Blue Spark SL User Manual

spark

SL

LARGE-DIAPHRAGM STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONE

CONGRATULATIONS ON
YOUR PURCHASE

Congratulations on your purchase of the Spark SL
from Blue Microphones. The Spark SL is a cardioid,
solid-state condenser microphone designed to help
you achieve professional-quality recordings in any
creative environment. We designed the Spark SL’s
acoustic performance to ignite your inspiration and
passion for recording, and we think you’ll find its
unique look and quality construction to be inspiring
as well!

The Spark SL combines Blue’s unique condenser
capsule with Class-A electronics to produce
stunning recordings.

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In addition, the Spark SL microphone ships with Blue’s
custom-designed shockmount and a stylish wood
case for easy transport. Spark SL provides everything
you need to make professional recordings.

The Spark SL’s electronics are Class A with a
transformerless output. Simply put, this means that
the sound which arrives at the diaphragm (mic
capsule) is converted to electrical energy (transduced)
is then amplified as accurately as possible. Featuring
a -20dB pad and 100Hz high-pass filter, Spark
SL’s overall sonic character is superbly detailed
and pleasing to the ear. It’s an ideal microphone

for recording vocals, drums, guitars, pianos, brass,
woodwinds, and just about anything else that
you can throw onto the fire.

In order to familiarize yourself with the Spark SL’s
specialized and unique features, please take the time
to read this manual and be sure to try the suggested
recording tips. With proper care and use, the Spark
SL will reward you with many years of recording
enjoyment.

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Spark SL includes a custom shockmount designed to isolate the microphone body from low frequency
resonance (rumble). Spark SL requires +48V phantom power and works great with audio interfaces,
mixers and mic most mic preamps. For best performance and to avoid damage to the microphone’s audio
components, we recommend the following procedure:• Set mic preamp gain to its nominal position (“off”).

Mute the input channel in your DAW or mixing console.

Connect the female end of your balanced XLR microphone cable to the Spark SL’s output jack.
Connect the male end to your balanced console input or balanced mic preamp input.

Switch on phantom power.

Un-mute all previously muted signal paths and adjust mic preamp gain as necessary.

Spark SL is a cardioid mic, and is designed to reject off-axis sound arriving at the back of the capsule. Once
Spark SL is on the mic stand and powered up, make sure that the active, on-axis side of the capsule (the side
aligned with and directly above the Blue logo) is facing the desired sound source. Engage the -20dB pad if
you’re recording a loud sound source with sharp transients like a snare drum, toms, electric guitar amp, or a
powerful vocalist. Unless you’re recording a very low frequency instrument, like a kick drum or a bass amp,
it is typically good practice to engage the 100Hz high-pass filter to make sure that very low frequency and
subsonic rumble or peaks don’t compromise the headroom of your recordings.

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RECORDING APPLICATIONS

What do you want to record with your Spark SL? Whatever it is, we have some great tips for you, and some
interesting techniques to experiment with. The Spark SL will excel in recording a wide range of different sound
sources, so check out the sections and below for the straight story on recording each of these sources with
your Spark SL mic.

VOCALS

A little-known secret in the recording world is that vocalists love singing into beautifully engineered
microphones like the Spark SL. Put it in front of any singer and you’re guaranteed to get a truly
inspired vocal performance. Position the vocalist at the front of the Spark SL microphone (the

side with the Blue logo) from one to twelve inches from the microphone. The closer you get to
the Spark SL, the more present and intimate the Spark SL will sound. For a “big” vocal sound with maximum
presence, get the vocalist within one to three inches of the capsule. Engage the high-pass filter as necessary
to make sure low frequency and subsonic rumble don’t compromise the headroom of your vocal track. For a
livelier sound, such as a rock or pop vocal, place the Spark SL a further from the vocalist. Tilt the Spark SL up
(toward the forehead) for more projection and head tone, straight on at the mouth for maximum brightness
and intelligibility, or down toward the chest for more robust lows and smoother highs.

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