NAMM: Blue Intros Kickball Microphone

(Click for a close-up)

The first of many new products from Blue Microphones to ship in 2005 is the Kickball, a new microphone in the unique line of spherical mics that is tailored to suit low frequency applications such as kick drum and bass guitar.

The Kickball is the world's second phantom-powered dynamic microphone, following in the footsteps of its cousin, the Ball. Designed to be punchy and detailed with a larger-than-life sound, the Kickball delivers an acoustic balance far superior to conventional dynamic microphones, according to Blue. The back of the mic features a three-position bass frequency switch allowing three distinct low-frequency equalization curves. This circuit is based on a unique active RC filter that attenuates sub-bass (below 20Hz) frequencies and contours the low end without any noticeable phase distortion.

Intended for both stage and studio use, the Kickball can be used on virtually any instrument: kick drum, snare drum, tom toms, electric bass, bass cabinets, and more. And like any good kick drum microphone, the Kickball can withstand extremely high sound pressure levels.

Technical Specifications

• Acoustical Operating Principal: Dynamic transducer with active Class A phantom-powered solid state circuitry
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Range: 35Hz -- 16kHz
• Sensitivity: 3.0mV/Pa at 1 kHz; 1Pa = 94dB SPL
• Rated Impedance: 50ohms
• Rated Load Impedance: 2kohms
• Maximum SPL: 162 dB SPL (2kohm load at 1% THD)
• Output Noise Level: 18dB-A
• Power Requirement: +48V DC phantom-power
• Power Consumption: 2.5 mA

The Kickball is now shipping at $149.00 MSRP.