Enlarge (credit: Logitech/Amazon)

If you were to search among tech review sites for a USB microphone recommendation, you’d almost definitely see a Blue product listed. Founded in 1995 and gaining consumer recognition with distinct designs, like the Snowball and Yeti, Blue Microphones branding has become well-known, from audiophiles to newcomers looking to launch their first podcast. But moving forward, the Blue Microphones brand will be no more.

Logitech announced its Blue Microphones acquisition in 2018, 23 years after jazz musician Skipper Wise and audio engineer Martins Saulespurens created the company. At first, Blue Microphones fixed mics from the ’50s and ’60s but eventually started creating gear for the recording industry, as the Los Angeles Times reported in 2009.

Apple encouraged Blue to enter the computer microphone space, Blue’s founders told the LA Times. Its global supply manager at the time reportedly encouraged Blue to make an affordable microphone for music recording software. Apple, at the time, was readying its GarageBand software. The result was the Blue Snowball USB mic, and once it became available in Apple’s stores, it really took off. A more accessible, affordable option than paying for a studio session, the mic became popular among growing musicians.