TL;DR
This review highlights the Blue Microphones Blackout Spark SL as a standout XLR microphone, even for seasoned film sound recordists. Praised for its impressive clarity and ability to capture clean audio from a distance, it's a versatile choice for music, podcasts, and even film production, replacing a previously favored shotgun mic for the reviewer. Its remarkably low noise floor and effective low-cut filter minimize unwanted background noise, making it ideal for demanding recording scenarios. While it requires phantom power, the quality and range it offers are considered a significant upgrade. Discover why this mic has become the new benchmark for high-quality audio capture and if it’s the right fit for your next project.
The Blue Microphones Blackout Spark SL is a versatile XLR microphone designed primarily for music and podcasting. However, its performance extends effectively into various recording applications. As someone with extensive experience in film production since 1992, encompassing feature films, short films, music videos, commercials, and informational films, I’ve had the opportunity to work in numerous roles both on and off-screen. With significant involvement in sound recording for film, I approached the task of reviewing the Blackout Spark SL with considerable interest, expanding my portfolio beyond film, gaming, and gaming mouse reviews.
It delivers impressive audio quality and boasts an appealing aesthetic.
Previously, I have successfully utilized a Røde Shotgun Mic for my productions. However, after evaluating the Spark SL on my latest film project, I anticipate transitioning to it as my primary microphone. My frequent role as a “one-man-army,” handling filming, sound recording, and directing simultaneously, necessitates a microphone that can be easily mounted on a stand. I was particularly impressed by the clarity and quality of the sound captured, even at greater distances from the subject than I was previously accustomed to.
Blue Blackout Spark SL was used for film sound on my latest production.
The Spark SL was also employed when recording my initial impressions of Fallout 76. Despite being positioned at a distance and slightly to the right of my position, the microphone captured a clear and focused sound. The Spark SL’s low noise floor is remarkable. The audio in the Fallout 76 clip remains completely unedited, with no adjustments made to the volume in post-production, demonstrating its excellent performance.
Connecting the microphone to a sound recorder (via the included XLR cable), such as my Zoom H4, allows for straightforward setup and high-quality audio capture. Note that the microphone requires phantom power, which can result in significant battery consumption. It features a sensitivity of 94db and a low-cut filter at 100Hz, effectively minimizing background noise.
Alternatively, the microphone can be connected directly to a computer using a separately sold USB adapter, offering a convenient workflow for podcasting, music recording, game streaming, and other applications.
In conclusion, I intend to utilize the Blue Blackout Spark SL for the majority of my audio recording needs moving forward. Its impressive range and clarity provide a superior experience compared to many other microphones I have used throughout my film career. It establishes a new benchmark for me and for Senses, making it a highly recommended piece of equipment.
