Blackstar Polar Go

drofluf

https://i.postimg.cc/0jhVNGT2/Blackstar-Polar-Go.jpg

Blackstar say on their website "Polar Go is your all-in-one, pocket-sized stereo recording studio that lets you play, sing, and record with zero hassle." and it pretty much does what it says on the tin. 

Mine was delivered a couple of days ago and, notwithstanding my issues with GarageBand, was up and running almost immediately. 

The two onboard mics give great quality or you can plug in an external microphone or guitar via the combined XLR/jack socket - which can also provide 48v phantom power. It has its own battery or can take power from your phone. There's a companion app where you can manage levels, control reverb etc..

Very impressed with the quality of the sound. 

One minor criticism is that whilst they say it works with a magnetic phone mount, it doesn't work with MagSafe stands, it needs a base with a bigger magnet. But the optional stand does a great job. 

Overall it's ideal as a first venture into recording, if you want something portable or just want a quick take without the hassle of setting up stands and microphones. 

More detail here: https://blackstaramps.com/polargo/

EDIT And great value at £79

Danny1969

That looks really useful, good price too 

monquixote

Wow I was expecting it to be £200+

drofluf

To save everyone searching I added the price, £79, to my review.

menamestom

Seems an interesting product.  I was wondering why you would choose this over an Audient Evo or something in a world of seemingly unlimited interface choices, but on closer look it definitely offers something different with internal battery and microphones.  I can see it being very useful.

Danny1969

menamestom said:

Seems an interesting product.  I was wondering why you would choose this over an Audient Evo or something in a world of seemingly unlimited interface choices, but on closer look it definitely offers something different with internal battery and microphones.  I can see it being very useful.

That's what I though. If the built in mics are good then you can just connect it to a phone and have a truly mobile high quality stereo recording system in your pocket. 

drofluf

menamestom said:

Seems an interesting product.  I was wondering why you would choose this over an Audient Evo or something in a world of seemingly unlimited interface choices, but on closer look it definitely offers something different with internal battery and microphones.  I can see it being very useful.

To be honest I didn’t do any research; I saw it mentioned on another forum, thought look interesting and was worth a punt. 

It’s already made me do more recording because it’s quick and easy to set up. 

Gandalph

drofluf said:

https://i.postimg.cc/0jhVNGT2/Blackstar-Polar-Go.jpg

Blackstar say on their website "Polar Go is your all-in-one, pocket-sized stereo recording studio that lets you play, sing, and record with zero hassle." and it pretty much does what it says on the tin. 

Mine was delivered a couple of days ago and, notwithstanding my issues with GarageBand, was up and running almost immediately. 

The two onboard mics give great quality or you can plug in an external microphone or guitar via the combined XLR/jack socket - which can also provide 48v phantom power. It has its own battery or can take power from your phone. There's a companion app where you can manage levels, control reverb etc..

Very impressed with the quality of the sound. 

One minor criticism is that whilst they say it works with a magnetic phone mount, it doesn't work with MagSafe stands, it needs a base with a bigger magnet. But the optional stand does a great job. 

Overall it's ideal as a first venture into recording, if you want something portable or just want a quick take without the hassle of setting up stands and microphones. 

More detail here: https://blackstaramps.com/polargo/

EDIT And great value at £79

That's a great review! 

I'm still trying to decide between one of these or an apogee hypemic or mic plus.

All three seem like they'd do a great job for quick good quality recordings and making videos on the phone. 

drofluf

@Gandalph the Polar Go companion app will also record video. Have t tried it so can’t comment on the quality 

menamestom

drofluf said:

menamestom said:

Seems an interesting product.  I was wondering why you would choose this over an Audient Evo or something in a world of seemingly unlimited interface choices, but on closer look it definitely offers something different with internal battery and microphones.  I can see it being very useful.

To be honest I didn’t do any research; I saw it mentioned on another forum, thought look interesting and was worth a punt. 

It’s already made me do more recording because it’s quick and easy to set up. 

Looks great.  Phone mics are pretty good nowadays, but recording video you want the phone in a different position, this can be put at the mic location whilst the phone stays where it should be.  Plus it is tiny for chucking in a guitar case.

Also the battery, bus power works for USB C but it drains your phone battery, this would make sure you don’t have the additional drain.

Think I might pick one up…..