Studio Microphone for Mac/PC + iPad USB & LIGHTNING TM CONNECTIVITY
Congratulations on your purchase of Spark Digital from Blue Microphones. Spark Digital is a cardioid, solid-state condenser microphone that features USB and LightningTM 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.
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 freely.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. As shown in the polar pattern (right), Spark Digital utilizes a cardioid pattern, meaning it only picks up the sound that is directly in front of the microphone and rejects the sound at the sides and rear of the microphone.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Technical Specifications System Requirements Warranty Transducer: Condenser Polar Pattern: Cardioid Power Required/Consumption: 3.3v Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz Bit Rate: 16bit Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz Maximum SPL: 128dB Adjustable Gain Range: 32dB Microphone Weight: 1.25 lbs. Microphone Dimensions: Length – 7.76 in; Diameter – 1.77 in. PC: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, XP Home Edition or XP Professional USB 1.1/2.
