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CES 2019: Blue Introduces Blue Ember XLR Microphone That Costs Only $100

By Laura Tucker
CES 2019: Blue Introduces Blue Ember XLR Microphone That Costs Only $100 Featured Image

If you’re looking to do something semi-professional on your device or computer, such as YouTube videos or podcasts, you want a good microphone. But buying a good XLR mic can be so expensive, upwards of $1000. Blue microphones introduced a budget mic at CES 2019 that still has what it takes to do the job.

Blue Ember Microphone

The Blue microphones have been a mainstay of semi-professional video and audio enthusiasts for quite some time. Sure, they offer budget mics like the Yeti for just over $100, but if you want an XLR mic, you’re spending much more, even $1000 or more. And let’s face it, when you’re putting yourself out there on YouTube or a podcast, you’re the brand; you want to sound good.

news-blue-ember-upright

Introduced at CES 2019 in Las Vegas this week, the Blue Ember utilizes what Blue refers to as a “tight cardioid pickup pattern.” It’s designed to pick up only the voice you are intending to record, reducing any background noise. It’s easy to see why this would be a good choice for semi-professional YouTubers and podcasters.

The XLR connector in the Ember means this particular mic is meant for home studios that are aiming to be professional, meaning no one with RCA connectors or USB inputs. This mic goes beyond all that.

Still, it will only be $100 when it debuts next month. It’s budget where budget counts, with price, but not in quality.

Furthermore

You have nothing to lose, figuratively, by trying the Blue Ember microphone after it hits the shelves in February. Sure, it’s $100, but the output you could get out of it instead other budget mics could well be worth it.

Are you a podcaster or YouTuber? Do you have the need for a semi-professional mic? What’s your favorite brand? Let us know in the comments what you think of the budget-friendly Blue Ember microphone that debuted at CES 2019.

Image Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET and Blue

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Laura Tucker Avatar
Laura Tucker
Laura has spent more than 20 years writing news, reviews, and op-eds, with the majority of those years as an editor as well. She has exclusively used Apple products for the past 35 years. In addition to writing and editing at MTE, she also runs the site’s sponsored review program.

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