Top Blue Yeti Microphone Review – Full Guide
Forget everything you thought you knew about sound recording: the house microphone is no longer in use. To record podcasts, dialogue, or music, a mini-jack plug should never have to send its obnoxious buzzing signal into your Mac’s mic socket again.
USB’s digital domain has arrived — and it’s superior. The monster sequel to Blue’s breakthrough Snowball USB mic, the Yeti, oozes a nostalgic appeal that is entirely at odds with its next-gen appearance.
The weighty 50s-style metal construction, which includes a superbly designed large-footprint table support, gives it a seriousness that its younger sibling (a white plastic orb) lacked.
If you’ve been looking for a microphone for your computer, chances are you’ve heard of the Blue Microphones Yeti from someplace. It’s everywhere—you’ll see it on streams, YouTube, and in the homes of many amateur voice actors since it’s the most popular USB microphone. Blue, on the other hand, debuted a jacked-up version of its main consumer mic, the Yeti X, this year.
Editor’s note: On April 20, 2021, this review was updated to include product information.
What is the purpose of the Blue Yeti X?
The Yeti X from Blue Microphones in front of soundproofing. For prosumers, the Blue Yeti X is a solid USB microphone. The Yeti X is a low-cost system with good audio, which will appeal to streamers. Many of the competing sub-$200 options require an interface or aren’t that good.
The Yeti X gives YouTubers more power than the original Yeti, which is already in heavy use on the user-generated video platform for voiceovers. The Yeti X meets the needs of students looking to create podcasts, audio content, and other applications without breaking the bank. The Yeti X is an excellent ally for podcasters on a tight budget, as it is often less expensive than an interface and dedicated mic.
What’s the deal with the Blue Yeti X?
The Blue Yeti X is a desktop USB microphone that features a few more durable components than most of its competitors. That’s probably why the Yeti, its predecessor, is so popular with home studio owners. The Yeti is not only inexpensive, but it also offers recording quality that is just slightly inferior to that obtained with a more studio-friendly microphone.
Whatever you think about USB mics, if you don’t want to spend a lot of money, they’ll get you 90% of the way to “excellent” recordings. Like in photography, the ability and experience of the performer and mixer are significantly more important than the equipment they use. A microphone is a tool that will not perform all of the work for you, but if you put forth the effort, it will reward you well.
After you’ve set it up, instead of speaking into the top, you’ll want to speak directly to the Blue Yeti X. This is the case because the diaphragms are angled to the front, sides, and rear, rather than outward as with television microphones. This enables you to use the microphone in a variety of ways, even if the placement differs from what you’re used to.
If you find yourself switching between podcasting, streaming, and recording many people at the same time, the pickup pattern selector will come in handy. You might be puzzled as to how a microphone can change its pickup pattern, but the Yeti X does so in a clever way. Inside the microphone, there are four separate capsules, each pointing in a different direction. Because some capsules are enabled while others aren’t, the mic can work in ways that a single-capsule mic can’t.
On the front of the unit, a gain dial with LEDs shows how loud you’re currently speaking as well as the amount of gain applied. You may even use the dial to quiet yourself while on the phone or during a livestream if you don’t want your thousands of viewers to hear your neighbors fighting or someone else embarrassing you in some way.
Blue Yeti Settings for Podcasting
If you want to do podcasting, the Blue Yeti will surely come in handy. A podcast is a special video or audio recording that you can release in installment, and you would need a nice cardioid mic for this recording. So, if you have a Blue Yeti mic, you should set it up on the cardioid recording mode. The cardioid polar pattern is perfect for podcasting because it lets you speak in front of the microphone without picking up the sounds at the back. Moreover, this is the most recommended and the only pickup pattern you would use as a podcaster.
Then, set the mic’s distance from you. You can figure out the right distance by moving away or toward the mic. With trial-and-error, you can figure out the sweet spot wherein you would sound best. Since the Blue Yeti is in front of you with its tip facing upward, you don’t need to talk on the top of the mic. Then after, you can adjust the gain using the rear knob. By adjusting it, you also change the overall volume of the recording.
