Blue Microphones - Snowball USB Condenser Microphone

U can start with any usb condenser mic. The phone will power it. I’ve used a Blue Snowball on a iPhone before

Switching from a Blue Snowball USB mic to an AT2020 and Scarlett 4i4 made a huge difference In my recordings. I have a little more control over the input so I have less to adjust in post.

Honestly, if you have a small carpeted room, or can a find a good space I think that matters more. I used a blue snowball my first 40 or so auditions and got roles. Now I have an AT2020 with a cage and interface and my music producing friend said it didnt sound that different. I dont think it does either. Oh and don't talk directly in the mic, just try to avoid popping it maybe put a sock on it or something

The Snowball is a cheap condenser mic. They tend to pick up more transients in my experience and I've measured increased ambient sound with them but they are *crisp* and can record in higher fidelity. Dynamic mics have to be closer usually and seem to have a tighter pickup pattern. They sound slightly more compressed as well. Usually a new person working with a dynamic mic can get away with more than a condenser. MXL makes some decent cheap condenser mics but ifg you want a good one, the Røde NT1 5th gen (XLR and USB) or the Signature Edition (same but XLR only) is a very good starter mic. It will pick up the cat in the litter box downstairs, though. DISCLAIMER: Yes, I am in fact an asshole. !

Hi! For lightings, I think you can find a variety of cheap ones on Amazon or your local e-commerce website For Mic, if you have a tight budget, I recommend USB mics like: - Blue Snowball - HyperX solocast - Razer Seiren They’re plug and play and sounds so good. Everytime I speak my friends always surprised how good the quality is. It’s more than enough for beginner streaming/recordings If you have tighter budget, then I recommend Lavalier mics. Many options as well online Hope this helps!

Been using Blue Snowball for a decade and ir works great. Recently upgrade to Shure MV6 but too soon to tell.

You could always look at getting a yeti snowball or something similar. Good starter mic, you just have to play with filters a little bit.

As long as your sound treatment is good and you can process audio decent, you can get away with almost any usb mic. I got a lot of great gigs with a blue snowball. It was $50 when I got it. I just saw it at $34.99 on Amazon.

I'd be upgrading from a Blue Snowball myself, would love to know if this is a worthwhile buy.

I got mine for like $20 from Craigslist like 10 years ago, and the center plastic piece of the female USB connector on the mic itself just broke off. It provides support for the 4 power/data pins, and I was able to super glue it back on, but that'll only last so long. Would love to know the differences between something like a cheaper FIFINE option, or if this Shure would be worth the extra money, or if I should seek out an AT2020 even.

Personally I use a Blue Yeti blackout and enjoy the upgrade from the Blue snowball. But I just wrote a comparison of similar mics here if youre interested in the read : https://thegamingglitch.wordpress.com/2025/06/05/best-budget-microphones-for-twitch-2025-edition/