Blue Ball Mic - anyone, Bueller?

  • Thread starter Thread starter guttapercha
  • Start date Start date
I saw someone on line had them a $99. I heard one in a store once. Didn't like it at all.
 
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.
 
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....
 
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
 
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