Blue Snowball USB Mic Review / Test (vs. Seiren Mini, Yeti Nano, NT-USB Mini)
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- Опубліковано 7 сер 2024
- Today we re-review the Blue Snowball to answer if it is still worth it in 2021. It offers a nasally sound with bad off axis coloration on the cardioid mode, and a over boosted harsh top end on the omni directional polar pattern. The A/D conversion is limited to 16-bit 44.1kHz and it offers no headphone jack for 0 latency monitoring or computer playback.
HQ Audio Of Review: podcastage.com/rev/resnowball
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Amazon: geni.us/resnowball
00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:36 - Setup
00:57 - What’s in the Box
01:15 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:51 - Specifications
03:18 - Polar Pattern (Tone / Rotation)
04:03 - Plosive Test
04:12 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
04:34 - Background Noise Test
04:54 - Untreated Room Test
05:14 - Mic Mount Bump Test
05:32 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:45 - Preamp Noise Measurement
06:38 - Latency Measurement
07:04 - Intro to Comparison
07:24 - Blue Snowball Comparison
08:14 - Razer Seiren Mini Comparison
08:54 - Samson Q2u Comparison
09:27 - Audio Technica ATR2100USB Comparison
10:08 - Blue Yeti Nano Comparison
10:37 - Rode NT USB Mini Comparison
11:27 - Blue Blueball Comparison
12:18 - Blue Kickball Comparison
13:08 - Blue 8 Ball Comparison
14:04 - Neumann U87 Comparison
15:05 - Music Test
16:17 - Pros & Cons
17:20 - Overall Thoughts
18:52 - Is It Worth It? / Recommendation
19:34 - Outro
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What mic do you want re-reviewed next? The consensus seems like AT2020? Comment down below the mic you want re-reviewed, or if you see the mic already listed, give that comment a thumbs up.
Would like the RE-16 to get comparisons.
Rode NT1A or NT1. I think your style of reviewing has evolved a lot, they are popular mics, and I wonder if your thoughts on them have changed since their first review.
At2020 for sure
Mxl 990 would be great!
Probably AT2020, NT1, NT-USBand SM7B and also compare all of these to each other.
Congrats on 250k!
Thanks Mike! Really appreciate that!
250k! Congrats B'drew! You earned that satisfied look after that box throw.
Batman and Superman have shaken hands on a job well-done.
AYO
I'm so glad you're doing re-reviews!!! I've been thinking that it would be much better to do older reviews especially since your voice has changed so much.
(half way to microphone closet review)
A history of Blue balls 🤣 Great stuff, I had no idea they went that far back. Also I love that you include the U87 in everything now, puts things in perspective.
I came down here to make a joke about Blue balls. I knew someone would have saved me the time.
Congrats on all the subs, and dude.. MXL990 goes under the radar so much!! I love the clarity of it and I just EQ out the noise, get a great signal to noise ratio, and it's great for even classical music recording. I'd love to see it compared to the TLM 103
Congrats on 250k!
Really appreciate this re-review format.
I swear he can make any microphone sound like it's worth a thousand dollars
Right? It still sounds gross, but he salvaged it.
He does have a treated room, so there's that
Your mic sound is 10% mic itself, 10% your voice and equipment, and 80% room treatment. Not a surprise since he has top of the line interfaces/preamps and has a really well treated room. His voice is also really smooth and soothing.
@Killingdance Not a room treatment expert, but it doesn't take one to know that room treatment is EVERYTHING when it comes to mic sound. Good room treatment can make a $20 mic sound like a thousand bucks but bad room treatment takes any good mic and just butchers it.
Accoustic foaming on the walls where your voice projects as well as where the echo sounds is more than enough.
It's his post processing. I don't know what kind of post processing "No" is, but it's amazing.
Super excited about re-review, really pushes the new versions to be the best resource for deciding on the mic.
i really enjoyed this re-review, i would recommend you re-review the lower-priced mics for like 6 years sgo like sf 920, nw-1500, stuff like that :)
Today I learned that there were ball mics outside of the Snowball. Crazy.
Congrats on 250k!!!
I'm glad you're re-reviewing a lot of these mics, cuz ur room treatment is way different now
I'd like to see the NT1 get an updated review. It's become something of a benchmark, showing up in a lot of review comparisons in the past few years. When it first came out, its price range wasn't nearly as crowded as it is now. It'd be nice to have a one-stop comparison shop for the ~$200-$400 space.
