Best USB Microphone! Blue Yeti Review + Mic Test

Why Blue Yeti is still the best USB microphone after all this time. Here's my full review + audio tests.
Blue Yeti on Amazon ➡️ geni.us/Yeti
My Video Gear: geni.us/YTgear
Pop Filter on Amazon: geni.us/YetiPopFilter
Best alternative mic on Amazon: geni.us/AT2100
For years the Blue Yeti has been referred to as the best USB microphone from many different bloggers, podcasters, and KZbinrs, and it has a nearly perfect 5-star rating almost anywhere you look.
The Blue Yeti is currently $129 on Amazon, but some colors are cheaper than others. Blue Yeti is made of a sturdy metal and stands almost a foot tall & weighs about 3.5 lbs. It comes with a USB cable and is compatible with Mac and PC right out of the box. No drivers or software needed. Just plug it in and start recording. Even though the Yeti can fold down to make it a little better for storing or packing, it’s still mainly designed to stay put on your desk because of its fairly large size and solid build.
At its price range the Blue Yeti is the best choice for most people. If you look at mics below $100 you’ll see they often lack a key feature that the Blue Yeti has, and if you want something that sounds better than the Blue Yeti you’ll most likely spend a lot more money on a complicated setup of an XLR mic with a separate audio interface. The advantages of having a USB mic like the Yeti are USB mics are cheaper & simpler. The Blue Yeti has an internal preamp and analog-to-digital converter that takes the incoming signal, amplifies it, and converts it to digital, and sends it directly into your computer. That means you don’t need any other gear to start recording.
The headphones jack allows latency-free real-time monitoring of your microphone so you can make sure your recording levels are just right and you're not peaking. There’s also a standard thread mount for attaching the Yeti to a different mic stand or boom pole. The bottom of the mic stand has firm foam on it that allows the mic to stay in one place really well. Under the mesh top there are actually three condenser microphone capsules which make the Yeti versatile for almost any recording situation. It has a pattern selector where you an choose up to 4 different recording settings.
Cardioid mode records sound sources that are directly in front of the microphone, delivering a rich full bodied sound. It minimizes the pickup of noise from the sides and back of the microphone. It's perfect for recording your voice, whether it's a voiceover for a video, podcast, gaming commentary, singing/rapping vocals. Cardioid mode is also great for recording solo instruments.
Stereo mode uses both the left &right channels to capture a wide, realistic sound image so it's good for when you want the listener to hear the movement from one ear to another and also ideal for recording things like acoustic guitar or a choir.
Omnidirectional mode picks up sound equally from all around the mic. It’s best used in situations when you want to capture the ambient noises and want the listener to have the feeling of “being there" like recording a band's live performance, a multi-person podcast or a conference call.
Bidirectional mode records from both the front and rear of the microphone while the noise from the sides are not picked up. It’s good for recording a duet or a two-person interview or two-person podcast episode. It comes in handy when you don’t have multiple microphones for multiple people.
Blue Yeti records in 16-Bit 48 kHz and is perfect for voiceovers, podcasts, KZbin videos, video chats, live streams, and musicians. The Yeti just does an excellent job at capturing a voice the way it sounds in real life with clarity.
To get good audio quality:
Be sure you’re speaking into the front of the mic (not the top) when you’re in cardioid mode.
Get fairly close to the mic for it to capture that richness of your voice. If you're super close, invest in a pop filter.
Set the correct gain level using the gain control knob. The more gain, the louder and more sensitive the mic will be.
Also try to eliminate as much background noise as possible (if you don't want the background noise to be picked up). The Blue Yeti does a fairly good job at not picking up a lot of background noise, but no mic will absolutely eliminate all background noise.
Even though I think the #BlueYeti is the best USB mic overall because it has professional studio sound quality, very solid and attractive design, multi-pattern recordings and tri-capsule microphone array, if your budget isn’t enough for the Yeti I recommend the Audio Technica ATR2100. It’s almost half the price of the Yeti and it is one of my all time favorite USB #Microphones.
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[@aslye]

*Buy Blue Yeti on Amazon* ➡ geni.us/Yeti Pop Filter on Amazon: geni.us/YetiPopFilter Best alternative USB mic on Amazon: geni.us/AT2100 My Video Gear: geni.us/YTgear

[@GOREBOY1980]

what mic did you use for this video

[@aslye]

Used Blue Yeti from 3:29-5:06 and 8:16-9:27 Used this mic setup for the rest of the video: kit.com/AndySlye/zoom-h5-setup-for-youtube

[@Falcone777]

please help me, I bought this mic and it doesn't work as stereo. how did you make this video? How to set up mic with the camera? My videos come out as mono...Please response! Thank you

[@catcraftplayz4266]

I have it and I agree

[@lightflame_3251]

Audio Technica ATR-2100 is the best in my opinion

[@soika734]

"i just realized gray is my favorite color"- he said, with his gray shirt and gray walls

[@edtaggart9779]

THats a Line from Mr Jones Counting Crows

[@sheluvskai9611]

And Gray mic

[@battlestef7274]

And grey laptop

[@Christian-mn8dh]

And gray eyes

[@amunford1]

AND a grey sofa!😜

[@Cithara]

I wasn’t sold on it until it was cat approved. Definitely getting it now.

