Blue Microphones
Bluebird
Large-diaphragm solid-state condenser, cardioid, edge-terminated capsule, transformerless Class A
Power Phantom +48 V DC (IEC 268-15); works down to +35 V.
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −31.4 dBV/Pa computed
- Self-noise
- 7 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 92%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 93%
- Max SPL
- 138 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 53%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 49%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
- Released
- 2002
vs 99 side-address condensers
Quieter than 83% of 99 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 107 side-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 52% of 107 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the manual, p. 3.
"Bluebird Capsule Frequency Response" graph; dB scale +20 to -20, relative. Irregular (not logarithmic) frequency axis. Distance, room and smoothing not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the manual, p. 3.
"Bluebird Capsule Polar Response" plot; rings labelled 5 to 25 dB. Measuring conditions not stated.
In practice
All specs
| From the manual | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | large diaphragm, edge-terminated, 6 µm gold-sputtered Mylar membrane; fixed (does not rotate or come off)"a pressure gradient large diaphragm condenser which employs an edge-terminated 6µ pure gold-sputtered mylar capsule membrane" ... "the Bluebird capsule is not designed to be removed or to rotate, swivel, or move in any direction". | p. 3 |
| Sensitivity | −31.4 dBV/Pa (27 mV/Pa)Not stated by the manufacturer: Converted from "27.0mV/Pa at 1kHz" (20 log10 0.027 = -31.4). | p. 4 |
| Self-noise | 7 dB(A)IEC 651. "Noise Level: 7 dB-A (IEC 651)". Page 3 words it as "very low self noise specification (>7.5dB)". | |
| Max SPL | 138 dB SPL2.5 kohm load, 0.5% THD. "138 dB SPL (2.5kΩ, 0.5% THD)". | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 87 dBA-weighted, IEC 651. "S/N Ratio: 87 dB-A (IEC 651)". | |
| Dynamic range | 131 dB2.5 kohm. "Dynamic Range: 131 dB (@ 2.5kΩ)". | |
| Output impedance | 50 ohm"Output Impedance: 50Ω". | |
| Rated load impedance | 1000 ohmmore than. "Rated Load Impedance: >1kΩ". | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz"Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz". | |
| Powering | phantom +48 V DC (IEC 268-15); works down to +35 V"+48V DC Phantom Power (IEC 268-15)". Page 3: "designed the Bluebird to deliver outstanding performance with a power supply as low as +35V!" | |
| Weight | 480 g"Weight: 480g". | |
| Dimensions | 222 × 45 mm"Dimensions: 222mm x 45mm"; not said which is which (length × diameter, presumably). | |
| Supplied accessories | shockmount; pop filter"The Bluebird Accessory Pak includes a custom shockmount and pop filter". | p. 3 |
| Electronics | Transformerless Class A discrete amplifier (no integrated circuits) | |
| Output level | +12 dBV ("very high output level") | |
| Recommended cable | Blue Blueberry 22-AWG mic cable | |
| Warranty | Three years from purchase (to the original, registered owner) | p. 1 |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 2002 | |
Documents
- Bluebird manual
- Blue Microphones Bluebird | RecordingHacks.com
Each document is © Blue Microphones.