Although older than the Snowball iCE, the original Snowball is still offered by Blue as an option in their value oriented Snowball Line.

It offers a switchable cardioid / omnidirectional polar pattern and a -10db pad in cardioid mode for recording louder sound sources like a bedroom jam or rudimentary guitar amplifier miking.

The Blue Snowball features a switchable cardioid / omnidirectional polar pattern, -10db pad on cardioid mode, tripod desktop stand and a USB Cable.

Features:

• Type: Large Diaphragm Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid or Omnidirectional
• Frequency Response: 40 –18 kHz
• Sampling Rate: 44.1/48 kHz
• Bit Depth: 16 bit
• Applications: Voice recording, instrument and amplifier recording, podcasting, conference calls, streaming.

Compatibility

Windows: Windows 7/8.1/10 with USB 1.1/2.0/3.0
Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher with USB 1.1/2.0/3.0

Pros

Reviews for the original Snowball are generally similar with its younger iCE sibling, mainly focusing on great sound quality for the price. Some note that the -10db pad is invaluable for recording loud electric guitars through an amplifier and other high SPL sound sources like a full band rehearsing in the room. The Omnidirectional polar pattern setting also helps capture more of the room in the case of recording more than one speaker, although a little post-processing was required to bring up the gain a bit.

Cons

The Snowball is easily knocked over when on it's supplied tripod desktop stand so users recommend using a scissor boom mic stand for more stability. It doesn't handle close distance plosives on its own so for users opting to speak closer to the mic, a pop filter is recommended by a few users. Some reviewers noted that the Omnidirectional polar pattern thins out their voices too much.

Overall

If you require more than just speaking into a mic and would like the option to record louder sounds like a full band rehearsal or miking up a guitar cabinet, the original Snowball has the advantage of the -10db pad and omnidirectional polar pattern over its iCE sibling.

Frequency Response and Polar Pattern

At publication time this was the Equal Highest Rated USB Microphone along with the Rode NT-USB.

When M-Audio announced the Uber Mic in the 4th quarter of 2017, they noted that its development was borne from "Recognizing a critical need in the market for a professional-quality microphone with the performance, functional versatility and mounting options to meet any recording scenario" -- all while maintaining simplicity and ease-of-use for the general consumer.

The Uber Mic's main features include four polar patterns including stereo, zero latency monitoring, and integrated LCD screen to view settings and levels.

Features:

• Type: 3 Capsule Condenser
• Polar Pattern: cardioid, figure-8, omnidirectional, and stereo
• Frequency Response: 30–20,000 Hz
• Sampling Rate: 44.1/48 kHz
• Bit Depth: 16 bit
• Maximum SPL: 120dB SPL
• Power Requirements: USB bus powered via Mac or PC
• Applications: Vocal and instrument recording, broadcast, gaming, conference calls, interviews, stereo ambient/field recordings, foleys.

Compatibility

Mac OS X 10.10.5 or higher
Windows 7 or higher
iOS compatibility using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit

Pros

For the price, several reviewers were happy to have a feature rich microphone with stellar audio quality and intuitive controls. Users note that the Uber Mic is more than capable of handling different usage scenarios.

Cons

A forum user was hoping for iOS functionality without using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit. One reviewer received a unit with electrical noise - it is unclear whether the noise is from the unit or other factors.

Overall

If you are a versatile content creator that does streaming/gaming, recording, podcasting, and interviews, and want a USB mic that can keep up with you, the M-Audio Uber Mic might be the jack of all trades microphone you need.

Polar Pattern

Perhaps the most unique feature about the Samson G-track Pro is that it isn't just a microphone - it also doubles as an audio interface with a standard 1/4" input for recording line level signals like guitar, bass, keyboard.

One creative use noted on the Samson website is patching in a mono output from a separate mixer to include a mono submix: perfect for recording additional speaking hosts, guests or instruments.

Notable features include a 1/4" instrument input for connecting guitars or line level devices, built in mixer function, selectable polar patterns and zero latency monitoring.

Features:

• Type: Large diaphragm Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid (unidirectional), bidirectional and omnidirectional
• Frequency Response: 50Hz–20kHz
• Sampling Rate: Up to 96kHz
• Bit Depth: 16 or 24-bit
• Maximum SPL: 120dB
• Applications: Podcasting, gaming/streaming and recording music.

