Blue Snowball iCE USB Microphone for PC, Mac, Gaming, Recording, Streaming, Podcasting, with Cardioid Condenser Mic Capsule, Adjustable Desktop Stand and USB Cable, Plug 'n Play - Black

I really enjoy my Snowball. Simple, works, and sounds pretty good. My biggest issue with the ice version is not having any sort of mute or gain control on the actual microphone. Whatever you do needs to be in-software. I originally bought for interviews for college, and worked well for that. Looks unique as well, although some companies are starting to copy the style now. Good value compared to a Yeti, thats for sure.

I’ve been using this microphone for hours and all I can say is it was pretty much worth every penny. I’m gonna basically make this a subjective Pros and Cons review.First off, the Pros, it really is a professional quality microphone that gives you a clear and crisp sounding voice (most evident when making podcasts/voice-overs/livestreams etc.). The microphone only has the Cardiod voice pickup pattern, meaning it would only pick up sound in front of the microphone (remember this is the Snowball Ice, if you want additional voice pickup patterns such as an omnidirectional pattern, I suggest you buy the regular Snowballs or the Blue Yeti). Now, about the make; it’s build is actually pretty sturdy, the outer shell of the microphone is made up of a very heavy duty type of plastic which gives you the “it’s gonna last a long time” feeling. For 40 bucks this really is the best microphone you can get considering the price, if you can shell in a bit more you could even get the Blue Yetis but preferably if you are starting livestreaming like me, the blue snowballs are a great starter microphone. Oh, and another thing, this is extremely easy to setup, it is literally just what the box says: “plug and play” just make sure that the input device is set to the Blue Snowball microphone.And now for some Cons, the mic stand it comes with...oh dear lord, all I can say is that it’s pretty much garbage, it gives you limited adjustment and it keeps sliding, preventing you from obtaining an optimal position for your microphone; given this I would suggest also buying a microphone boom arm mount for your desk. Another thing I want to point out is the fact that this microphone can pickup plosives (those popping/distorting sounds microphones usually pickup when one pronounces ‘P’s or other loud consonants) really easily, so I might suggest getting a pop filter as well.Summary: all in all, this microphone can pretty much float your boat in almost any aspect, it’s cheap price should not fool you as it’s quality definitely does not reflect the low price. Highly recommended!

The media could not be loaded. I've had this microphone only for about 3 weeks, but so far I love it. I recently started aYoutube channel and this is perfect for my voice overs and even recording my voicefor music. (I'm a creative goof, so I am recording food remixes to my favorite songs LOL)I am sure there are better ones out there for music, but this mic is fabulousfor the person looking for an intro mic that does a fabulous job. I wasn't down to spend $100on a microphone just to do voice overs. I don't have another mic to compare it to, but honestlydon't think I'll ever need one if this one lasts. I did buy a pop filter for this mic and do notice the differencein recording quality. The distortion goes way down if I'm singing loudly into the mic with the pop filter.In other words, buy it. It's affordable and does the job well.**3 YEAR UPDATE*** May 2021I bought myself some sound healing instruments for my birthday, and recorded them on this 3 year old Blue Snowball Mic yesterday using FCPX as the software. This mic is a CHAMP! It picks up the most minute sounds. In the 3 years I've had this mic, I've recorded hundreds of voice overs, meditations, karaoke sessions, yoga classes, and just started recording sound baths. I didn't think this mic would pick up the tuning fork, but HOLY WOW! The tuning fork sounds like a crystal singing bowl when recorded with this mic! It can pick up the imperceptible sound from the fork I cannot hear as the vibration slows. I also just moved and now live near a freeway and this mic even picks up the soft hum of the cars that echoes through my ceiling vent. THAT's how sensitive this mic is. I stand corrected from my initial review, this mic might be great for music recording if you need a budget friendly mic. This mic is so sensitive, I have to be careful not to swallow or breathe too loud, lol, because it picks that up, too. The video I posted is of a tuning fork 432 hz, and a tongue drum tuned to C. (Mind you, this is my first day playing the drum after a couple of hours)

This was my first stand alone microphone I got. It works great. If you are using a headset as a microphone and want a cheap but noticeable difference in voice sound quality. This is the first step to that. Most headset microphones are the after thought so a stand alone mic is the way if you plan on doing any recording with your voice, etc.

The audio quality of this microphone is excellent. Having said that, you must know about microphones and what is best for the use you have intended. This microphone is best for up close speaking; such as pod casts, streaming, audio/video calls, etc. If using video, you don't mind the microphone being in the camera view. If you're within 12 inches, it is a great microphone. Same with the regular snowball (NOT the ICE version). It has the ability to do Bi-Directional which is great for pod casts or for 2 people talking. But this microphone (single direction) has great audio quality. Again, assuming you are close enough. I do many youtube videos and am able to get the microphone close enough to sound great but not be in the video shot. If you get some quality software that does input/microphone processing; like EQ, gain, etc. with selectable output, like VB Cable and Voicemeeter, you can increase the gain/volume and get the microphone a bit further away. But if you can use it somewhat close up, it's a great microphone. If you need better, look at the Yeti or again, get software to assist.