The Blue Yeti’s been part of podcasting longer than Spotify, Joe Rogan, and even… this web site!
Yep, again in 2009, your nice nice grandad listened to many a podcast on his horse-powered iPod – and so they have been all recorded on the Blue Yeti.
By the best way, be sure you try our Blue Yeti microphone review, in the event you haven’t achieved so already.
When the Yeti turned 10 (I’ll allow you to do the maths), we ran our Podcaster Gear survey, and it nonetheless turned out to be the preferred mic mannequin amongst respondents. Then, we ran it once more in 2024, and, shock, shock…
Supply: 2024 Podcaster Gear Survey
However is the Blue Yeti value it, or does your common new podcaster merely purchase one as a result of it’s so well-known?
Properly, because it occurs, that’s precisely the aim of this publish. I’m going to rapidly run by way of the Yeti’s professionals, cons, and even present some alternate options. Let’s dive in…
Professionals: What Makes the Blue Yeti Value It?
You may choose up a Blue Yeti model new for about $120. I’d argue you could purchase an excellent podcasting mic for nearly half that, however extra on that quickly.
What you’re getting with the Yeti is a great-looking mic that works proper out of the field by itself built-in stand. It’s a USB mic so that you don’t want any extra gear to make use of it, both.
The Yeti additionally has 4 settings, which—in concept—make it appropriate for recording numerous podcast formats. You should utilize it solo, with a co-host, and even with a gaggle of individuals gathered round it. The group recording method is also known as a “roundtable,” however you need to use a sq. desk in the event you’d choose.
Desk form apart, shopping for the tools wanted to document 2-4 individuals in the identical room collectively can price greater than double the value of a single Blue Yeti. So clearly, it’s value it, proper?
Cons: Downsides of the Yeti
The issue with the Yeti’s all-purpose settings is that the majority of them merely don’t sound good. That is no fault of the mic itself. It’s simply that sharing a mic with others is dangerous follow.
In a really perfect world, every particular person would document into their very own mic. Everybody has their very own distinctive voice and presentation fashion. From the amount you communicate at to the space you’ll usually put between you and your mic – these are key components in every little thing from setting gain levels to which post-processing you’ll apply.
File a number of contributors into one single audio observe by way of the Yeti (or some other mic), and also you’re by no means going to make it sound nice. At finest, it’ll be satisfactory.
The Yeti performs effectively as a solo mic (which incorporates recording remote interviews), however if you wish to add in additional individuals domestically, there are higher choices on the market. I’ll cowl these beneath.
To wrap this part up, although, the Yeti’s built-in stand is a giant plus if you’d like a mic that works proper out of the field. Nonetheless, a desk stand received’t offer you an optimum recording place, and you can find yourself hunched over the mic. In case your podcast is about working in the bell tower at Notre Dame then that is high-quality, however for many, it’s going to be an issue.
The answer right here is to spend extra money and purchase a mic stand or boom arm. However with every extra buy you make, the much less the Blue Yeti feels prefer it’s value it.
Deeper Dive: Reasons Your Blue Yeti Sounds Bad
Alternate options to the Blue Yeti
If the Yeti’s downsides sound like they’ll be an issue for you, what are some higher choices?
Our most advisable newbie mic is the Samson Q2U, which you’ll be able to choose up for about $70. Just like the Yeti, it comes with a desk stand. However you possibly can typically discover it in podcasting bundles with a growth arm for lower than $80!
One massive bonus of the Q2U is that it really works in each USB and XLR type – so in the event you improve to a digital recorder, USB audio interface, or mixer additional down the road, you received’t want to purchase a brand new mic. Keep in mind, the Yeti solely works by way of USB. You may’t successfully plug two Yetis into the same computer, both.
The advantages of the Q2U may be present in different similar budget mics, too. Simply be aware that you just’ll need one mic for every participant, and may by no means be sharing.
In the event you’re trying to document a number of individuals in the identical room, you would possibly go for a Q2U per particular person, and run them right into a Zoom PodTrak P4. The PodTrak P4 is a devoted podcast recorder and you’ll normally get one model new for round $175.
So, Is the Blue Yeti Value It?
The Blue Yeti is a stable solo mic, however it isn’t the most cost effective, and also you’ll ultimately need to purchase some additional gear for it.
In the event you already personal one, it’s greater than ok for recording monologue-style reveals or remote conversations. Simply be sure you put some checks in place to be sure you’re using it properly.
In the event you’re purchasing round for a new podcasting mic, although, then hopefully this publish has saved you a little bit of time, trouble, and cash.
A closing hat-tip to the Yeti, although, as I don’t need to sound overly essential of it. This mic has been a giant a part of podcasting for 15 years and its reputation doesn’t appear to be waning any time quickly.
I ponder if, when it turns 20 in 2029, Blue would possibly launch a particular “Gray Yeti” mannequin to have fun?
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