Broken USB Port Repair on a Blue Yeti Microphone - Mini USB Port Replacement

They might not be the best microphones you can get for the money anymore, but I really wanted a Blue Yeti 10 years ago when they were new. I'm sure it had something to do with those delightful cartoons on the box. Blue Microphones must have had some smart marketing folks to drive sales of their flagship USB mic, the Yeti.
Now that I am a repair junkie I thought I would find a cheap broken one and try to repair it. And to my delight, it's still a badass microphone in 2021, and quite the upgrade from my less capable (albeit newer) Blue Snowball.
🔌 Replacement Mini USB Connectors
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[@jansmycka4338]

TIP for anyone who is looking for a replacement part of the Mini USB socket and can't find it. Use "PS 3" in the search query, PS 3 controllers use a Mini USB socket that has the same pin layout/leg placement.

[@kanqquperze]

Thanks for this! Couldn't find the correct layout for the life of me

[@ellenartie]

MEU DEUS TE AMOOOO, to há uma semana procurando essa caraia dessa entrada e nao acho

[@sandydoull4112]

Thanks for this i even have an old ps3 controller i could use for parts 👌

[@st9811st]

I just want to say thank you for making this video. A friend of mine gave me a blue yeti to fix as she broke the mini USB port and your video gave me the confidence to repair it and restore it back to normal. I didn't have much luck in the past when it came to electronic repair but this was my first successful repair I have ever made. As long as you keep making repair videos, I will gladly watch and learn.

[@BorderlineOCD]

You're very welcome!

[@whitemat]

It took me 2 tries over 4 months but I was able to fix my mic thanks to your tutorial. Saved me about $75. I haven't soldered in about 20 years but your tutorial helped me get it done. The hardest part was getting the old usb connector out and I damaged the board trying to do it. I really didn't think it would work when I put it all back together, but it's working great now! Thanks!

[@george.austin.miller]

Your soldering skills and camera work are fantastic. I just did the same repair myself (poorly, but it works). I wish I'd seen your video first so I'd know pins 1 and 2 were supposed to be shorted to each other so I wouldn't have been so worried about it.

[@mjc0961]

First sponsor in a while I haven't skipped. 😜

[@BorderlineOCD]

I look forward to continue to bring you guys quality sponsors ;)

[@Anthony-fo8no]

i had my blue yeti stowed away for 5 years, just figured that it was done but did not want to throw it away. Will try to do this now, feel more confident with fixing things myself now. Appreciate the video!

[@karinamaydevadasdesengano6049]

My yeti suddenly wouldnt connect, and thanks to this tutorial, i managed to fix it!! Thank you!

[@traceypettinato5742]

Ok so this is clearly a more complicated problem that I can't fix myself (oh well), but I have to say that your video execution is impecable! Youre a real master of your craft. Or a wicked skilled hobbyist hahaha

[@kygratton9806]

You've inspired me to try and fix my yeti. I am just looking into buying a kit as even if my attempt fails I do find a lot of interest in this. Plus at my work a ton of cables for dehumidifiers are broken, might have some fun. Cheers and thanks for the good vibe and lesson!

[@migue647]

I was already missing your videos. good job with that mic

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks bud. I have a few consoles incoming. Although I have a long backlog of projects I haven't been too motivated to work on the ones I have. I'm pretty excited about the upcoming ones though. Another PSOne and a Sega Master System as well.

[@toddcowart]

Thank you- I bought the part off amazon and fixed my broken yeti thanks to your video

[@davidallyn1818]

Exact same problem -- exact same solution. I bet this happens a lot actually. Check out the way the mic stand is designed - the USB cable routes through a space in the stand. When you tilt the mic down, the cable end catches on the mic stand and puts tension on the USB port. For me, I was literally unboxing it thinking I had tightened the mounts too tight - I pulled down with a little more force, and ... *click* ... the USB port broke. It turned out the mic was not tightened down instead I was feeling the cable catching on the mic stand. Thank you so much for sharing this - I ordered the parts, pulled out my iron, and a couple hours later it was new again. My biggest heartache was getting the old leads out of the PCB - but some patience with a solder sucker and a football game did the trick. THANKS AGAIN!!

[@kermitthegaminghermit8736]

Nice job! I like how you made recommendations based upon experience level. Keep up the great work!

[@sandydoull4112]

Thanks for sharing hopefully i can fix my daughters Christmas present

[@SpoonForge]

Took me 3 hours lol. But it worked in the end, thanks for the help

[@alpha_au]

Great video, always look forward to a notification from your channel 👍

[@BorderlineOCD]

I appreciate that!