If you adjust the gain well, you don’t need to raise your voice to get recorded well. Thus, it will help if you set the gain at the proper level. Once you’ve set up everything, you can plug in your headphones. The headphone port is at the mic’s bottom. You can hear your voice while you do the recording and figure out if your voice’s volume and rendition are satisfactory. Moreover, using your headphones, you can check for any interference or background noise. Do a test recording, and if it is good, then you can start your podcasting.
Setting Up the Yeti for Recording Instruments
The Blue Yeti is ideal for instrument recording. You should make sure that the logo is facing your instrument right away. You should avoid directing this mic straight at your sound source because it records from the side. Then lower the gain to prevent the sound from reaching its maximum volume.
Set the mic’s pattern to Cardioid after that. When recording instruments, the cardioid mode is, of course, the best polar pattern. You may also play about with stereo mode.
Setting up for Live Streaming
When live streaming, the cardioid mode should always be used. Of course, the cardioid polar pattern can aid in the capturing of voice while reducing ambient noise and electrical interference. Monitors and other electronic devices emit a buzz that you don’t want your microphone to pick up. So, if you turn it to cardioid mode, you’ll be able to get rid of the buzz. The Blue Yeti should be placed on a firm desk for the best audio quality. It will be more effective if you place it 6 to 12 inches away from you. When recording, stay in this position and don’t lean back or sit back.
You should adjust the mic if you bend forward or backward. The mic’s head should be pointing upward. You should lower the gain when streaming because higher gain equals more sound absorption. It might also help if you reduce the benefit to the absolute minimum. You should also check the Windows volume because it has an impact on the Blue Yeti’s overall volume when streaming. When you lower the gain, you can set the Windows volume to 100. Your mic will regain increased sensitivity without picking up noises or excessive buzz with this arrangement.
If this setting doesn’t work well, you can drop the Windows volume to 0 and adjust the gain to the midway position. Some streamers claim that when they employ this arrangement, they get excellent streaming volume and sensitivity. When adjusting the gain on the Blue Yeti, don’t be too hasty. To find the sweet spot, go slowly. When speaking, it’s ideal to keep the mike as close to your mouth as feasible. Furthermore, optimum audio quality should be achieved, which eliminates background noise and allows your voice to ring loud and clear.
What are the best Blue Yeti microphone patterns to use?
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The Blue Yeti is a USB microphone with several patterns. It employs three microphone capsules to deliver four separate polar patterns or modes of microphone. Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Stereo are the four Blue Yeti microphone patterns or modes. Each Blue Yeti pattern alters the maximum sensitivity of the microphone as well as the direction or directions of maximum sound rejection. The Blue Yeti is an extremely adaptable USB microphone since each polar pattern is appropriate for specific applications.
The Yeti’s four microphone polar patterns, combined with the fact that it’s a USB condenser microphone, making it suitable for a wide range of uses. The Yeti gives you a lot of creative options, whether you’re recording directly to your computer or streaming online. Because each microphone is best for a given function, there is no single best microphone. Stay with me and I’ll explain when to use each one.
#1. Blue Yeti Microphone (Blackout) with Knox Gear Pop Filter and 3.0 4 Port USB Hub Bundle
#2. Blue Compass Premium Tube-Style Broadcast Boom Arm
#3. Blue Radius III Custom Shockmount for Yeti and Yeti Pro USB Microphones
What does PATTERN mean on a Blue Yeti?
On a Blue Yeti microphone, the pattern, or mode, relates to the direction in which it is sensitive to sound. This isn’t exclusive to the Yeti; any microphone can be classified into several patterns. There are a couple more options than the four on the Yeti, including super-cardioid and hyper-cardioid.
Because the Yeti was designed for computer audio amateurs, the phrases “mode” and “pattern” were employed to keep things simple. It should, however, be referred to as the microphone’s “polar pattern,” as professional audio engineers refer to it. I’ve even heard people talk about the microphone’s “polarity.” Whatever name is used, it all refers to the microphone’s pick-up pattern. This will dictate how and when you use it.
