Blue Microphones Icicle XLR to USB Mic Converter/Mic Preamp Review

Blue Microphones Icicle XLR to USB Mic Converter/Mic Preamp Feature
- Plug and record
- Studio Quality USB microphone preamp
- Supplies 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
- No special drivers required
- Fully balanced low noise analog front end
The Icicle is Blue's new stylish USB converter and mic preamp combo that allows you to connect any XLR microphone directly into your computer via USB. The Icicle features a studio quality microphone preamp, 48V phantom power, fully balanced low noise front end, analog gain control, and driverless operation.
 Connect any XLR microphone directly into your computer via USB. Click to enlarge. |
 Use with dynamic and condenser mics thanks to 48V phantom power. |

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Make Any Mic a USB Mic
The Icicle works with both dynamic and condenser microphones, providing high quality and hassle-free connectivity with Mac or PC. Whether you're using a microphone for digital recording, podcasting, voice messaging, or voice recognition applications, the Icicle is the quick and easy way to get connected.
Plug and Record
Simply plug in the USB cable and your mic will be live--no special driver installation is required.
Quality and Simplicity
The Icicle features a built-in, studio-quality mic preamp, along with a fully balanced, low-noise analog front end to send a clear signal via USB.
It also supplies 48V Phantom Power for condenser mics.
On the control front, the Icicle keeps it simple, with a single analog volume level control.
What's in the Box
Blue Icicle, 6-foot USB Cable
The Icicle is Blue's new stylish USB converter and mic preamp combo that allows you to connect any XLR microphone directly into your computer via USB! The Icicle features a studio quality microphone preamp, 48V phantom power, fully balanced low noise front end, analog gain control, and driverless operation. Setup is a snap!
The Icicle works with both dynamic and condenser microphones, providing high quality and hassle-free connectivity with Mac or PC. Whether you're using a microphone for digital recording, podcasting, voice messaging, or voice recognition applications, the Icicle is the quick and easy way to get connected.

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TCC TC-754 BLACK RIAA Phono Preamp (Pre-amp, Preamplifier) With Three Switchable Aux Inputs and Variable Output Level Review

TCC TC-754 BLACK RIAA Phono Preamp (Pre-amp, Preamplifier) With Three Switchable Aux Inputs and Variable Output Level Feature
- RIAA freq response 20hz-20,000hz +/- 0.5dB, S/N ratio 85dB
- Source indicator LEDs; power-off setting retention
- 12 volt DC operation; will work anywhere in the world
- Ground wire terminal; power indicator and switch
- Includes AC adaptor, RCA cable and miniplug adaptor
Our flagship model combines exceptional phono preamp performance with three additional aux level audio inputs, then adds an variable output level control. Soft-touch switches control power on/off and source selection. While off, the TC-754 even remembers what source was last selected and reselects it when powered back up. The output level control allows connection to a power amp either directly or through an equalizer; or it can simply be used to fine tune the audio level sent to your computer sound card or receiver. Spectacular RIAA equalization accuracy and a S/N ratio of 85dB make the TC-754 our best performing phono preamp; its additional features are extra icing on the cake! Again, you are purchasing the BLACK VERSION. To find the silver version, enter B004RYGOV4 in the Amazon search bar. Now includes our improved REGULATED AC power supply usable worldwide!
Turntable / Phono Preamp Preamplifier Pre Amplifirer W Aux Input and Volume Control Review

Turntable / Phono Preamp Preamplifier Pre Amplifirer W Aux Input and Volume Control Feature
- A high-quality RIAA phono preamplifier for use with turntables equipped with moving magnet cartridges.
- Accurate and stable integrated circuit design. S/N Ratio 80dB.
- Gold plated input and output connectors for reliable performance.
- Stylish solid metal case for improved resistance to electrical noise.
- Output level control allows adjustment to provide balance with other sources.
This Phono Preamplifier adds phono capability to any amplifier or receiver that has a spare AUX/CD/DVD Audio line level input. It can also be used to input a turntable directly into a mixer or computer soundcard. With its precise RIAA equalization and a s/n ratio of 80dB, this preamp's sound quality easily matches or exceeds that of the phono preamps found built into the highest quality stereo components. Its switch-selectable AUX input replaces the one it occupies on the stereo or computer,
eliminating the need to connect and disconnect sources that share the input with the TC-753LC. The output level control makes use with sound cards extremely convenient and allows the
elimination of large volume differences when switching between sources.
Specifications: Distortion: 0.06% max. Frequency Response: +/-0.5 db, 20 Hz - 20 kHz. Input Impedance: Phono: 47k Ohms @ 200 pF (nominal). Aux (Line): 10 kOhms. Output impedance: 200 Ohms. Channel Separation: 50 dB. Crosstalk: 40 dB (phono), at any audio frequency. Phono Sensitivity: 3.3 mV. Nominal Output: 300 mV. Signal To Noise Ratio: 80 dB. Power supply: DC 12V 300ma (included). Package Contents: TC753LC Phono Preamplifier with Aux input and volume control, 110VAC to 12VDC US Power adapter, 3ft gold plated stereo RCA cable, 3.5mm to stereo RCA PC adapter cable.
Pioneer AVH-P2300DVD 5.8" In-Dash Double-DIN DVD AV Receiver with iPod/iPhone Control Review

