At this point — nearly a year after it was first shown, and delayed from its originally projected release date — we’ll admit to being really confused over Blue Microphones’ new Mikey for iPod ($80), the sequel to a high-quality but expensive recording device for earlier iPod models. The pitch with the same-priced 2009 version was that iPod nano and classic users who were really interested in high-quality stereo recording using an external mic could add Mikey on and get it, and this version has been retooled with sleeker curves, iPod touch app support, and apparently tweaked stereo audio performance with a similar capsule microphone array.
There’s also a pass-through USB port on the side, as well as a stereo input port on the bottom, and a soft carrying case in the package. What’s odd here is that Mikey doesn’t work with the current version of the iPod touch, which puts up an error message upon initial connection, and doesn’t promise compatibility with any iPhone or the current iPod nano, either.
As much as we appreciate what Blue’s been trying to do with these Mikey designs, this one again feels like it’s expensive and behind the curve in compatibility; if you have an older iPod touch, though, a free Blue FiRe recording app is available for recording.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Blue Microphones
Website: www.Bluemic.com
Model: Mikey (2010)
Price: $80
Compatible: iPod 5G, classic, nano 2G/3G/4G/5G, touch 1G/2G/3G
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