The Focus Control provides two different usage modes: the Normal mode (off position) providing increased low frequency sensitivity for recordings with great impact and definition, along with the Focus mode (on position) for even greater clarity and detail.

The Focus Control functions differently than a standard high-pass or low-pass filter– it changes the input driver of the capsule rather than the signal output of the microphone circuit. This avoids coloring or degrading the signal quality coming out of the Spark microphone like low or high pass filters can. Specifically, the Focus Control alters the voltage loading of the capsule, which alters the capsule's dynamic frequency response, changing the capsule's behavior in a way that's more nuanced than a standard filter acting on a microphone's output. The result is a change to Spark's frequency response curve as well as the dynamic properties of the capsule (response to transients), providing two different mic characteristics.

Spark Digital is igniting plenty of attention...

12.2012	“While there are other mobile recording mics that play nice with both computers and the iPad, the Spark Digital is the best choice of the ones we've tested.”
1.6.13	“The recordings are rich and vibrant, resulting in a professional sound that’ll blow you away if you’re used to recording with your standard Mac or iPhone mics, and will leave you quite pleased when compared to competing digital mics…”

Taking mobile recording to the professional level, Spark Digital features the same studio-grade condenser capsule and hand-selected components as the original, analog Spark, for high-fidelity recording and consistent performance in any situation. Spark Digital delivers the same detailed audio found in the original Spark, making it ideal for a wide range of sources. See what the pros have said about Spark...

 

	"For those of you out there who are working with smaller budgets and need a microphone that absolutely sounds like it's in a price range five times more than its actual cost, Spark should be at the top of your list."
	"I've been asked many times by musician friends to recommend a really good-sound inexpensive vocal mic they can use on a variety of instruments. Without plagiarizing the manual, the Spark is it."
	"Blue has succeeded in producing a mic that performs beyond its price range."
	"I've used it for several national voiceovers. The key is that it's a small/medium condenser. Not too sensitive, but very articulate."
	"There was certainly nothing about the sound quality that gave away the fact that this is a low-cost microphone."

Spark Digital is instantly recognized for use with any audio or video application. To fully benefit from the quality Spark Digital offers, we recommend using a high-quality recording app like one of those listed below, since Apple's built-in Voice Memos app records at a lower bit rate.

Here's a list of some of the most popular recording apps in the app store. If you have a favorite recording app for iPhone or iPad, please let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

What's the difference between Spark Digital and Yeti or Yeti Pro?

Spark Digital is the only mic that directly connects via a 30-pin dock connector or USB-- an advantage if you want to switch between working on an iPad or a computer. Spark Digital also has a larger diaphragm capsule and only one pattern-- less versatility than Yeti or Yeti Pro, but more fidelity and sensitivity. It is more focused on typical recording uses like vocals, podcasting, near-field instruments, etc.

Does Spark Digital work with iPhone or iPod?

Yes, Spark Digital is compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and iPod touch 4th gen (with iOS 6). Spark Digital is also compatible with iPad (4th gen), iPad mini and iPhone 5 when used with Apple's Lightning adapter (sold separately). Blue Microphones is looking into options to offer a direct Lightning connection in the future.

Does Spark Digital sound the same as Spark?

Yes. Spark Digital uses the same capsule and analog preamplifier stage design as the original analog Spark. Because the mic also performs the A-D conversion, it provides complete control over the sound quality before it goes into the iPad as digital data, making the sound quality consistent.

Why does Spark Digital have a headphone jack when iPad already has one?

The headphone jack provides zero-latency monitoring of the mic signal, which isn't possible with the iPad. This makes it usable for serious studio work. Moreover, the headphone D-A and amplification is higher quality than what is already built in the iPad or any computer.

How long are the included cables?

Spark Digital includes y-cables for USB, 30-pin, and headphones. The headphone jack is three feet long, while the signal cables are nine feet long.

How adjustable is the gain and headphone volume?

Both are adjusted with the large knob on the front of Spark Digital. Headphone volume can be adjusted by 24 steps and can drive most professional headphones. There are ten gain control steps allowing the mic to handle ~60- ~120dB.

Does it work with other shockmounts? Does it take a pop filter?

Yes, Spark Digital uses the threaded mount common to most of Blue's professional mics, so it is compatible with most other Blue studio shockmounts. The custom pop filter and studio shockmount for Spark are available as optional accessories for Spark Digital by contacting Blue's Service Department at service@bluemic.com.

 

Spark Digital Manual   ::   English

Spark Digital Manual   ::   French

Storing and sharing are key components of the mobile studio. Spark Digital answers the call with the Blue Cloud Production Bundle, an exclusive offer included with each microphone that provides free access to production tools for easy organizing, storing and streaming of audio content across the web.

The Blue Cloud Production Bundle includes a 25 GB storage and transfer account for six months from Gobbler, a leader in music backup and organization, along with a six month Pro Account from SoundCloud, the leading social sound platform that lets anyone create, record, promote and share their sounds on the Web, a $125 total value.

From recording high-quality audio with Spark Digital to easily storing and sharing in seconds, free access to SoundCloud and Gobbler gives you the valuable tools you need to create and promote, wherever you go.

SoundCloud is the world's leading social sound platform where anyone can create sounds and share them everywhere. Recording and uploading sounds to SoundCloud lets people easily share them privately with their friends or publicly to blogs, sites and social networks. It takes just a click to share sounds to Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook and Foursquare. SoundCloud can be accessed anywhere using the official iPhone and Android apps, as well as hundreds of creation and sharing apps built on the SoundCloud platform.

Gobbler is the backup, transfer, and organizational tool for managing audio project files and assets. Gobbler solves some of the most frustrating problems that musicians and producers face on a daily basis, without getting in your way or changing the way you work. We integrate with most major DAWs to help you keep your files secure, expedite the process of sending and receiving, and provide access to them from anywhere with an internet connection. With Gobbler, you'll never lose a project again. It's extremely powerful, but simple to use.