The Blue Yeti Microphone — Not Bad for Amateur Podcasting and Voiceover
Need a decent gaming mic or a better voiceover that doesn’t break the bank?- let’s look at the classic, and somewhat controversial Blue Yeti microphone.
As a music producer and amateur voiceover talent looking to improve my at-home recording quality, I recently got out my original, Youtube-favorite Blue Yeti USB microphone from the depths of a crowded tech drawer.
After testing it out extensively after many years of working with other mics, I’ve found that the Yeti delivers surprisingly good audio for smaller audio projects for personal/social purposes.
If you’re an aspiring podcaster or voice actor on a budget, it’s a solid option to consider.
Audio Quality — Crisp and Clear for the Cost
The Yeti uses a tri-capsule array to capture sound from multiple directions and supports multiple polar patterns.
This allows you to switch between various pickup patterns using the controls on the device.
I mainly used the cardioid setting which records what’s directly in front of the mic.
Overall, I found the Yeti captured crisp, broadcast-quality vocals with excellent fidelity in the mid and high frequencies.
The sound is decently detailed and clear, allowing subtle tones and inflections to come through in the audio output.
There is a slight boominess to the low-end which requires EQ adjustment in post-production.
However, some warmth is preferable to a completely flat response for voice recording.
With some minor editing and EQ, I achieved clean, professional results on par with more expensive podcast mics commonly found on places like Amazon.
Versatile Features for Voiceovers and Instruments
A major advantage of the Yeti is its versatile array of features.
In particular, I made extensive use of the headphone output with zero-latency monitoring.
This allowed me to hear my live voice while recording — ideal for voiceovers.
The mic also has very low self-noise, an essential trait when capturing subtle tones.
Combined with the headphone jack, it provides a detailed sense of how you sound vs your perceived voice.
Additionally, the Yeti shines when recording acoustic instruments like guitar and piano.
The stereo and mid-side pickup patterns can achieve an immersive, room-filling ambiance.
While I wouldn’t use it as a primary studio mic, the Yeti fills in nicely for quick demos and portable setups.
Rugged Design — Built to Last
Despite the reasonable price point, the Yeti has a sturdy desktop stand and rugged metal chassis. I never worried about breaking it while adjusting the position or packing it for transport.
The knobs have a quality feel and the base has sufficient weight to stay firmly planted on your desk.
Compared to other USB mics, the Yeti feels more durable and is made to withstand frequent handling.
I also appreciated that Blue includes a useful USB cable along with a basic mic stand adapter.
The threaded base and standard mount mean you can attach the Yeti to a traditional boom arm or radius shock mount.
Simple Plug and Play Usage
Like most USB mics, the Yeti operates via straight plug-and-play. You simply connect it to your PC or Mac, select it as your input device, and start recording.
No special drivers or complex setups are required.
It’s compatible with all major recording software from Adobe Audition to Audacity and Garageband.
Just select it as your input device and adjust levels as needed.
There are basic controls on the device itself for headphone volume, pattern selection, and instant mute. I found them useful for quick adjustments while recording voice tracks.
Downsides — Sensitive Pickup and Limited Features
While the Yeti delivers great quality for the price, it does come with some limitations.
As a side-address mic, it picks up a lot of peripheral sound. You need a quiet, treated recording space to achieve clean results without background noise.
It also lacks more advanced features like a high-pass filter and pad switch. These help minimize low-end rumble and clipping from extremely loud sources.
Still, they aren’t essential for basic voice and acoustic recording applications.
I should also note that the Blue design is rather large and heavy compared to some compact USB mics.
It may dwarf your laptop or require a sturdy stand to support it. This is just something to keep in mind regarding portability.
The Bottom Line — Excellent Value for Amateur Recording
If you’re a hobbyist podcaster, voice actor, or musician looking to upgrade to professional-quality sound on a budget, the Yeti is a great fit.
Its versatile polar patterns, solid construction, and headphone monitoring place it a cut above competitors in a similar price class.
While not flawless, the Yeti delivers impressive broadcast-ready results for under $150. The rugged design and straightforward operation also make it ideal for beginners.
Overall, it’s the best USB microphone value I’ve found for amateur home studio vocal and acoustic recording.
Pros
- Broadcast-quality sound with crisp detail
- Multiple pickup patterns
- Solid build quality and design
- Useful controls and headphone output
- Plug-and-play usage
Cons
- Sensitive — picks up background noise
- Large, heavy form factor
- Lacks pad and high-pass filter
So if you’re searching for an affordable USB microphone to launch your podcast or voiceover career, put the Yeti on your list.
Before dropping $400+ on a Neumann or Shure SM7B, consider giving the Yeti a try.
It’s a superb entry-level model that won’t break the bank and upgrade your audio for a fun gaming session or YouTube voiceover.
