Best Microphones Critic

How to Make Your Blue Snowball Sound Better

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Is your blue snowball mic sounding quiet? Can’t get the perfect sound quality out of it? Do you want to know how to make your blue snowball sound better? Read our article!

 

Blue snowball mic is one of the best-rated mics you will find in the market. Due to its unique shape and advanced capsule technology it can deliver high-quality sound. It has multiple patterns and has a basic plug-in connection which makes it convenient to stream and record your music or conversations. Despite all its amazing features, you will get it at an affordable price. 

However, just like all other electronic gadgets people face problems in their blue snowball from time to time. It may be a jerk in the recording, or it may fail to pick up your voice and few other audio issues which may become a problem in the neck. To help you, we have listed down in our article all the ways how you can make blue snowball sound better. Check our article!

 

 

How to Make Your Blue Snowball Sound Better
Photo by : Old Time Music

 

How to make snowball pick up voice conversations better

Many of you may have faced problems with your snowball where it did not pick up conversations or audio properly. It also records audio halfway through and has a long pause till you hear your voice again. Sometimes the best way to solve these problems in your mic is by disabling all your audio devices and reconnecting your mic again.

Steps to disable your audio devices and reconnect your snowball

  • Disconnect your blue snowball mic from any USB cable that is connected to it.
  • Go to our start button, then click on the device manager.
  • Next, find the arrow situated next to the Audio input and output option and click on it. Right-click to disable your blue snowball mic by pressing on ‘disable device’ and restart your PC.
  • Do not activate previously disabled devices and connect your blue snowball to any of the USB jacks in your PC.
  • Try and record something, this should fix any glitches that were in your mic and help fix it. 

How to make your Blue snowball produce crystal clear quality sound

You will be needing two devices: VB audio Virtual cable and a VB audio ‘voicemeeter’ to make your snowball sound like a pro mic. After downloading both of them, install them. You might have to reboot your system to finalize your installation. Head over to your ‘voicemeeter’ software and click on hardware input. 

Select your blue snowball mic and click on it. You will also see the A1 button on top, click on it and select the VB audio virtual cable. Now as you speak you will notice the bars moving up and down in your ‘voicemeeter’ app. This indicates the ‘voicemeeter’ is working on your sound to improve it. Keep the ‘voicemeeter’ settings as default. On the top left, you will see a box with ‘fx echo’ written in the middle. You will also see an orange block. 

You can change the position of the orange block to change how your voice sound quality. If you want your recordings to sound like a podcast, or you want more bass in your sounds you can do that by changing the position of the orange block. Always make sure to record all your audio while keeping the ‘voicemeeter’ app on your screen. 

Prevent background noise and make your blue snowball sound better

If you are having troubles with background noises in your blue snowball user try setting your mics correctly and placing them close to your mouth. Sometimes the mics are far away from your mouth and do not capture your words clearly. Always choose between OMNI or CARDIOID option.

Also, use sound filters, they help to eliminate background noises and improves your recording’s quality. If you have tried all these, and yet background noises are still creating a problem then it’s time you use software to handle the problem.

Use Noise Cancelling Plugins and Software & Plugins

Noise cancelling software is developed specifically to eliminate background noises in recordings. They are highly efficient in getting even the slightest echo or wind noise out from your recordings. Adobe Audition is a great tool for reducing any background noise manually.

It comes with many plugins which effectively help to make your blue snowball sound better and clearer. Adaptive noise reduction, Automatic Phase correction, DeHummer, Automatic click remover is some of the best-reviewed plugins to improve sound quality in Adobe. 

ProTools is software to eliminate noises while your blue snowball records sound. It has multiple plugins and handy features to make your snowball’s recordings sound professional. However, it is a bit expensive compared to the others.

  1. L. Studios is the software musicians use to reduce background noise. Its amazing features and plugins helps record, edit, and mix sound much easily. You can record with your blue snowball and make it sound better.

Update your drivers

It is not always your blue snowball mic that is causing the problem; it can also be your driver’s. Try updating your drivers or reinstall them again on your PC. Try running a PC scan with your restore repair tool to find security problems.

