Blue Microphones Snowball Microphone
The world's first professional USB mic, Snowball picks up sound as effectively on your desktop as it does in a recording studio—yet it's remarkably easy to use.
Learn more
Overview
Whether you're recording a guitar at your kitchen table or a complete band in the studio, the Snowball can capture it with detail unheard of before in a USB mic.
The Snowball is a direct plug and play mic that connects to either a Mac or PC--no additional software is needed. With its dual capsule design and unique three-pattern switch (cardioid, cardioid with -10dB pad, and omni), the Snowball can handle everything from soft vocals to the loudest garage band--and it's ideal for podcasting. Check it out and you'll see why it's the coolest mic in town.
System Requirements
Mac
- Mac OS X
- USB 1.0 or 2.0 port
- 64MB RAM minimum
Windows
- Windows XP Home Edition/XP Professional
- USB 1.0 or 2.0 port
- 64MB RAM minimum
Specifications
- Acoustical operating principle: Position 1-3: Pressure gradient
- Polar pattern: Position 102: Cardioid; Position 3: Omnidirectional
- Frequency response: Position 1-3: 40-18000 Hz
In the Box
- Snowball microphone
- 6-inch stand
- USB cable
Warranty
One-year limited
Mfr. Part No.: 4911-SBBN
Most Useful Reviews
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Blue Microphones Snowball Microphone
Get The Firmware Update!
Written by NG from Fairfield
Aug 11, 2006
Before reading all the negative reviews written about this microphone, i just wanted to tell everyone who is looking to buy this microphone, that a firmware update patch was just released on 8/10/06, about volume level issues. You can download and install the new update at Blue's website.
Now as for me, even without this update, the microphone worked perfectly. Great sound, unique design, and just all around cool...so i have no idea why the heck everyone is complaining so much, seriously, maybe they don't know how to use it correctly.
I use Blue's Snowball for recording voice overs and radio commercials so i am usually close to the microphone. Though, i haven't recorded any instuments while using Blue, but hopefully it'll produce the same good outcome as for speaking up close.
So overall, with Blue's new firmware update, this microphone is great. If your a pro, of course there are way better mics out there, especially expensiver. Though, if you don't wanna pay to much and if ur a hobbisty, or close to a pro, this mic is great for you. Good luck!! …More655 of 844 people found this useful
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Blue Microphones Snowball Microphone
Bad Reviews
Written by DW from Walnut Creek
Jun 18, 2006
Purchased after some humming and haaaing after reading the reviews here on apple. But asked questions and looked at some other mics. I decided to come back to this mic and figured I could return it if I faced problems. I have found this to be a fantastic mic. It eliminated the fan noise problems I was having with my other cheapo mic. I use it for voice in podcasting. Easier to use than easy. I use SnapX Pro, Quicktime Pro and works great. In short I could not have asked for more ... …More
431 of 590 people found this useful
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Blue Microphones Snowball Microphone
Great mic - works as advertised
Written by BS from Bremen
Jul 13, 2006
I hesitated big time on buying this mic because of all the negative reviews. Although I don't do "pro" audio work, I needed a mic that didn't require an amp but also gave me excellent quality. I have only used this mic in Garage Band and I am very impressed with the quality.
I can't discount the other negative reviews because that is their experience. I will however share my positive experience with this mic and I recommend it. The only plug I'll make is, like with most things we buy, how about a lower price? …More405 of 594 people found this useful
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Most Recent Reviews
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Blue Microphones Snowball Microphone
I love this Mic.
Written by MC from Burlington
Oct 11, 2009
This mic is something that I use for recording my voice for music, and for recording my acoustic guitar. So far, this has been an excellent microphone! I'm no pro by any means, but I just wanted to start out with something that I could use easily and for a decent price. I'd totally recommend this mic.
Just to emphasize how easy to use this thing is, I was creating a song on my mpb the other night at a place other than my home. I had one of my friends listen to the song, and she loved it, and she asked if she could help or be in it. So I pulled the mic out of backpack and recorded her singing for the song right then and there, in my car. All you have to do is just plug it in. It worked and sounded wonderful! …More21 of 22 people found this useful
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Blue Microphones Snowball Microphone
Amazing Fidelity!
Written by AK from Cape Carteret
Aug 15, 2009
I am a saxophone player, and I was searching for something that I could record with and listen back to my sound in order to critique myself. When I got it, it was definitely unique looking; when I plugged it in, the setup took less than 30 seconds, and the sound quality was simply amazing. My sister came into the room after I had recorded, and I played back the recording across a PA system, and she turned around thinking that I was playing. That's how great the quality is. I use the snowball to record with quicktime as well as garage band, both of which are very easy to use with this mic. The second position (-10db) is great for wind instruments such as trumpet and saxophone. Great buy! …More
43 of 46 people found this useful
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Blue Microphones Snowball Microphone
Excellent Mic
Written by GS from Kuna
Aug 2, 2009
I went searching for a mic that would add some depth to my voice when recording into a MacBook Pro. I am not a pro podcaster or musician, but I wanted a mic that was quality for a reasonable price - the Blue Snowball fit the bill.
The Blue Snowball took out the tinny sound that I experienced using the built in mic on the MacBook Pro and allowed me to create rich audio. Again, I am not a pro musician, but it was a giant leap forward from the built in mic.
Thanks BLue for this great product. …More37 of 42 people found this useful
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