[@aslye]

meow geni.us/Yeti (Amazon link)

[@aslye]

of course

[@mragar7807]

Are u still replying now?

[@Akyeo]

MR Agar don’t think so...

[@mattsthinking]

@@aslye oof

[@ColtonLaneHall]

****PLEASE HELP!!!**** Can you unscrew the mic on the mount, and attach it to a boom arm? I love the boom arm display and look

[@CaliKim29]

Nice job, thanks! Keep it up!

[@SkulzR]

First

[@GarrettWatts]

You are so good at what you do and this video is awesome.

[@aslye]

Thanks Garrett!

[@ianbenton]

You a sweetie Garrett

[@arumikahaven]

Garret?! LOL Why don't you have more thumbs up!

[@mari.babiie9302]

how is it that i’ve found you here

[@userious9534]

Bruh

[@spacecy]

2:51 :o

[@ToastLyn]

°O°

[@cookiedroid02RBLX]

LOL

[@ducky4303]

I just lost faith in humanity

[@omgdr.realness4511]

Now I can’t unsee it

[@ducky4303]

Yup D:

[@esiaji]

That mic test at the end was phenomenal! Love it

[@DoctorFashion]

lol i love the rapping Andy! great video.

[@PeterPete]

i didn't

[@sabithpkcmnr]

That Rap *Deserve* A *Like* 👍✌

[@aslye]

Ha thanks 👍

[@TheGreatBrownBoy]

Heard that rap i was like i gotta leave a like.

[@nicoledonners]

absolutely agree :)

[@fox5dmv452]

i never like videos and i saw your post and i had no choice even you deserve a like

[@exegesisjoe]

FIRE!

[@bangon7571]

Dude, the rap bit is the best bit

[@aslye]

ha, thanks for watching

[@thirus8312]

Timestamp?

[@BattleOfficial_]

dianarva dianarva 8:20

[@thirus8312]

L9A1 Battle thanks

[@shaneisthegoat]

🤣🤣🤣

[@SeriesTube01]

One of the best reviews I've ever seen. So much useful information in 9 minutes. Thank you very much. 👏👏👏

[@jay.wright]

Watched many of these Blue Yeti youtube videos - this is definitely the best and most helpful. I did get the 10th Anniversary model, but still the same hi-quality mic.... just has black knobs & a silver "10" on the back. Gotta say this made a huge difference in the quality of my zoomcasts. Recommending to others, too. Keep up the great work.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks. Very helpful (and entertaining!) review. Helped me make up my mind. Impressive rap 😀

[@aslye]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Volvoxc901]

It sounds Awesome

[@XxskulllboyxX]

Do u need a laptop

[@woodysrock1]

Tbh wish it had a beat tho.. then it’d be lowkey fire 🔥

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks for the great review, how is this the same or not as good as Blue Microphones Yeti Pro USB Condenser Microphone - It's twice the price but looks the same? thanks for a great review.

[@mafepurpleuk]

I love this thanks for sharing

[@dr.cijaebelingph.d]

Thank you for taking the time to review the blue yeti. I record therapy sessions with mine and I actually learned something from your video.. in 2020! Fun rap btw! Yes! I listened to all of it! Thanks Andy! Keep up the great vids!!

[@LeendaDProductions]

great review!!! I just got one cause of this video

[@aslye]

Awesome, enjoy your new mic! Amazon link for those interested: geni.us/Yeti

[@purururin]

LeendaDProductions how is it?

[@HasturSejanus]

it's been 2 years...how did you like the mic?

[@frankpeck1448]

Thank you, Andy, for such a great review on the Blue Yeti...I'm an EMS First Responder, recently retired, and I'm looking forward to producing an educational series of KZbin videos. Thanks again, and Much Success to you!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Great video! Thank you! 👍

[@panagiotisnikolaidis295]

8:16 This is what you need..

[@XxskulllboyxX]

Do u know if it needs a laptop?

[@XxskulllboyxX]

Do u bro???