After the scan is done your PC will automatically fix your damaged files and freshen up your devices. Always keep an eye on updates for your drivers. You can use Drivefix to install updates automatically for your drivers.

How to make your blue snowball sound louder?

Behind your blue snowball mic, you will notice a switch that says “omnidirection /cardioid” turn it on. You can also try going to your audio settings on your window’s Realtek settings to upgrade or enhance the mic boost to + 10/20Db. This should help to increase your mic’s volume.

Bottom Line

We recommend you record using the ‘voicemeeter’ software. If you want to make your blue snowball sound better and produce great sound there is no better way to do it. Always remember sound quality is important in laying an impression on people.

 

You can also read : How to Connect Multiple Microphones to One Input

How to Connect Multiple Microphones to One Input

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Having trouble connecting all your microphones to one USB input? Looking for the best way to connect multiple microphones to one input? Read our article!

If you need to record music you would need several microphone connections each connected to a different instrument to pick its sound. Podcasters or interviewers also need several microphones for their guests to record their conversations in a paneled discussion. There are many other situations in life where you will find the necessity of connecting multiple microphones to one input. 

How can you connect your microphones to one input in your computer?

Due to the lack of microphone input options in your device, especially your PC, which usually has only 1-2 inputs, you might find it difficult to work. To help you solve this problem we have come up with ways how you can connect multiple microphones to one input. Check our article and find out all the ways you can connect your mics to one jack. 

 

How to Connect Multiple Microphones to One Input
Photo by : My New Microphone

With USB Audio Interface

If you are looking for the most convenient way to connect multiple mics to your computer you need a USB audio interface. It is reasonable and get the job done smoothly. You need an audio interface that has multiple XLR inputs.

Connect all your mics to the XLR inputs and then connect the audio interface to your PC using a USB cable. After connecting all the mics you can simply use Audacity to edit and mix all the sound you receive from multiple mics.  

Three or Two 3.5 mm microphones to one 3.5 mm input 

To connect two or more 3.5mm cables a 3.5 mm splitter cable would be the best device for them. These splitter cables have 2-3 input sockets with a male output stereo jack. You can plug one or two mics on the right channel and the remaining one on the left channel. 

XLR mics to a USB input

XLR mics are mainly connected to USB inputs for a podcast. You need an audio interface device that has 2-3 XLR inputs, that is then connected to a USB cable to send your recordings and audio directly to your PC. This will provide you maximum flexibility to record without any complications. 

With Audio Mixer

An audio mixer is another essential device that helps people to connect many mics to one input. Audio mixer is very handy when it comes to hosting a podcast with many guests. However, an audio mixer is a bit more expensive that all the other devices that have been mentioned here previously.

As it the best intensive option for connecting multiple mics to any device and makes the task of operating them very smooth. Audio mixer allows people the freedom to connect the mixer to their iPad, Mac, laptop, DAW, or PC. You can also have no limitations to the number of guests you want to have in your podcast show. As a mixer will not compromise the sound quality received from each of the mics. 

If you think connecting multiple mics using an audio mixer to your computer would be complicated, you are mistaken. Rather it is very simple and easy. You need XLR cables to connect all the microphones to the audio mixer. Then connect the mixer using a USB cable to your PC or laptop. Few audio mixers allow people to have four to five channels for their microphones with an increased number of input options. 

Can a Y cable be used to plug microphones into a solo input?

Using a Y cable is the best practice for inserting two microphones to a single input. However, in many situations a Y cable manages to get the job done somehow. Although, it will cause ground loops, impedance mismatches, and buzzes which will cause interference and or ruin sound quality.

Y cables are not recommended for summer signals but used rather for splitting signals. A single Y cable can be used to feed a single stereo output on the mixer and divide two separate recording inputs.

What is a ‘Voicemeeter’?

Suppose you have all the pieces of equipments ready to connect multiple microphones to one single input in your computer. However, it will not work properly. You need specific software to make them all work. ‘Voicemeeter’ is the software you need to download to make all your mics work.  

Many of you have never heard of the ‘Voicemeeter’ software before, it is a free tool so you do not have to worry about additional charges. You can connect, link, and mix all the recordings you receive from your mics using it.

