Blue Microphone Bottle Description

I have used virtually all of these capsules from BLUE and am here to help - Warren Dent / ZenPro Audio

The Bottle, our highest achievement in quality and innovation, is our flagship recording tool, combining low noise and superb transient response integrated with a system of eight optional interchangeable capsules (the Bottle Caps). In an instant, these bayonet-mount capsules can be exchanged to provide different tonal characteristics and pickup patterns while the power supply remains on. The Class A discrete amplifier circuit of The Bottle is a thoroughly modern homage to the past, with a design utilizing a single hand-selected EF86 pentode vacuum tube in triode mode. When combined with the versatility of our Bottle Caps, The Bottle provides the ultimate recording experience. In keeping with our philosophy of sonic purity and fidelity, we do not incorporate pads or filters into The Bottle. Rather, we believe that proper mic selection and placement eliminate the need for such extraneous circuits which only degrade signal integrity.

The Bottle Caps, Blue's innovative system of eight interchangeable capsules, offer the recordist a variety of different tonal characteristics and pickup patterns.

Blue Microphone Bottle Characteristics

• The ultimate in hand-built craftsmanship
• Class A discrete amplifier circuit with hand-selected EF86 pentode vacuum tube in triode mode
• Mic system-allows for various capsules to be swapped "on the fly" for extreme versatility
• Integrated capsule shockmounting
• Hand tuned and tested
• Custom wound output transformer
• Includes B6 capsule, our renowned PowerStream Power Supply, Champagne tube mic cable, and ATA flight case

Blue Microphone Bottle Tech Specifications

• Transducer Type: Vacuum Tube Condenser
• Polar Patterns: Various (Capsule-dependent)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Sensitivity: 20.0 mV/Pa at 1kHz (1 Pa = 94 dB SPL) w/B6 Capsule
• Output Impedence: 200Ω
• Rated Load Impedence: Not less than 1kΩ
• Maximum SPL: 134 dB SPL (2.5kΩ, 0.5% THD) w/B6 Capsule
• S/N Ratio: 86.5 dB-A (IEC 651) w/B6 Capsule
• Noise Level: 7.5 dB-A (IEC 651) w/B6 Capsule
• Dynamic Range: 126.5 dB (@ 2.5kΩ) w/B6 Capsule
• Power Requirement: Bottle Power Supply Unit 115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Weight: 1700g
• Dimensions: 390mm x 90mm

BLUE Bottle Review / See All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page   Inspired by the old Neumann bottle mic designs of the past, the Bottle is BLUE’s flagship tube microphone that gives you your choice of 8 capsules (dubbed the “Bottle Caps”) that give you wildly different choices in frequency response and pattern. For truly high end sound and versatility, the Bottle has been sought after for many years.   The Bottle is surprisingly light weight, for how HUGE it is. This mic in person is gi-normous and impressive. Trust me, nobody would ever perceive it as anything but expensive (and lets face it, it kind of is). Being able to tilt and position the capsule eaily is a real plus since this mic isn’t exactly built to fit into tight places. Capsules mount with a bayonet style mount, so you don’t have to thread them into place and they exchange quickly with a small push and twist. The power supply seems very well built as well. The Bottle normally ships with the B6 capsule from the factory. Overall there is a big sound with the Bottle but it has a smooth sound on its own. It’s kind of hard to say much more since each capsule choice makes such a difference with the Bottle (I have given some short reviews of the capsules also).   Conclusion: Versatility and vibe are king with the Bottle, how you can go wrong with being able to completely change the sound of the mic in 5 seconds with a swap is beyond me. Vocals, drums, acoustic sources, serious performance here waiting for you.