Mic Archive
Blue Hummingbird
Photo: Blue Microphones, from its manual, p. 5.

Blue Microphones

Blue Hummingbird

Small-diaphragm condenser (pressure gradient), cardioid, with a head that pivots through 180°; capsule based on Blue's B1; Class A discrete electronics

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−36.5 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
8.5 dB(A)
Max SPL
130 dB SPL
Impedance
50 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual, p. 4. Graph in the "POLAR PATTERN" panel; dB scale +20 to -20 with no unit (relative, 0 dB through the mid band). Distance, room and smoothing not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the manual, p. 4. Five small plots labelled "125 kHz", "250 kHz", "2 kHz", "8 kHz", "16 kHz"; rings labelled -5 to -25 dB, every 5 dB. Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate reading error up to about 1 dB; some frequencies are identified by reasoning, not by the legend: 125 Hz, 250 Hz.

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All specs

From the manual
Capsulesmall diaphragm, based on Blue's B1 capsule (as in the Bottle); pivoting head, 180° of rotation. "a premium capsule based on the Blue “B1”—also available for our flagship Blue Bottle microphone"; "A pivoting head allows for 180 degrees of rotation".p. 2
Sensitivity−36.5 dBV/Pa (15 mV/Pa). Not stated by the manufacturer: Converted from "15mV/Pa @ 1kHz" (20 log10 0.015 = -36.5).p. 6
Self-noise8.5 dB(A), IEC 651. "Noise Level A-Weighted: 8.5 dB-A (IEC 651)".
Max SPL130 dB SPL. "Maximum SPL: 130 dB SPL"; condition not stated.
Signal-to-noise ratio85.5 dB, A-weighted, IEC 651. "S/N Ratio: 85.5 dB-A (IEC 651)".
Dynamic range129.5 dB, 2.5 kohm. "129.5 dB (2.5kΩ)". It does not match 130 dB SPL max minus 8.5 dB(A) noise (121.5 dB).
Output impedance50 ohm. "Output Impedance: 50Ω".
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, not less than. "Rated Load Impedance: Not less than 1kΩ".
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz
Poweringphantom +48 V DC (IEC 268-15). "+48V DC Phantom Power (IEC 268-15)".
Weight212 g. "212g (7.5oz)".
Dimensions27 × 170 mm. "170mm x 27mm x 27mm"; stored as diameter × length.
Supplied accessoriesrigid carry case with foam lining; mic clip; foam windscreen. "Included Accessories".
ElectronicsProprietary Class A, fully discrete circuit, no ICs in the signal pathp. 3
Pivoting head180° of rotation; mute the preamp input while turning it
Recommended accessoriesThe Pop (brass mesh pop filter); Dual or Quad mic cable; Robbie tube mic preampp. 6
WarrantyThree years from purchase (to the original, registered owner)p. 1

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Blue Microphones, unchanged, with its original address.

Recording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

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