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Highest score by TechRadar |
90
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Average score based on 10 reviews |
70
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Lowest score by Music Radar |
60
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80-100 |
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60-80 |
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40-60 |
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20-40 |
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0-20 |
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all microphones.
Rank | Change | Price | Microphone |
Wirecutter
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Tom's Guide
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MusicTech
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Music Radar
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PianoDreamers
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PC Gamer
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SoundGuys
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CNN Underscored
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PCMag
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IGN
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1
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- | $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.
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1
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11
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-
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-
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-
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-
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1
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-
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-
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2
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- | $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.
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1
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1
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-
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-
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-
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3
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- | $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.
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1
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3
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8
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4
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- | $110 |
Blue Yeti X
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2
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-
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-
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1
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5
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- | $79 |
Rode PodMic
The Rode PodMic is a dynamic microphone with a well-balanced frequency response range, internal pop filter and damping features, cardioid polar pattern, XLR connectivity, and solid metal construction, making it a reliable and versatile choice for podcasters and content creators.
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3
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1
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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6
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- | $180 |
Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set
The Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set is a USB microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, and several useful features, making it a great choice for streamers, podcasters, and content creators.
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-
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4
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-
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-
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-
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4
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-
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-
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3
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-
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7
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- | $250 |
SteelSeries Alias Pro
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-
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-
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-
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-
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7
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-
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-
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4
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3
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8
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- | $359 |
Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded dynamic microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals, with its wide frequency response range, flat frequency response, presence boost, and effective noise isolation.
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-
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10
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12
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8
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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9
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- | $68 |
Razer Seiren Mini
The Razer Seiren Mini microphone is praised for its sound quality, directionality, and compatibility, making it a highly recommended choice for clear and focused audio recording in various applications.
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-
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2
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5
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-
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-
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-
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13
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- | $35 |
HyperX SoloCast
The HyperX SoloCast is a high-quality USB microphone that delivers clear and detailed sound with a full, rich sound that is hard to match at its price point, making it an ideal choice for podcasters, streamers, and gamers who want a simple and effective way to record their voice without any unnecessary features or complications.
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5
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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4
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14
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- | $100 |
HyperX QuadCast S
The HyperX QuadCast S is a versatile and reliable USB microphone suitable for podcasting, streaming, gaming, and vocal recording, with four polar patterns, built-in pop filter and noise reduction technology, and two connectivity options.
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5
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6
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15
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- | $249 |
Shure MV7
The Shure MV7 microphone is a versatile and adaptable option for podcasters, streamers, and content creators, offering excellent sound quality, noise-cancelling capabilities, and connectivity options.
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4
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8
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16
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- | $249 |
Shure MV7 Plus
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8
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5
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17
|
- | Check price |
Rode NT1
The Rode NT1 is a high-quality studio condenser microphone with a wide frequency response range, low self-noise, cardioid polar pattern, dual connectivity options, and durable construction, making it a versatile and reliable choice for recording vocals and acoustic guitars.
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6
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7
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18
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- | $449 |
Electro-Voice RE20
The Electro-Voice RE20 is a dynamic broadcast microphone with exceptional sound quality, advanced noise reduction features, and a wide frequency range, making it a versatile and reliable choice for professional audio recording and broadcasting applications.
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8
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13
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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19
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- | $3055 |
Neumann U87 Ai
The Neumann U87 Ai is a top-of-the-line condenser microphone that delivers warm, crystal-clear, and detailed sound quality, making it ideal for recording vocals, acoustic guitar, and spot microphones for individual instruments in a sound-treated recording space.
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13
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11
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Show all rows |
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.
Blue Yeti | Shure SM57 | Elgato Wave 3 | Blue Yeti X |
Rank
#1
out of 151
Reviews
In comparison:
9.6
Amazing
|
Rank
#2
out of 151
Reviews
In comparison:
10.0
Amazing
|
Rank
#3
out of 151
Reviews
In comparison:
9.7
Amazing
|
Rank
#4
out of 151
Reviews
In comparison:
9.1
Great
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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.
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