Upgrade any Microphone! Affordable XLR to USB Converter from Blue

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.

THE BLUE ICICLE MICROPHONE IS HERE AT DOLPHIN!

Setup is a snap! The Blue 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.

Blue Icicle XLR to USB Mic Converter/Mic Preamp Specifications:

• Sample/Word: 44.1K/16 bit
• Power Consumption: 200mA (from USB bus)

System Requirements:

• Macintosh: Mac OSX with USB 1.0 or 2.0 and 64 MB RAM (minimum)
• Windows: XP Home Edition, Professional or Vista with USB 1.0 or 2.0 and 64 MB RAM (minimum)

Blue Icicle XLR to USB Mic Converter/Mic Preamp Features:

• Works with Mac or PC computers
• No Special Drivers Required
• Studio Quality USB microphone preamp
• Supplies 48V phantom power for . condenser microphones
• Phantom power active light
• Fully balanced low noise analog front end
• Analog gain control
• Blue Icicle XLR to USB Mic Converter/Mic Preamp Includes:

Includes 6-ft USB cable

Focusrite Win Two Categories at the MIA Awards 2008

It was a fantastic night for Focusrite/Novation at the Music Industry Association’s Awards Dinner at the Sheraton, Park Lane in October.

The Focusrite team are presented with the awards

Focusrite’s ISA One microphone preamplifier scooped the award for the ‘Best Live Sound’ and the Novation Nocturn won in the ‘Best Music Software’ category, echoing its groundbreaking Automap software’s recent recognition by the Queen’s Awards for Innovation. Focusrite/Novation was one of only two manufacturers to win awards in two categories, with both products reflecting the company’s commitment to making groundbreaking technologies affordable for musicians and producers.

M.D. Phil Dudderidge was there to accept the prestigious awards, which recognise Focusrite’s efforts in bringing their classic pre-amp designs within range of more people than ever before. This has been a valuable contribution to engineers and musicians in what has undoubtedly been a challenging year for the industry. Novation’s Nocturn also represents a landmark in making Automap Control available at such incredible value.

As well as the MIA, Focusrite/Novation would like to thank everyone who buys and uses our gear, as you have made it possible for us to continue delivering these award winning

more info:

Focusrite ISA One

Novation Nocturn

The new Focusrite ISA 828

This August sees the unveiling of Focusrite’s new ISA 828 eight channel microphone pre-amplifier. The ISA 828 features eight original ISA transformer-based pre amps in a single robust 2U chassis, and offers the Focusrite signature sound at the lowest cost per channel to date.

The eight ISA-series transformer-based microphone pre amps feature exactly the same vintage microphone pre-amplifier design as the original ISA110 module from Focusrite’s critically acclaimed Forte console (including the original Lundahl L1538 transformer and bespoke zobel network).

The pre-amps are complemented by eight line inputs, four instrument inputs and an optional eight channel 192kHz ADC that outperforms every other converter yet devised. Thanks to its convenient 25 pin D-Type connectors, the ISA 828 also integrates quickly and seamlessly with ProTools HD, as well as other popular hard disk recorders and mixing desks.

The microphone input stage includes a variable impedance circuit, allowing the user to switch between four carefully selected input impedance settings. The original ISA 110 setting is supplemented by three further impedance settings to perfectly match/creatively mismatch the pre amp with any microphone collection.

The four front panel instrument inputs also feature high and low impedance options to provide a comprehensive and accessible DI solution. Insert switches are also featured on every channel, should the need arise to place extra processing between the pre amp and converter. Vintage design high-pass filters are also provided on every channel.

Focusrite’s optional eight-channel 192kHz ADC embodies cutting-edge conversion technology, seated within Focusrite custom analogue circuitry. This provides eight channels of A/D conversion, delivering unparalleled performance; noise at -122dBF and jitter < 250 picoseconds.

Finally, every channel features a six LED input meter, complete with precise meter trim. The meter displays and meter trim calibrations utilise the same reference points as Digidesign’s HD system and provide clear and accurate input metering, independent of the DAW.