BLUE Icicle USB Microphone Interface

zZounds' Take on BLUE Icicle USB Microphone Interface

You've got a nice XLR microphone, and you've got a computer running your favorite audio software. Now you need one crystal-clear channel to get your mic into your computer. Skip the bulky multichannel preamp/interfaces and go with the simple, stylish Icicle from Blue Microphones. This compact XLR to USB preamp can accept nearly any pro microphone, with +48V phantom power for condenser mics and plenty of clean gain for dynamic mics.

Small Size, Snappy Setup

The first thing you'll notice about the Blue Icicle is its small size, light weight, and streamlined design. Although the Icicle is compact enough to fit in your hand, it contains a professional, low-noise microphone preamp and A/D converter. Setup is a snap: plug your mic's XLR cable into one end of the Icicle, and connect the included 6-foot USB cable to your computer. When the USB cable is plugged in, the Icicle's logo glows a cool blue, and most computers recognize the Icicle immediately as a USB audio input.

One Simple Channel

As you set levels and record, simply adjust the Icicle's built-in analog gain control knob to a healthy level for your sound source. The Icicle's on-board A/D converter outputs CD-quality 44.1 kHz / 16-bit digital audio via its USB output. And since it works with any XLR mic, it grows along with your mic collection. If you need only one channel of recording, and you have your own XLR mic, the Blue Icicle is a breeze to set up and use. Setup is so foolproof that the user manual for the ingenious Icicle is only one page long.

Make Any XLR Mic a USB Mic

Need to lay down some quick voiceover, vocals, or solo instrument overdubs? Don't limit yourself to consumer-grade USB microphones. Plug in the Icicle to add a USB output to your favorite XLR mic.

Features:

- Lightweight, compact design
- Standard XLR input and USB output
- Built-in low-noise mic preamp and A/D converter
- Analog gain knob
- 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
- 44.1 kHz / 16-bit digital audio output
- Truly plug-and-play -- no drivers necessary
- Included 6-foot USB cable

Manufacturer's Description for BLUE Icicle USB Microphone Interface

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. Setup is a snap! 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.

Features

- Plug and Record - No Special Drivers Required
- Built-in Studio Quality USB Microphone Preamp
- Supplies 48V Phantom Power for Condenser Mics
- Fully Balanced Low Noise Analog Front End
- Analog Level Control
- Phantom Power Active Light
- Includes 6-ft USB Cable zZounds is an authorized dealer of BLUE products.

Sample/Word: 44.1K/16 bit

Power Consumption: 200mA (from USB bus)

System Requirements
Macintosh: Mac OSX with USB 1.1 or 2.0 and 64 MB RAM (minimum)

Windows: XP Home Edition, Professional or Vista with USB 1.1 or 2.0 and 64 MB RAM (minimum)

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging

Shipping Weight: 0 lbs

Shipping Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 2 in