Blue Yeti Pro
Webcasts, podcasts, online video chats, and VoIP services are disrupting modern communication. These advancements highly rely on computer microphones and headsets. Blue Microphone, a renowned microphone manufacturer, released the Blue Yeti Pro some years back.
It was designed to serve consumers in need of an elite-function USB mic at a reasonable price. This guide broadly focuses on the features of the mic and expert opinion on why you should or should not buy it.
Overview
The Blue Yeti Pro is the first USB microphone in the world. It features a digital recording resolution of 24-bit/192 kHz with analog XLR output. The device also comes with four unique pattern settings. Besides, it has three custom condenser capsules.
You can use it to record digital audio with four times the resolution of audio files found on CDs. Additionally, you can use its analog circuit path and A-D converter chip with professional pre-amps and studio mixers.
Key Features
The USB microphone boasts of direct controls for microphone gain, mute, pattern selection, and headphone volume. It also features an inbuilt headphone amplifier. With these cutting-edge features, the Blue Yeti Pro is ideal for use at home, outdoors, or in a studio. Discussed below are other key features.
Four Unique Pattern Modes
The 4 inbuilt pattern modes on the mic include bidirectional, unidirectional, cardioid, and stereo. The bidirectional mode is for capturing sound using both the rear and front sides of the Blue Yeti Pro. It makes it possible to record interviews or the nuance of a musical instrument.
For a live recording, the omnidirectional mode comes in handy. It enables the mic to capture sounds from all directions.
The cardioid mode enables the microphone to pick up sounds that are in front of it. It is ideal for game streaming, vocals, and podcasts. The stereo mode, on the other hand, lets the mic use both left and right channels when picking up sounds. It is perfect for picking up a realistic, sound image.
Threaded Mic Stand
Blue Microphones included a custom base on the Yeti Pro to act as a threaded mic stand. The custom base is also for facilitating cable management. It provides fundamental support for the mic when it is in use.
Multiple OS Support
The Blue Yeti Pro can run on selected Windows and Mac PCs. It is compatible with a Macintosh computer that features Apple’s Mac OSX (version 10.6.4 and above), 256MB RAM, and USB 2.0 High Speed.
It can also work on a Windows PC that supports Windows XP Professional, XP Home Edition, Vista, 7, and Windows 8. The Windows PC should also have a RAM of 256MB and support USB 2.0 High Speed.
A-D Converter Chip and Analog Circuit Path
The Yeti Pro is ideal for use in sound engineering activities. This is because it comes with an A-D converter chip and analog circuit path. These features make it easier for you to attach the mic to your preamp or studio mixers.
20Hz-20kHz Frequency Response Rate
The standard audible frequency range for devices such as headphones is 20 to 20,000 Hz. The Blue Yeti Pro meets the accepted range for vocal mics, which is 80 Hz to 15,000 Hz. Frequency response, in this case, refers to the range of treble, mids, and bass in sound.
For a 20 to 20,000 Hz range, 20 Hz represents the bass end of the spectrum, while 20,000 is for the treble end.
The mic lets you capture studio-quality audio through a digital USB port. It also boasts a custom-designed desk stands with an adjustable angle.
You will not need any driver to install it on your Mac or Windows computer. The color options available for the USB microphone include black, white, silver, and platinum.
Built-in and Direct Controls
One of the most important built-in controls in the Yeti Pro is the headphone amplifier. This inbuilt tool makes it possible for you to track the latency of captured sounds.
You can also rely on direct controls to increase the microphone’s volume. As well, as select pattern modes, mute the mic, and adjust the headphone volume.
How the Blue Yeti Pro Compares to its Competitors
USB microphones such as the Yeti Pro are eliminating the need for musicians and podcasters to rent out a studio for a quick sound recording. Such mics are good at getting rid of background noise that affects the clarity of a sound recording.
What makes the difference between Blue Yeti Pro and other USB microphones in the market?
Blue Yeti Pro vs. Rode Podcaster
The Rode Podcaster is a dynamic USB microphone that boasts a narrower frequency response than the Yeti Pro. The mic is ideal for capturing live sounds or recording percussion. Yet, it is not as sensitive as Yeti Pro, which is a condenser mic.
The Blue Yeti Pro boasts a broader frequency response range. It is perfect for recording acoustic instruments and vocals. Due to its high sensitivity to loud sounds, musicians are at ease with quick recordings.
A USB microphone with a recording resolution of 16-bit and 44.1 kHz can make home recordings of good quality. Also, if you want to make more professional recordings, you need a microphone with a higher resolution.
The Rode Podcaster is suitable for home use. It has an 18-bit resolution and sampling that ranges from 8-48 kHz. Nonetheless, Blue Yeti Pro works well when used for professional recordings. It has a 24 bit/192kHz resolution.
Pick a USB microphone for your next podcast that has omnidirectional pickup for the best results. The device’s capacity to record audio from many polar patterns elevates the quality of the final product. In order to accomplish this, it is able to filter out background noise.
