Blue Yeti Pro Microphone Review

Blue Yeti Pro

This Blue Yeti Pro review outlines its features and performance and will answer all your questions about the coveted device. The original Yeti was well-received, so you can go ahead and bet that the Pro will most likely win you over.

AESTHETICS AND CONNECTIVITY

The color change is the first noticeable difference between the Pro and the original Yeti. The entire Yeti has a silver finish, while the Pro is sporting a rough black finish with a titanium base. The threaded stand/mount is the same except for the new finish. The large THX logo has also been removed from the front of the device. The Yeti Pro has the same headphone jack and USB connections as the Yeti on the top. You may be skeptical about using a microphone for headphone output purposes. Still, users report tremendous satisfaction with the sound quality and noise cancellation over their computers’ built-in headphone jacks. Also, this allows for full zero-latency playback monitoring.

The Pro also has an additional 5-pin jack for stereo XLR on the bottom that you will not find on the previous model. The addition of XLR capability alone is enough to steal the hearts of some previous Yeti users, particularly professional and semi-professional musicians. It adds the flexibility of using the USB functionality in informal settings and then conveniently connecting to a soundboard for professional use.

Overall the microphone has a cool retro look and feels to it. The mic is only 1.2 pounds, and the whole thing weighs in with the stand at 3.4 pounds. It comes neatly packaged and includes an owner’s manual, a USB cable, and an XLR breakout cable. The front of the mic features the Blue logo and controls to mute the mic and adjust the headphone volume.

These controls are not functional in XLR mode. They are only for use in USB mode. Such functions are more effectively operated using the mixing board while in XLR mode, so this should not be seen as a source of deterrence. The back has two dials for sensitivity (or gain) control and recording pattern selection.

PERFORMANCE AND SPECS

You will see the bulk of the Pro advantages in the performance and specifications.

  • Bitrate: The Pro’s 24-bit rate is up from the Yeti’s 16-bit.
  • Capsules: Both models have three 14mm condenser capsules.
  • Frequency: Both models respond at 20Hz to 20kHz.
  • Maximum SPL: Both models max out at 120 dB.
  • Polar patterns: Like the Yeti, the Pro’s triple capsule arrangement allows four diverse recording patterns (bidirectional, cardioid, omnidirectional, and stereo).
  • Power requirement: The Pro requires 5V 500mA (USB) and 48V DC (XLR). This is an increase from Yeti’s 150mA requirement.
  • Sample rate: The Pro shows an exponential increase to 192kHz from the Yeti’s mere 48kHz.
  • Sensitivity: Both models have a sensitivity level of 4.5mV/Pa.

If you are not up on the technical stuff, the Pro can record sound more accurately and precisely. The downside is that it also produces much larger file sizes that you may have to condense depending on how you intend the files to be used. Condensing the files causes you to lose some of the quality in the process, so you may not even be able to use the mic to its full abilities.

The Pro’s headphone amplifier also shows some improvement over its older cousin. Both mics have a frequency response of between 15Hz and 22kHz, an impedance of over 16 ohms, a power output of 130mW, and a THD of 0.0009 percent. The Pro’s signal-to-noise is 114dB, a slight upgrade from the Yeti’s 100 dB.

The side-canceling bidirectional polar pattern is great for duet performances and two-person podcasts. The cardioid recording pattern (which picks up audio from one direction – right in front of the microphone) captures accurate, smooth, and full-range harmonics for recording vocals. The omnidirectional setting provides pleasing results, with various instruments freely congregated around the mic.

This thing can easily handle recording casual musical performances. It is not particularly well-suited for noisier environments, however. Dynamics mics still win out when it comes to ambient noise reduction. The thick coating of foam insulation on the bottom of the stand also does a great job of subduing any extraneous vibration.

Blue Yeti Pro review accounts unanimously praise its smooth recording and unique output capabilities. At an impressively affordable price of only around 250 bucks (about 100 dollars more than the first Yeti), the Yeti Pro opens the door to uncharted possibilities for many consumers. The answer to the Yeti versus Yeti Pro debate ultimately lies in whether you have the desire or any potential need to drop the extra 50 dollars when the Yeti will surely meet your needs. Either way, Blue has set the bar regarding the USB microphone industry.

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