Pricing and availability

Average Price: $650

Standard/Professional

$499

$1500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Meet your next studio essential: the Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon microphone. This meticulously crafted microphone combines the elegance of vintage ribbon technology with modern innovation, providing a bidirectional polar pattern that captures sound with remarkable precision and clarity. Designed for discerning audiophiles and professional engineers alike, the Woodpecker offers a lush, warm tone that enhances the natural character of any instrument or vocal performance.

From intimate vocal sessions to full-bodied acoustic guitar recordings, the Woodpecker shines with its ability to deliver a tight, focused midrange, coupled with an accurate and full bass response. Its active design ensures minimal noise and maximizes sensitivity, making it an excellent choice for capturing the subtleties of both studio and ambient environments.

Whether you're recording in a professional studio or a cozy home setup, the Blue Woodpecker's smooth and intimate sound profile elevates every track it touches. Its versatility and performance make it a standout choice for those who demand the best in their audio arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Active ribbon microphone with bidirectional polar pattern
  • Tight and focused midrange with full bass response
  • Minimal noise for clear and clean recordings
  • Suitable for both studio and ambient recording environments
  • Delivers a warm and natural sound character

Product specs

Brand Blue
Model Woodpecker
Finish Wood
Year 2010s
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Microphone Type Ribbon
Polar Pattern Bidirectional
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon microphone?

The Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon microphone features a bidirectional polar pattern, which captures sound equally from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides, making it ideal for recording in controlled studio environments.

How does the Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon microphone differ from passive ribbon microphones?

The Blue Woodpecker is an active ribbon microphone, which means it has a built-in preamp providing higher output levels and greater flexibility in preamp selection compared to passive ribbon microphones.

Is the Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon microphone suitable for vocal recording?

Yes, the Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon microphone is well-suited for vocal recording, offering a smooth and natural sound that complements the human voice, especially in studio settings.

Can the Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon microphone handle high sound pressure levels (SPL)?

While ribbon microphones are generally more delicate, the Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon microphone is designed to handle moderate SPLs, making it suitable for a variety of studio applications, though care should be taken with extremely loud sources.

Does the Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon microphone require phantom power?

Yes, as an active ribbon microphone, the Blue Woodpecker requires phantom power to operate its internal preamp, unlike passive ribbon microphones that do not use phantom power.

JRR Shop

JRR Shop

Blue Microphones - Woodpecker

Video thumbnail for Blue Microphones - Woodpecker by JRR Shop

Blue Microphones - Woodpecker

JRR Shop

JRR Shop

Video thumbnail for Blue Woodpecker. Обзор by UNITED MUSIC LLC

Blue Woodpecker. Обзор

UNITED MUSIC LLC

UNITED MUSIC LLC

Video thumbnail for Neumann U67 vs Blue Woodpecker - On Percussions by Yoloco - All Right Riserva

Neumann U67 vs Blue Woodpecker - On Percussions

Yoloco - All Right Riserva

Yoloco - All Right Riserva

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon.

Features and functionality

  • The Blue Woodpecker is an active ribbon mic with a hotter output, reducing the need for high preamp gain compared to passive ribbons.

    Source
  • The mic's sides offer excellent rejection, beneficial for minimizing bleed when recording multiple sound sources, such as vocals and guitar, simultaneously.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find it excels on acoustic instruments with high transients like mandolins, and it effectively softens harsh vocal tones in rock and grunge styles.

    Source
  • Users recommend positioning the Blue Woodpecker around a foot away from guitar cabs to capture balanced lows and smooth highs.

    Source
  • Owners find the Blue Woodpecker shines not only on acoustic guitars and woodwinds but also accommodates deep rock vocals, providing a pleasing capture for baritenor ranges.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The mic's figure-8 pattern requires careful consideration of room acoustics as it picks up sound from both front and back, necessitating attention to room treatment and positioning.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user preferred the Blue Woodpecker over the SM7-B for rock vocals, highlighting the ribbon mic's ability to deliver a more nuanced sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A user with experience across various mic types described the Blue Woodpecker as their favorite, noting its versatility across different instruments and vocal styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report the Blue Woodpecker captures sound with a natural and accurate representation, making it a reliable choice for studio recordings.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Blue Woodpecker Ribbon Microphone Review — Pro Audio Files

theproaudiofiles.com

The Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon microphone stands out with its vintage charm and versatility, making it an exceptional choice for both vocal and instrumental recordings. Musicians will appreciate its smooth high-end and distinct mid-range, which reduce the need for heavy EQ adjustments. However, its nearly $1000 price tag may not appeal to all budgets, and while the mic performs beautifully in studio settings, some users might find it less effective in live scenarios. Overall, if you're seeking a high-quality ribbon mic that can deliver a rich, natural sound, the Woodpecker is worth considering, but it may require a little more investment than entry-level options.

positive

Field Test: Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon Mic

mixonline.com

The Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon mic delivers impressive performance across various applications, showcasing rich tone and clarity, especially in the high frequencies that ribbon mics usually struggle with. It excels on vocals and acoustic instruments, proving to be a formidable competitor against classic dynamic mics. The ease of use with phantom power and low noise floor are significant advantages. However, it falls short on tenor sax, needing a mic with a faster transient response. Despite this, the Woodpecker's combination of quality, versatility, and a reasonable price point makes it a strong contender for any serious studio.

positive

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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