[@panagiotisnikolaidis295]

@@XxskulllboyxX what the heck do you mean?

[@XxskulllboyxX]

@@panagiotisnikolaidis295 I mean do you need a laptop for this mic

[@panagiotisnikolaidis295]

This means when you click/tap it it will go to that point of the video. It's just a point in the video not a mic!

[@Jadept]

This was a very clean and simple review

[@XxskulllboyxX]

Does it need a laptop

[@fynastic]

Xxskulllboy 2022xX No. You can use it on anything including your consoles like ps4

[@pokelover02]

Simple and clean is the way that you're making me feel tonight

[@xXxXOwOXxXx]

@@pokelover02 yes

[@Melissa-hj9vg]

Thank you for this video !! I just started a podcast in March with the Rona happening, I wanted to keep myself busy!! I had no idea how many different microphones there were out there in the world, and how much detail there is to each one. I feel like I've been doing months of research, but might just settle for the Yeti. Super excited! Thanks for the review !!

[@chessdachaska915]

*by far the best review of this legendary mic I've seen on youtube*

[@TheLionelBShow]

I gave you a thumbs up, just for the Big L Reference. Nice!

[@aslye]

👊🏻

[@MSCHI-ck2ne]

Hey Lionel B!!!!

[@crownrasta3560]

Facts

[@njuoergiubeg1857]

me too haha

[@Genji-Agito]

@@aslye what's you gain level?

[@PaidtoDrive]

Hey Andy, very well done video! Just wondering, what kind of camera did you use to shoot this? The quality is great! Thanks!

[@aslye]

Thanks! Here's my video gear: geni.us/YTgear

[@PaidtoDrive]

Thanks for the info!

[@AmadMajeed]

Amazing review.. I like your setup and your voice is clear..

[@BLamb]

I really enjoyed the straightforward run-through of the Blue Yeti’s features! It was super clear and easy to follow with just enough detail. Definitely helped to solidify my decision to get a Blue Yeti whenever I upgrade from my headset mic! Great vid. 👍🏽

[@HaejinLeeCryptoAnalyst]

Loved the review! I bought one and loving it!

[@MrLee64]

Very straightforward. I was debating whether I should get the blue snowball or this, I'm definitely getting this. Great review

[@andrewh2539]

Andy, just bought a yeti thank you for the review.

[@FoxyPlaysMSM]

This video is exactly what I needed. I'm looking in to getting one at some point and this is the perfect video explaining everything about it.

[@rosaenid]

This is one of my favorite reviews on this mic. Thank you for posting. I was going back and forth on whether to get it or not. I made the decision to purchase it after watching this video.

[@spicyshizz2850]

How has it been

[@3up3rn0va]

Been looking at this mic for awhile now and glad all the reviews are positive! Is it worth getting a stand as well? My set up is pretty weird and i'd think i'd need one since i'm actually kind of further away from my PC. Also nice freestyle rap!

[@julianballeto4010]

Great video Andy !! You thoroughly covered all my questions . Thank You !!!

[@Meritumas]

Good stuff! Really like your review and your style! Thanks!

[@shun.i1518]

2:45 I have been wanting to know this, but couldn't find this information anywhere else! Now I know that I can hear my computer sound as well as my voice through the earphones connected to blue yeti Thank you so much, Andy! I'm gonna buy this mic now!! :)

[@DecvsJapan]

Simple and easy to understand review for first time buyers like me. Thumbs up!

[@RebirthBeyond]

This was very helpful and I loved the freestyle at the end. Thanks for what you do and take care.

[@josephelsberry6318]

Great review man! You have a great, soothing voice for what you're doing. Keep up the great work

[@AdrianRSalgado]

Just bought this mic for my sister's birthday. She's an actor, who also does voice over work. She's gonna love it. Thanks for the review, Andy!

[@AndroidTech]

Amazing Review. I just purchased this mic to Record all my Voiceovers.

[@aslye]

thanks and enjoy the mic!

[@ali-ck4oc]

^

[@ThomasWhiteX]

One of the best reviews I've seen, concise and well made :)

[@jakeroberts9097]

I literally just asked in my head if it could record solo instrument recordings and you immediately answered. Thank you for this very in depth analysis.

[@Sim_Flix]

Thanks for this video! Just bought this mic and was so helpful!

[@aslye]

Thanks for watching and enjoy the mic!

[@kh1kh22]

One of my favorite reviews of the Yeti mic ever.

[@aslye]

Thanks for watching! Amazon Link for those interested: geni.us/Yeti

[@yungmozzarella8200]

i agree very informative and watched it all the way through without hesitation, felt no urge to skip. Nice freestyle btw

[@OnPsyche]

loved the the thorough review. thank u. and your freestyle flow was dope!

