ReviewFinder Microphones

Blue Snowball

🤖 Beep-boop. I can read reviews REALLY FAST and summarize. Do you have any questions about Blue Snowball?
Sound Quality
Directionality
Connectivity
Features
Compatibility
Durability
Expand

10 Verified Hands-On Reviews

To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.

Expert reviews [10]

70
Total expert reviews: 10
  • with a score: 4
  • without a score: 6
Highest score by TechRadar
90
Average score based on 10 reviews
70
Lowest score by Music Radar
60

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
The Snowball is a stylish and simple-to-use USB microphone that comes with a table-top stand and switchable pad and polar pattern. While it has certain technical limitations, it works well for close-up vocals or speech and offers a choice of two very usable tonalities.
+ pros
  • Stylish and simple to use.
  • Needs no drivers for Mac OS X or Windows XP.
  • Switchable pad and polar pattern.
  • Table-top stand included.
- cons
  • Omni mode is more like a wide cardioid pattern with a high presence peak.
  • The lack of gain adjustment (other than a pad) means you need to work close to the mic to get a high enough recording level.
70
The Blue Microphones Snowball is a plug-and-play USB microphone that bridges the gap between professional microphones and cheap mics that come with some computers or webcams. It offers a well-rounded set of features, including two microphone capsules for sonic flexibility, and provides accurate sound with a wide dynamic range and minimal hiss.
+ pros
  • Plug-and-play simplicity with no software drivers required.
  • Sonic flexibility offered by two microphone capsules.
  • Well-rounded set of features for its $99 price tag.
  • Swanky-looking and sonically competent microphone.
- cons
  • No option for direct monitoring and line-input.
  • No included software tools for making recordings.
  • Misconception over what it promises to sound like.
  • Not a one-stop solution for creating a podcast or recording music.
Show all 10 reviews
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Blue Snowball microphone is a versatile and reliable option for recording audio with clear and detailed sound quality, two pickup patterns, and USB compatibility, making it a worthwhile investment for podcasters, streamers, and musicians who prioritize audio quality in their recordings.

The Blue Snowball microphone is a versatile and reliable option for recording audio in various settings. It has a clear and detailed sound quality, with a frequency response range of 40Hz to 18kHz and two pickup patterns (cardioid and omni-directional) that offer flexibility in recording different audio sources.

The microphone has a USB connection and is compatible with a wide range of devices, making it easy to plug into any computer or laptop. While it lacks convenience features such as a built-in headphone jack, mute button, or volume controls, the Blue Snowball's superior sound quality and directional settings make it a worthwhile investment for podcasters, streamers, and musicians who prioritize audio quality in their recordings.

Its sturdy construction and resistance to physical damage also make it a great choice for those who need a microphone that can withstand regular use and transport.

Sound Quality

The Blue Snowball microphone is a budget-friendly option with clear and detailed sound quality, a dual-capsule design with different sound presets, and a high tolerance for handling and wind noise, making it a good choice for recording vocals and other audio.

The Blue Snowball microphone has a frequency response range of 40Hz to 18kHz, with a presence peak at 3kHz in cardioid mode and around 10kHz in omni mode. The sound quality is clear and detailed, capturing a broader decibel range of sound without static or crackling.

The microphone is good for recording vocals, both for music and voice, and is often used by podcasters and amateur musicians. It has a dual-capsule design that allows for different sound presets, including a setting that captures a fuller, roomier sound. The cardioid sound setting is also bright and bassy, with minimal background noise, resulting in accurate sound with a wide dynamic range and minimal hiss.

The Blue Snowball has a high tolerance for handling and wind noise, but the noise floor may be a bit high compared to other budget condenser mics. Overall, it is a good choice for those looking for a budget-friendly microphone for recording vocals and other audio.

Show product research

Directionality

The Blue Snowball microphone offers versatility with its two pickup patterns, cardioid and omni-directional, making it suitable for recording single or multiple audio sources in different settings.

The Blue Snowball microphone has two pickup patterns, cardioid and omni-directional, which offer versatility in recording different audio sources. The cardioid pattern is ideal for recording a single source like a voice or instrument, while the omni-directional pattern is suitable for recording multiple sources or room ambiance.

The Snowball's greatest asset is the sonic flexibility offered by its two microphone capsules. The microphone performs well in picking up sound from different distances as long as the right setting is used. It has impressive tolerance for handling and wind noise, making it suitable for recording in a noisy environment.