Compatibility

Mac OS X 10.10.5 or higher
Windows 7 or higher

Pros

Being able to capture 2 tracks with the line-in sound along with the mic capture is a major plus for users. This enables guitar players to use the mic as a D.I. recording solution for use with plugins inside a DAW.

Cons

There have been some reports of build quality issues. Some retailers have been noted as not supplying a mount adapter. Learning curve can be challenging with so many features and it frustrated some users. However, those who sought help from their respective podcast/gaming communities were able to solve their problems. The unit itself, while solid and weighty, sacrifices portability.

Overall

If you operate from a stationary setup and require a separate mix for line level instruments, or even a separate mixer for guests, the G-track Pro is an excellent choice.

Polar Pattern

Frequency Response

At publication time this was the Equal Highest Rated USB Microphone along with the M-Audio Uber Mic.

A little bit of history: The Rode company started off by modifying imported mics with premium components. Upon release, these hot rodded microphones took off "like a rat up a drainpipe" in Australian vernacular. Because of this, the mics were unofficially named the "Rodent-1" and later became the Rode NT-1 with the official stylization of the brand's "Ø" as a nod to the founder's Scandinavian lineage.

The Rode NT-USB bears the NT designation for the company's flagship line of condenser microphones. This particular model was designed to address the need for a USB recording solution while maintaining the company's pedigree sound.

The Rode NT-USB includes a pop filter, 3.5mm headphone jack for zero latency monitoring, and has a mix knob and volume knob for monitoring adjustments.

Features:

• Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Sampling Rate: 48 kHz
• Bit Depth: 16 bits
• Maximum SPL: 110 dB
• Power Requirements: 5V USB
• Applications: Best used for recording vocals/singing, podcasting and voice-overs as well as recording acoustic instruments - mainly guitar.

Compatibility

Mac OS X 10.10.5 or higher
Windows 7 or higher
iOS compatibility using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit

Pros

The recording quality of the NT-USB has positive reviews from musicians, podcasters and voice-over artists alike. First-time home recording enthusiasts are pleasantly surprised with how well the NT-USB handles vocal and instrument recordings. Trevor Curwen said in his Music Radar review that the NT-USB is "...your computer's perfect partner for recording vocals and acoustic instruments with minimal fuss".

Cons

Some users had trouble with the gain and compatibility with Skype but upon further investigation, a specific windows 10 update at the time of the review compromised some features of USB input devices in general and has mostly been addressed as of this writing.

Overall

With nearly universal praise, the Rode NT-USB is a great pick for those that just want a top quality recording microphone for vocals and instruments.

Polar Pattern

Frequency Response

Things To Consider When Buying A USB Microphone

Differences Between USB and XLR Mics

The main difference, which is true of both condenser and dynamic mics, is that USB mics have a built in A/D (Audio to Digital) converter which means that you don't need an audio interface to digitize the signal from the mic.

There is another important difference with condenser mics. USB condenser mics have a built in preamp that can't be bypassed. Most preamps supply phantom power to operate the mic which is usually between 12v and 48v. Because USB only provides 5v this means the mic has to be specially designed to work at this reduced voltage level. For these reasons a USB and XLR version of the same mic may sound perceptibly different - so much so that some audio engineers and home recording enthusiasts prefer not to use USB mics at all, although their numbers have declined as USB mics have improved significantly in recent times.

Condenser or Dynamic?

If you are going to be recording singers or acoustic guitar then a condenser mic will give a sound that's closer to the traditional 'studio condenser mic'. Dynamic mics tend to be a little more robust and so are good for outside recording. Dynamic mics are also the type traditionally used by radio announcers and is the key to getting that polished "broadcast" sound.

Zero Latency Monitoring

If you need to be able to hear what you're recording in real-time, such as when recording to backing tracks, then you will need a mic that has a headphone jack. If the mic doesn't have a headphone jack then you can only monitor by listening to the audio coming from your computer which may be slightly delayed on some systems - this is what is referred to as 'latency'. Some mics do have a headphone jack but still require you to take your monitor mix from your recording software - the IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio is an example of that.

iPad USB Power Issues

As of the time of writing iOS limits the current that can be provided to USB devices. This can result in a USB mic not working at all on the iPad, or more commonly the mic will work but as soon as you plug headphones in it will draw too much current and the iPad will cut the power completely. You may need to provide additional power via a Powered USB Hub in order to solve these problems.