[@BramptonGardener]

Thank you so much, just got this mic from Christmas today!!!

[@FrostPDP]

Really great review. I absolutely loved that you gave us a demo of how you set things up for yourself. You clearly use the mic a lot, amping up the authenticity. Very awesome. Thanks!

[@aslye]

Thanks for watching! Amazon link for anyone interested in getting a Yeti: geni.us/Yeti

[@officialtoiletpaper]

I’m getting my yeti soon, and I found this very helpful, thank you!!

[@aslye]

Enjoy! Amazon link for those interested: geni.us/Yeti

[@magsdepetris6155]

Thanks so much for your video Andy-this was exactly what I needed! I really appreciate your help.

[@goddessmisha]

this was so helpful! thank you. loved the rap part too!

[@J.E.TVAnime]

wow your review is beyond awesome. 👏👏👏 thanks for this, blue yeti should sponsor you for this.

[@aslye]

Thanks!

[@samuelvigil4099]

The rap was worth a like and a subscribe. Currently looking for a microphone, webcam, and gaming keyboard. Your review was helpful Andy, thank you.

[@aslye]

Thanks for watching! Amazon link for those interested: geni.us/Yeti

[@sanaathsbhat5876]

i love how u just dont waste a single second.. very informative video

[@selenamae]

Really great video 👌🏼🙂 just bought one today!

[@XOXOTRidge]

I rarely leave YT comments but your review was so helpful! Loved your freestyle too. Thank you!

[@aslye]

Thanks Teyonna! Amazon link for those interested: geni.us/Yeti

[@alisanaullah5976]

@@aslye Nice link shortener lol

[@JetRoseLive]

bruh that freestyle was fire, I'm buying the mic btw 😂

[@shellbyardent7658]

Love your Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog canvas print in the background. Super helpful review - as fate would have it, I keep stumbling upon the Yeti. Excited to get it going. Thank you for your time and content!

[@RDUnitedTV]

Great review! I was thinking of getting one to take my recordings to the next level and your video helped convince me.

[@YnotRivera1]

Dude that radio sold me I subbed but I would like to know if you’re making-videos with your I phone and using your man to edit hope would you be able to use the yeti I bought one and didn’t think about that

[@brians9078]

Awesome video, man -- very helpful

[@aslye]

Thanks for watching!

[@DWOODMUA]

Omg great review. Purchasing right now

[@Christine-uh5ev]

Excellent video. Thanks for the great info.

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

When speaking, should I put the mic further from me at put the desktop volume level at 100? Or is it better to speak directly into the mic? Looking for optimum sound levels.

[@aslye]

The closer your mouth is to the mic the better the sound quality will be.

[@Gabiche]

Thumbs up for the rap at the end! (And also for the awesome review, of course!)

[@aslye]

Thanks for watching!

[@shrutichakravarti]

Andy, loved your review, thank you

[@perspectiveupgrade9928]

Great review my friend! Very helpful and informative. You got bars homie. good flow

[@byronmoralesjr]

Seriously dude you are crazy helpful. And the rap was amazing. Haha so good!!

[@aslye]

Ha, thanks Byron!

[@Caryo]

The last part was awesome lol, i was like damn teach me xd

[@JRLeeRadio]

Powerful Puppies on Picnics..... that got me laughing!!!

[@JamesPacardo]

Ok

[@ezioblu]

Buying this Friday, can’t wait 😊

[@Eric-lh4hn]

I just bought one and I love it! Thank you for creating this video.

[@carlca]

Nicest video and audio quality I’ve seen in a long time.

[@aslye]

Thanks Carl! Amazon Link for those who are interested in the Yeti: geni.us/Yeti

[@payton1807]

Thank you bro for making this video it really helped for me because I am looking for a computer set up for a small streamer on KZbin and this really helped me with finding a mic under 200$

[@aslye]

Thanks for watching! Amazon link for those interested: geni.us/Yeti

[@johnkluth1894]

One of the best presentations I have watched. Thank you

[@martinking2474]

Thanks for this review Andy, appreciate the honesty. It's helped me in deciding to go with the Blue Yeti USB Microphone.

[@SteveMichalak]

Bruv. This was dope. Subbinggg.

[@aslye]

Thanks Steve!

[@TheLivingBluejay]

I really enjoined this video, very informative and entertaining. I do have about two questions though. I've never used a mircophone before so, I would like to know how the voice recording from the mircophone exports onto the computer through the USB; or if it even exports, maybe you need to have a software on the computer that takes the audio feed. And also, if you use a phone's video camera, if the phone would collect a similar audio wave compared to exporting the audio. I've been researching the Blue Yeti microphone. I've been hearing nothing but good things about it. Defiantly thinking of investing in one. If you find the time to answer my questions, that'd be amazing. Thanks.

