The Blue Yeti USB Microphone is a great recording device, with a classic retro design, easy setup, and adjustable volume. It has four different pattern modes: stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, for versatile recording methods. For a modest price, it is one of the best microphones and it delivers a crisp, clear sound for your podcasts, music, and videos.
PRODUCT FEATURES:
-#1 Best Seller in Multipurpose Condenser Microphones
-three condenser capsules for recording in a variety of situations
-multiple pattern selection: cardioid, bidirectional, onmidirectional, stereo
-gain control, mute button, zero-latency output on headphone
-good for recording vocals, musical instruments, voiceovers,and interviews
-plug ‘n play – MAC OSX and PC
-dimensions: 5” x5.5” x 10 “ – 4.4 lbs
-ships within the US and to select countries outside the US
POSITIVES:
The Blue Yeti Microphone is wonderful for amateurs, because it’s simple to use and delivers high-quality sound. There’s very little setup required – just plug it into your computer’s USB port with the included cable, then calibrate it with your operating system. You can control the headphone volume, pattern selection, mute, and microphone gain to start recording quickly. The microphone has a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to hear what you’re recording in real time, without latency delays. The volume is regulated by a control on the front of the mic. The microphone can also pivot toward the sound source, and once in the desired position, you can screw it into place. It can be totally removed from its base for field recordings, and when you’re finished recording, the microphone folds down for transport. It’s ideal for podcasts, interviews, Skype chats, conference calls, and much more.
NEGATIVES:
The Blue Yeti USB Microphone, while solidly constructed, is a bit expensive, large and heavy. It’s also too sensitive! The “single direction” mode still picks up everything, so you get white noise, conversations from the next room, and possibly buzzing and hissing. You may find the USB cable picks up sound coming through the motherboard, such as a hum, into the recorded audio; or a rumbling from the PC’s hard drive. This microphone works best in a totally silent environment, unless you add a pop filter.
The USB cable is not high-quality: it tends to fall out during a recording, and has to be readjusted. The plug is also substandard, so you may have to play with it, plugging and replugging, to get it to work properly. The hinge for the stand is unstable, after it’s been taken off just once. After the warranty expires, you may hear distortion in your recordings. And customer service is really slow to respond.
If you want to check out some other microphone review, have a look at the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone or the Pyle-Pro PDMIC58 Professional Moving Coil Dynamic Handheld Microphone.
SUMMARY:
The Blue Yeti USB Microphone delivers an okay sound. It’s convenient to have the settings at your fingertips, and it’s much better than a headset mic. It’s great for beginners who want to record music or vocals.
