Blue Bluebird SL Review
Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- Clear Tone for Vocals and Instruments
- Cardioid Pattern Lessens Room Ambience
- -20 dB Pad Eliminates Distortion
- Low-Cut Filter Reduces Bass Buildup
- Shockmount Inhibits Vibration Noise
- Hand-Built Large-Diaphragm Capsule
- Class-A Circuitry
- Includes Wooden Storage Box
- XLR Output for Hookup to XLR Mic Input
- Operates on 48V Phantom Power
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 6,003 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Blue Bluebird SL. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Blue Bluebird SL. For example, 76% of 324 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Blue Bluebird SL have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 34 Reviews
Decent mic, however drawbacks are present.
Blue Bluebird Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Zach M. on Reverb
TL;DR: If you want a good all round condenser, skip this microphone and go straight to the Blue Baby Bottle. If you want a microphone to pair with a dark mic on the same source, go for it. Full version: It is a decent microphone for its price. It has outstanding build quality, an excellent midrange, and looks amazing. The included shock mount works well, and the storage box keeps the unit safe and readily identifiable in the mic cupboard. However, the high end (around 12kHz-20kHz) sounds very crunchy, almost as if it is distorting. This is especially exaggerated on vocals and other instruments without a strong high end. It sounds like an artificially added harmonic distortion, almost like the sound of a close-miced cup of soda. On certain sources, it can be obscured with EQ and careful placement, however for the most part it is a very sharp and unpleasant distortion. The shock mount, although secure and well built, is an absolute pain in the neck to attach to the microphone. It requires screwing into the bottom of the mic until it bottoms out, which is a solid 30 turns. Although it may not seem like a big deal, in a session where the pressure is on and there is a real time limit, it becomes a very tedious setup session. In addition, the included pop filter is only good to throw into the garbage, as it does not function as a pop filter and takes even longer to thread onto the microphone. With all the cons, it may seem like it is a useless microphone. In most situations, I would not reach for the Bluebird. However, there is one situation where it truly shines. If you use the Bluebird as the center microphone in combination with a dark ribbon microphone in an M/S setup, it is absolutely phenomenal. The crunchy high end becomes the advantage here, blending seamlessly with the darker sound of a ribbon mic. In full context of a mix, these two are almost made for each other in M/S setup. After I discovered this, I will never use the Bluebird for anything other than M/S with a ribbon. ... More
This Bluebird is awesome!
Blue Bluebird SL Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Chris M on Guitar Center
I am loving this microphone. So far, I've used the Bluebird SL on vocals (both male and female), acoustic guitars, electric guitar, and as a drum room mic. In short, this mic sounds great on everything I've put in front of it. To be specific, the mic has a nice, even, full-bodied response - sounding nice and warm when you get close, but also having a clear and very detailed high end. Vocals sound amazing - warm, but with a high end that can easily cut through the mix. Guitars sound rich and full, with shimmery highs. On drums, the mic captured all the nuances I was listening for. Physically, the Bluebird SL looks as beautiful as it sounds. It feels extremely solid and well-made. You can tell that a lot of care and precision went into its design. The mic comes with a very nice, padded wooden storage box and an elastic shock mount. The mic is really quiet, clean and transparent. Having the switches for low-cut and -20 dB pad gives you even more flexibility. It has excellent off-axis rejection, which is helpful for isolation. The shock mount helps make handling noise and vibrations a non-issue. Because of its high quality and versatility, I know this mic is going to get a LOT of great use. In fact, since it is so affordable, I plan to buy a second one for stereo applications. ... More
This is a KEEPER!
Blue Bluebird SL Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Will on Guitar Center
This mic is an absolute workhorse! Since receiving my Bluebird SL, It's stayed rigged and ready to go in my studio. The mic is incredibly versatile and pleasing, no matter what or who you put in front of it. The sound is detailed without being sterile and captures high-frequency sound without sounding harsh. I've found that one of my favorite things to record with Bluebird SL is acoustic guitar and percussion. The mic captures a full range of frequencies, so none of the performance is lost-it's easy to get the sound and the vibe of a performer. Outside of the great sound, Blue really pays attention to the little things. The packaging is great (I kept the box as a show piece for my home studio). The included shockmount works great-hands down. And the wood box the mic nests keeps everything safe in between sessions-that is if you ever put it away ;). ... More
Just the little things.
Blue Bluebird SL Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Ben on Guitar Center
So basically, im having a great time with the microphone itself. The shockmount however, I expected a quality shockmount, yet the Blue shockmount I was given cannot support the weight of the microphone itself. It bugs me to have to find a new shock mount just to keep using the same mic without issue. If this is a factory defect, please contact me and I would love a new proper shockmount and would be willing to mail mine back for a replacement. I hate to leave a review on the shockmount of all things but come one, ive done fabrication and I could have one of these things done with fresh parts for less that 20 dollars with more quality. I do hope this mount is just a defect. ... More
A great soldier to have in the army
Blue Bluebird Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by William G. on Reverb
I'm happy to have one of these. It's not a dull mic but it doesn't over-emphasize treble like a lot of condensers do. If you have a singer with a sparkly, gritty or reedy voice, this is an especially handy mic to try. It sounds very natural with little EQ (say maybe just an 80Hz rolloff). Sibilances don't sound harsh with this mic like they do with some others. Even when it wasn't my favorite mic choice for a given singer, I've thought, 'but I could be perfectly happy with this mic on this singer if it were all I had'. It never seems to sound bad and sometimes is the best choice. Even if you have a duller voice or other source to record, you can always boost treble with a little EQ. I've compared this mic to an SM7b, Rode NT1, CAD M179, AKG C 535 and a Studio Projects C1, which are all great, inexpensive mics to have available. I'm as happy to have my Bluebird as I am these other mics. My Bluebird has no rolloff, pattern switch or pad. I'm fine with that. ... More
Ads
Beautiful mic with studio sounding quality!