[@NaturalSpliffs]

Bro get it! I’m ordering it right now I’m sold on it chase your dreams! It’ll sound the exact same as your voice and whatever way it’s amplified is the way you will hear it 🎯💯

[@WMBnumerouno]

Well done, thanks Andy -- you have a bright future!

[@FullTimeRookiee]

Them bars at the tho.....man i love your style. You earned a sub.

[@mikepittman5880]

Excellent Review, Thanks! 👍🏻

[@aslye]

Thanks for watching, Mike!

[@RotaryX001]

Amazing review! Was contemplating if I want to use other mic than Blue Yeti since it looks typical but I'm amazed with the performance. Now I'm actually going to pick me up one for my streaming. I'm sold! Great Job with selling the product. I'm from the future - 2019

[@aslye]

Thanks and enjoy! Amazon link for those interested: geni.us/Yeti

[@dang.s]

Love your rap. That was the bonus, but I also like your hand rotation gesture to rotate the mic.

[@LeeGordonSeebach]

I don't know if it's the best, but I've been using the Blue Yeti for years for voice overs, recording solo instruments (banjo, guitar, violin), and singing voice and absolutely love it. I use Garageband for editing my audio and iMovie for my videos. Thanks for your review. I enjoyed it.

[@aslye]

Thanks for the comment, Lee. Glad you love your Yeti.

[@daphnialxs3918]

Hi how can I record my voice while recording a video? Because I can only hear my voice in the computer but I want to be able to let it hear on the video, how can I do that?

[@edkensalexandre7043]

The rap session at the end is everything. Haha. Good review man

[@aslye]

ha thanks!

[@CollinStimpson]

Super helpful video! Thank you!

[@psychedupbruce]

This was suuuuuuuper helpful. Thanks!

[@Aaron-xo5zr]

Is there a difference between the effectiveness/use of a windscreen (the one that sits over the actual mic) or a pop filter (the mesh circle that sits in front)

[@aisulol]

the way he went from left to right in my headset was nutty

[@MeowgicMike]

yo that freestyle was dope!! You came in hot at the end!

[@luatala8008]

sold!! im hooked , definitely will get one - thanks

[@juliansanchez5154]

“Helicopter copter hella!” That got my like

[@jonathantice9387]

Great review. I didn't know what to get for doing youtube videos etc. and this gave me great insight to pick a good microphone.

[@aslye]

Thanks Jonathan! Here's the Amazon link: geni.us/Yeti

[@davetesh]

This is a great review! I am 3 years late but one of the best reviews so far. Thank you for this!!

[@MikeLocke]

Excellent review and demo!

[@camilleh992]

I bought this microphone in 2013 and have used it for music recording, gaming, and communication for years. Has not failed me once. Although it used to be soo much cheaper, I can understand why the price has went up soo much.

[@kindadarkyknow5296]

Quick question: does it work with Xbox because if it does…. BLUE YETI JUST SOLD A MIC

[@camilleh992]

@@kindadarkyknow5296 not sure but it worked on my ps4

[@kindadarkyknow5296]

@@camilleh992 alright thanks for replying tho :)

[@camilleh992]

@@kindadarkyknow5296 the only thing was that I couldn’t really mess with the settings on console.. like the gain and noise gate etc. like everyone I played with could even hear my clock ticking 😂

[@kindadarkyknow5296]

@@camilleh992 so it catches background noise really well basically?

[@TobinTalks]

That rap was sick!!!

[@thadawerk]

This was helpful. I am considering this microphone. Thanks.

[@AdventureTravelandScuba]

thank You very helpful video arrived today love it.

[@Abliskarian]

What’s the difference between then spongy ball thing on top of the mic and then circular spongy mesh plate thing I see a lot of other people have?

[@ethanburke5630]

The wind filter is the thing that goes on the mic and the pop filter is the circular kind.

[@madisampson7773]

There for the same purpose

[@brendonryan2708]

Spongy mesh is usually used inside, spongy ball is usually used outside. Usually.

[@Fuinhaa]

@@brendonryan2708 Would be fun tho seeing someone outside doing some sort of an interview with the mic on one hand and a pop filter on the other Lmao

[@krane15]

They both filters to reduce some unwanted noise. The pop filter is used in the studio specifically to reduce the plosives (P words) as demonstrated in the video. While the wind filter is more portable and reduces wind noises from all directions. Since the wind filer goes over the mic, its sometimes used as an ad hoc plosive filter.