So for starters, you need to select the ‘voicemeeter’ as your input device and output tool in your audio hardware options. You do need to make sure that your mics are on the same volume level while they are recording conversations, otherwise editing will get a lot complicated. 

Steps to Connect Multiple USB Mics to one input using voicemeeter

  • First of all, you need to plug all your mics into an audio interference device then use a USB port to connect the device to your PC. 
  • Download the ‘Voicemeeter’ software and launch it in your PC. 
  • Your PC will locate all the separate USB mics automatically. 
  • If your PC muddles up the brand of all your mics, you may have to identify or set them apart manually.
  • Crosscheck the volume of each mic before recording
  • Use the ‘voicemeeter’ to record all your inputs in one single audio file. 

If you do not want to record all the recordings from different mics into one file but into separate tracks you need to download another app. ASIO4All has been developed for this purpose however, its configurations can get a little complicated for people to fully understand and operate.

Bottom Line

Now that you have read this article, you should know how to insert multiple microphones into one input. Recording with multiple mics are fun, but you need to know the right way and have the right devices to make it work.

 

You can also read : Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Under $100

How to Use a Mic in Overwatch

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Are you a gamer? Do you play Overwatch? Looking for ways on how to use a mic in Overwatch? Check our article to know all!

 

A question for all the gamers out there, have you ever played an online game without joining the voice chat? The moment you login into a game, you are placed in the voice chat channel automatically to communicate with other players. If you have played Overwatch before, you ought to know it is impractical to play the game without a mic. 

How to Add Mic in Overwatch

If you are competing or playing ranked battle you need a mic. Sometimes players face problems with their mic before starting the game, or in the middle of it. Some players even face the dilemma of using the mic properly in Overwatch. This article is all about how to use a mic in Overwatch. Read this article to know more.

A common problem most players face whenever they disabled the integrated mic their voice chat does not work. External mics are also not recognized by Overwatch. You can fix this problem, by right-clicking on the volume symbol located on the bottom of your windows bar.

Next, click on recording devices then set your external microphone as main or default mic and also as the mic for default communication. After this, you can just plug in your mic and play Overwatch without problems in voice chat.

And you can also go to your ‘Control panel’ and then select ‘sound’. You will see green mark under the recording tab next to ‘Microphone Realtek High Definition Audio’. Click on it and choose properties.

On the bottom right section, you will notice the ‘Levels’ option. Press on it and raise the volume of your microphone high. This should allow you to use your mic on Overwatch and listen to player’s conversations in the game. Check micro before starting

 

 

How to Use a Mic in Overwatch
Photo by : Amazon Ca

 

While playing Overwatch make sure your microphone is plugged in properly. It should not be loosely plugged. Your external mic set as default should also not be muted. Also, check if your headphones are connected too.

Reasons Microphones may fail to work while playing Overwatch – How to Use a Mic in Overwatch

Many of us find our microphones are working files with all the other applications but not while playing Overwatch. This does not mean that you need to change you microphones, but rather fix a few settings. There are three main problems which may prevent you to use mic in Overwatch.

Sometimes the sound settings in Overwatch might not be configured for your device. This is one of the prime reasons why you might not be able to use your mic in voice chat channels in Overwatch.

Your PC’s windows sound system can also be a problem. Due to the privacy option in your windows setting, it can stop your external mic’s access while playing Overwatch. You need to head over to the settings and fix the issue manually.

  1. Fix your Overwatch in-game settings – How to Use a Mic in Overwatch

A problem within the audio settings is a common issue people face while playing Overwatch. If you change the settings you can start using your mic immediately and get access over voice control channel while playing. Follow these steps to fix your in-game settings.

  • First of all, open Overwatch and go to the ‘Options’ tab and click on ‘Sound’
  • Raise your microphone’s sound and speaker’s volume to a high level.
  • Put both ‘Group Voice Chat’ and “Team Voice chat’ options to ‘Auto Join’.
  • Select the right devices for voice chat devices. 
  • Check if your ‘Voice chat’ is set to “push to talk’. If so then you need to change the keybind and change ‘Push to talk’ to another key in the ‘controls’ menu. 
  • Now join the ‘voice chat’ and test whether your mic is working fine or not.

