Features
- Dimensions
- Height: 165mm
- Lenght: 67mm
- Length: 185mm
- Weight: 615g
- Technical specifications
- Transducer Type: Dynamic
- Polar diagram: Supercardioid
- Frequency response: 40Hz–18kHz
- Sensitivity: 20.97mV/Pa at 1kHz
- THD+N: 0.06% at 1kHz, 94dBSPL
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 69.9 dB A-weight
- Max SPL: 129dBSPL 1% THD, 138dBSPL 5% THD
- Power Requirements: +24V or +48V phantom power
- Warranty Information
- 2 year limited hardware warranty
- Price : €349.00
Packaging
Here’s what to expect when you unbox:
- Blue Sona Microphone
- Additional windscreen
- 3/8″ mic stand adapter
- Quick Start Guide
The frame
Microphone appearance
It goes without saying, Logitech knows how to offer quality peripherals, both visually and in terms of components. Without even taking an in-depth interest in the product, it exudes professionalism and quality. Once in hand, there is no doubt that the main body and the integrated adjustable support are both made of a durable metal that confirms the intentions of the manufacturer in terms of quality.
In fact, the microphone is quite heavy, although this is not a problem in use. Available in white or black version, it is accompanied by a native black windscreen, but also a spare red one which will not fail to please lovers of atypical colors. Note that the latter is easy to replace.
A magnetized cover is located at the back of the microphone and gives access to two buttons on the fly allowing to adjust the microphone rendering according to very specific points that are Bass Cut and Presence, which we will come back to in the chapter on features. The support allows a 290° swivel while a tightening wheel is available on one of the sides of the frame. What best adjust your device to the situation.
Base and foot
Most important point, although it is a standard for professional XLR microphones, it is not equipped with a stand or support making it unusable in its simple state of reception. What’s more, you should also think about buying an XLR cable. Information little disseminated by the manufacturer, but essential for the user.
Does it fit all arms?
To start, it should be remembered that the microphone does not have a boom or a base on its native version.
The best solution for this microphone is still to use one of the manufacturer’s poles, allowing you to benefit from exemplary compatibility. In our case, it is the Wave Mic Arm LP (Elgato) that we use.
- Native 5/8” thread compatible with the main poles on the market.
- 3/8” and 1/4” adapters included, for compatibility with major thread types.
Software
As Logitech does not have a native or suitable interface for its dynamic microphones, it is therefore not possible to associate it with G-Hub and thus be able to configure it. To do this, you will need to use the configurations available with your amplifier or additional software allowing the modification of equalizers, renderings or others. In our case, coupled with the WAVE XLR from Elgatowe used WaveLink.
Fonctionnalities
On the mic
As announced at the beginning of the article, the microphone is equipped with two buttons, located at the back.
- Bass Cut: (simplified explanation) it reduces low frequencies such as background voices, the keys of your keyboard or all unwanted white noise crackling.
- Presence : (simplified explanation) allows you to put the mids (your voice) on a higher floor in order to create a more marked contrast with the rest. Your voice will therefore be more audible and louder, but can easily counterbalance other natural acoustic elements that you may find worth keeping.
Although few in number, they remain appreciable especially when we know that the dynamic microphones are rarely equipped with lifting features. Finally, note that the pop filter is also rare natively and appreciable here. The latter has two main functions which are elimination of clicking noisest (otherwise known as plosives) and the limitation of saliva contact with the microphone. Popping or plosive noises come from words with hard consonants in front, such as “P”.
In the mic
Needless to say, although the microphone is branded Logitech, the internal composition is mostly associated with Blue. We can even say that the brand should gradually be integrated into all peripherals Logitech and, by definition, take its name while maintaining its expertise in the field. It is moreover one of Logitech’s great strengths which takes advantage of partner brands and associates to offer quality rendering to users. Collaborative work sees itself sublimated where everyone brings a stone to the building.
Note that the robustness of the product does not stop at the external appearance and that the capsule is surrounded by a visually pleasing metallic protection while remaining robust.
In addition, many features will allow rendering loyal and professional. If we can regret the absence of compressor, like what is possible to find on the Wave DX and allowing to avoid saturating the microphone feedback, many other features largely compensate for this lack.
- ClearAmp: this technology allows you to automatically increase the DB level (gain) of your microphone in order to avoid the use of additional software or systematically raising the volume. Note that this technology has the “default” of needing phantom power that we do not find on all preamps. If this data means nothing to you, we invite you to read our test article on the LEWITT Condenser Microphone.
- Double diaphragm capsule and supercardioid polar pattern: front field of action with voice filter to avoid picking up further than necessary. Remember, however, that this type of microphone is more suitable for users who do not share their play/work area. Indeed, even if the settings make it possible to attenuate outside noise, voices are picked up quite easily, especially if there are several of you in the same room.
- Anti-vibration integrated : extremely efficient, this technology avoids picking up sudden movements or slamming on the desk. You can even type on the microphone (everything is relative of course) without it being heard within the microphone return.
An adaptable and faithful rendering
As usual, here is a short video to help you better understand the rendering and quality of the microphone. Synthetic, you will easily be able to identify whether or not it meets your expectations. For those who do not wish to watch the video, the written notice is just below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtHbdWFk5uU
As you can hear, the quality of the microphone is quite faithful without forcing yourself to go up in the treble to seek precision. Note that the ClearAmp enables more powerful native output that does not require no special editing to provide easy and understandable listening. If at these price levels, the microphone can easily match the competition, it is its additional characteristics that allow it to be put forward professionally.
The cardioid double-diaphragm capsule proves to have excellent potential provided stand in line and not far from the microphone. Of course, it remains effective in other positions or even far away, but you risk enlarging the field of capture or making a voice a little less clear. In all cases, Logitech x Blue quality is appropriate.
Which microphone to choose according to the use?
It is important to know and understand your needs and expectations before making a choice, regardless of the product or even the manufacturer. We have not had the opportunity to test its main competitor, the mythical SM7B from Shurebut here is all the same what to make a constructive choice and adapted to your needs/budget.
Blue Sona
The microphone for this test that we recommend to experienced creators, already equipped and who wish to replace their microphone or upgrade to a higher range. Remember that with its 350 € to purchase, it is a budget that will have to be considered. A pole is necessary as well as a 48V (or 24V) phantom power to enjoy the product.
Overall, nothing to report, the Blue Sona perfectly meets the expectations we may have of it, both in terms of on-board technologies and microphone feedback. Visually very pleasing, it adapts to many configurations while remaining robust. A quality device that you can choose with your eyes closed.
Alternative XLR Blue Blackout Spark SL
Long identified as the reference microphone for streamers / youtubers, the Blackout has an interesting range of configurations for a lighter price and high performance.
Alternate USB Wave: 1/3
The choice of Wave: 1 or 3 microphones is made first of all on the price since they are worth 70 and 160 € respectively. So, yes, the Wave:3 is more expensive than the DX, but it has many featuresconnects via USB and takes advantage of software improvements in plug and play without an attached device and has native support.
We invite you to take a look at our microphone test to learn more about its possibilities and advantages.
Wave: DX
We recommend the choice of this microphone for those who are starting from scratch and have the necessary budget to accommodate the complete pack. Indeed, the call price of Wave:DX, from 119 €, can be likened to a lure obliging the purchase of the bundle. With all the associated peripherals, there is a substantial set of settings possible for even more professional audio feedback.
Conversely, unless you already have all the other related products, you will have to settle for a simple microphone without a control button, for software that cannot be used with a preamp other than the Wave XLR. Note also that compared to the Blue Sona, it is not equipped with a preamp or an anti-shock or pop filter system.
