Thinking about the Blue Microphones Yeti Pro USB/XLR Microphone? This is a complete review of this top of the range USB mic. It is one of the flagship mics from the Blue Microphone company, and on first viewing seems to have a lot going for it. It has a really high recording resolution for a USB Microphone, and can also be used as a standard mic with XLR lead. This makes it extremely versatile. But what does it sound like, and look like?
And how does it compare to other USB microphones?
Read on for a more detailed look at the Blue Yeti Pro, including a video review and an uncompressed audio recording.
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Blue Yeti Pro Features
- Mic: Blue Yeti Pro USB/XLR Microphone
- Type: Condenser
- Pickup Pattern: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo
- Dual Format: Yes – USB and Conventional Microphone Combined
- Headphone Port: Yes with volume control
- Accessories: Built in stand, can be fitted to standard mic stand; stereo breakout cable
- Recording Resolution: Up to 24-bit, 192kHz
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Additional Features: Mic gain control, mute button
- Pros: Supremely versatile, use as a standalone microphone with mixer or as a USB microphone; pro-quality recording resolution; very low noise; robust and substantial; cool looks
- Cons: Large and heavy so not very portable
- Buy: Blue Yeti Pro USB Microphone on Amazon
Blue Yeti Pro Video Review – See What It Looks Like
Blue Yeti Pro Original Audio Recording – Hear What It Sounds Like
The Blue Yeti Pro USB Mic In More Detail
Recording Resolution: Most USB Microphones record at CD Quality. The Blue Yeti Pro is different because it is capable of recording at a much higher resolution. Up to 24-bit, 192kHz to be precise. If you record and edit at that quality you will pick up much more of the nuances. You just have to be aware that you are creating much bigger sound files in the first instance! The audio recording above was recorded at the full resolution so you can hear exactly what it sounds like. The recording is completely unedited, so you are hearing the ‘raw’ recording, with no post-production.
Versatility: USB Mics tend to be just that. USB only. This is usually great … but it is restrictive. It means you invest in a microphone that can only ever be used for recording on a computer or iPad (if compatible). The Blue Yeti Pro can be used standalone by connecting via XLR lead through a mixer or interface. That means you are almost getting two microphones for the price of one.
Robust: The Blue Yeti Pro is a weighty robust microphone. This makes it a great choice for placing on a desktop although it is heavy. That would, in my book, make it a bit less portable than many other USB mics. It is also very unconventional looking. You might love that … or you might not. You can see in the video review above exactly what it looks like.
Switchable Pickup Pattern: What does this mean? You can adjust the way the Blue Yeti Pro microphone picks up sound. You can choose to have what’s called a ‘cardioid’ pattern, meaning that sound is only picked up from the front of the mic. Good if you don’t want to pick up too much of what is going on in the background. Though bear in mind this mic is very sensitive. You can choose a figure-8 pattern if you want to interview someone or play a duet. You each can sit on opposite sides of the mic and it will pick up both voices equally. The mic has an omni mode if you want to record from all around. Perfect for conferences and ensembles. And finally, you can record in stereo. Again, not a common feature, the majority of USB mics are mono.
Built In Stand: Actually, the majority of USB Mics come with some kind of stand. The problem is some can be flimsy. The stand that comes with this mic is really solid, which adds to the weight but does make it a sturdy desktop companion. You can also fit the mic to any standard microphone stand as well.
Overall: For many, this is the ultimate USB microphone. It costs more, but its sheer versatility and high recording quality make it a good investment. My only criticism, really, is the size and weight. But it is the goto mic for many internet broadcasters and podcasters.
Buy or See More On Amazon: Follow this link to find the Blue Yeti Pro USB Microphone on Amazon
Your Views On Our Reviews
We get lots of good feedback on our video reviews. Here are just a couple of our favourites. Thanks for your comments.
Fahad Al Othman3: Thank you for the great review. I’m waiting for mine to arrive.
TomBot22: Informative review and useful link to the musicrepo site where you can hear the difference between the two. To my ears, the standard sounded a bit ‘tinny’ in comparison to the Pro which had more bass