2.Fix your PC’s auto driver to use a mic in Overwatch – How to Use a Mic in Overwatch

If you have tried the previous method and your microphone is still not working in Overwatch then this means you need to make few further changes. You need to do a little more in-depth investigation of the real problem behind your mic. 

You need to start with some of the basic facts regarding mics. Check if your microphone is compatible with your windows. Most microphones fail to work properly especially when your windows 10 gets a new update.

The problem can also lie in your PC’s driver system. Your driver can also be out of date. You can try searching for the right auto driver and install it. You can use Auslogics Driver Update to improve and fix your driver 

What if ‘Push to Talk’ button stops working? – How to Use a Mic in Overwatch

Even after you get your mic set and all ready to use in Overwatch, if your ‘Push to talk’ button does not work your will have no luck communicating with the others in the game

Try restarting your PC – How to Use a Mic in Overwatch

Sometimes certain bugs or clinches are the root of the problem. Never underestimate the healing powers of your PC’s restart button. Try restarting or rebooting your pc. Restarting you pc should help fix the problem.  

Try installing the latest patch for your game – How to Use a Mic in Overwatch

Patches help players fix problems such as minor errors or help to get rid of bugs in their game. The developers of Overwatch hence release regular patches for their players to help them roll out all problems and play Overwatch smoothly. Check for a new patch that can fix your adjustability with mic and audio issues.

Check Blizzard battle.net app. You can access this page from the ‘options’ settings in your game, then click on ‘patch notes’. Select and install patches. Start the game again and hopefully you will find that your ‘push to talk’ button will start working again.

Bottom Line

Now that you have read this article, you should know how to use your mic on Overwatch. A mic is one of the most essential things needed for playing this game. Hope you have a great time playing Overwatch with your friends online.

 

You can also read : How to Reduce Echo in Your Audition

On-ear vs. Over-ear Headphones

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Are you looking for good headphones? Can’t decide whether to buy on-ear or over headphones? Want to know both their pros and cons? Read this article!

 

When was the first time you started wearing headphones? Ever since we were children headphones were the cool gadgets we wanted to have. We could listen to music on them all day long, hand them around our necks while traveling. We did not care much about On-ear vs. Over-ear Headphones . 

As we grew up we started noticing the difference between them. The sound quality, appearance, one fully covered the ears and the other was on top of it. Some of us started preferring on-ear ones, while others preferred over-ear ones. If you are having a tough time choosing which one to get, read our article on on-ear vs. over-ear headphones.

 

On-ear vs. Over-ear Headphones
Photo by : Eartrons

 

Substantial differences between On-ear Vs. Over-ear headphones – On-ear vs. Over-ear Headphones

As you know on-ear headphones will sit on your ears, and are smaller and lighter. They are easy to carry and pack inside your bag. Their ambient noise levels are limited and people stated that they find it easier to carry or wear it while walking on the streets.

Among all the other headphone types, on-ear headphones are the most popular type of headphones. However, on-ear headphones allow sound to reach directly into your ears. This can be a problem for people who tend to wear headphones all day, as they can get headaches or feel a sharp jolt in their ears now and then. 

On the other hand, over-ear headphones cover your entire ear and produce low ambient noise. This is pleasant in crowded environments such as bus stations, public transport, and so on.

However, due to their size you will find it difficult to carry them around in your bag or stuff them inside your coat. Over-ear headphones do not send sound directly inside your ears. You will find them satisfying, their sound quality pleasant, and you can wear them all day long. 

  

Technical differences between On-ear vs. over-ear Headphones

Noise Insulation – On-ear vs. Over-ear Headphones

On-ear: Noise insulation refers to how well a headphone can prevent sound from leaking in and out of the ear pads. While listening to music you would not want your music to escape into your surroundings and cause noise pollution.

Nor would you want sound from the environment to reach your ears. The ability of your on-ear headphones to cancel external sound varies from brand to brand. Some brands have great noise cancellation features. 

