Best budget XLR condensor microphone: Blue Ember review

During the worlds largest music trade show in the world (NAMM), Blue announced their new Ember condenser microphone and it is now available. We had a closer look at this mic to understands its features better, and to see its overall fit in streaming and broadcasting arenas. 

Blue, a notable name in the music industry is a market name with over 20 years of innovating audio gear. Their extensive range of microphones has now expanded with another beautiful microphone! 

The Ember

The Ember microphone is an XLR studio condenser cardioid pattern microphone, ideal for recording and live-streaming. The Ember is specialized for male and female vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, strings, piano, and drums. That array of audio recording capability is above and beyond the typical functionalities for a single microphone; making this ideal for those in need of flexible recordings. 

When looking at the visual appeal of the Ember, Blue did an outstanding job in developing a quality microphone for an acceptable price. It’s an ideal microphone for bedroom producers, beginner musicians, and for streamers that want to have a quality microphone to start their venture. 

And for our gamers! When using for gaming or broadcasting, we think the Blue Ember is perfect! The looks, size, and quality are just ideal for visual situations as its sleek and comfortable looking; not bulky or deformed. 

The Ember features a proprietary, hand-tuned custom condenser capsule that results in clear and low-noise sound.

Build quality

We do like the build quality a lot! From the attractive box that comes with the microphone until the microphone stand connector; everything felt solid and made of strong materials. The chassis is from metal, and so is the microphone connector, which results in a decent feel and visual appeal. In general, you won’t notice that it’s one of the cheaper microphones and all these features are additives of that.

The system that connects the mic to a microphone stand is well made and works well. You have the freedom to adjust the placement settings very easy. So regarding build quality, definitely worth the €99, -!

Recording quality

We tested this microphone with different audio inputs such as a guitar and a male singer, and we must say it’s very versatile in recording different sources! The Blue Ember creates a warm, clean sound and thanks to the tight cardioid pickup pattern the microphone can focus on the sound source instead of room noise.

Also, when listing the recordings on the website, the sound amplified clear. We would recommend this microphone if you have a smaller budget and need a solid all-around condenser microphone; more on the beginner to intermediate side. Of course, when you have a bit more budget to spend, you can look to mic's that have some more options like switchable patterns. But when just starting your microphone needs, the Blue Ember is a great microphone option!

Specs

For the money, we must say – well done Blue!

• Transducer Type: Condenser capsule
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 38 Hz-20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 12 mV/PA
• Output Impedance: 40 ohms
• Rate Load Impedance: 1k ohm
• Maximum SPL: 132 dB SPL
• Power Requirements: +48V DC Phantom Power
• Weight: 0.38 kg (0.84 lbs.)
• Dimensions: 219 mm (L), 38.26 mm (W), 31.91 mm (D)