Once upon a time, the name “Blue” was indelibly linked to the realm of consumer podcasting. But now, with a new wave of players entering the market, the powerful brand is slowly fading from the spotlight, as it is phased out and ultimately replaced. For years, Blue had an impressive hold on the podcast mic market, its microphones being used by a wide array of consumers and creatives alike. But now the winds of change are blowing and Blue must face a new competitive landscape.
1. The Unsurprising End of Blue Microphones
The Decline of Blue Microphones
It was only a matter of time before Blue Microphones was driven out of business. It was a classic example of a company with big dreams, but lacking the resources to make them come true. The audience Blue Microphones tried to target was too small, sales never took off and the company just kept getting passed by.
The company’s attempt to create a range of high-end microphones and recording equipment had a few people excited, but not enough to make it profitable. In the end, they could not sell enough units to cover the costs of production, and as such had to shut down.
List of Poor Decisions
- Expanding too fast in too many markets
- Failed to tailor products to the market
- Inaccurate projections of market size
- Lack of awareness and marketing support
The lack of an effective marketing strategy to get the word out about their products, combined with their inability to make an efficient production process, made Blue Microphones financially unsustainable. This, coupled with the fact that their products weren’t compelling enough to convince potential buyers, led to the business’s ultimate demise.
2. Once the Podcast Queen, What Happened to Blue?
Blue used to be the go-to podcast mix-master—spinning tunes and taking listeners to a place of musical enchantment and discovery. But shortly after attaining podcast royalty status, something strange started to happen.
Strange Behaviors
- Blue’s interest in podcasting waned; she began taking unusually long lengthy absences.
- When present, Blue was strangely quiet; no longer providing her signature snippets of interesting music-related trivia.
- Blue started streaming live shows with a distinct style—the opposite of her podcasting vibe.
Listeners wondered: Where has the queen gone, and why are her musical tastes so different? Blue’s disappearance and new style left many of her listeners confused, and a bit sad—missing the podcasting queen of their world. But that was then, and something altogether new is taking shape now.’
3. The Evolution of Consumer Audio Recording
Consumer audio recording technology has changed drastically over the past few decades. From bulky analog machines to light and accessible digital devices, a range of options is now available for aspiring music producers of any level.
Music recording technology producers have come up with innovative solutions to make recording easier and more efficient. Smartphones, for instance, are now some of the most popular devices to record sound. Their portability, relatively large storage and powerful onboard processors give them an advantage when compared to other forms of recording equipment.
- Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) provide access to a huge array of recording, mixing and mastering capabilities.
- Pocket-sized recorders make it easy to capture audio anywhere.
- Multi-effects processors allow for customizing sounds.
The increasing availability of free and affordable audio recording tools has reduced the entry barrier and made it possible to produce high-quality recordings from a personal computer. By combining quality components with broadcast-level digital audio processors, today’s recording studios are capable of recording and mixing complete music productions on laptops.
4. Plummeting Demand for Blue
It seems the blue coloring everybody has been wearing is finally crashing out of style. What may have been the most sought after color of past summers is now hard to find in stores. Taking a closer look into why blue is no longer searched for, here are 4 conclusions:
- Consumers moving towards warmer colors. Increasing popularity of colors such as yellow, green, and earthy shades signal a noticeable trend. Consumers are increasingly seeking out warmer colors as the prime choice of the season.
- Blue has gone out of fashion. Media and publications have also stopped promoting blue as their official ‘must-have’ color. With its lack of presence in the public eye, people have shifted their attention elsewhere.
- A strong dislike towards blue. Consumers are likely pulling away from blue due to its connotations of being cold and distant. Soft pastels of pink, lavender, and yellow may have taken hold as they’re more preferred for warmer, calmer vibes.
- Emergence of an unexpected color. Bright and daring tones have also gained traction. It could be that consumers have taken a liking to these unexpected colors due to their expressive and daring nature.
To say that blue is going out of style is no understatement. The temperature of the season is no longer blue, and carefree tones, lively pastels, and popping brights have taken its place. Now more than ever, it’s clear that these colors are the new mood.
5. A New King of Consumer Audio?
The audio industry is poised for a revolution. With new technology rapidly emerging, it’s only natural for headphones and speakers to take advantage of it. Around the world, emerging audio products bursting with innovative technology are claiming a crown for the old kings of sound.
From sound modes that adjust to your environment to smart listening options, these products are giving consumers unprecedented levels of control. Noise cancellation technology has been a mainstay of modern audio for years, but this new generation is leaving the old methods for dust. With features like real-time environmental tuning and linear phase design to optimize treble and bass, custom audio solutions are giving users the deepest sound experiences imaginable.
- Sleek and Compact Design
- High Resolution Audio Capabilities
- Multi-directional Audio
- Adaptive Audio Tuning
- Smartphone Integration
Whether you prefer in-ear buds or full sized sound systems, this advanced audio technology is giving users complete control over their sound experience. With features like these, a new king of consumer audio has arrived.
6. What the Decline of Blue Means for Consumers
The demise of blue is of particular concern to those in the fashion industry, but for consumers, the consequences are just as far-reaching. Here’s what consumers need to know about the decline of blue in the world of fashion.
- Fewer Colorful Options: With blue slowly fading away from clothing items, there are fewer options when it comes to creating vibrant and unique looks. Items that might have looked great in a sky blue now seem dull in teal or navy.
- Higher Prices: The decrease in supply of blue fabrics will inevitably lead to a rise in prices for consumers. It will also effect the cost of high quality blue clothing, making it increasingly difficult for people to find stylish items that fit their budget.
In addition, the decline of blue could signal the start of a greater trend, with other colors disappearing from the shelves. This means that consumers who love bold and unique looks may need to look elsewhere for the types of clothing they’ve come to love.
The end of an era – Blue is phasing out and taking with it a legacy of popular podcasts and talented artists. While the mic brand may be gone, the lasting impact of their products and contributions to the consumer podcast market will never be forgotten.