When you need a smart, versatile, and affordable microphone, the Blue Yeti by Blue Microphones delivers all that and more. The Yeti belongs to the desktop line of USB microphones and is a stellar performer. The Blue Yeti is unarguably one of the most versatile microphones of its kind, combining advanced technology with audio purity. It is no wonder that the Yeti has been broadly recognized, having received multiple awards.
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THE STORY BEHIND THE YETI
The Yeti makers take pride in setting it apart from other USB microphones with its impressive ability to capture any sound with amazing clarity. It is often considered the ultimate USB microphone for professional use in recordings. Part of the marketing behind the Blue Microphones is their use of unconventional and captivating names, which give their products a personal touch and creates a connection with the target consumer. The Yeti is no exception.
The Yeti microphone was created to be an innovative recording microphone using state-of-the-art USB technology that anyone could use in various environments, from professional musicians to infrequent users. Additionally, it had to meet the standards for amazing sound quality set out by Blue Microphones to outperform competitors and rank itself as the best in its class.
YETI VS. YETI PRO: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Within the Blue Microphones desktop USB category are several different models: the Yeti, Yeti Pro, Yeti X Pro, Yeti Nano, Yeticaster, Snowball, Snowball iCE, and Spark Digital. When considering these models, some people wonder what the difference is between these microphones. The Yeti and the Yeti Pro microphones have the largest popularity. To properly distinguish them, it is best to examine their unique features:
YETI MICROPHONE FEATURES:
- Multi-patterned USB microphone: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo polar patterns
- Innovative triple capsule array
- Can record in stereo or cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional patterns
- High-quality analog-to-digital converter
- Amplifier with built-in headphone
- Plug-and-play with no driver installation required
- Simplified controls for volume, pattern selecting, and instant mute – all on the mic
- Compatible with PC or Mac
YETI PRO MICROPHONE FEATURES:
- Three custom condenser capsules
- Multi-patterned USB microphone: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo polar patterns
- Able to capture digital audio four times clearer than the clarity found on CDs
- Cutting-edge A-D converter chip
- Separate analog circuit path to use professionally with studio mixers and preamps.
- Combines a resolution of 24-bit/192 kHz digital recording with analog XLR output
- Amplifier with built-in headphone
- It can be used both as a USB and an XLR microphone
- Direct controls for microphone gain, headphone volume, pattern selection, and mute
In essence, the Yeti Pro has everything the Yeti has, but it goes a bit further with the analog XLR output and a separate analog circuit path. Another difference is that the Yeti has a maximum resolution of 48 kHz/10-bit recording, while the Yeti Pro has a groundbreaking 192 kHz/24-bit resolution.
YETI USE CASES AND REVIEWS
With its four easy-to-use pattern settings, the Yeti truly has a highly versatile range of applications, so it is for almost every application imaginable. The Yeti USB microphone can be used for podcasts, instruments, choirs, orchestras, vocals, interviews, events, and voiceovers.
Yeti users overwhelmingly give the Yeti top ratings. People find it easy to use, solidly built, and a worthy investment. Many also love its modern-twist retro looks and laud its sound quality. Others find the length of the USB cable very generous. Words used by Yeti reviewers include: “highly recommended”, “streamlined styling”, “cool looks”, “greatest computer-ready microphone”, and “outstanding value”.
Regarding the few negatives encountered by users, there may be some issues worth noting, such as those arising from a sometimes-loose USB cord and some faulty gain knobs.
Summing up this Blue Yeti review, the Yeti microphone delivers what it promises in terms of quality, ease of use, and versatility. The creative team behind it certainly made a good effort to produce an original and attractive product that many users enjoy. Best of all, it is an affordable option for a quality microphone that can handle a wide variety of applications.