BLUE Bottle Rocket Stage 1

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Blue Microphone Bottle Rocket Description

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

Meet the Bottle Rockets, Blue’s new pair of cardioid condenser microphones that, like Blue’s renowned Bottle microphone, have a foundation for interchangeable capsules (like Blue’s Bottle Caps), allowing you to build an entire mic cabinet around a single mic! The Bottle Rocket Stage One is an affordable Class A discrete solid state mic, while the Bottle Rocket Stage Two is a transformerless vacuum tube design.

Meet the Bottle Rocket Stage One. The Stage One is our most accessible Class A discrete solid state mic with a foundation for interchangeable capsules, including Blue’s nine vintage lollipop-style capsules, the Bottle Caps. This bayonet-mounted system gives the user unlimited flexibility and a wide variety of tonal characteristics and pickup patterns, all in one mic!

Precision-designed and hand-assembled, the Stage One is crafted for a lifetime of use. Compared to similar microphones, the Stage One had a very low self noise specification (< 7.5 dB) and an very high output level (+12dBV), making it the perfect choice for today’s high sample rate/deep word length digital platforms. Instead of integrated circuits (chips), the Stage One employs a transformless Class A discrete amplifier circuit to ensure the most accurate and noise-free signal possible, with minimal distortion and coloration. The Stage One is an ideal microphone for recording virtually any sound source. In addition to the microphone, the Stage One also includes Blue’s custom spider shockmount.

Capsules Designed for Any Mission

Both Stages of the Bottle Rocket family can take advantage of the Bottle Caps, Blue’s family of nine interchangeable capsules with different tonal characteristics and pickup patterns. Each Bottle Cap is designed to provide the recordist with the ultimate sonic solution for their respective application. Below is a complete list of the nine Bottle Caps. Get them all and you’ll have an entire mic cabinet at your fingertips!

Meet the Bottle Rocket Stage Two. The Stage Two vacuum tube microphone system is an innovative and unique solution for virtually any recording need. The Stage Two combines low noise and superb transient response along with a choice of nine different interchangeable capsules, The Bottle Caps. In an instant, you can change these bayonet-mount capsules for a stunning variety of tonal characteristics and pickup patterns without shutting off the power!

Precision-designed and hand-assembled, the Stage Two is crafted for a lifetime of use. Its transformerless Class A discrete amplifier circuit is a thoroughly modern design with a nod to the classic circuits of yesterday. Utilizing a single hand-selected ECC88 vacuum tube, you’ll hear musical detail and subtlety previously only heard in mics costing thousands more. The Stage Two comes with Blue’s popular and versatile B8 capsule, a custom-built flight case, our high-definition tube mic cable, shockmount and the innovative Powerstream power supply, which not only ensures ultra-stable performance but features our soft-start feature which maximizes tube life and minimizes startup time.

Capsules Designed for Any Mission

Both Stages of the Bottle Rocket family can take advantage of the Bottle Caps, Blue’s family of nine interchangeable capsules with different tonal characteristics and pickup patterns. Each Bottle Cap is designed to provide the recordist with the ultimate sonic solution for their respective application. On our site is a complete list of the nine Bottle Caps. Get them all and you’ll have an entire mic cabinet at your fingertips!

Blue Microphone Bottle Rocket Tech Specifications

Stage One

Transducer Type: Pressure Gradient or Pure Pressure (depending on capsule) Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure of 8 (depending on capsule) Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 27mV/Pa (+/- 10mV depending on capsule) at 1kHz (1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)
Output Impedance: 50Ω
Rated Load Impedance: Not less than 1kΩ
Noise Level A-Weighted: Not more than 7.5 dBV – 14 dBV (IEC 651) (depending on capsule)
Maximum Output: +12 dBV = 3.1 Vrms (2.5kΩ, 1% THD)
Maximum SPL: 138 dB SPL (2.5kΩ, 1.0% THD)
Dynamic Range: 130 dB (@ 2.5kΩ)
Power Requirement: +48V DC Phantom Power (IEC 268-15) (+35V min.) Current Draw: 1.8mA (typical AI+48V)

Stage Two

Transducer Type: Pressure Gradient or Pure Pressure (depending on capsule) Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure of 8 (depending on capsule) Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 50mV/Pa (+/- 10mV depending on capsule) at 1kHz (1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)
Output Impedance: 50Ω
Rated Load Impedance: Not less than 1kΩ
Noise Level A-Weighted: Not more than 9 dBV – 14 dBV (IEC 651) (depending on capsule)
Maximum Output: +28 dBV = 25.11 Vrms (2.5kΩ, 1% THD)
Maximum SPL: 139 dB SPL (2.5kΩ, 1.0% THD)
Dynamic Range: 130 dB (@ 2.5kΩ)
Power Requirement: External Powerstream Unit
Current Draw: Heater (6V DC) 300 mA, Plate (120V) 5mA — Typical

BLUE Bottle Rocket Stage I & II Review / See All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page

The Stage I is the solid state system, the Stage II is the tube and power supply system. Build quality is quite good, as is known from BLUE in California USA. The Stage I is transformerless and low noise, you get a fast clean response and open sound. The Stage II is a creamier, tube-y sound when you like a more vintage sort of vibe. When it comes to rich sound and versatility, I think these systems are some of the best buys around (and it utilizes the same “Bottle Cap” capsules that the heavyweight Bottle mic uses). The Stage I and II ships with the B8 capsule, shock mount and wooden case.

These systems are sort of what you make of it, since you have 8 capsules of different response patterns and range available beyond the stock B8 capsule. From the B0 (251 reference, big, airy, present) to the B4 (M50 reference, omni that sounds big even at a distance), B6 (C12 reference with gently set back mids and rich upper mids) and the B7 (U47 reference, dark-ish response with forward mid / low-mid and big bottom) there’s lots of flavors to reach for. Recording lots of vocals? I’d say a system with B0, B6, B7 and B8 would take care of most anyone who walked up to the mic. The bayonet quick swap rocks (you don’t have to thread it, this is much easier and built to last) and is done on the fly.

Conclusion: For the most clarity and realism, grab the Stage I and a variety of capsules. For a creamier, somewhat softer sound the Stage II is your best bet. The Stage I is NOT a compromise because it’s cheaper! In fact, in most ways I prefer it on more sources. Either way I have always loved these systems and highly recommend them.

Reviews:

(1 Rating, 1 Review)

Average Rating:

Great Mic/Great Store

PL (NYC) 10/21/2009 2:26 PM

The Blue Bottle Rocket Stage 1 is a unique microphone which, when fitted with the same capsule, doesn't sound too much different from its excellent big brother, (the very-pricey Bottle tube mic). The included B8, nonetheless, is a surprisingly good capsule with a balance that many sub-$1000 (and even $2000) microphones lack. The Blue-branded Rocket also comes with a Kiwi-style shockmount, which is WAY WAY WAY nicer than the cheapo that came with the old Red Type A & B microphones. This new one is a great shockmount and really sealed the deal for me. The Rocket is a strong way to either start a mic locker or add some portability to your Bottle system. I would say it is especially a winner for vocals, acoustic guitar and mono drum micing. Warren at ZenPro was so nice and very helpful and the standard shipping was fast! The included coffee does not hurt one bit. Can't go wrong here. Thanks!