The Blue Yeti Bi-directional pattern is ideal for interviews
The sensitivity of the bidirectional pattern is split into two lobes. One extends from the Yeti’s front, while the other extends in the opposite manner from the Yeti’s back. The pattern is easy to visualize as a figure of eight, which is why the pattern symbol resembles the number 8. The microphone will be most sensitive where those two lobes are located. As you travel around to the sides of the microphone, the sensitivity will decrease until it reaches a minimum when you’ve turned 90 degrees or are speaking into the Yeti’s side.
When you have two sound sources, such as when you’re interviewing someone, recording a two-person podcast, or performing a vocal or instrumental duet, the bidirectional pattern comes in handy. One person should stand in front of the mic, while the other should stand on the other side.
The front and back of the microphone have the same sensitivity. As a result, you must ensure that both sound sources are similarly loud. If you’re interviewing someone, you’ll want to make sure you’re both speaking at a same volume.
The Blue Yeti Cardioid pattern is ideal for voiceovers
The Blue Yeti cardioid pattern is formed like a heart and extends to the microphone’s front. The audio will be clearest just in front of the Yeti, which has the most sensitivity. The mic is likewise rather sensitive to the right and left, but as you travel around to the back of the microphone, the sensitivity gradually decreases. The highest level of sound rejection happens in the back. As a result, if you wish to reduce background noise, make sure the source is behind the Yeti. This might be a fan or your computer keyboard. The cardioid pattern will not fully eliminate sound, but it will assist to reduce it.
When recording a voiceover, one-person podcast, game streaming, or YouTube videos, the cardioid pattern is most commonly employed. It can also be used for online meetings using Zoom, Skype, Teams, and other similar platforms.
If you want to categorize how the cardioid pattern sounds, it most closely resembles the audio you’d hear on a radio station. So, if you want to be a radio host or DJ, switch to cardioid mode.
The Blue Yeti Omnidirectional pattern is ideal for conference calls
The Yeti can “hear the room” thanks to the omnidirectional pattern. This mode makes the Yeti responsive to sound from all directions, making it excellent for recording round table talks, interviews, and conference calls with multiple people. Field recording, events, and even recording small bands or orchestras can all benefit from it.
The omnidirectional pattern is represented by the symbol of a circle, which is a suitable representation of the microphone receiving up sound from all directions. The omnidirectional mode, more than any other pattern, generates audio that most nearly resembles a real room sound. The microphone does not create any sense of where the sound is originating from, even though this mode gathers sound from all directions. Because it’s a mono soundscape, you’ll sound the same to the listener no matter where you are around (or above) the Yeti.
The Blue Yeti Stereo pattern is ideal for recording choirs
The stereo pattern is represented by two overlapping rings, although this mode is similar to the cardioid pattern but includes spatial information. In certain ways, it allows you to peer into the mind of your listener. Within that stereo region between the listener’s ears, the Yeti represents your position around the microphone. In stereo mode, the Yeti records nicely from the front and off to the sides, similar to the cardioid pattern. So, when should you use the stereo mode on the Yeti?
When you wish to record not only the sounds around the microphone, but also their relative positions around the microphone, the stereo pattern comes in handy. A vocal performance, choir, small acoustic band, radio theater performance, or even a soundscape could be included.
When recording a voiceover, podcast, or Zoom conference call, you probably don’t want to use the stereo pattern. There are two possible explanations for this. First, if you walk around, it might really screw with the listener’s brain. The second point is more of a practical one. Many clients have asked me to deliver audio and video training in their home or office video studio.
You’d be surprised how many times I’ve come across a configuration that only records on one channel. If you’re recording with a stereo mic and moving around, this can be a major issue. The person would appear to move around in the stereo picture if the recording was done correctly. However, if just one channel is recording, the speech will appear to become quieter before becoming louder. So, while stereo can generate some interesting results, it’s unlikely that you’ll utilize it much when recording yourself.
How do you change the Blue Yeti pattern?
Changing between the Blue Yeti patterns is easy. Look at the rear of the Yeti and you’ll see two dial knobs. The top one is marked GAIN, and the lower one is marked PATTERN. Use the lower of the two knobs to select the pattern you require.