Although most on-ear headphones do not come with actively tailored noise isolation features. You will find many on-ear headphones designed in a curved manner to make them reject external noise. Budget is a factor, if you want active noise cancellation features in-built you will have to go for a good brand with a higher price.

If you opt to settle for a basic on-ear headset and are simply looking for headphones to wear while working near a factory with loud machinery, or near a heavily crowded place, on-ear headphones would not be a perfect choice.

Over-ear: However, over-ear headphones are designed to cancel out external noise. Most of the over-ear headphones come with an active noise cancellation system which helps them to reject all noise from the background environment.

This samples the air with additional pair of microphones and uses it to play-back the sound out. The waveform is inverted and removes all the background noise leaving the listeners with crystal clear high definition audio. These are a great pair if you want to wear them at any crowded place. 

Comfortability – On-ear vs. Over-ear Headphones

On-ear: On-ear headphones do not cause sweating as much as over-ear ones. As a result, they do not irritate your ears or cause your headphones to slip out. Their ear pads are made with soft leather, faux leather, or synthetic components and materials that do not harm your ears.

They are light and flexible and you can re-adjust their position over your ears however you like. Velour earpads are very popular, they are spongy, has a nice texture, and soft. On-ear headphones with velour earpads allow them to worn for long hours. 

Over-ear: You may find over-ear headphones to be very comfortable or highly uncomfortable, it all depends on you. If you prefer headphones that will completely cover your ears and transmit sound all over and not directly into your ear you will prefer these.

Most over-ear headphones come with thick padded earplugs and headband and balance its weight on top of your head evenly. Although, their fully cupped pads may make your ears sweaty and cause the pads to slip away.

In terms of material quality and texture, you do not have to compromise. Over-ear headphones are a bit more expensive than on-ear ones and so do not compromise its appearance, material, and user comfortability over budget. You will find them flexible with adjustable headbands. 

Sound Quality – On-ear vs. Over-ear Headphones

Sound quality is also limited by your budget for both on-ear and over-ear headphones. You will have to extend your budget if you are looking for on-ear headphones that have amazing sound, deep bass and other features. On average, both types have decent sound, satisfactory bass levels, and you can enjoy them regularly without any major interruptions.

Although, they do range from basic models to the most sophisticated quality. The sound quality varies along with you brand and budget for your headphones. High-quality audiophile headsets have high range frequency, and ultra-high fidelity sound quality.

Battery life – 

Over-ear headphones require more battery life as some of their features require higher power. Most on-ear headphones have a battery life of 23-30 hours, while over-ear headphones last 15-20 hours.

However, battery life also depends on daily usage and for how long you charge them. Wireless headphones have a shorter battery, whereas, wired ones do not require any charging. Although headphone batteries lose lifespan as a crystalline layer accumulates inside it slowly especially due to overcharging,

Bottom Line

Hope you got a clear idea from our on-ear vs. over-ear headphones from our article. Get the best one for you and enjoy music at your heart’s content.

 

You can also read : Mic Picking Up Headphone Sound: Most Effective Solution

Mic Picking Up Headphone Sound: Most Effective Solution

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Can others listen to everything you hear from your mic in your online meeting? Is your mic picking up your headphone sound? Check this article!

While attending a zoom meeting or a lecture online suddenly you hear your headphone audio is echoing your mics sound. Soon you realize everyone else is hearing the same echo as your mic is picking up all the sound that goes through your headphone. You quickly disconnect your mic so that your mic does not cause a problem anymore. 

These problems are quite common, especially when everything is online, we are heavily dependent on our mics and headphones. Do get annoyed, you are not the only one facing this problem! If you want to fix your mic and prevent your mic from picking up headphone sound then read our article! We have stated all the ways how you can solve it.

 

Mic Picking Up Headphone Sound: Most Effective Solution
Photo by : My New Microphone

What is Microphonics? – Mic Picking Up Headphone Sound: Most Effective Solution

This phenomenon where the mic pickups up your headphone’s sound is called microphonics. Microphonics or microphony does not limit to headphones only, but also other electrical devices too.

During microphonics few components in the headphone or other electrical device convert all the mechanical vibrations into an electrical noise or signal that is undesirable and echoes. 