Many congratulations for the 250k brother, u r doing an amazing job for us audio enthusiasts and i pray that you scale many more new heights in the days to come! i also would like to thank you for starting the re review series, and i have an entire long list of mics that i want to be re reviewed with the current review procedures and tests, coming to the snowball, i think i agree with you there that its started to show its age, but again, its still the first mic for many people and i think it does ok, but again, the xlr route has so many good options that this one just does not stand, its definitely nasally, and unpleasant, but again, its old, when coming to the comparisons, i think the NT USB Mini and Razer Seiren Mini are great ones, the yeti nano, no, not for me, but i am really intrigued by the seiren mini, i think i will get it just for testing it out and who knows it can be used on one of my podcasts for people to listen to it, but yeah again, fantastic video, you always do a great job with them! the mics that i ant to be re reviewed are Shure sm7b, rode procaster, rode nt1, RE20 and many more, i think if we talk about budget options, behringer XM8500 and Behringer C1 need to be there too, so should the samson C01, C01U Pro and C03U Pro too, as i said its a long list, but i m "Shure" u will cover most of them. Thankyou once again, many congratulations and u are awesome, God Bless You always, Much Love!
Congrats on 250k! Not a surprise to me at all! Well, thanks for reviewing the one mic that makes me think "well, maybe those Neewer mics aren't so bad after all..." :)
Congratulations for the 250k subs milestone.
Thank you.
I actually found your channel and subscribed through this past review :)
Hand holding a U87? That's a power move all right.
!
Hi Bandrew. Well done on the quarter million subs, mate. You deserve it. Steve.
I had no idea there were so many versions of the Blue Snowball 😲 I would never consider this, but I watch nearly all your reviews regardless 🤣 Congratulations (belated, I know) on the 250k (Now 260k!!)
Love this re-review idea, amazing execution (and coming right off the Icon Pro video the sound quality difference between the Icon Pro and the Snowball was really jarring).
Congratulations for 250K subs. All the best for 1M
Loved it. I too, have the whole early ball series of mics. thanks for showcasing them.
YES to the re-review format. When I bought my AT-2035, I was wondering if there was a better choice at a similar prince point. The old reviews are great, but as you point out, times change and there are a lot of good choices out there at every price point. Updated reviews are not redundant, they are relevant!
I LOVE THIS RE-REVIEW IDEA! :)
Best review there I’m getting this today thanks for showing us ligit everything we need to know about this mic
goddamn, i didn't actually know that the Snowball had predecessors. that was super interesting! definitely hope that'll make a return in more videos
Exactly the video I've been looking for! Thank you so much!
How ya doin, man? 😂
Congrats on the 250k subs. You've been instrumental in my last two mic purchases, so thank you!
Congrats on 250k subs! I would love to see you have another go at reviewing the TLM 103.
Are you ever doing a rode nt-USB re-review? Many people really put it as the best USB mic, and we don't have any professional review at the time. The one you did in 2016 wasn't as complete as the great reviews you deliver nowadays! Keep up the great work man, grats on 250k!
Seconded.
@@pixoariz tripled
man i love those old ball microphones, i have never seen them or even heard of them before that is super cool. i actually really like the sound of the kick ball
I'll admit, this is a microphone I considered picking it up at one point: thanks for the brutal honesty, and for the alternate recommendations!
A quarter-million subs. Respect.
I like the last mic in the comparison best.
Will we see the RE-20 in the re-review?
surprised that you didn't include a comparison to the Yeti or XM8500; great video nonetheless and i look forward to more re-reviews!
Please make the next one be the MXL 770 and 990. Congrats for the 250 k Bandrew!
The comparisons to their predecessors was excellent to include! I like the comparisons cuz I could hear the difference between them and make an informed choice
I purchased this thing a while back. I forgot what the 1-2-3 switch was for in the back. Thank you very much.
Great idea for a series! I was hoping you would do some retakes on your older videos.
Hey Bandrew! Great video. I've seen a million channels still using the snow ball and I'm excited to see people get away from it. I love the new show - I think it's awesome to see how old gear holds up today with all the new options out. I'd love to see a re-review of the MXL 990. I still use and love that mic, and I'd love to see your 2021 thoughts.
same
Congrats on the 250K, Bandrew!
NOW FOR A BOX RETHROWING
dude when you started singing my mind was blown you just gained a sub for that and im not even sure what im subbing to
Great video and comparison of the blue snowballs
congrats dude! 250k deserved! :D
2:44 Had me cracking up. I didn't need this review, but I watch anyway for stuff like that haha.
Thank you for making this video, I was struggling if Blue Snowball was worth it or not compared to Razer Seiren or HyperX Solo cast and this video made me decide what I should go for.
I bought the NT-USB mini based off your review. I've been loving it and I sound so much better now.
Great Review, well done.
Very interesting video! Thanks for the comparing
you should do the xm8500 next! great video btw and congrats on 250k!
Complete test, thank you buddy
Congrats on 250k mate
Good idea 💡
Please go ahead with these refreshers!
Thank you very much Rainer. I look forward to doing more of these over the years.
Fantastic review! Thank you!
I can't believe only 250K people know about this gem in the rough. Here's to 2.5 Million!
So helpful! Thanks!
