Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone (Brushed Aluminum)

by Blue Microphones

Product Features

• USB Output: The USB output enables direct integration with a desktop or laptop computer, allowing CD-quality recording
• Dual Capsule Design: The dual capsule design incorporates omnidirectional and cardioid elements to give you a choice
• -10dB Pad: A -10dB pad switch eliminates noise and distortion when capturing signals at extreme volume levels
• Accessories Included: A desktop stand and USB cable are included so you can begin recording right away

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 12.8 x 12.8 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B002OO333Q
• Item model number: SNOWBALL-BA
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (620 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #83 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #3 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Microphones > Condenser Microphones > Multipurpose
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 19, 2005

Product Description

Color: Brushed Aluminum

From the Manufacturer

Create studio-quality recordings with Blue Microphone's Snowball, a USB microphone with exceptional sound-capture capabilities. Using Blue Microphone's award-winning dual-capsule and circuit design, the Snowball produces crisp, clean recordings that are free of feedback and distortion. A unique pattern switch allows you to toggle between three different settings, giving you the flexibility to record vocals, instrumental music, podcasts, interviews, and more. With a plug-and-play design that is both Mac and PC compatible, the Snowball requires no additional drivers and is ready to record straight out of the box.

The Snowball USB Microphone At a Glance: Ideal for recording music, podcasts, live chat, and more Award winning dual capsule and circuit design Includes adjustable mic stand and USB cable Mac and PC compatible

Dual-capsule technology facilitates sophisticated recording techniques. View larger.

Sleek, modern design and adjustable tripod let you record in style.

Three Different Pattern Modes for Versatile Recording
Using Blue's proprietary dual-capsule technology, the Snowball can record a wide range of situations. Its multiple pattern capability makes it an ideal choice for recording music, podcasts, Skype conversations, and live chat. Depending on what kind of sound you are recording, you can choose from three distinct pattern modes:

• Cardioid mode: Well-suited to podcasts, sung vocals, and other voice work, cardioid mode records sound sources that are directly in front of the microphone. It delivers a rich, full-bodied sound.
• Cardioid mode with -10 dB PAD: The same as cardioid mode, except with a -10 dB attenuation that helps you capture louder sounds with higher fidelity.
• Omnidirectional mode: Omnidirectional mode picks up sound equally from all directions. It is best used in situations when you want to capture the ambience of "being there"--like a live recording of a band's performance.

Innovative Design Makes Recording Easy
With a visual design inspired by classic recording equipment, the Snowball's stylish, retro aesthetic will complement any computer system. Its metal grille and brushed-aluminum frame recall the look of old-timey microphones.

The Snowball comes with an adjustable tripod that lets you position the microphone in relation to the sound source, improving sound quality. It also features an LED indicator, which glows red when the microphone is powered.

Hassle-Free Setup
The Snowball requires no complicated drivers to operate; simply plug it into your computer's USB port with the included USB cable, calibrate the microphone with your operating system, and you're ready to record.

The microphone is compatible with Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP (Home and Professional), and Mac OS X (10.4.11 or higher), and requires a minimum of 64 MB of RAM.

The Snowball USB Microphone is backed by a two-year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Snowball USB Microphone, adjustable stand, USB cable, and instructions.

Choose from one of three attractive colors and start recording music, podcasts, live chat, and more.

Product Description

What did Blue put inside that wild-looking Snowball USB mic, anyway? How about two completely distinct capsules? Yep. You can sing into it, put it on you guitar amp, or just put the Snowball on its included stand and pretend you're sending signals back to your home planet. Podcast with it, record entire albums with it, and appreciate the fact that it plugs straight into your computer, via USB. That's convenience! You even get a handy 10dB pad, so your crazy-loud guitar player won't cause the mic to distort. It's round, it's white, it sounds like a million bucks, and it's right here, ready to ship. Get yours today or get left out in the cold!

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

709 of 730 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive April 21, 2009

By Robert Taylor

Color Name:White|Amazon Verified Purchase

Length: 1:36 Mins

Always hold it close to your mouth to eliminate echo and get that deep, rich satin voice you're looking for!

343 of 354 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Blue Snowball USB Microphone Review April 17, 2009

By Michael D. Normington

Color Name:White

Length: 2:49 Mins

Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone Bundle

This video demonstrates how the Blue Snowball microphone sounds and its different modes.

I have read some reviews that stated that the microphone had problems working with Vista. I did this review on a Vista PC. There is a product FAQ for this mic on www.bluemic.com that states that after a certain serial number (starting in 2007) the mic was updated and now supports Vista. I can attest to that as I had no problems setting it up. I just plugged it in and it worked.

215 of 225 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive, clean cardiod sound, mac core audio, warm omni mode May 24, 2006

By Matthew J. Rygelski

Color Name:White

Okay, I own a lot of microphones. I am very picky when it comes to sound and I would gladly waste $40 in gas to return a microphone that just didn't have the sound I expect. I was delighted to hear the quality of this USB mic! It has a great clarity to it, without being "tinny" or "crispy", and without sacrificing on the lows either. No "boomy" or "hollow" sound, just a nice clean and full-range quality that I expect from my $500-range microphones (but thankfully, without having to fool with an audio interface or goofy proprietary driver software!) What a great find... plug it in and it is ready to record!!

If you are looking for an intelligent, clean, affordable microphone for voice-over projects, podcasts, quick-and-easy live recording (with your laptop, of course), or open-mic music composition before dragging all the gear out to record a full-blown multitrack, this is the best money can buy in this category. Not to mention, it looks great sitting on your desk! BLUE has definitely convinced me to buy again, solid construction and solid sound (and no stupid drivers like Samson's USB garbage). Maybe next I'll get a Bluebird or Baby Bottle, this company is worth a closer look now that I've heard the very smooth sound of their entry level -- BLUE has got my attention!!