The Rode Podcaster can only record audio coming from the front, as it uses a cardioid polar pattern. However, four distinct polar patterns are supported by the Blue Yeti Pro. You’re free to pick the one that suits your recording needs best.
The Blue Yeti Pro is, without a doubt, the best microphone available today. The highest quality recording is achieved. Reasons for this include a compact microphone design, excellent recording quality, and the option to choose between four different polar patterns. When you utilize it to capture a live performance or a solo instrument, it will completely surpass your wildest imagination.
Blue Yeti Pro vs. Audio-Technica AT2035
The Audio-Technica AT2035 is a condenser microphone just like the Blue Yeti Pro. The versatile mic is great for live sound recording. Both Yeti Pro and AT2035 can manage high sound pressure levels. Also, the Yeti Pro is more sensitive than the AT2035. Hence, making it more favorable for recording acoustic instruments and vocals.
The AT2035 condenser mic features a recording resolution of 16 bit/48kHz, which makes it suitable for home use. On the other hand, the Blue Yeti Pro is ideal for both home and professional use.
Additionally, it comes with a recording resolution of 24-bit/192kHz. It means that you can rely on it to make high-quality podcasts, webcasts, or other sound recordings. Both devices also fall under the condenser microphone category.
The Blue Yeti Pro is better than the AT2035 in terms of support for polar patterns. It supports bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo, and cardioid polar patterns. While the AT2035 only supports the cardioid polar pattern. It this means that you can use it to capture sounds coming from one direction, unlike the Blue Yeti Pro, which can capture sounds from four different directions.
The Blue Yeti Pro has unbeatable features, unlike most USB microphones. Though other microphone manufacturers are trying to emulate its features, they are lagging behind. When it comes to making a condenser microphone with a higher recording resolution. The unique selling point of a USB mike lies in its multipolar pattern support and resolution.
Pros and Cons of the Blue Yeti Pro
While the Blue Yeti Pro boasts several impressive features, it is important to look at both sides of the coin. You can make an informed purchasing decision after assessing its advantages and disadvantages.
That said, here are the pros and cons of the USB mic in detail.
Pros
- Perfect for Recording Acoustic Instruments: You can use the Yeti Pro to record different acoustic instruments when you are playing them. The mic has the capacity to capture drum overheads, string orchestras, and jazz ensembles. The recordings will sound good, especially if you use the XLR outputs. The device’s high sensitivity and frequency response make it ideal for such recordings.
- Excellent Frequency Response: Whether you will be using the microphone for podcasting or interviewing people, it needs to have a good frequency response range. The most reliable USB mic when it comes to this factor is the Yeti Pro. This device boasts a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (20,000 Hz). It can pick sounds within a wider range.
- Small Diaphragm for Excellent Sound Tapping: Microphones with small diaphragms are more suitable for reproducing fast sounds. The Yeti Pro features a small diaphragm. Thus, ideal for reproducing fast sounds from live recordings or stringed instruments. It also offers the best transient response when capturing sounds.
- Selectable Pickup Patterns: A mic with diverse selectable polar patterns for picking sounds is better than a mic with one polar pattern. The Yeti Pro stands out from its competition for its capacity to support pickup patterns. It lets you record sounds originating from 4 different directions and choose the one that sounds better.
- Ideal Tool for a Podcaster: If you are a podcaster who wants to capitalize on the quality of your sound recordings, the Yeti Pro should be your companion. The mic promises to make the recorded audio sound more professional. It boasts of a recording resolution of 24bit/192Hz, which is key to making high-quality audio.
- Versatile: Most USB microphones tend to be restrictive since they only support USB connections. This means that you can only use them to record sounds when connected to your personal computer. Besides the USB support, Yeti Pro also allows for XLR connections. You can plug it in your microphone preamp or recording device using an XLR adapter.
Cons
- Weighs a Ton: With a weight of 2.2 pounds, the Yeti Pro is quite heavy to carry around. It also feels bulky to hold. A microphone should be light to allow you to move it around without any inconveniences. If there is something that Blue Microphones need to improve on the Yeti Pro, it has to be the weight.
- Costly: Spending $189 on a USB mic may seem unrealistic since they are USB mics that cost less than the price on the market. If you are looking for a USB mic while you are on a budget, the Yeti Pro will not suit your needs. You will have to spend beyond your budget to buy this device or get a cheaper one.
- Prone to Harsh Weather Conditions: You may have trouble when using the Yeti Pro in contexts with high humidity or high temperatures. The mic does not respond well to heat and moisture. You have to keep it away from these environmental factors. It will also be less effective when you want to capture sounds in a surrounding with high moisture content or high temperatures.
Is the Blue Yeti Pro Microphone Worth Buying?
By looking at its cutting-edge features, you can tell that the Yeti Pro is among the most suitable mics for making podcasts. It is a great USB mic for personal sound recording projects. Blue Yeti Pro can be worth buying for you if you are in need of a USB mic with a high digital audio recording resolution. The device suits you if you do not mind spending $189.99 to buy it.