Blue Snowball Questions

MrNicholas1029 · October 24, 2014

This is what I currently use: http://www.polarjp.com/p2.asp?Cat_ID=&PD_ID=198

The PUM-02 was actually souns excellent, and it costs 10 dollars. The problems is it is not very reliable. It stops working every 2-3 months.

Replacing it every 2-3 months or taking it to warranty is fine, but it is not the solution. So I'm planning to get a Blue Snowball.

But I have a few questions

1. Reviewers say its recording volume is very low. You need to be putting it right next to your mouth to really use it. (I don't want to amplify the sound when recording)

2. How does it isolate noise? I use it at a very noisy environment. (I do not consider a 120mm 17dBA fan running at full RPM that comes with Cooler Master 343 sitting right next to me loud)

3. How does it pickup mechanical switch noise (Cherry MX Blue)?

Its sound quality rivals my PUM-02. It takes the cost 8 PUM-02s. Is my money worth a Blue Snowball or should I save up even more for an AT2020 or a Blue Yeti? Would the latter 2 be more worth the money?

ShadowCaptain · October 24, 2014

SNIPETTY SNIP

If its anything like my yeti, it picks up background audio like nobodys business, you are better off with a dynamic mic if being used in a noisy enviroment, condenser mics are much more succeptable to noisy enviroments

A cheap good condenser mic is the A2020 which is also very good

A good cheap dynamic mic would be the sure sm series

ChaosGoW · October 24, 2014

If its anything like my yeti, it picks up background audio like nobodys business, you are better off with a dynamic mic if being used in a noisy enviroment, condenser mics are much more succeptable to noisy enviroments

A cheap good condenser mic is the A2020 which is also very good

A good cheap dynamic mic would be the sure sm series

The snowball doesn't pick up background noises in the same way since it's a different pattern. The area for sound to enter the mic and hit the diaphragm is much narrower meaning it works much more like a shotgun mic (not exactly but I'm sure you get what I'm saying). I think if you can get it on sale, the snowball is a really good mic for the money, just remember to stick a sock or some tights over it to stop the pops and help stop it picking up fan noise - it's really good for that!

The AT2020 is also a great mic, but it's a lot harder to handle in post if you're recording. Don't forget that you'll want a sound card with XLR/TRS inputs if you go for a shure SM mic but the 58/57 is a great mic if you have one (they're exactly the same apart from the grille so get the cheapest one you can and stick a sock over the 57/leave the 58 alone). If you go for a condenser mic that doesn't have a USB output, you'll want a sound card with XLR and Phantom Powered inputs.

I'd say, bang for buck the snowball is the obvious choice, as well as ease of use but I'm a sucker for the expandability of a full on audio interface/mic/speakers/headphones setup like I use.

MrNicholas1029 · October 25, 2014

If condenser mics are not suitable for me, what brand/model will suit me? I'm no audio pro, all I wanted was higher sensitivity. I have no sound card, a USB microphone would be best. Also I do not want lavalier mics