Blue Ball Mic - anyone, Bueller?

[guttapercha]

Has anyone used or heard recordings with the blue ball? http://bluemic.com/modules.php?op=mo...ndex&prod_id=2

I'm disappointed in my MXL990/991 and I'm thinking of going SM57 or this thing.
I really would like to stay $150 or below for a Mic that does vocals, acoustic guitar and electric decently.

JD

[Buck62]

Just thinking about "blue balls" is painful enough!

[zbert]

I saw someone on line had them a $99. I heard one in a store once. Didn't like it at all.

[resination808]

the blue ball is all right, but if your intention is to record your guitar, be aware that it doesn't have the warmest of sounds. I use the black ball from blue ( the condensor version) on guitar and snare, and while it still isn't the warmest sound, the high-mid boost does work quite nicely with a slight HP-cut. What kind of pre are you using.

[smtcharlie]

I don't have great gear (ADAT, Tampa pre, DMP3, Groove Tubes tube mic), but I do have both of these mics. If you are looking for versatility, you should almost definitely go with the SM57.

The Blue Ball is a funny mic and I can see why it gets such a strong reaction on this and other boards. It sounds totally different than other other mic that I've heard. It has a very deep sound, and somehow a very specific sound. It either works in a unique way, or sounds awful. It's hard to describe. Sometimes I like it with vocals, and sometimes it's cool on guitar amps, and since I don't have a bass drum mic, it's much better than anything else that I have have for that. So I really see the Blue Ball as a utility mic, not an essential mic.

Maybe that helps and maybe it doesn't....

[guttapercha]

Indeed -

I tested the 'ball' and the 57 side by side today recording alternating vocals and acoustic guitar. First off, I'll say both completely blew away the MXL 990 that I brought back in exchange. I chose the 57 because it sounded more balanced on both vocals and acoustic. The ball was very mic-rangy, especially on acoustic guitar. Mind you, with placement these mics may have sounded completely different, but I was in a store and couldn't go overboard.

I'll use the 57 for now and keep an eye for $200ish condensors when I get the urge.

JD