Whether we are talking about instrumental or vocal, music is the way to do things. Now if we are talking audio-tech, one of the most dignified pieces of sound production is the microphone.
Whether you’re a singer, comedian, streamer or voice actor, a good microphone makes a massive impact on the output of your project. Now this is where the magic of the Snowball comes to play. Blue Microphones is a company that is famous for the top-notch quality of their microphones.
Even within their own line-up, the Snowball is constantly on the top 5 list. It is one of the, if not the best microphones today. So if you are planning on getting one then read on to know more about Blue Microphones – Snowball Review from an audiophile’s perspective.
Design and Quality
The Blue Microphones – Snowball has a unique design for a microphone but the materials used are top-notch. It is around mic that is the size of a regular tennis ball so that it can catch sound from all directions. It is also extremely light compared to the rest of the Blue Microphone products.
On the device, there is a control panel that allows you to tune the volume and switch between the various modes. Though there is no LED indicator on the device, the entire thing is controlled with a software driver. The controls are all analog. The default USB and XLR adapter is also top of the line.
The mic itself sports a full metal body and comes with a very sturdy stand. So you do not need a separate shock mount. There is a 3.5 jack on the mic for plugging in headphones.
Sound Quality
The Snowball is one of the most well appreciated microphones today. Though the use of USB microphones is not recommended as the 3.5 jack ones offer much higher quality, the Snowball is the perfect beginner grade microphone. It supports up to 16-bit and 40 kHz while recording.
The frequency is 40 Hz to 18 kHz. This can also withstand pressure up to 120dB. The built in DAC on the microphone supports headphones up to 114dB. Even better with a powerful headphone, it supports 15 Hz to 22 kHz. If the Snowball is powered with the XLR, then the quality noticeably goes up. The volume dimension of the Snowball is around 4425 cm3.
Performance
The Snowball pretty much gives the same output as it is listed on the charts. You can also use volume mixers and equalizers on the mic with the software. It can pick up the various frequencies of background noises and give a counter frequency to cancel those out.
It also picks up the various switchable patterns fluidly. If you are using XLR mode on the Snowball, then you will get higher sound quality than using it on the USB. But it is mostly used as a USB mic for convenience. The voice output is smooth and accurate. The sound is not blended and portrays everything separately. So it is pretty much perfect for recording any kind of acoustic music. As time goes on, the sound quality does not decrease even a bit.
Features
The Snowball is a fully analog mic with software controls. The supported audio resolution is about 16-bit and 192 kHz. The XLR connectors can be used on all sorts of studio gear to maximize your output. There are four different modes you can use the mic in. Stereo, bidirectional, omnidirectional and cardioid.
These modes are also impacted depending on the room. An echo filled room gives a completely separate output than a soundproof room. In both cases the mic prioritizes the voice output more than the rest of the noises. The volume controller ensures that your voice output is right at your disposal at all times.
The capsule design is crafted very carefully to make the sounds more accurate and full of detail. There is also a designated mute button to ensure that you can always cut of your voice at any point if necessary. The headphone jack ensures you can connect headphones with zero latency.
So you can edit music more accurately. The software also lets you use equalizers and volume mixers, which enables you to change the properties of your projects however you like. The capsule design ensures that the voice is captured will all of its properties and the clarity is pure.
Price: $60-$80
Pros
- The Snowball is one of a kind as it is extremely versatile. It is not restricted in USB only. You can use XLR as well as USB for better output. But it shines while being used as a USB mic
- Though the mic itself is fully analog, the settings are tuned so it can be used in both analog and digital modes. The digital control panel can be tuned as to the user’s preferences. So you can portray your voice however you want to.
- The entire build quality is premium. The body is mostly made of metal and a big portion is covered in carbon coating to give you better clarity in voice recordings.
- It supports both windows and mac so you can use it in any platform.
- The built in stand is sturdy enough to hold in the mic and prevent any sort of fall damage, so you don’t need to get any extra accessories along with it.
Cons
- It is only 44.1kHz/16 bit.
- Doesn’t have a pop filter to prevent pop noises.
- The price is much higher than similar products.
Conclusion
There you have it. Now you know pretty much everything there is to know about the Blue Microphones – Snowball Blue Microphone made the snowball with users’ convenience in mind. So you can be sure it will give you the best performance if you decide to get one. Hope this article was helpful!
You may also like to read: Blue Microphones – Yeti Pro Review.
Leave a Reply