Blackstar Polar Go

Gear
1

Anyone else tried the fairly new Blackstar Polar Go?

I got one for Father’s Day which was a few weeks ago in Australia. After some intial issues with video recording in the app, Blackstar got me to test a fix which seems to have resolved it. Note: recording with video also worked on the default camera app on my Pixel 7.

It’s quite a handy device to have for quick video recording with direct input from your guitar or bass. The unit itself doesn’t have any simulation for the guitar/bass so I’m using my Mooer Prime P1 in between. This gives a decent quality sound on your video recordings without the need to sync the audio and video afterwards.

As an added bonus, you can have the onboard mic on the Go record your voice whilst you play and the sound quality is pretty good.

You can also use USB loopback and it will record whatever audio you have playing on your phone which could be an MP3/WAV file or streaming via Spotify or similar.

The other main way to record is to use the mic to also record your instrument via and amp or pick up the acoustic sound of drums.

The main reason I got it is to video record my practice more often for self-development, but I’ll also probably use it when recording for sharing.

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This is interesting. Very cool. Thanks @iDuncan

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This does look amazing. I am very interested in any reviews.

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I had a look at the link.
What exactly does it do?
Does it record or how manage your phone is recording?
I guess it has an input like a DI?

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It’s a very portable audio interface that works directly with mobile devices (or computers). It’s got a combination XLR and 1/4 inch input as well as left and right onboard mics.

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Isn’t it basically similar too the Zoom AMs 24, except for effects and the mics?

I am VERY happy with the Zoom AMS-24 … use it almost every day in the park. On any device I have…

For vocals I would use a real mic though.
For quick recordings of a @sundog-like gig I would get (at least) a Zoom H1essential (cause probably better mics … and 32bit float, so trouble setting up gain).

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I assume that you can plug in your instrument/ mic and use the camera app as well as Moises and record the cover without the need of video and audio sync in post.

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I’d say the mics are a significant part of the offering from the Blackstar.

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Yep. I tested with my guitar and had Spotify playing. It recorded both as well as the video and saved it as an MP4 ready to go, no further work needed.

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So it has a video recording app built-in?

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Yes, in the Polar Go app. I also got it to work with the default camera app by selecting external mic in the camera app settings.

I haven’t tested it extensively yet. I’m not sure it’s got an easy way to start/stop any loopback your including. I think you have to start the backing track etc, and then quickly change apps to start the camera recording.

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Ah, cool!

My current way is to record video with a Smartphone or a VideoCam and record audio via my notebook & Zoom AMS-24.
That’s more complicated of course…

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