Blue Microphones 830 manual Usage Notes

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. This is very useful when recording while other instruments or sound sources are present, as the microphone will pick up only the sound source that is in front of it and allow you to isolate the desired sound you wish to capture. When using Spark Digital to record a single sound source, the mic’s cardioid pattern will help eliminate unwanted room ambiance often captured with omnidirectional microphones or microphones with wider patterns that can make your recordings sound unprofessional. The end result is a clear and present recording, just like a professional studio.

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.

With the Focus Control off, Spark Digital delivers a robust timbre that creates a large audio landscape. The bump in the top end of the frequency response chart (shown below left) at 8-12kHz brings definition and clarity, creating a strong presence in your recordings, much like listening to the recorded signal right next to your ear. A slight increase at the 1 kHz region helps to define the frequencies of the human voice. A small dip at the 200-400 Hz range helps to smooth out the type of harsh frequencies that often interfere with detailed top end fre- quencies. The bump in the low end of the frequency response around 90 Hz emphasizes the upper portion of the low end, creating a tighter, punchier sound. With Focus Control on, the ultra-low frequencies below 100 Hz are rolled off to provide a sonic platform that accepts basic audio processing such as compression and EQ. The end result is a recorded signal that will easily sit in a track or your final mix, like a lead vocal that is clearly audible and sitting well in the mix of a rock & roll or pop type of track.

These charts are only a starting point for the sound provided. How the microphone reacts in a particular application will differ greatly because of many variables, like room acoustics, distance from sound source (proximity), tuning of instruments, mic cabling and other factors. For more tips on miking and recording techniques, check out the Blue website.

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