Why does it happen in microphones? – Mic Picking Up Headphone Sound: Most Effective Solution

Most electrical devices contain few vacuum tubes. This is where its problem in design lied in microphones. The vacuum tubes in an electrical device allow charged elements to vibrate mechanically through it. It also helps charged particles to change the distance between their elements.

This allows charges to flow through the tube in a way that is identical to a microphone’s capacitor. Any system that is susceptible to microphony can receive audio feedback and can echo if bumped against any object or gets jarred. To solve these problem microphone manufacturers constructed vacuum tubes out of thicker internal support systems and insulating plates.

Also, rubber grommets were used to shock-mount tube sockets from the vibrations by placing them in screw holes and isolating them. Despite all these, some microphones still face microphony.

This may be because the piece on your headphone that holds onto the mic receives vibrations from the entire headphone set. This can also be due to cheap headset cables that are connected to a microphone. 

How to fix mic picking up headphone sound? – Mic Picking Up Headphone Sound: Most Effective Solution

Start your computer or laptop and go to your taskbar. You will find a sound icon somewhere on your taskbar’s right side. Right-click on it. Your get few options among them click on ‘sounds’. Next you have to go to the ‘playback’ tab. There you will find an icon that says ‘headset device’.

Next, right-click again on the headset icon and then choose properties. You will see a ‘levels’ tab on your screen. Use your mouse to slide the icon that indicates your microphone and take it to the 0 bar. This should prevent your mic from picking up any further headphone sound. 

If your problem still exists, go to the taskbar’s sound icon again and click on sounds. Instead of the ‘playback’ option click on the ‘recording’ tab this time. Then use your mouse to slide all the slides down that do not contain options for the microphone.  

Try Uninstalling your Drivers – Mic Picking Up Headphone Sound: Most Effective Solution

In many cases, your drivers are the reason behind this microphony effect. You can try uninstalling your drivers from your computer and see if it fixes the problem of your mic picking up headphone sound. For that you have to press windows and R together to open the Run prompt.

Type “Devmgmt.msc” in your run prompt and press enter. Then double click on the “sound, video and game controllers” and then press right-lcik on the sound driver. Finally, you have to press on the “uninstall” icon. Check if your mic is still picking up sound this should solve your problem.

Alternative approaches to fix the microphony effect from your mic on your headphones – Mic Picking Up Headphone Sound: Most Effective Solution

  • Turn the Dolby sound off on your computer
  • Most mics have cross-talking or grounding issues which cause channels to leak into each other, replacing the mic is the best solution for this.
  • Connect your mic or your headphones using a different USB port as USB ports in windows desktop can cause a microphony effect.
  • You can also try connecting the headset and your mic cable in your computer as far apart from each other as possible. If your mic’s cable is long try connecting it from the back USB portal on your CPU.
  • Sometimes the problem occurs due to a minor effect. The wires of the mic and headphone get tangled and cause an echoing effect. Try separating the wires and do not allow them to run parallel.
  • You can also check if the settings on your audio echo manager from your headphone audio manager settings on your pc.
  • You can also lower your mic’s sensitivity
  • You can also switch to a headphone set that has been audio isolation features.

Discord picks up game audio from your headphones

Some users only face this dilemma while using discord. Discord app and software both use the microphone as the input source to send your audio to all users in the channel. This is what makes the app beneficial but however, it also has its drawbacks.

Discord also picks up your voice along with the game audio and sends it to your headset and also to the other users. You try solving this problem by disabling the “stereo mix” option in your setting. It primarily sends input sound as output. You need to disable this option both from Window’s and Discord’s sound settings. 

Start by right-clicking on the “Volume” option on the taskbar, then select “Sound”. There you will find “Recording” bar, click on it and select “stereo mix” then press disable.  Now go to the discord software and then press on “user settings” from the “voice and video settings” select headset as “output device” and mic as “input device”.

Bottom Line

If your microphone is cheap, you should know that the cable is the reason for this interference. Hope you can solve your mic from picking up your headphone sound now. All the best, hope you manage to get this problem sorted out soon.

 

You can also read : On-ear vs. Over-ear Headphones