[@timothysimpson-inspire]

Don't buy this mic is the best advice there is. But, a good video in spite of all that if you don't mind spending time fixing a problem that shouldn't exist to begin with.

[@Agilato]

Clean repair, good job!

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks! 👍

[@HowTechTo]

advanced soldering... I've only ever soldered using the traditional method (that doesn't usually work) and solder spilling everywhere or not sticking to whatever I want to solder. Someday I'm going to get into the correct way to do this

[@gersonstanley01]

That's was a good soldering skills, good job men

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks, I really enjoy projects where I get a chance to improve my soldering skills.

[@minmogrovingstrongandhealthy]

My friend said that for taking off plastic parts with tools old rubber works well for it. For example we reused old ''useless'' wheel rubber from the inner tubing. Chop to size and it's great for lots of things.

[@oscar1081]

Was an easy fix, thanks man

[@jonathanbell9594]

Super appreciate this thanks man

[@snowman5020]

Nice. If only it always went so smoothly :)

[@BorderlineOCD]

Indeed. I'm sure with smaller connectors it's going to take more practice to do them right. I'm looking forward to doing a USB-C or surface mount HDMI (like PS4 rather then through-hole PS3 style) but there aren't too many newer devices I'm terribly interesting in owning that have the newer style ports.

[@ccred95]

Aye man this was an excellent tutorial, worked like a charm. This mic sounds good and is a good price point, but this is a chronic problem with it and my advice to anyone in the market is to choose another mic. Ive never had a single mini usb port break on me unlike micro usbs which break constantly, so its a pretty good indicator that they used a low quality mini usb jack manufacturer.

[@afuturehobo]

Good to know this is a nice easy little repair. I bought the same blackout model brand new in-store a few months ago and I'm already noticing how loose the USB connector is getting. Maybe 2 out of 5 times I move or adjust the Microphone, the wire wiggles and interrupts the data/sound and i need to unplug and plug the wire back in.

[@BorderlineOCD]

It's a design oversight because the USB cables gets caught on the stand when you adjust the mic positioning, if you aren't careful. Yep, it's an easy repair and if yours is only intermittent you might not even need to swap the port, you can just reflow the pins with some fresh solder to reconnect them properly.

[@afuturehobo]

@@BorderlineOCD I hadn't considered doing that. If it gets worse and that's all that appears to be needed done, I'll do it. Thanks.

[@MarioDelcastilloRuiz]

Great video

[@BorderlineOCD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sleeve8651]

I came here, after the fact, as one of my Grand kid's ask if I could repair a loose Headphone jack on one of these Mic's. My comment was just going to be, I don't know how you didn't make any solder bridges when you installed the new USB jack ? My assembly would have been a bit different, in that I likely would have secured the four (4) mechanical anchor points to the board, before proceeding to the electrical connections ! But that's just me ! As long as it works, I guess is the important part ! Interesting, none the less ! Thanks ! 👍😉

[@BoneCh0mp]

One of the best ways I found to get the knobs off without damaging them is to wrap blue masking tape on them and using the tape as something to hold onto to pull them out with your hand. Hope this helps someone!

[@Bare_asmr]

I'm interested in removing the mesh top, do you happen to have a video on that? :)

[@thegreatjonzini]

Nice one. 👍

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@momfiethehunter504]

Nice repair. i have my own repair going on, a 3700x with 2 broken pins. Now i dont own a hot air rework station so my soldering iron will have to do but i am definitely going to be buying one soon since repairs requiring one have increased a lot and i dont want to ruin anything by not using the correct tools

[@BorderlineOCD]

That doesn't sound like an easy repair! Good luck. I'm not going to sell you on my $35 hot air station because I know its garbage, but for the once a month I use it, it works great and I'm very happy I bought it. Definitely agree the right tools help even if they are cheap ones when you're starting to expand your toolkit. So many tools!

[@momfiethehunter504]

@@BorderlineOCD i did already replace the pins on it but after installing windows and not having an audio device present even in device manager i thought it might be the pins so i took them off again and put some pins in the socket instead but nothing changed. it seems that more users dont have any audio device with this windows version so im going to put some new pins on the cpu and reinstall an older version of windows instead and see if audio works again

[@LightyTV_]

This piece on my yeti just broke last night, do you happen to have a link to the heat gun you was using?

[@driftboard]

i’ve had my blue yeti broken for almost 3 years, time to repair it

[@Omegaman87272]

The yeti that I use just messed up and im pretty sure its just the USB port as the mic still gets power but it doesn't actually connect. Ill try and fix it if I can or atleast get the stuff needed to fix it and have someone who knows how to solder better than I can to do it. Would be a lot of stuff considering I don't have a soldering iron and I would need to get the port also.

