New Snowball USB Microphone from Blue

(Click for a close-up)

Blue Microphones announced a USB microphone designed for professional recording applications. Dubbed the Snowball, the mic is an extension of Blue's line of spherical mics that includes the original Ball, the world's first phantom-powered dynamic; the 8-Ball condenser mic; and the newly shipping Kickball, Blue's new big bass dynamic.

Designed for desktop recording applications, the Snowball incorporates Blue's styling with versatility and ease of use. The mic's universal driver and plug & play USB compatibility make recording into your laptop or DAW quick and easy, while its dual capsule design and three-position switch dial in the desired sound for many applications.

The Snowball's versatility is achieved by its unique dual-capsule design, with one capsule tailored for vocals and the other for instruments. A three position switch on the back of the mic lets you change between the capsules. The first position offers the end user a robust vocal sound, the second position delivers an open, airy detailed sound and the third position is a unique combination of both capsules, which allows for the recording of loud sound sources.

Snowball will be available in Q2 of 2005 for $139.00 MSRP.