MODES ON YETI: From left to right, the patterns are Stereo, Omnidirectional, Cardioid, and bi-directional.
The Gain and Pattern selector knobs are located on the back of the Blue Yeti. To find the pattern you’re looking for, look for the pattern symbol in the Blue Yeti pattern fast guide table below. Then adjust the pattern selection knob until the line on the knob points to the Blue Yeti’s matching pattern symbol.
It’s possible that the pattern selection knob is difficult to operate. You may switch between pattern positions by giving it a little extra push. The pattern fast guide table is a quick way to figure out which pattern to utilize for your application and which direction the Yeti will pick up the cleanest sound from. Consider the table as the standard starting point, but once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, don’t be afraid to branch out.
Blue Yeti pattern quick guide table
| Mic Pattern | Pattern Symbol | Maximum sensitivity direction | Typical application |
| Bidirectional or Figure-of-Eight | | Directly in front and behind | Interview Instrumental duet Vocal duet Two-person podcast |
| Cardioid | | Directly in front | Game streaming Online meeting One-person podcast Voiceover YouTube Course creation |
| Omnidirectional | | All around | Conference call Multi-person interview Field recording Event Orchestra |
| Stereo | | Front side, from left to right | Vocal performance Choir Acoustic group Radio drama |
When switching between patterns while recording or streaming, you’ll notice a high-level click in the sound output. It will show up as a high peak or transient spike in your recording. When switching from stereo to omnidirectional, you may notice a momentary drop in volume.
It’s not your Yeti’s fault. That’s just the way it is, and you’ll see the same effect in a lot of other audio gear with a switch. Setting your pattern appropriately before starting a live recording or stream is the easiest method to avoid this. When you use the pattern change knob while live, you’ll hear an unpleasant audio spike.
YETI TIP: If you need to change patterns in the middle of a recording/stream, turn down your mic gain first, then change the pattern and turn it back up.
Is the Blue Yeti a mono or stereo microphone?
The Blue Yeti is a stereo microphone with distinct left and right channels. The output will include the sound source’s left-right location information only if the stereo pattern is selected. The right and left channels will be nearly the same while recording in bidirectional, cardioid, and omnidirectional modes. Although there may be a minor discrepancy in the levels of the right and left channels in practice.
When the Mic Gain is set to 100 percent, the right channel is around 3dB louder than the left, in my experience. In most circumstances, a 3dB difference isn’t worth worrying about. However, you can utilize your audio recording software’s pan or balance slider to set your voice or instrument straight down the middle. To cut the file size in half, you can wish to use a mono signal or recording.
Even if the left and right channels of a stereo file are identical and appear to the user to be mono, it will nevertheless require twice the amount of data as a real mono file. If you’re using OBS streaming software, you may choose Advances Audio Properties by right-clicking anywhere in the Audio Mixer panel. The Mono checkbox can then be selected on the channels of your choice.
A good piece of recording equipment can go a long way in improving the quality and substance of your Twitch streams. The Snowball, the Blue Yeti microphone, and other professional gear will be used by several popular streamers and voice over artists. While having the greatest recording equipment isn’t required, it can help you improve the sound of your voice and reduce background noise when speaking in front of an audience.
That’s where the Blue Yeti microphone enters the picture.
When the Blue Yeti brand is mentioned in an electronics store, you can expect to be greeted with enthusiasm. Markiplier, PewDiePie, and some of the world’s most prominent streamers use this microphone, which is one of the big guns in modern microphone technology. It’s a dependable microphone that’s used by professionals yet won’t break the bank. However, after you’ve got the Yeti mic, you might want to play around with it for a while.
Because the Blue Yeti microphone may be used in so many different ways, adjusting it for streaming may necessitate some extra care. When playing games live, there are a few options and modifications that might help you achieve the greatest results.
You can alter your Blue Yeti settings to avoid keyboard feedback or loud mouse clicking from being picked up by the microphone.
