Blue Debuts $100 XLR Microphone for Aspiring Podcasters
Blue introduces the Ember, a $100 XLR microphone designed to help amateur podcasters upgrade their audio setups. The retro-styled stick mic is available for pre-order ahead of an April ship date.
Blue unveils the Ember at CES 2019, offering a new XLR microphone that targets amateur podcasters looking to upgrade their audio quality. Priced just under $100, this stick mic swaps the USB connectivity found in popular Blue models like the Yeti for a more professional XLR connection.
The Ember retains the familiar retro design that Blue is known for and features a cardioid pickup pattern to capture the speaker's voice while ignoring ambient room noise. This approach appeals to users who want to take a step toward a more serious audio setup without breaking the bank.
Blue faces significant competition in the XLR microphone market from established brands like Shure and Rode, which offer popular podcasting mics at similar price points. The Ember is currently available for pre-order and is scheduled to begin shipping in April.