CES 2019: Blue Ember is a $100 XLR microphone for serious podcasters

It's coming in February, and already available for preorder.

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John Falcone

Jan. 7, 2019 9:59 p.m. PT

03-blue-mic-ces-2019 — The Blue Ember (tall mic in center).
Sarah Tew/CNET

Blue has long been a favored microphone among podcasters and YouTubers, thanks to affordable models like the Yeti. But the company also produces XLR models intended for professional and prosumer customers priced at $1,000 and higher. Now, it's meeting in the middle with the Blue Ember, an mic that will cost only $100 when it debuts in February.

The Ember, on display here at CES 2019 in Las Vegas, is a directional mic with what the company calls a "tight cardioid pickup pattern." In other words, it's specifically designed to pick up only the voice of the performer, while reducing background noise such as clacking keyboards or other in-studio distractions. And the balanced XLR connector, of course, means that this is for home studios with a more professional bent -- anyone with RCA connectors or USB inputs need not apply.

The Ember includes the stand mount, too.

Check out Blue's website for complete specs and preorder info.