LAS VEGAS -- Popular microphone maker Blue showed off an updated version of its Mikey microphone for the Apple's iPod, and its new Yeti USB-based mic during CES 2010. The Mikey lets iPod touch and iPod nano users record higher quality audio, and the Yeti records THX certified audio into your Mac without extra input hardware.

The second generation version of the Mikey offers improved audio quality over the original version, and includes dual Blue capsules for stereo recording, a 3.5mm line input for recording additional audio sources, a 230 degree rotating dock port connector hinge, and a headphone extension cable. It connects to your computer via USB for audio downloading and can charge your iPod at the same time.

The updated Blue Mikey

"We're waiting for Apple to finish the Mikey's iPhone certification right now," Blue's Hillary Money told The Mac Observer. Once the certification process is completed, Blue can officially say the Mikey is iPhone compatible.

Along with the new Mikey, Blue will be offering a free iPhone and iPod touch app called Blue FiRe. The app will give users on-screen controls for managing the mic's settings.

BlueFiRe is free and available via Apple's iTunes-based App Store.

The Yeti falls in Blue's consumer product line, but the company claims it offers professional-level recording quality. It connects to your Mac via USB, so XLR breakout boxes aren't needed, and it's the company's first USB mic to include a triple capsule version of Blue's high-end condenser capsules.

Blue's Yeti USB mic

The microphone includes a built-in mic stand, headphone monitor port, a built-in mute option, and has gone through the complete THX audio certification process.

The new version of the Mikey is priced at US$99.99 and will be available in the spring. The Yeti is available now and costs $149.99.