Blue Microphones Snowball iCE – Hardware Review
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Developer: Blue Microphones
Publisher: Blue Microphones
Platform: PC

Blue Microphones Snowball iCE – Hardware Review

Good: Appearance, Affordable, Filters background noise
Bad: Would be easier if it came with suggested software
User Score
9.5
(2 votes)
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Rating: 9.5/10 (2 votes cast)

While we are one of those old school sites that still clings to written reviews as if our lives depend on it, we sometimes dabble with streaming, online gaming and other activities that require proper sound equipment. Nonetheless, we might have neglected our streaming fans a bit by only resorting to headset reviews, instead of taking a look at decent microphones for those that are a bit ticklish when it comes to having a contraption strapped to their heads. Blue Microphones was so nice to give us two microphones to make us seem like true professionals, of which the first will be reviewed below, namely the Snowball iCE. What’s in a name? Quite a lot apparently.

Blue Microphones

Design

We were immediately overwhelmed with a very vintage look and feel upon opening the box of this device. As the name implies, you’ll be treated to a perfect white orb, in a glossy white color, with a beautiful grid at the front of the microphone, properly finished with the Blue Microphones brand name on top of said grid. The fifties look and feel of this device is pretty astonishing, as it’s quite easy to say, there aren’t that many beautiful microphones on the market, and this one might just steal the limelight for many of those. The only small modern touch that’s added to the device, is the LED light that indicates if the microphone is connected to your PC, pretty much just letting you know if it’s functioning or not.

The microphone rests upon a grey, plastic tripod to even further heighten the old school feel. The simple finishes on the tripod, such as the black rubber endings on the three legs, make sure the microphone itself becomes the center of attention for this device. Other than that, there’s not that much more in terms of whistles and bells, which make this one classy, good looking microphone.

Comfort

The comfort section of this review may be a bit redundant, as all wa can say is that the device is fairly portable, as the tripod and the actual mic can easily be detached, thus making it easier to store in a decent bag. The tripod also allows you to swivel the microphone in any direction rather easily, which is a small feature, but a very appreciated one.

Snowball ICE

Specs

  • Transducer Type: Condenser, Pressure Gradient With USB digital output
  • Polar Patterns: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 40 –18 kHz
  • Sample/word Rate: 44.1 kHz/16 bit
  • Weight: 460g
  • Dimensions: 325mm (circumference)

Overview

Blue Microphone’s device comes with no additional software, or a disc with drivers, which means you’ll just have to plug it in, select it in your favorite recording program, or streaming platform, and you’re good to go. Other than that, there’s not that much more to tell in terms of getting the device to work. While it would have been nice to have some software come with the device – that guaranteed some quality from Blue Microphones, as you might get lost in the sea of free and/or cheap recording programs that are the equivalent of a stinky pile of crap – if you have any intention of doing something professional, trial and error will show you the way to some fun programs which prove to be the easiest to work with when keeping in mind your personal preferences. We can’t really advise which program is great, as it all depends on what you wish to do with the device.

Of course, when buying a microphone, it’s all about recording, chatting, streaming or whatever you wish to use it for. When recording, it properly picks up you playing music, talking or whatever sound is in the foreground. When using it for Skype, Discord or other chat programs, it filters out background noise, even very intrusive music, if you have any playing in the foreground. The latter is a rather useful feature, when you’re playing online games, while chatting, making sure your fellow gamers aren’t bombarded with the effects and music of said game.

Snowball ice side

Conclusion

Blue Microphones’ Snowball iCE is a very affordable and reasonably professional microphone for streamers, who don’t want to have the hassle of using a headset, and thus have more freedom in terms of movement. While this specific model might not immediately offer the same quality as studio recording devices, you’ll get a very spiffy looking device for only a small budget, and in terms of functionality, you won’t be disappointed either. If you’re doubting between a headset or a microphone in this specific price range, the Snowball iCE will pretty much have you covered on all fronts, while many different headset brands will offer you only very little for this price, safe for a few.

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Rating: 9.5/10 (2 votes cast)
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Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)
Blue Microphones Snowball iCE - Hardware Review, 9.5 out of 10 based on 2 ratings

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