Drop That Gain Down Low
Depending on how it best matches your needs, one of the Blue Yeti’s biggest advantages might also be one of its largest disadvantages. The Blue Yeti’s gain is so sensitive that it will pick up practically any sound, even ambient background noises, and blast it into your recorder.
That’s not what you want!
Reduce the gain to the lowest setting possible. While it may appear counterintuitive to reduce your gain to the bare minimum, it will assist you by reducing the unintentional pickup of keyboard typing, mouse clicks, chair squeaks, and other sounds.
This is especially true if your Blue Yeti mic is directly next to a mechanical keyboard!
Adjust Your Windows Volume
When using the Blue Yeti, you might want to double-check your Windows volume. Depending on the volume setting, different broadcasters have reported different audio quality results.
Set your Windows volume to 100 to modify your gain if it’s all the way down. This will assist your mic restore some sensitivity without adding to the buzz or picking up noises that aren’t your voice.
If that balanced technique does not work for you, try dropping your Windows volume to 0 and upping your gain to a medium point. This technique aids some streamers in achieving the ideal level of loudness and sensitivity. For some, it’s preferable to have 0 gain and 100 Windows volume to block out any ambient noise.
Overall, you should gradually increase your Blue Yeti gain to find what works best for you. To assist buffer some of the outside noises, use an external noise gate. When speaking, keep the mic close to your mouth and your computer close as well. You should be able to get an audio quality that allows your voice to ring through loud and clear while keeping background disturbances at bay with just a little tweaking.
Tip for Blue Yeti Microphone
Tip #1: change the recording mode
There are four of them; the first is called cardioid and is designed to be used while you’re alone and talking in front of the microphone. As a podcaster, you’ll usually use this mode.
The second mode is a very useful Stereo mode for recording music or asmr where a clear separation between the right and left channels is required.
The third option is the omnidirectional mode, which allows for 360-degree sound recording, which is useful when recording a group discussion around a table or capturing ambient sounds.
The last option, bi-directional, provides excellent sound quality during face-to-face interviews, for example.
Tip #2: Set yourself at the right distance
Rule number two is to keep a comfortable gap between yourself and your opponent. So I’m at a nice distance now, but if I move back a little, you’ll hear me less, and if I approach too close, it’ll be too loud, so you’ll need to adjust your distance.
You should be aware that the blue yeti is designed to be placed in front of you while recording, and that you do not have to speak into the top of the microphone as with conventional microphones.
Tip #3: Adjust the gain with the rear knob
The third rule is to use the back knob to adjust the gain. No need to raise your voice too loudly because you may regulate the total level of the sound recording this way. It’s as simple as fiddling with the manual gain knob. It’s quite convenient to go with an excellent distance adjustment.
Tip #4: Plug in headphones
You may actually listen to yourself while recording by putting headphones into the bottom of the mic and checking if the volume and distance settings are satisfactory. You can also make sure there isn’t any noise in the background.
The last rule, well, it’s time to put it to the test! Listen to the audio again to make sure everything is in order, and once you’re satisfied, you may begin the actual recording!
Blue Yeti Microphone Setup
The Blue Yeti microphone is a type of condenser microphone. Condenser microphones, on the other hand, are extremely sensitive. As a result, the Blue Yeti is one of those ultra-sensitive microphones. If you don’t set it up correctly, you can end up picking up everything, including background noise. Furthermore, it is capable of picking up any tick and flicking it from a nearby room. Nonetheless, you may configure it such that it only picks up sound sources that match your preferences.
Changing the Gain
Gain is an option on the Blue Yeti. The gain is the maximum amount of sound that can be fed into the mic. It’s comparable to how a speaker’s volume affects it. It also refers to the sensitivity level that you want the mic to have. Turn the gain down for better vocal recording if you only want to record your voice.
When looking at the many settings on the Blue Yeti microphone, you’ll see the central knob on the backside, which you can use to change the gain. Before you begin, you should center it, and the indicator should be vertical if you have centered the gain. If you hear some static or noise, reduce the gain down until the audio signals become clear. On the other side, if the audio isn’t crisp enough, you can boost the gain.
