The Snowball TM
Congratulations. You have just purchased the world’s most unique and innovative USB professional condenser microphone — the Snowball ! Here at Blue, we are known for designing and building the finest microphones available for studio, stage, film, broadcast — and now — you guessed it — computer use. Our microphones unite the heritage of the world’s most respected classics with leading-edge technology, innovative engineering and inimitable styling.
We know you hate to read manuals. So do we! But because the Snowball is such a unique recording tool, we really hope you take the time to familiarize yourself with its features and try the suggested application tips that are designed to help you get the most out of the Snowball. You might just learn something too! With proper care and feeding, the Snowball will reward you with many years of recording and performance enjoyment and it won’t end up as a pool of water on your desktop! Now on with the show.
Frequency Response 0° 315° +10 +5 dB 270° 5 10 15 20 25 45° 100Hz 250Hz 90° 500Hz dB 1kHz -5 -10 2.5kHz 225° 20 30 40 50 100 1 setting 500 1kHz 2 setting 5kHz 10kHz 3 setting 20kHz 135° 180° Polar Response 4kHz 8kHz 16kHz This frequency chart is only a start. It gives the recordist a basis of the sound provided. How the microphone reacts in a particular application will differ greatly because of many variables.
Where do you put it? The Snowball features a unique swivel mount located on the bottom center of the mic body. Be sure to mount the Snowball on the Blue Snowball desktop tripod or on a standard-thread counter-weighted tripod mic stand. And for reduction of low-frequency rumble and additional positioning options, mount the Snowball in the Blue Ringer, available from your authorized Blue dealer. Though the Snowball is extremely durable, we would hate to see it fall due to an inadequate stand.
Macintosh Setup Procedure: In system OSX: in the Apple menu, open SYSTEM PREFERENCES. Double-click the SOUND preference file. Click on the INPUT tab. Double click BLUE USB BALL MIC under CHOOSE A DEVICE FOR SOUND INPUT dialog box. Set input volume to the appropriate level. The mic is sensitive and may require a very low volume setting. 6. Exit SYSTEM PREFERENCES. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Windows Setup Procedure: 1.
Vocals Here’s a little-known secret: vocalists love singing into unique and impressive mics like the Snowball. Put it in front of any singer and you’re sure to get an inspired performance. For a “big” vocal sound, position the vocalist within one to four inches of the diaphragm.
Initially, keep the mic as close to the instrument as possible, tilting the diaphragm toward the soundhole to capture a blend of low frequencies and pick sound. If you need more low frequencies, move the Snowball closer to the soundhole. For more high frequency detail, move the Snowball farther away from the guitar, either at the same neck position, or above the instrument near the guitarist’s head. Strings The Snowball is an excellent choice for miking all members of the bowed string family.
Saxophones, Flutes, and Reeds For soprano sax, clarinet, oboe and related instruments, position the Snowball directly above and in front of the keys between the middle of the horn and the lowest pads. Try moving the Snowball up or down along the length of the body to adjust the balance of airy highs (toward the mouthpiece) and cutting midrange (toward the bell).
TM ©2005 Blue Microphones 5706 Corsa Avenue, Suite 102 Westlake Village, CA 91362 www.bluemic.com In keeping with our policy of continued product improvement, Baltic Latvian Universal Electronics (BLUE) reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Blue Microphones, Snowball, Ball, 8-Ball, Kickball, The Pop and The Ringer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blue Microphones, Inc. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
