Best Microphones Critic

How to Make Your Blue Snowball Sound Better

Last Updated

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

Last Updated

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

Last Updated

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

How to Reduce Echo in Your Audition

Last Updated

Are you a recorder? Facing problems with echo in your recordings? Want to reduce echo in your audition? Check our article for your queries!

 

Echoes are big a problem faced mostly by beginner music recorders who use adobe audio for recording their music. No matter how smoothly you try to record your audio music you end up with echoes in your audition and end up recording your song over again.

We try shutting all your windows and doors, and making sure not to breathe at times, and do not allow anybody to walk past while recording, yet still, you end up with echoes in your audition. 

 

How to Reduce Echo in Your Audition
Photo by : Crumplepop

 

Why do echoes occur in your audition in the first place? – How to Reduce Echo in Your Audition

The reason we stated ‘beginner music recorder’ is because most professional music records know they will end up with echoes, but know how to reduce echo from their auditions. This is not a complicated method, but rather an easy one. In this article, we have discussed all the ways you can reduce echo in your audition.  

Most microphones that are used for recording are powerful enough to capture sound reflections. Sound waves that are reflected from your floor, ceilings, walls and every time someone walks past it are captured by it.

Thus, you end up with unwanted echoes in your audition. You cannot completely remove these effects, but certain tools exist that helps to reduce the amount of echoing and help to enhance your audio’s quality.

Sometimes microphones can also record echoes that come out of your headphones or speakers. This happens when your speakers are close to your mic. To prevent this you need to disable the ‘listen to device’ option. Some webcams have a built-in option for microphones.

A common mistake can occur when people set the wrong microphone to record. This problem can be solved from your ‘Audio mixer’ option and select the right one.

How to reduce echo in your audition?

  • First of all, choose your audition file which contains echoes and select it. After opening the file, choose a quiet portion of your waveform and select it. You have to right-click on that quiet section and select the option ‘Capture noise print’. This selection will help adobe audition to identify which is the echo and which is the main audio in the recording. 
  • Next, to remove the echo that you previously selected you have to go to ‘effects’ option then select the ‘noise restoration’ option. Click on your file and listen to check if your echo has been removed from your audition. If you want to make the Gating effect sharper then go to the ‘Advanced’ tab and then lower the slide of ‘Spectral decay rate’. If you think the changes made are satisfactory then click on ‘Apply’ and save them.  
  • After that, go to ‘Effects’ and then select ‘Amplitude and Compression’ then click on ‘Dynamic Processing’. You will see a compression file on your screen, here you can edit and re-shape your overall wavelength. You will find a diagonal line mark along the line of the processing display. Changing the pattern of this line will curve the default audio path and affect the echoes in your audition. You can change this line and its position however you like and carry out A/B testing with the original audio. 
  • If you are happy with how your audio sound and have managed to reduce echoes in your audition using the ‘Dynamics processing’ option then select your complete waveform. Then click on the ‘OK’ option. This will, however, cause to lower your audio’s volume or amplitude. You can increase your volume level from your ‘Amplitude & Compression’ option by clicking on ‘Normalize’. 
  • Some muddy and annoying frequencies caused by the echoes may still exist in your audition. To solve this problem, go to the ‘Effects’ option again ‘Pick filter & EQ’ and go to ‘Parametric Equalizer’. You will be presented with 7 different frequency bands to choose from along with a high-pass and a low-pass band. They exist thereby system defaults. You can choose any or a few of the bands to fix your midrange and all the unwanted frequencies from your audition.  

Helpful links – How to Reduce Echo in Your Audition

You can also check these YouTube videos out. These videos contain a lot of helpful tips on how to reduce echoes in your audition.

Some convenient techniques to help reduce echo in an audition – How to Reduce Echo in Your Audition

Try to capture the noise from the room tone that is ambient. Next, use the noise reduction option to cancel that room tone. Then use parametric equalizers to reduce the frequencies that you find disturbing or does not blend well. You can swipe around with any peak until you manage to find any frequency that sounds strange to you then reduce it to 15dB. Try lowering few of the frequencies. 

After that, use another parametric equalizer to cause enrichment of the voice. You can increase the lows and high slightly and lower the frequencies from the middle. This will help to make your audio sound crispier but less muffled.

You can also add a single-band compressor to help even out the amplitude of the voice. This will improve the quality of your audio and reduce echoes. The overall quality of your sound will sound better and much more pleasant with all the echoes hones.

Adaptive Noise reduction

Adobe audition has an amazing adaptive noise reduction option that helps to remove and reduce all unwanted echoes from your audio. This can reduce the most ambient background noise and even wind noise. You can use this through the ‘Multitrack editor’.

Manage tricky noises

While clearing echoes you will find some tricky noises in your audition. To reduce them you need to select the audio spike and then adjust the amplitude in the dialogue that is right next to the waveform.

Bottom Line

Now that you have read this article, you should have an idea of how to reduce echo in your audition. Have a great time recording podcasts, audio music, and voice-overs as much you want. Enjoy!

 

You can also read : How to Use a Mic in Over watch