Snowflake USB Microphone

I've had a heck of a time finding a microphone for my podcast and amateur singing efforts that 1) doesn't sound as if I'm talking on a low quality phone, 2) doesn't interact with my computer in such a way that there's a low hum in the background no matter what settings I use, and 3) is affordable. I sit at a desk when performing my audio tasks, so the size, form factor, and portability of such a device is not nearly as important to me as price and quality of function.I tried this microphone within about 20 minutes of receiving it. I babbled, I sang, I set it at a comfortable level upon my desk and at times leaned farther away or closer in to the device, doing a wide array of things while talking towards it. Replaying the file, I was much appeased by the resulting recording. For my use, it's perfect, with no detectable hum, and a clear rendering of my voice.I have mild hearing loss, so it's incredibly important to me that whatever I'm listening to be as clear as possible, as if I'm sitting across from someone who is narrating something or talking to me, rather than the fuzziness of a conversation over internet VOIP or a phone. This fit the bill very, VERY well. Sure, you can get even clearer quality if you spend enough money, but for my amateur purposes, this is well more than adequate.All of that said, this has a very specific purpose, being sat upon a surface 1-2 feet away from whomever is talking. I had my mic gain selected and still found my recording to be on the soft side. Subtle post-processing amplification will be necessary, but the quality is so crisp that it can withstand that small degradation, and the average listener won't even notice.I totally recommend this device for an audio podcaster who's prone to sitting while recording, or someone who's looking to record themselves singing. The Blue brand makes some really amazing quality microphones, and this low-end device fits that description very well. Placing the device closer to one's mouth will help with the volume, though you won't need to hold it as close to you as a standard condenser microphone.

One of the best portable microphones powered through USB I've the pleasure of discovering. It's compact for travel, you flip the microphone head down, leaving it protected in the carousel it has. The rear portion of the microphone head is a solid silver coloured surface without anything to snag on when you stow it away in your bag. You can detach this item to hang on the top of your laptop monitor as an anchor. I use this regular for Skype or video recording in a large room. It easily detects and records my voice even while I'm across the room. It can pick up distortion if you tap the microphone or jostle the cradle in any way while recording. However it doesn't detect my AC blowing over it or being on in the background. The sound recorded is true and clear of defects.This microphone is a gem for audio/video recordings; on occasion I record ringtones for my significant other and he doesn't notice any difference from hearing me live versus on a recording. :) Do enjoy if you decide to get this device. I've had it for over a year now without any problems.

So the moment that this item arrived I set it up. We used it for a basic discord voice call with a friend while we were playing FFXIV. The Quality jump was awesome. Prior to the Snowflake, my boyfriend and I were either using our cell phones with the discord app or my laptop's standard microphone. The limits of the laptop mic are, it only catches the sounds from in front of it well, not anywhere else.The Snowflake catches at least 180 degrees of sound. So now our friends can hear both of us, not just me when we are in voice chat. This mic picks up all sounds. This is great! For our current living situation however....not great. We are in an unfinished concrete basement near all of the utilities, and there is no sound proofing or dampening anywhere. BUT that is not the mic's fault. My only complaint is the design of it. It is designed to carry the cord inside the base when transporting it, but I have yet to be able to get it to close with the cord inside the base. Also, when hanging it on my laptop, there is a bunch of extra space, so it flops around when I have to adjust the screen angle or move the laptop. I think I will try to use a velcro command strip to hold it in place, but it is something to consider when purchasing.