Blue Snowball iCE vs Electro-Voice RE320
A side-by-side look at Blue Snowball iCE and Electro-Voice RE320 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Blue Snowball iCE
The easiest entry point to a decent USB mic, period
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Electro-Voice RE320
Variable-D dynamic that killed proximity effect before it was cool
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Blue Snowball iCE | Electro-Voice RE320 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | First-time podcasters or students who want better-than-laptop audio without spending much | Podcasters and broadcasters who move around while recording and need consistent tonal response from varying distances |
Key features
Blue Snowball iCE
- Single cardioid condenser capsule
- 16-bit / 44.1kHz resolution
- USB-A connectivity (plug-and-play)
- Adjustable tripod desktop stand included
- Cardioid-only polar pattern
Electro-Voice RE320
- Cardioid dynamic XLR with Variable-D proximity effect control
- Dual-curve frequency switch: general (45 Hz to 18 kHz) and kick (30 Hz to 18 kHz)
- Output impedance 150 ohms balanced
- Humbucking coil for electromagnetic interference rejection
- Neodymium capsule for high sensitivity
- No phantom power required
Pros and cons
Blue Snowball iCE
Pros
- Very affordable entry price
- True plug-and-play on Mac and Windows
- Cardioid sound is solid for voice at close range
- Small footprint on a desk
Cons
- 16-bit / 44.1kHz - not high-res audio
- No headphone jack for monitoring
- Cardioid-only limits versatility
- Sits low - hard to position at mouth height without a stand
Electro-Voice RE320
Pros
- Variable-D technology provides consistent tone across mic distances
- Dual-curve switch doubles as a broadcast and instrument mic
- Humbucking coil rejects interference from studio equipment
- Trusted by broadcast engineers and podcast veterans alike
Cons
- Requires a preamp with solid clean gain like most dynamic mics
- Heavier form factor than handheld-style dynamics
- Less brand recognition than Shure or RODE for new buyers
The verdict
Choose Blue Snowball iCE if
First-time podcasters or students who want better-than-laptop audio without spending much.
The Snowball iCE is honest about what it is: a no-frills, budget-first entry to decent audio. In a treated room or quiet space it captures a clean cardioid signal that is a massive step up from any built-in laptop microphone.…
Choose Electro-Voice RE320 if
Podcasters and broadcasters who move around while recording and need consistent tonal response from varying distances.
The RE320 solves the proximity effect problem in a way most podcasters do not appreciate until they have lived with a mic that does not. Variable-D means your voice sounds consistent whether you are 4 inches or 10 inches from…