Pioneer AVH-P2300DVD 5.8" In-Dash Double-DIN DVD AV Receiver with iPod/iPhone Control Feature
- Double-DIN AM/FM radio, DVD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, VCD, MP3/WMA/AAC, JPEG, DivX receiver
- MOSFET 50 Watts x 4 peak power with two 2V RCA preamp outputs for system expansion
- 5.8-inch touchscreen display with widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio and WQVGA (480x240) pixel resolution
- Connectivity includes direct iPod control, playback from USB devices, auxiliary input
- Ready for Satellite/HD Radio, Bluetooth adapter, GPS navigation system, rear-view camera
Pioneer's 2011 AV receivers make entertainment easier, and the AVH-P2300DVD is no exception. The first thing you'll notice is the 5.8-inch widescreen touch display, along with a touchscreen interface Pioneer has tweaked to perfection. Customize things to your preference, and enjoy access to your favorite DVDs and CDs, or USB thumb drives full of your favorite files. You'll get direct control of your iPod or iPhone, and Pioneer's Advanced Sound Retriever to put some life back into those compressed audio files. And when it's time to grow, the AVH-P2300DVD is ready: add GPS navigation, satellite radio, hands-free Bluetooth calling, and more with Pioneer add-on devices.  A versatile touchscreen DVD receiver with wide media support. Click here for a larger image Fun, Customizeable InterfaceImproved InterfaceThe AVH-P2300DVD features a fun and convenient touch user interface that's a breeze to navigate. Naturally tap, swipe, or drag for intuitive controls. A new user interface makes direct operation stress-free by eliminating complicated layered selection displays, so access to desired functions is smoother and simpler than ever. You can also choose between Full Operation Mode for more control, or a stripped-down Simple Mode with just the basics. Direct Source SelectionSwitch to another source simply by touching a desired source icon. You can access another targeted source instantly without defaulting back to the menu display. Make It Your OwnVarious customization and digital photo frame functions also make it easy to set up your receiver to your aesthetic preferences. Select among five (Blue/Red/Amber/Green/Violet) colors for the display and 112 different colors to match receiver illumination to the dash. With Dual Decode, the receiver can display JPEG images while it plays music from your USB device. With one touch of the Capture button, you can save a favorite JPEG image as a wallpaper to the receiver. You can customize controls too, creating shortcuts to access frequently used features in the menu display.  Brilliant 5.8-inch widescreen display.  Naturally tap, swipe, or drag for intuitive controls. See the Big PictureThe AVH-P2300DVD boasts a brilliant 5.8-inch widescreen color touchscreen display, for easy navigation of features and a serious foundation for your entertainment. Connectivity and VersatilityVersatile Media PlaybackPlay back your favorite CDs and DVDs, along with various digital files: MP3/WMA/AAC audio, DivX/DVD/VCD video, and JPEG images. USB PortConnect a USB thumb drive loaded with files, and enjoy playback of files from your digital library. iPod Direct ControlConnect your iPod/iPhone and enjoy music directly from your device, with complete control of unit functions right from the receiver. If you'd prefer, switch over to "application mode" to control from the iPod/iPhone itself.  Above--sound quality deterioration from compressed audio files. Pioneer's Advanced Sound Retriever restores detail, warmth, and clarity. Audio/Video PerformanceAdvanced Sound RetreiverHear the detail, warmth, and clarity that the artist originally wanted you to hear from compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files stored on disc, USB device, iPod/iPhone, and portable media players. Pioneer's Advanced Sound Retriever technology restores data (especially high-frequency data) that tends to get lost in the digital compression process. Five-Band EQWith Pioneer's five-band graphic equalizer, you can customize the equalization levels to best match the acoustics of your car. MOSFET AmplificationThe AVH-P2300DVD cranks out 4 channels of 50 Watts with efficient MOSFET amplification, and offers two 2V RCA preamp outputs for growing your system. Room to GrowThe AVH-P2300DVD gives you a great featureset to begin with, but it's ready to expand to suit your needs. You can add Bluetooth hands-free calling, GPS navigation, satellite radio, HD radio, and a rear-view camera in a snap. Start out big, go bigger. What's in the BoxPioneer AVH-P2300DVD 5.8" In-Dash Double-DIN DVD AV Receiver, Remote Control, Trim Ring, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, Documentation
Pioneer 2011 A/V Receiver Comparison| | DIN Size | Display | Preamp Outputs | Disc Formats | SD/SDHC Memory Card Slot | USB Interface | USBControl for iPod & iPhone | App Mode | Digital Formats | AUX Input (Mini-Jack) | Dual Zone A/V | Advanced Sound Retriever | Auto EQ (Requires CD-M20) | Bluetooth (HFP) | Back-Up Camera Ready | Pandora Ready | | AVH-P6300BT | 1-DIN | 7-Inch | 3 (4 V) | DVD/CD | Built-In | Front | | | DivX, MP3, WMA, AAC | Front | | | | Built-In | | | | AVH-P4300DVD | 2-DIN | 7-Inch | 3 (4 V) | DVD/CD | Built-In | Rear | | | DivX, MP3, WMA, AAC | Rear | | | | Ready (Add CD-BTB200) | | | | AVH-P3300BT | 2-DIN | 5.8-Inch | 3 (4 V) | DVD/CD | Built-In | Front | | | DivX, MP3, WMA, AAC | Front | | | | Built-In | | | | AVH-P2300DVD | 2-DIN | 5.8-Inch | 2 (2V) | DVD/CD | | Front | | | DivX, MP3, WMA, AAC | Front | | | | Ready (Add CD-BTB200) | | | | MVH-P8300BT | 1-DIN | 3-Inch | 3 (4 V) | | Built-In | Front | | | DivX, MP3, WMA, AAC | Front | | | | Built-In | | | | MVH-P7300 | 1-DIN | 3-Inch | 3 (4 V) | | Built-In | Front | | | DivX, MP3, WMA, AAC | Front | | | | Ready (Add CD-BTB200) | | |
Pioneer AVH-P2300DVD Double Din DVD / CD with 5.8” Touch Screen LCD Display, MP3 / WMA / AAC Playback, iPod/iPhone Audio Video via USB, 2 Pair RCA Preouts and Navigation Option.
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