Blue Microphones Snowflake USB

Pros: Build quality, sound quality, sensitivity (no preamp needed)

Cons: Definitely requires a pop filter. Won't slide over the top of a desktop machine. Very clear, crisp and present but not as "deep and rich" as a large-diaphragm studio mic costing a couple of grand.

Summary: Blue is charming the public to go for the Snowball and now Snowflake, and doing a good job of it. The Snowflake sounds as good as the Snowball but has more limited cardioid patterns and lacks some of the "sex appeal" that enables the Snowball to put performers on their best behavior. Note that the white plastic is merely a case for protecting the mesh screen and carrying the USB cable. Once removed, you've got a mic that conveniently attaches to the top of a lap-top or, with the mic swiveled backwards as a counterbalance, sits securely on your desk in front of the computer. I also own the Sony mic referenced in Cnet's review and found it unsuitable for recording directly to my computer without first routing it through a pre-amp to boost the signal. The Snowflake, on the other hand, has sensitivity and loudness to spare. Computers see it faster than any USB device I've ever used. It's small but as heavy and rugged as a Shure SM-57 or 58, so for $50-60 (the going price) how can you not? It's certainly much more than the mere "flash" that Cnet mentions in its headline. I don't use it to record music, but it's the best solution yet that I've found for professional radio announcements away from the multi-thousand dollar large-diaphragm condenser mics at the studio.