iZotope Technology Embedded Into Blue Microphones Tiki

iZotope’s Adaptive Noise Reduction and Keyboard Click Reduction improve online communication.

Cambridge, MA (October 26, 2012) – iZotope, Inc., a leading innovator in digital audio signal processing, has partnered with Blue Microphones to develop Tiki, the world's first USB microphone that mimics the intelligence of human hearing. Tiki's Intelligent Speech Mode distinguishes itself with its ability to focus on desired sounds, minimize background noise, and intelligently detect when to mute altogether. Complemented by a Natural Recording Mode for high-fidelity audio recording, Tiki's two modes give any Skype user, podcaster or musician the versatility to quickly choose the best option in any situation.

For Tiki's Intelligent Speech Mode, iZotope adapted their award-winning Adaptive Noise Reduction (ANR) and Keyboard Click Reduction (KCR) technologies onto a low-cost Blackfin® DSP chip, manufactured by Analog Devices.

"We admire Blue's drive and ambition to take microphone technology to the next level so that modern communication can be more enjoyable," says Alex Westner, Director of Business Development for iZotope. "The Tiki is breaking new ground and iZotope is proud to be a part of this mission."

iZotope's ANR is based on the simple premise that speech and music are highly variant over a short period of time, while background noise is persistent and changes slowly. Using a sophisticated spectral processing technique, ANR can quickly identify and surgically subtract the "noiseprint" from the incoming audio signal without degrading the quality of the desired speech or music.

iZotope's KCR, however, is based on the inverse – keyboard click sounds are extremely short and transitory. As a form of noise, they tend to span the entire frequency spectrum. While ANR performs its sonic surgery over a long period of time, KCR operates only in short slices of time, ensuring that the speech or music you want to hear won't be interrupted.

"As we increasingly rely on our computers for online calls, both for work and for fun, it becomes obvious how easily background noise and poor intelligibility can ruin your conversation. That's why we are excited to release Tiki, designed with noise-canceling technology never before used in a microphone.Tiki is the simplest way to ensure that your message–not your surroundings–is delivered loud and clear," says Brian Biggott, CTO of Blue Microphones.

Pricing and Availability:

• The Blue Tiki is now available in the US for $59 USD.
• To learn more, visit www.bluemic.com/tiki.

Blue Microphones

Blue Microphones designs and produces an extensive line of award-winning microphones and recording tools for audio professionals, musicians and consumers. Founded in 1995, and headquartered in Southern California, Blue continues a lengthy tradition of innovative, cutting-edge design and astounding performance. Named one of the fastest-growing companies by Inc. Magazine in both 2011 and 2010, Blue offers a range of recording tools for almost any application in both professional and consumer markets. From Blue's flagship recording tool, the Bottle, to the enCORE line of professional live mics, to Mikey iPhone mic, Blue has just the tool to capture your creativity. Check out the complete range of Blue products at www.bluemic.com.

About iZotope

iZotope makes innovative products that inspire and enable people to be creative. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, iZotope has spent over a decade developing award-winning products and audio technologies for professionals and hobbyists alike. Used by millions of people in over 50 countries, iZotope products are a core component of GRAMMY-winning music studios, Oscar and Emmy-winning film and TV post production studios, and prominent radio studios, as well as basement and bedroom studios across the globe. Through a robust licensing program, iZotope also powers products made by industry partners such as Adobe, Avid, Microsoft, and Sony. iZotope was recently honored with an Emmy® Award for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering Development for its flagship audio repair suite, RX®.

For more information on iZotope products, visit www.izotope.com.

Media Contact

press@izotope.com