[@soviut303]

I think that for removing the knobs you could use one of those rubber band wrenches. Seems like it would be gentler on the plastic and potentially have better grip.

[@5izzy557]

He got the same result, with something he had lying around. But yeah using a rubber band instead with a wrench, like how he has done it this would work great in theory

[@soviut303]

@@5izzy557 I mentioned it because you could see the pliers damaging the plastic on the knobs.

[@zigforjustice]

I tried this using a rubber band I had lying around and it was really effective and didn't leave much damage. The only tricky one was the mute button, but worked. Thanks for the tip.

[@RenardThatch]

I wonder if they make a USB c connector with the same pin out.

[@JrManPT]

Nice, you should try replacing that mini usb port with a usb c one. There's no drop in replacement but there's usb 2. 0 breakout boards with 4 pads for usb c connectors and you just wire them up to the pins on the board.

[@BorderlineOCD]

I saw a project video on DIY Perks some time ago doing this on a web camera. I thought it was a really neat idea. Definitely could be a fun tinkering project but although my iMac is a newer model with USB-C, my Macbook Air is the previous gen with no USB-C so I'm in no hurry to do that just yet.

[@VizzyThicc]

@@BorderlineOCD USB A to USB C cable will still allow you to use it on both macs and make the blue yeti much better cause it’s the placement of the port that breaks it so replacing it with the same port will only work until it breaks again it’s a design issue

[@NickzAndMikz]

I’ve used 2 Blue mics and both had broken USBs in only a few years.

[@pedromimoso8804]

Very good video! I have a question though: how do you know which usb connector to choose from the dozens (hundreds?...) that are around? Keep up the good work and the great filming!

[@pedromimoso8804]

@@Gal2k6 Thanks, Big G.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thats a good question. On this mic it was easy to find as its a common issue on this model and you can find links to the popular electronics suppliers on Reddit threads and other KZbin videos to get a good look at the port, even if you haven't removed it yet. Removing it and going by sight can work well too, as ports have identifying markers when you examine them closely. I have also used a caliper in the past to measure the "pitch" of a connector or socket to make sure I was buying the right one (like for the Neo Geo Bios socket). I've also bought the wrong port as well on previous projects so you don't always get it right :P

[@pedromimoso8804]

@@BorderlineOCD thanks a lot, brother!

[@franciscojohnson4201]

thanks from india

[@brieftodo]

Try using tooth picks made of wood when clearing the holes it is far easier imho. Just heat the solder, push in the tooth pick and hold it there until the solder cools off.

[@jasonhu55]

Dude, finally!! ^_^

[@BorderlineOCD]

I know I know, but life!!

[@jayschwartz1824]

Just bought one of these "cheap," had the exact same problem (at least I THINK all that is wrong is the wobbly USB connector). What a poor design! But a great video. Not sure I have the skills and equipment to fix it.

[@kelleysheehan]

Does anyone know the kind of heating gun he was using? Looks useful!

[@jmssun]

Would be nice to replace that mini-USB with an USB-Connector. Sort of an fee upgrade :P New sub from Taiwan

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks for the sub.

[@jamesdoe4515]

mini b is a pretty good connector

[@kyawzin2203]

My audio technica at2020 usb+ input volume is too low compare to my another same one . When I listen to the device I hear only little signal. Do you know how to fix it . increasing gain is not answer .

[@stormycommentary4554]

I don’t have any tools for this is there somewhere I can go to have this done ?

[@webkinzroyal43]

how much would you charge to repair mine? I am not super skilled with electronics but don't mind a few scratches on mine in the process. :) Great job!

[@nikolaszisoudis8408]

FINALY got a soldering iron as we began learning these things in school. Its a cheap one but its PERFECT. It goes up to 430c (it says) but i havent used it. It came with the sucking thing so its good. I hope I fix my PS3 some day. Any tips regarding safety or practicality? Thanks!

[@BorderlineOCD]

Suggest starting with something simple like a broken appliance cord or a large on/off switch etc. Build some confidence doing the basics and move up from there. Wouldn't attempt to fix a PS3 when you're starting out, especially with an iron that isn't temperature controlled. Good luck!

[@nikolaszisoudis8408]

@@BorderlineOCD i know... My friends dad is a BIG repair man and he has hot rework stations so when christmas hits we will begin..

[@Finakechi]

I recently replaced the USB port on my Yeti as well. It was actually my first successful soldering job. I guarantee what happened to Mike is what happened to this one.

[@tot1fon256]

Where did you buy the usb port?