Great video and series idea, I'd love to see the 2020+usb re-reviewed (mostly because it's what I have, and I'm curious what the self noise is)
The progress through the Blue "balls" was pretty interesting - hell I didn't even know they had a kick-drum microphone. That being said, I was interested in seeing more comparison against other microphones in the same price category, but the comparison to the Seiren was a nice touch.
Loving the re-reviews! Please touch base on the dynamic sennheisers if you get the chance 😄
Hey bandrew love the vids. Could you please review the maono au pm421 microphone? Btw congrats on 250k subs keep it up!
Thank you for this post. Most informative :)
Great! do AT 2020 xlr and usb again! Congrats on 250 K!
Daaamn! Apart from Blue Kickball and Neumann I could hear noise. You've ruined Sir. You've ruined me!!
Oh, and congrats on the subs! I hope it reaches a million soon! 🖖
Thank you so much for revisiting old reviews! I can't wait to see you come back to the Samson C01U!
Great review
He‘s One of the Best Audio technic Channels 🤩, Cause of him i good xlr Setup 🙏🏻
I like the idea of this series. There are some true classics out there, and it's probably good to show them in comparison to some of the newer microphones on the market to see how they hold up.
It's interesting to see how much the later versions of the Snowball have changed, I remember using an old one checked out from the library back in undergrad.
I would have loved to see this one compared to the Mackie EM-USB. I know it was $150 back when you reviewed it the first time, but the price has dropped to about $80 on Amazon and I'm kind of wondering how it stacks up as a value proposition in the
Great series will be looking forward to more of these. Also, been wondering if you had plans to review the Audio Technica Pro 41.
i still use my chrome blue snowball from 2011/2012 and its never failed me, and audio has been perfectly acceptable for me.
Congratulations for the 250k! You deserve it. Excellent video!
Would you mind review the Hyperx solocast? I think is interesting for the price. 😅
Thank you for your videos, very helpful
Great job Bandrew...huge subcribers
maybe take another look at the rode nt usb...would love to hear your thought on how well it stacks up in 2021.
congrats on 250k subs
I am actually considering to buy this one... hahaha love this! first time vlogger here :)
I wish my bluesnowball mic had these features. I have no cardioid mode so it picks up audio terribly! Great video
Great detailed video
Nice vid again! Hope u review the Boya M1000 soon. . . =)
I love your honesty
Great video! Thank you. 🖤🎧🖤
I found one of these 2 years ago for $5 at a flea market. Best find ever.
nice review
1,000,000 subs soon!!
Maybe in 10 years. I guess that in the grand scheme of things that is relatively “soon”,
I'm greatly looking forward to this new RE-Review series.
Not to take away from the old reviews but... Yeah I'm stoked.
The V7 gets my vote for next re-review
I congratulated u yesterday!
The satisfied face you made after throwing the box showed how much you think this mic is crap lol. It cracks me up.
It was also a nice throw. Made it right out into the hall. I’m proud of my improved box throwing capabilities. Years of practice is finally starting to pay off. I’m going pro!
@@Podcastage So you're going to join the USPMBTTTHL (United States Professional Microphone Box Thrown to the Hall League) rather than stay as an amateur? SELL OUT!
Perfect microphone, if you want that genuine plastic party cup and fishline telephone sound.
Been using this mic for years finally just upgraded to an XLR set up!
Thanks for your great videos! So useful. I think you haven’t compared mics for mojo (mobile journalism) or VO emergencies like shure mv88 or rode video mic me-l. I’d would be great.
very nice review
Thanks very much, I appreciate the kind words.
Great content!
This is exactly what I need 😍
Congrats!
God Bless you for the "Audio gets loud in 5..." alert 🤣
Excellent!
I really liked having the LMT500 opened up to see the circuitry.If you're comfortable doing that i'd love to see inside more mics.I tried to open my RØDE podmic and I super fucked up the set screw lmao
good review
When you re-review do you use new microphones or the ones you already had / used? (I know this one was different from the original) I am asking because there are some gear that people say that quality has been degrading over the years (though I cannot attest for this myself) - An example is the XM8500. Any thoughts on this or is it simply internet crap?
बहुत सुन्दर प्रस्तुति।
At first I thought the new Snowball didn't sound so good - until the comparisons, when it got 100% better. Neumann excluded, the 8 ball was the other Blue mic that seemed to be close/good (in relative terms). The NT-1 wasn't so bad either.
Great review😀🇳🇴
I have one of these with the old USB 'B' connector. Use it for twitch streaming, discord. Everyone who has commented on the quality has mentioned the rich sound of the microphone. If you can find one with this connector, i can recommend it as i've personally never had issues with it, and is a massive upgrade on any basic microphone. I've heard of issues with the mini usb version where the connector is less than stable, breaks or becomes loose. I don't know how i've ended up with the older connector, but it's way more stable than the micro usb one, that's for sure