Key Features
Compatibility
- PC & Mac with USB (Universal Serial Bus) 2.0+
Set Up
- Plug n Play with no drivers needed
Audio
- CD-quality, 16 bit 44.1 k, 40 Hz-20k Hz
Inner Workings
- Two custom condenser capsules with advanced DSP
Size
- Less than three inches
The new Tiki is the world's first USB (Universal Serial Bus) microphone that mimics the intelligence of human hearing by focusing on desired sounds, minimizing background noise & knowing when to mute altogether. Tiki's two modes give any Skype user, podcaster or musician the versatility to quickly choose the best option in any situation. First, Intelligent Speech Mode brings your voice to the forefront of a conference call or chat while noise-canceling technology simultaneously minimizes unwanted, competing background noise. Natural Recording Mode captures a wide range of sources from vocals to acoustic guitar, recording high-fidelity audio with exceptional clarity. Tiki sets a new standard for crystal clear audio for wherever you go.
Technology
Intelligent ultra-compact USB (Universal Serial Bus) microphone
Brings your voice to the forefront using voice isolation & noise-cancelling technology
Improves vocal clarity for online communication like Skype & i Chat, & voice recognition software
Reduces computer fan & typing noise by intelligently auto-muting
Recording mode optimized for podcasts & music recording
Multi-colored LED indicates muting status & more
How does Tiki work exactly?
It has two ears & a brain-- actually, two capsules & one very powerful (400 M Hz) DSP chip which constantly listen & compare the signal from the two opposite-facing cardioid capsules. The DSP decides which signals to pass through & compares the signals to help remove background noise. In addition, it applies noise-reduction algorithms co-developed with i Zotope & then applies intelligent muting, which soft mutes whenever you aren't speaking.
Who is i Zotope?
i Zotope engineering is the leader in audio processing technologies-- they've developed many of the most popular audio processing algorithms as used in professional studio software, live/broadcast, video games & played an integral role in developing the noise-reduction modes used in Tiki's intelligent listening mode.
Is Tiki good for recording?
Yes. With the push of a button, Tiki's natural recording mode behaves like a traditional microphone, & applies only minor processing to add presence & proximity to the signal from the mic-- everything is done in real time, in hardware.
Does Tiki require any software?
No. All processing is done completely inside the Tiki hardware & requires no drivers or system resources to operate. Just plug it in & go!
As the Tiki is a compact USB (Universal Serial Bus) model, which is the recommended microphone conference applications if you had multiple people at a table for a "skype" style or "go to meeting style" in-office conference call?
The Omni mode on Yeti or Snowball will be a better choice for a larger group conference calls with more than two people. While Tiki would work, it is inherently well-suited for picking up what is in front & behind—not all around—making it best for one-on-one or two-on-one conversations.
System Requirements
PC: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, XP Home Edition or XP Professional
USB (Universal Serial Bus) 2.0; 64 MB RAM (minimum)
Macintosh: Mac OSX (10.4.11 or higher)
USB (Universal Serial Bus) 2.0; 64 MB RAM (minimum)
Blue Microphones
Blue Microphones was founded in 1995 to improve the front-end of audio recording by utilizing the increased bandwidth benefits enabled by digital technology. Advances in digital processing (e.g. extended frequency response, dynamic range, project recording capability) fundamentally changed the recording process as well as the potential for microphone performance. Basing many of their concepts, designs, & technology on knowledge gleaned from years of repairing & improving classic microphones from a wide variety of manufacturers, but by simultaneously integrating new technologies, materials & a first-hand knowledge of today's recording process, Blue began to pioneer the perfect analog input devices for the digital age.
Starting with state-of-the-art technology that ensures the purest possible signal path & Class A fully discrete circuitry with no ICs, pads, or filters, each microphone is designed to fill a specific role in a recording repertoire. Every single design contains its own propriety capsule that is h&-tested & approved to capture specific sonic signatures in specific ways. The first proprietary design, the Blueberry (Electronic Musician 2000 Editor's Choice Microphone of the Year) was designed & engineered at the behest of John Gass, a Grammy award-winning engineer/mixer, who asked Blue if it was possible to create a contemporary pop vocal mic that also substantially eliminated the need to spend hours "EQing" or over-processing the signal source. The Blueberry's success led to future Blue designs that focused solely on delivering the best possible reproduction of specific vocal or instrument types. The result is a portfolio of professional microphones that create a palette of sounds, enabling artists to realize the sonic landscape of their vision.
At the turn of the millennium, after receiving an early version of Apple's software program Garage Band TM, the team at Blue realized that project studio recording presented the next revolution of the recording industry. Believing that the lack of a high-quality USB (Universal Serial Bus) microphone to protect the signal source would slow down this revolution, Blue developed the Snowball, now the 1 selling wired condenser microphone in the world. Throughout the development process, the Snowball was designed specifically with musicians in mind; however, people very quickly began to adopt the product for consumer applications, such as podcasting, chat, & narration. Out of this, Blue's line of consumer audio products was born, solidifying Blue's belief that everyone, everywhere should have access to great audio.
Blue is 100% committed to getting the very best microphones in the world into the hands of those who have a passion for high quality audio; this is our heritage & will always be the core focus of everything we do. We also realize that great sound enhances every environment, & for this reason Blue has leveraged its pro-audio DNA to launch a line of products catering to life outside the studio. These include high-quality USB (Universal Serial Bus) products for both Mac & PC, iPod accessories, & an XLR-to-USB converter that allows everyone to take advantage of the quality & performance inherent in every Blue microphone on their computer. From the uncompromising & revolutionary Bottle to the HD audio/video Eyeball webcam, every single product reflects Blue's rare expertise & inimitable design sense. We encourage you to audition each Blue microphone to discover the ideal sonic character for your audio needs.