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For the longest time, I have been researching and trying out different microphones, trying to find something that would be perfect for classroom podcasters and I think I have found it. The microphone is The Snowball by Blue Microphones. It really has the ability to capture the human voice and make a professional recording a breeze. I am not only impressed with superior sound quality, but how universal this microphone is. With the flip of a switch, the snowball can either be an unidirectional or an omnidirectional microphone. So it really is two microphones in one.

The first thing I noticed about this microphone was the appearance. Blue not only makes some of the best microphones for the recording industry, but they also make them a work of art. I was just recently joking with someone, that when I am not using mine for recording, I may just display it on the mantle. The Snowball is also a USB microphone, which I really have needed. I have found it is possible to plug a professional high end microphone into a computer microphone jack, but remember that these phantom microphones are really designed additional power to record the human voice, so I have always needed an amplifier when using one. When doing so, I have experienced electrical interference or computer noise, which some of you may have noticed in some of my previous podcasts. Also, don't forget that the human voice can be very difficult to record, and that can really make podcasting with some microphones difficult. This is where the quality and sensitivity of the Snowball comes in. It really has the ability to capture the human voice and make a professional recording a breeze. I am not only impressed with superior sound quality, but how universal this microphone is. With the flip of a switch, the snowball can either be a unidirectional and omnidirectional microphone; it really is two microphones in one. You can choose between three settings on the mic via a switch on the rear of the Snowball. The three settings are cardioid, cardioid with -10dB pad and omni. The first two settings allow the Snowball to record only what sounds are directly in front of the mic, while the omni setting records sounds all around the mic.

Another great thing about the snowball is that it is cross platform. It works with both PCs and Macs. It is also plug and play- installing the Snowball was as easy as plugging in the USB cable to my computer. No software or drivers are required to operate the Snowball.

 If you want a Snowball for Christmas, now is the time. After doing some searching I have found that the Apple Online store is currently selling the Snowball for $99.95 with free shipping. This includes the USB cable, stand, and free shipping. This really is a bargain because the Snowball retail price is $139.00.

Overall, Blue Microphone's Snowball is an extraordinary USB microphone that is perfect for any podcaster. It can also  used to record anything from singing and instruments to spoken words for If you are in need to get better audio quality in your podcasts and video blogs, the Snowball is the tool you need. If you would like to purchase this microphone from Apple, please click on the link on the right side of the page and get the Snowball for $99.95 and free shipping.

The TechTeacher site is found at: http://thetechteacher.libsyn.com/ or visit Blue Microphones at: http://www.bluemic.com/

 

Today's episode is a very special episode because I will be playing some great technology integration tips from one of my listenersâ?¦..Jim Falbo of Gundy Area Vocational Center in Morris Illinois. Jim will be sharing with us how he is integrating podcasting and Picasa albums with his students. He will also share how he is using Gmail in the classroom. I have also posted the link to Jim's web site so you can follow along with his explanation

http://www.gavc-il.org/vnews/display.v/ART/43bac69846af9

Thank you Jim for sharing!