Hardware
The hardware of your Blue Yeti microphone is the first thing you should inspect. Of course, once you’ve unboxed the mic, you can use the micro USB cord to connect it to your computer. However, familiarizing yourself with the hardware before beginning your recording will be beneficial. You should not point the microphone’s top directly towards you while recording, as you would with a regular microphone.
Instead, because this is a side-address mic, you should place the top like a rocket ship, looking vertically. The Blue Yeti microphone stand has two adjustable knobs on the side that allow you to fold it inwards for easy storage and outwards for recording. On the front, there is a Blue Yeti logo, as well as a mute button. If you don’t mute the audio, this mute button turns solid red. The headphone volume control is located behind the mute button.
The volume output on your headphones is toned up or down with this setting. As previously indicated, there is a knob on the backside for regulating gain. However, there is another knob below this one for selecting the recording pattern. A 3.5mm audio jack and a USB connector are also located on the bottom of the microphone.
Recording Patterns
Different pickup or recording patterns are available on microphones. The Blue Yeti, for example, has four different pickup patterns. Here’s a quick rundown of each of these four recording styles:
The stereo mode gives you a realistic sound picture. The right and left channels are active in this pickup pattern. The mic will only take up sounds from the left and right, while sounds from the front and back will be muted. This pattern should be used if you want clean music with modest highs, such as a guitar solo.
The cardioid mode employs a front-facing microphone to capture sound from the front. This pattern is called cardioid because it resembles the form of a heart. The mic does not pick up noises from the back and sides well with this design. This is the ideal pickup pattern to employ if you’re doing comments or monologues.
The omnidirectional mode allows the mic to pick up sounds equally from all directions. This pickup pattern is ideal for capturing a live recording that includes all ambient sound.
If you’re in the middle of an interview, bidirectional mode is ideal. The front-facing microphone with the logo and the one behind it both pick up sound in this position, but the two sides cannot.
How to Set Up Blue Yeti on Different Operating Systems?
Your computer could come with any operating system. So, to assist you in setting up your Blue Yeti mic on your PC, check out the following instructions for any operating system:
1) Macintosh Configuration
You can use the USB connector that comes with your Blue Yeti to connect it to your Macintosh OS. Then select Apple from the drop-down selection. After that, go to System Preferences and choose Sound. For sound output, go to the Output tab and select Yeti Stereo Microphone from the Select a Device drop-down menu. Then, on the Input tab, click. Then, under Select a Device for Sound Input, choose Yeti Microphone. After that, you’re ready to leave.
2) Install Windows 8.1
You can connect the Yeti using its USB cable if you’re running Windows 8.1. The Windows 8.1 Charms Bar menu will appear when you move the mouse to the lower right side of your PC screen. Then pick Control Panel from the drop-down menu under Settings. After that, go to Hardware and Sound. Then select Sounds. After that, pick the Yeti Stereo Microphone from the Playback tab. Then select Set Default from the drop-down menu. After that, go to the Recording menu and select Yeti Stereo Microphone. Then press OK after clicking the Set Default Button. After that, you’re ready to leave.
3) Install Windows 7
If your operating system is Windows 7, however, you can use the USB cord to connect the Yeti Microphone. Then launch the Control Panel from the Start Menu. Select Hardware and Sound after that. Then choose Sound. After that, select Yeti Stereo Microphone from the Playback menu. Then select the Recording tab from the Set Default button. After that, select the Yeti Stereo Microphone and press the Set Default button. Then press the OK button.
Conclusion – Top Blue Yeti Microphone Review
Aside from being a best-selling microphone, the Blue Yeti has the advantage of being a simple microphone to set up on your desk. You only need to connect it to your computer through the USB cord, and you’re ready to go. The Blue Yeti microphone is also noted for its toughness and durability. It also produces a sound that is both natural and well-rounded. It’s also ideal for podcasting, streaming, and doing voice overs.
The above-mentioned guidelines for setting up the Blue Yeti will make the procedure easier for you. Furthermore, after reading this article, you will not make the same error that I did with my first Blue Yeti Microphone. Instead, you’ll expertly configure your Blue Yeti and enjoy podcasting, recording, and streaming.