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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

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

Tube Amps VS. Solid State: Guitar 101

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Every industry leader in guitar manufacturing uses either solid-state technology, vacuum tube technology, or a blend of both to build amps. Some amps feature integrated digital technology to reproduce the sound of different amps, which can be solid-state or tube. Selecting the best amp for your guitar? It can get pretty confusing. We’ve done the research on Tube Amps VS. Solid State to let help you.

There are a few interchangeable terms you should be familiar with. When discussing tubers, the term “valve” might also appear, especially if British amplifiers such as Vox or Marshall is concerned. There is virtually no difference between valves and tubes.

The important thing here is differentiating between a tube amp and a solid-state amp. Let’s take a look.

A Glimpse into the History of Guitar Amplifiers

Tubes have been used in music since Thomas Edison lived. Before the World War II, tubes were an indispensable part of the design of electronic amplifiers. This included telephone, radio, and early television technology.

Transistor technology was invented in the late ‘40s, and over the next thirty years, most of the tube-dependent systems made the transition to transistors.

Interestingly enough, guitar amplifiers are a rare case where the old is better than the new. Meaning tubes continue to be a better option than transistors.

Tube Amps VS. Solid State: Differences Between Tube Amps and Solid State

Tube Amps VS. Solid State: Guitar 101
Photo by: Hoai Qua

Tube amps came first. They are driven by voltage whereas a solid-state amp uses current across the output devices to function. Voltage cannot drive a speaker by itself, thus the need for output transformers. The majority of stereo tube amps feature three big, heavy objects, generally at the back. Those are two output transformers and a power transformer (one for each specific channel) that transform the voltage to current.

Generally, a solid-state amp includes a single power transformer but no output transformer. With that said, a tube and a solid-state output transistor achieve the same targets. Here, the difference is that one does it encapsulated in silicone with current while the other performs it from a glass vacuum using voltage.

Time for the big question. Do they sound different? They do. However, some solid-state amps have a strong tube-like sound and some companies will intentionally make their tube amps produce a more solid-state sound (for power).

In comparison to a tube amp, a solid-state amp requires lesser maintenance and upkeep.

Returning to the sound, we would like to mention that tube amps do feature a controlled and sound bass. There’s a popular myth that they can’t and this is far from the truth. Like with any other product, everything has its distinct color and voicing. What are the general benefits of each?

Photo by: Fabian Krause / EyeEm

Tubes have greater texture and more realism in the instruments and vocals, a rich midrange; a larger sense of bloom, if you would. Solid-state amps offer more watts for each dollar, better detail, and faster sound. Keep in mind that these are all generalizations.

If your system is somewhat fatiguing or harsh, chances are, you would love having a tube amp. If the system is sluggish, flat, or sounds too soft, on the other hand, a high-quality solid-state amp could save it. One other important factor is speaker load. Although rarer in today’s market, some speakers need a super low impedance driving capacity plus tons of power. Under these circumstances, you would be better off with a solid-state amp.

Alternatively, if the speakers are of standard efficiency and have an average impedance curve, get a tube amp to elevate your audio system.

Tube Amps VS. Solid State Amp: Which One Is Better for You?

When you’re trying to fix on one, consider your requirements. You should be realistic – practical about your priorities. We understand that it’s easy to get swayed by seeing your favorite guitar use one or seeing people give their opinion in forums, but in the end, your tone comes from you. Here’s the bitter truth: A lot of the times, the “aura” resonating off a particular amplifier is nothing more than the hype built around it. They could simply be overrated.

In this case, you have to let your wallet make the decision. Unless you have some extra cash you can splurge on a top-notch amp, you could get a budget option that works fine. For young players who are still getting into the industry, beginner-friendly affordable options are lifesavers.

Some other considerations that may help you make the decision:

A Tube Amp Is the Way to Go When:

  • You can perform the upkeep: Tubes are tricky to handle. These are simply filaments like light bulbs, which also means that they can cause signal or noise loss or burn out.
  • You think it will add value to your playing sessions
  • Tube tone is what you were looking for.
  • It’s within your budget.

Go for the Solid-State Amp If:

  • You don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket by buying an amp.
  • You’re a garage or bedroom hobby player.
  • You need a dependable rig as a gigging musician.
  • You’ve tried tube amps but the solid-state amp calls to you.

The Final Verdict

To us, tube amps reign superior. But then again, this is our perception.

There is an entire community of hobby players who wouldn’t trade their solid-state amps for anything. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

You can find a few great tube amp options with great price tags on the market today, so you’re not essentially going to go bankrupt to get the perfect tube tone. When it comes to gear for your guitar, it’s best to do what makes you happy. Different players are accustomed to different kind of amps, and they know how to create excellent sound from every kind of gear. What we’re saying is that you can go against the grain and create something beautiful out of it if you wanted to.

Hopefully, you now have a clear idea about Tube Amps VS. Solid State . Figure out your needs and go ahead with that.

You can also read: Apple AirPods: Answering Calls and Making Them