Blue Microphones announce new Tiki USB Microphone

California-based microphone manufacturer, Blue Microphones, have announced their new USB microphone, the Tiki to join the range alongside the equally compact Snowflake USB microphone.

Tiki is the first USB microphone to include an advanced DSP which aims to mimic the intelligence of human hearing. In doing so, the system looks to focus on the desired sounds which allows for the reduction of background noise. In addition, the ultra-portable device is able to mute altogether when desired sounds are not to be heard.

“Designed to mimic human hearing,” explained Blue Microphones CTO, Brian Biggott, “Tiki brings the conversation into focus and attenuates distracting background noise, like the human ear does naturally in conversations.”

Tiki is able to do so by utilising Blue Microphones proprietary noise-cancellation technologies: Voice Isolation and Intelligent Mute.

The Tiki offers two modes for the user to switch between according to specific usage.

The first mode is the Intelligent Speech Mode. This mode is best suited when users are using the Tiki for communication such as VoIP services such as Skype, Google Talk or Empathy.

This mode uses Voice Isolation to bring out your voice more clearly over background noise such as computer fans, keyboard typing and general ambient sounds. What is more, this mode utilises Intelligent Mute which automatically soft mutes the mic when you’re not speaking. By muting in this way, the mic removes background and computer noises during the conversation. This means that you can do other tasks, for example typing, in apparent silence. What is more, when you begin speaking again the Tiki instantly detects your voice, un-mutes and brings you back into the conversation. The multi-coloured LED on the device indicates whether it is muted or not.

The second mode is the Natural Recording Mode. This produces CD-quality recording of vocals, instruments or podcasts. The Tiki is able to handle a wide range of sources from vocals to acoustic guitar to location recordings. The device is able to retain high fidelity sound thanks to its custom condenser capsules and professional-quality preamp circuitry.

Despite this flexibility and the device’s diminutive size, Blue Microphones have attempted to retain the highest quality of sound recording as possible.

“Being a microphone from Blue,” continued Biggott, “Tiki is also designed to deliver professional-quality audio for impromptu vocal tracks or instrument recording. Whether you’re on a conference call or recording guitar, you can now achieve crystal clear audio wherever you go.”

The Tiki is also easy to install. As all the processing is undertaken on-board the device it requires no drivers and is plug-and-play with both PC and Mac.

What is more, the device itself is little bigger than a standard USB flash drive (just shy of 3 inches) and the packaging doubles as a durable and compact carrying case. It is a cable-free design; however, an extension cable is included for when required.

The Tiki USB Microphone with a recommended retail price of $59.