Blue Yeti: microphone for podcasting with great potential

In the era of YouTube, podcasting and the development of Internet creativity, a lot of musical and podomuzykalnogo equipment for all occasions. In this material, we'll talk about microphones, or rather about a particular model, about the Yeti microphone from Blue Microphones. This is a versatile and multifunctional sound recorder, which should be used by every respectful sounding blogger or podcastster. In this review, we'll look at the characteristics of the gadget, its capabilities, and also talk about the quality level when recording voice and musical instruments.

USB microphones

The USB standard, being universal, is used to transmit a wide variety of information, including sound. USB-microphones, although they are a commodity, still cause a lot of questions from professionals. Few people take them seriously, because the digital sound has always been considered something "soulless" and substandard, in comparison with the analog. Nevertheless, convenience and low price are doing their job, and the popularity of USB microphones is growing every day both among bloggers and musicians. Let's try to find out if it's worth the candle.

Microphone Blue Yeti Pro

Blue Yeti, despite its relatively low cost, is one of the most advanced and powerful multimode microphones on the market. It is equipped with three capsules and operates in four different modes. The gadget features high performance and clean sound, comparable to more expensive devices. The USB-microphone Blue Yeti is equipped with a high-quality analog-to-digital converter that processes and transmits sound in real time directly to a computer or smartphone. It is possible to monitor the sound without delay, and volume and gain controls are installed in the form of separate mechanisms directly on the body of the device. Blue Yeti does not require any additional settings and software. It is enough to connect the microphone to the computer, and it is already ready to work with any application.

Microphone Features

• The Blue Yeti microphone boasts a voltage of 5 V.
• The sampling frequency is 48 kHz.
• The bitrate of the sound is 16 bits.
• The frequency range of the microphone varies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
• The microphone amplifier has a resistance of 16 ohms.
• The coefficient of nonlinear distortion is 0.009%.
• The frequency range of the amplifier is 15 Hz - 22 kHz.
• Dimensions of the device - 12 x 12.5 x 29.5 centimeters.
• The weight of the device is 0.5 kg.
• The connection requires any computer running Windows or macOS and 64 MB of RAM.

Modes of operation

Blue Yeti supports four different modes, each designed to record specific content in a specific situation.

Stereo mode is the choice for those who plan to record singing of one or several people, musical instruments, and for those who want to achieve surround sound at the output. The microphone is installed in 5 (or more) centimeters, balance is adjusted. Due to this approach, the same signal level is set in the left and right channels. When recording in the center, the sound (channel) can be adjusted after the fact (already on the computer).

Cardioid mode is the choice for those who plan to record podcasts, voiceover or video blog. In this mode, sound is recorded only in a straight line, while sound sources to the left and right of the microphone are ignored. To achieve maximum sound quality, you need to place the microphone in front of you. Yes, the depth, as in stereo, can not be achieved, but the sound will be cleaner and more saturated than in the case of other recording options.

Omni-directional (omnidirectional) - for those who plan to record conferences, group calls, nature and surroundings. Often this regime is used by musical collectives, recording live. In this mode, the microphone records the sound from all sources at once, capturing the maximum sound space with optimum sound. When using the omnidirectional mode, the position of the microphone does not matter.

Bi-directional (bi-directional) - designed for those who plan to use a microphone to record interviews. Sound is recorded only on two sides (front and back of the device), all other sound sources are eliminated. Correct positioning of the microphone in this mode allows you to achieve a soft and clear sound without using several microphones at the same time.

Voice recording

In independent testing for voice recording, Blue Yeti proved to be one of the best. The rich palette of sound, which is provided by the above modes of operation, is really impressive. Sampling frequency in stereo mode reaches 192 kHz, which is another advantage of the microphone over competitors. The standard filter allows you to clean the sound of excess noise very adequately. In addition, there is no need to install an additional filter. Slight portability and difficulties with monitoring sound (not all headphones are kept in the port), but in general for the work of interviewers or podcasters Blue Yeti is the ideal option, capable of working with any device, including iPhone and iPad.

Guitar Recording

Strange as it may seem, even here the microphone showed its best. Of course, you will never achieve sound at the level of professional analog microphones, but frankly, it does not need much at all. The sound was quite "fat" and saturated. Guitar sound requires high definition, much higher than in the case of voice. For this reason, many microphones do not cope with the recording of musical instruments. In the case of the Blue Yeti, the potential is felt. Smaller garage groups that can hardly afford a professional microphone will be satisfied.

Results

Thus, we are presented with the most versatile, convenient and trouble-free USB microphone for all occasions and for all professions. The price of the Blue Yeti microphone is 11,990 rubles. Of course, you can find the device much cheaper, but each of them will have a lot of restrictions and frankly bad sound, since they are aimed at a specific activity. Blue Yeti Pro, by contrast, offers a variety of uses and a wonderful sound comparable to professional recording equipment.