The Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon Microphone, the only choice when searching for the smoky, warm, classic sound of a ribbon, but without sacrificing the bright presence of top-end!
Blue Microphones Woodpecker Active Ribbon Microphone Details
The newest addition to the Blue family of microphones, the Woodpecker is an active ribbon microphone with a stunning exotic wood finish. The low noise and superb detail of Blue's renowned Class-A discrete handmade electronics combines with the bold sound of a handmade aluminum ribbon pressure-gradient transducer. The Woodpecker was designed to provide the smooth, intimate sound associated with the most sought-after (and expensive) vintage ribbon microphones. With its focused midrange and outstanding bass response, the Woodpecker captures the essence of any recorded sound. It also excels at ambient recording, capturing room tone with the most intimate detail - whether for rock drums, guitars, or vocals - any application where some natural space in the recording is desired. Over five years in development, the Woodpecker is the only choice when searching for the smoky, warm, classic sound of a ribbon, but without sacrificing the bright presence of top-end. The Woodpecker is designed to deliver the wide frequency response needed in today"?s modern recording environment.
Blue Microphones Woodpecker Active Ribbon Microphone Features
- Active ribbon microphone
- Figure 8, bidirectional polar pattern
- Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
- Noise level A-weighted (IEC 651): not more than 22dB
- Max SPL (0.5% THD into 2.5k ohm): 136dB
- Includes custom made, solid brass shockmount (Woodpecker Shock) and wood storage box
Blue Microphones Woodpecker Active Ribbon Microphone Specifications
- Transducer Type: Active Ribbon, Pressure Gradient
- Polar Patterns: Figure 8
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Sensitivity: 26.0 mV/Pa a 1kHz (1 PA = 94 dB SPL)
- Output Impedance: 50Ω
- Rated Load Impedance: Not less than 1kΩ
- Maximum SPL: 136 dB SPL (2.5kΩ, 0.5% THD)
- S/N Ratio: 72.0 dB-A (IEC 651)
- Noise Level: 22.0 dB-A (IEC 651)
- Dynamic Range: 114 dB (@ 2.5kΩ)
- Power Requirement: +48V DC Phantom Power (IEC 268-15)
- Weight: 725g
- Dimensions: 227mm x 45mm
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Blue Woodpecker Ribbon Mic
Sep 17th 2015This is a fantastic active ribbon microphone. I've looked at an active "vintage" mic from Golden Age, but it doesn't accept phantom power for whatever reason. The Woodpecker is the way to go—for me at least—and Blue's developed a great product. I've only had it a few days, and with a bit of experimentation I managed to amaze myself with the recorded sound! The smoky sound takes a lot of gain without clipping at either high or low end. The midrange—again for my needs—has that classic ribbony je ne sais quoi. Again I have to hand it to the folks at Front End Audio. Their service and courtesy is tough to beat. Thanks!
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Great service as always
Sep 17th 2015I'm always glad to get the service from Shane!!!
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Nice character mic
May 4th 2011This is a nice-sounding useful mic, but I wouldn't ever call it natural. Check the frequency response on the mfg page and you'll know what you need to...it sounds just like the freq chart says it will. Nice, but it has a character of it's own.
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Pretty good, not great
Apr 12th 2011To start, this thing is beautiful. I almost enjoy just holding it more than I do actually using it. On vocals, the sound is pristine. There is apparent color even through the relatively clean pre's on my Duet, however it is a nice warm color, a common characteristic of ribbon mics (unsurprising!). This mic excels on jazz and country vocals, while handling pop vocals fairly well. In my several attempts to record opera with this microphone, I have always been dissatisfied, this could be misuse, but I can never seem to get a good take, it always just feels... boxy to me. On acoustic guitar this mic does very nicely, I prefer SDC's due to their superior transient response. The Woodpecker does come off a little muddy, but the tracks remain usable at the very least. All and all, the Woodpecker is a beauty, and a solid performer, though for $1000, I think you could find better.
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BLUE Woodpecker
Aug 13th 2010I own one and use it in a smaller commercial studio. I've used the Woodpecker on vocals, hi-hat, acoustic guitar and even electrics cabs. Obviously you have to be care in front of high SPL items but it worked well in my applications. It works great on anything you need to smooth out a harsh mid or high end range. Hi-hat was especially surprising. It does have a little bit of noise to it but nothing that can't be dealt with and certainly shouldn't detract from getting one.
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Great Mic
Jul 29th 2010Great sounding mic. Really captures the nuances of a good electric guitar amp. I highly recommend this mic for recording electric guitars, as it is a bit noisy for acoustic applications.
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Great ribbon mic!
Jan 12th 2010This is a great sounding microphone, very smooth and natural. Currently my goto mic for acoustic guitars, sax, and guitar amps (paired with a sm57). The internal pre-amp delivers more than enough power, sometimes bypassing my consoles pre-amp altogether. Also, Blue's support is great, I had to send my Woodpecker in to be re-tensioned, and they took care of it for free, with no hassles.
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