Mic Archive
Blue Kiwi
Photo: Blue Microphones, from its manual (Recording Hacks copy), p. 2.

Blue Microphones

Blue Kiwi

Large-diaphragm solid-state condenser, multi-pattern (nine positions, omni to figure-8), dual-backplate B6 capsule, transformerless

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni / subcardioid / cardioid / supercardioid / figure-8
Sensitivity
−34.4 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
8.5 dB(A)
Max SPL
138 dB SPL
Impedance
50 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual (Recording Hacks copy), p. 3. "Kiwi • Cardioid" graph; dB scale +20 to -20, relative. Irregular (not logarithmic) frequency axis. 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 (Recording Hacks copy), p. 3. Polar plot in the "Kiwi • Cardioid" panel; rings labelled 5 to 25 dB. Measuring conditions not stated.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the manual (Recording Hacks copy)
CapsuleB6: dual backplate, two single-backplate large-diaphragm capsules acoustically matched; a multi-pattern version of the B6 Bottle capsule. "At the heart of the Kiwi is a multi-pattern variation of Blue's B6 Bottle microphone capsule ... two single backplate, large diaphragm capsules are acoustically matched ... a handcrafted and hand-tuned dual backplate capsule".p. 2
Sensitivity−34.4 dBV/Pa (19 mV/Pa). Not stated by the manufacturer: Converted from "19.0mV/Pa at 1kHz" (20 log10 0.019 = -34.4). Pattern not stated.p. 4
Self-noise8.5 dB(A), IEC 651. "Noise Level: 8.5dB-A (IEC 651)".
Max SPL138 dB SPL, 2.5 kohm load, 0.5% THD. "138dB SPL (2.5kΩ, 0.5% THD)".
Signal-to-noise ratio85.5 dB, A-weighted, IEC 651. "S/N Ratio: 85.5dB-A (IEC 651)".
Dynamic range129.5 dB, 2.5 kohm. "Dynamic Range: 129.5dB (@2.5kΩ)".
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. "Frequency Range: 20Hz – 20KHz".
Poweringphantom +48 V DC (IEC 268-15). "+48V DC Phantom Power (IEC 268-15)".
Weight880 g. "Weight: 880g".
Dimensions220 × 60 mm. "Dimensions: 220mm x 60mm"; not said which is which (length × diameter, presumably).
Supplied accessoriescherrywood storage box; The Shock shockmount. "Included Accessories: Cherrywood storage box; The Shock, custom shockmount".
ElectronicsSolid state, transformerlessp. 2
Pattern switchNine positions, at the rear of the body: omni, cardioid and figure-8 marked, with sub-cardioid steps between omni and cardioid and super-cardioid steps between cardioid and figure-8
Transport screwsThree brass set screws lock the capsule for shipping; remove them before use ("The Kiwi will not work properly if the security screws are not removed")
Recommended accessoriesThe Pop (brass mesh pop filter); Kiwi, Cranberry or Blueberry mic cable; Robbie the Mic Pre (Class-A tube preamp)p. 4
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.

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