Snowball USB Condenser Microphone

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. !

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

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.