Logitech Blue Sona Review: All the Mic You Need
Logitech’s objective with the Blue Sona dynamic XLR microphone is easy: Give folks an accessible choice for pro-level audio it doesn’t matter what it is plugged into. Whether or not you are an skilled producer or simply beginning out, you will get superb sound with minimal effort.
I fall into the “simply beginning out” person class, so I obtained testing assist from former ClassyBuzz podcast producer and audio engineer Bryan VanGelder to make sure the Sona lived as much as Blue’s claims. Finally, we each arrived at the identical conclusion: The Blue Sona makes it extraordinarily straightforward to get clear, clear audio no matter your expertise degree. It does include a pro-gear worth of $350 (£299, AU$530 transformed), however you get a top-quality mic in return.
If you happen to’re new to XLR microphones, they use an analog three-pin connector and are the normal for skilled audio. Not like a USB microphone, an XLR mic have to be plugged into an audio interface with an XLR cable to transform the audio from analog to digital earlier than connecting to a pc. You can get a USB mic that’s pretty much as good as an XLR mic, however XLR is required to hook up with different professional audio gear, comparable to a mixer. It additionally enables you to join a number of mics concurrently via a single audio interface into a pc.
To check the declare that you will get professional sound no matter what audio interface it is plugged into, we went with the most cost-effective choice we might discover on Amazon, the $30 Xtuga Q-12. If you happen to’re investing $350, you will most likely need an interface that’s even just a little better. However the Xtuga proved the Sona can get you nice outcomes with the most simple audio interface. The interface you go together with does must help 24- or 48-volt phantom energy.
The mic capsule has two diaphragms, one to seize voice and one other mounted in reverse to cancel vibration.
Josh Goldman/ClassyBuzz
Better of each worlds
The Sona is a dynamic microphone that handles loud voices and noises higher than a extra delicate condenser mic may. Meaning it is good for sport streaming or something the place you may need audio spikes, as it can assist with distortion and clipping.
The mic additionally has a decent supercardioid pickup sample that focuses on what’s in entrance of the mic whereas rejecting background noise. Mixed with Blue’s ClearAmp expertise that provides the mic an extra 25dB achieve, the Sona has the larger sensitivity wanted to spice up quieter sources, functioning like a condenser mic. ClearAmp additionally means you need not add a preamp gain like a Cloudlifter to your setup.
Tone controls are hidden beneath a magnetic cowl on the again.
Josh Goldman/ClassyBuzz
Once more, the sound from the Blue Sona is clear with wonderful readability. Even the din of an open workplace and the HVAC blower over my desk was stored quiet. Bryan famous its sturdy low finish and that it took a good quantity of effort to overload it. He put the Sona on par with the popular Shure SM7b. He additionally mentioned the built-in high-pass filter and presence toggles on the rear of the mic make a noticeable distinction in readability too. They’re positively price experimenting with to get the tone you need from the mic.
Lastly, the Sona’s construct high quality is phenomenal. The metallic physique offers it an expert feel and appear. There’s an inside shock mount for the mic capsule. If you happen to are likely to get a bit animated while you speak or are involved about bumps or vibration, the mount helps maintain all of it beneath management. Plus, the single-knob design permits it to rotate freely to make use of sitting on a desk or mounted on a growth.
Black and pink foam windscreens are included.
Josh Goldman/ClassyBuzz
In the field with the mic are two foam windscreens that magnetically click on into place, making fast swaps easy. There’s additionally a 3/8-inch mic stand adapter. That is all although, so if that is your first XLR mic, you will want an XLR cable and audio interface to hook up with a pc.
Although it requires extra funding than a USB mic, the Logitech Blue Sona’s simple design and options make it an outstanding alternative should you’re able to graduate to an XLR mic. And the built-in achieve additionally means you want one much less piece of apparatus to purchase and muddle up your workstation. One thing to recollect should you’re launching your podcasting profession from a tiny desk in your house or should you’re a professional in want of a easy, space-saving choice.
