Processing:
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The micro-head (the snowball itself) has already a lot weight and feels very high quality, I would not have thought so. And the stand is well made and feels dibasic. Only the connection of the USB cable I see mixed feelings and I beäuge careful because there but the expected plastic sitting. But on the whole the micro is very well made.
The assembly was also simple: Snowball screws on the pedestal and on the back of the USB cable plug in - done.
Installation:
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No.
After unpacking I could simply plugs through the USB port on my PC and it has recognized it properly the micro. (Windows 7 64Bit) Skype Both, as well as a freeware audio program detected the micro and I also had to Console post anything or install any drivers. An external power source also does not require the Snowball and "operated" by itself via the USB port from the PC.
This I find very pleasant and "Anwenderfreudlich".
Recording quality
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Now, I can already say as a layman for sound quality? Not much really, what the professional knowledge terms in areas of music / song record or professional synchronizations. But I can speak for the odd YouTube Syndication and Skype calls from the perspective of a "mere mortals" who uses micro hobby.
And here I must say I am completely thrilled by the micro!
The voice quality is very good. My counterpart understands me on setting 1 crystal clear, no noise can be heard, even when I'm sitting in the side of the micro-well distance of 50 cm and the head still turned away from the micro have the talk. (So in situations where my last cheap micro of NoName brand failed.)
It is sometimes scary how well the microphone transmits the sound.
Two situations of my life to:
1) In just over 4 meters from the micro to the back which is my wooden cage of two chinchillas, and when on other hop of a board, then makes a half-loud noise. My old mics could, if they turn the cage "back", never transferred that sound. The Snowball already, to setting 1 (ie not the 360 ° -Raumaufnahme of setting 3 but the frontal view), it was very comfortable and my Gesprächsparnter on Skype downright frightened when a little rum came out of the cage here. I was honestly surprised that he heard the sound, as it has often happened and the old mics sound never transferred.
2) I started the Snowball, as I had briefly to the apartment door (again setting 1). For this course I had to change the room, the glass door closed between the living room and corridor and was just over 12 meters from the micro. The conversation with the postman was in a normal voice, but could hear everything my Skype partner. Both the quiet voice of the messenger (who was even outside the home and thus probably even quieter echoed), as well as my words.
That alone, I think, already speaks for the good quality.
With regard to the recording quality on the freeware for synchronization: Crystal clear sound!
Ok, if you speak too close and head-on the micro has to the usual "pops", but if you speak a little sideways, they are gone and yet what has been said has been very well received.
Settings
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The Snowball has 3 different modes, which can be set on the back of the snowball over a small control switch.
Setting 1: Frontal transfer, which very well perceives not only frontally the voice / noise.
Setting 2: -10dB ... Here is probably the most "professional" wondered what it brings. I feel a shooting with this setting as very dull and quiet. But I must confess that I do not know what you need this setting.
Setting 3: 360 ° transmission. Very handy if you times with several people sitting at the table and either want to record something or has additionally integrated with a Skype call.
Appearance
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Now the wife comes through.
Yes, the micro gets this point by me awarded because it really looks very stylish addition to the PC and even a layman a "touch" of "would-be professional" are.
Conclusion
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Although it is not a professional device, but for the amateur speaker and the mere mortals definitely a piece Technick that one should keep in mind. For this price-performance ratio you can really mekern only at a high professional level. And honestly, professionals use mics and accessories in quite different price categories.
From me there is therefore: 5 of 5 stars
My wishes for a hobby micro met the Snowball namely in full and almost perfect circumference.