Blue Bluebird SL Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Isla_Royale on Guitar Center
I've had my Bluebird for over a year and am still in love with its retro vibe, the sound quality and the durability this mic has. If you are looking for a more "professional" sound quality, this is what you need! Perfect for a home studio, mine is used in conjunction with a phantom power audio interface and can then be used directly on my iPhone/iPad to record straight vocals or on the app Smule.
Easy Blue recording, no capsules needed.
Blue Bluebird Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Joshua E. on Reverb
I really love the sound of Blues, but they're not cheap, and remembering all their quirks when deciding when to use which to mic what is no easy task. Here comes the Bluebird to the save the day! It's an honest-to-goodness general-purpose cardioid condenser from Blue. Acoustic guitars, amps, drums, vocals — as long as you can mic it close, the Bluebird will make it sound amazing with silky smooth lows-to-mids and perky highs. Add in the fact it includes a custom shock mount and a cute-as-a-button pop screen, and you have an all-in-one recording workhorse that's ready to kick butt and look great doing it. ... More
Clear and Rich Recordings
Blue Bluebird SL Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Daryl T. on Reverb
WOW. I primarily record indie/acoustic stuff, and since I have a quieter voice, and play quieter fingerstyle guitar, I appreciate clarity and detail in my recordings... the BlueBird SL does just that - beautiful rich recordings - seriously no complaints. I have even compared with the Spark and the Baby Bottle (which is typically more expensive) and I SO prefer the tone and clarity from the BlueBird - awesome mic for this application and I'm sure many others.
A truly fantastic product.
Blue Bluebird Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Dakota R. on Reverb
I've always been a huge fan of Blue products, but the build quality of my past products, specifically the Blue Spark was less than satisfactory. However, the Blue Bluebird doesn't fall under the same category, it has such a clean sound, quiet noise floor, and a solid build quality. It sounds amazing, and feels like it'll go through anything I put it through without a problem.
just the sound I was looking for
Blue Bluebird SL Large-Diaphragm Condenser Studio Microphone
Reviewed by Mitchell on B&H Photo Video
I am more than pleased with the Bluebird SL. The upward curve in frequency response exactly meets my needs (recording a wind instrument whose character lies hidden in the overtones). I can easily imagine voices or instruments that this mic is unsuitable for but if you find yourself boosting the 5khz-8khz with eq to achieve a certain presence, do yourself a favor and let this mic do it for you.
I fucking hate myself
Blue Bluebird Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Quinn T. on Reverb
I am suffering from crippling depression. I wish I wasn’t born. I don’t want to put a burden on my friends and family when I die. Good mic though. Can only compare to SM57. Obvs different kinds but this is a wonderful all over good mic
Wonderful Microphone. It derms.
Blue Bluebird Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Jim C. on Reverb
I now use this mic for everything in my home studio. Whatever you need to mic, it does it with a clarity that has to be experienced. After buying the first one I had to have more for multiple mic situations. Recommended highly by Petalberdz of Derm.
Full sound
Blue Bluebird Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Oby W. on Reverb
It's a really strong mic. The sound is full and big . Design is retro sweetness. Once is processed through compressors eqs and Fxs is marvelous. Really pleased with my used mint blue blue bird..
awesome
Blue Bluebird Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Joe P. on Reverb
this thing is so awesome/... only if you record off through your computer with the focusrite 2i2. if not I prefer you to use a dynamic mic through a behringer mixer. but the bluebird is so very awesome....you have to get it.
Blue Bluebird SL Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Sam P. on Reverb
awesome mic for recording vocals! shock mount is okay, had trouble tightening the knob to make sure the mic stays planted. wound up breaking the screw and just purchased a new mount. hopefully this one will be better! overall great quality and clarity.
Buy it
Blue Bluebird SL Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Jeff C. on Reverb
This is a great sounding affordable mic. Very versatile with a nice range and tight response. So far is works well with all instruments and vocals. It's transparency and clarity always come through. You really can't go wrong if you're looking for an all purpose mic.
A boss mic
Blue Bluebird SL Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by David C. on Reverb
I have loved using this mic the past several weeks for voiceover, online teaching, and for singing. When recording, everything comes in beautiful balanced. Highly recommend!
Blue Bluebird Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Richard S. on Reverb
I love the Blue Bluebird I purchased last month here on Reverb. It is everything claimed and more. Beautiful reproduction of sound.
Bluebird Microphone
Blue Bluebird Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Cassie L. on Reverb
I ordered the Bluebird microphone two days ago, and it is already here today! It looks great and is in excellent condition.
My Favorite
Blue Bluebird SL Large-Diaphragm Condenser Studio Microphone
Reviewed by Andrew on B&H Photo Video
I bought 3 and now own 4. It carries your vocal with clarity. Team it up with a good pre amp and compressor and you are set!
