite's Saffire PRO 24 is designed to capture every subtle nuance of your recordings, dropped seamlessly and effortlessly into the digital domain, leaving you free to enjoy the freedom of a creative modern music making experience.

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