However, it is designed for single audio sources and may not be the best choice for recording in a noisy environment with multiple audio sources. Overall, the Blue Snowball microphone is a versatile and reliable option for recording audio in various settings.

Show product research

Connectivity

The Blue Snowball microphone is a USB plug-and-play device with good audio quality for its price, suitable for podcasting, voiceovers, and video conferencing, but may not be the best option for professional recording studios or musicians.

The Blue Snowball microphone has a USB connection only, making it easy to plug into any computer or laptop with a USB port. It is a plug-and-play device that does not require any software drivers for use with either Mac or PC. The microphone has a metal-reinforced USB port and a three-position switch for the microphone's three recording modes (cardioid, cardioid -10dB, and omni).

Users can switch between the two capsules to suit their recording needs, using the mode switch on the back of the microphone. The audio quality of the Blue Snowball microphone is good for the price, making it a suitable option for podcasting, voiceovers, and video conferencing. However, it may not be the best option for professional recording studios or musicians who require more advanced connectivity options.

Show product research

Features

The Blue Snowball microphone lacks convenience features like a built-in headphone jack and mute button, but its two settings make it a good option for those who prioritize sound quality.

The Blue Snowball microphone does not have a built-in headphone jack, mute button, or volume controls. This can be a drawback for users who need to monitor their audio in real-time while recording or want easy access to mute or adjust the volume. However, the microphone does have two settings, omni-directional and cardioid, which can be useful for focusing on the audio source in front of the device.

Overall, the Blue Snowball is a good option for those who prioritize sound quality over convenience features. It is suitable for podcasters, streamers, and musicians who want a reliable and high-quality microphone for their recordings.

Show product research

Compatibility

The Blue Snowball microphone is a versatile and reliable device that is compatible with a wide range of devices, but may have compatibility issues with certain operating systems and audio applications.

The Blue Snowball microphone is a versatile device that is compatible with a wide range of devices, including PC and Mac computers, tablets, and gaming consoles. It has a USB interface, making it easy to connect to any device with a USB port. The microphone is plug-and-play and does not require drivers for use with either Mac or PC.

However, there may be some compatibility issues with certain operating systems and audio applications. For example, the Snowball may not be compatible with Vista out of the box, but Blue released a firmware update that restores Vista compatibility. Additionally, some users have reported issues using the Snowball with certain audio applications such as Logic and Sonar, which may be related to the lack of a headphone jack and the Snowball's inability to function as both input and output.

Overall, the Blue Snowball microphone is a reliable and versatile device that is suitable for a wide range of use cases, from podcasting and streaming to gaming and video conferencing.

Show product research

Durability

The Blue Snowball microphone is a durable and reliable USB microphone for recording or streaming purposes, constructed with durable plastic and metal components.

The Blue Snowball microphone is constructed with durable plastic and metal components, making it relatively heavy for a small device. It is resistant to physical damage such as drops or impacts, and its construction feels very durable with no rattling or shifting components. However, it is not waterproof and should be kept away from liquids to avoid damage.

Overall, the Blue Snowball microphone is a high-quality and durable option for those in need of a reliable USB microphone for recording or streaming purposes.

Show product research

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all microphones.

Rank Change Price Microphone
Wirecutter
Tom's Guide
MusicTech
Music Radar
PianoDreamers
PC Gamer
SoundGuys
CNN Underscored
PCMag
IGN
1
- $85
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile and durable device with four directional patterns, a built-in headphone jack, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, making it a popular choice among content creators, podcasters, and gamers.
-
1
11
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
2
- $89
Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings.
-
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
3
- $109
Elgato Wave 3
The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
3
-
8
4
- $110
Blue Yeti X
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
-
-
1
Show all rows
Blue Snowball did not receive any endorsements this month.

Highest recommended microphones this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. microphones below are at the top of our ranking this December.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the microphone for more details.
Blue Yeti Shure SM57 Elgato Wave 3 Blue Yeti X
Reviews
In comparison:
Blue Yeti rank #1 out of 151. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.6
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Shure SM57 rank #2 out of 151. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
10.0
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Elgato Wave 3 rank #3 out of 151. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.7
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Blue Yeti X rank #4 out of 151. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.1
Great
Price
Price
The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile and durable device with four directional patterns, a built-in headphone jack, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, making it a popular choice among content creators, podcasters, and gamers. The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings. The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
Go to product Go to product Go to product Go to product