[@Finakechi]

@@tot1fon256 just a generic PCB mount Mini USB port off of Amazon

[@sumihomura2885]

Nice

[@Wheretodestinations]

Nice Mic but poorly made because I am having the same issue and even with the new one the port is still loose

[@kazoomaster]

Hello, first of all thank you for the video, it is very well explained and helped me a lot! However, even after installing a new USB port, I have a problem with my microphone. The LED on my microphone lights up but the microphone is not detected by the PC. I reinstalled Logitech G-Hub, searched in the device manager but no trace of the microphone. I have tried on another computer and I have the same problem, so it must be a hardware problem... Would you have any idea how to solve my problem?

[@BorderlineOCD]

I would suggest reexamining your soldering on the mini USB port with a multimeter in continuity mode. It's likely the 5V and GND lines are good but one of the data lines is either not making a connection or it's shorted with an adjacent pin.

[@vernonsleight]

Forgive my ignorance when it comes to this type of repair. My question is what tools did you use for the repair?

[@BorderlineOCD]

Leaded solder, flux and a soldering iron. I also used a hot air rework station to help clear the solder from the through-holes when removing the old port.

[@sgtabood_6916]

first i love you're videos a lot

[@BorderlineOCD]

I think you were a second too late :P Thanks for swinging by my man.

[@CookBurger]

I used scotch tape to hold the cable and it actually worked

[@BorderlineOCD]

I suppose that's one way to do it...

[@CookBurger]

@@BorderlineOCD it looks ugly but it did the job lol

[@sethgardner]

Do I need to take out all the screws if all I want to do is replace the LED light on the mute button? Or can I just pull that button out?

[@joahsanchez5051]

there actually isn't an led in the button, its just a fiber optic button attachment transporting light from the actual button. So you can just pull the "button" which is really just the attachment off and you will have to take out the screws and the inside to replace that LED.

[@reildog5458]

Hey man, I was wondering if you could tell me where you get some of your broken consoles so cheap. Totally understandable if you can’t.

[@BorderlineOCD]

I have no problem sharing bud, I just do this for fun and theres plenty to go around for everyone. There's no secret though. I source them a couple of different ways. First, I try to get bulk lots when I can and take a gamble on "untested" lots as well. If you look at the very first video I uploaded to the channel, thats how I started. It's a large upfront cost but if you average it out for each included console it should be a worthwhile investment, especially if you manage to get the majority of them working. Second I visit thrift stores often. 90% of the time I don't find anything but I've found a Dreamcast, PS2s, random loose controllers and cables, random game carts (like Game Gear which I don't even own the console). Third, I check Craigslist several times a week. Countless success on Craigslist. You have to keep checking because there are others like you locally who do the same. Fourth, I participate in eBay auctions, NOT "Buy it now". With "Buy it now" you guarantee you get the item, but not cheap. With Auctions, you have a chance to get the item (but no guarantee) at a lower price. Be prepared to bid and lose on many auctions but eventually you will win some for a decent price. Perhaps last, I buy internationally (like from Japan auctions). It only makes sense for bulk lots otherwise it's too expensive. It can be a good way to get exotic consoles (thats how I got my 6 Neo Geos). One last tip, I don't mind if I don't get the full console with accessories at the same time. For example, I got a Dreamcast with no accessories and I found the controllers for it almost a year later. I could have bought them on eBay but I just waited and eventually someone was selling a few on Craigslist. Bottom line, there's no secret discount store and I don't have any special connections. This is my hobby so I spend time on it every day. The more you look, the higher your chance of success.

[@reildog5458]

@@BorderlineOCD Thanks a heap. Also, I’ve looked at Japanese auctions before and a while ago I found a pretty good site but I have lost it. Would you mind telling me the website name? Unfortunately in Australia there isn’t a very big Craigslist scene, but I’ll definitely hit up the local garage sales and thrift shops. Thanks again.

[@BorderlineOCD]

For stuff from Japan here in the US I use a proxy service like Sendico or Buyee. The most popular auction site in Japan is Yahoo Auctions. It's a clunky experience and its a slow process from start to finish riddled with fees but it works and your stuff will show up. I haven't been able to justify it for mainstream consoles though.

[@safalz]

well there goes my mic lol

[@acnhsasha3085]

The Blue Yeti is an underrated microphone.

[@MegaMug]

Bait

[@BorderlineOCD]

Lol. You guys are funny. So you don't like the Yeti then?

[@GaloGaloso]

Iupiii. I'm here :)

[@BorderlineOCD]

Haha thanks for your comments on my other videos. Glad to know I am missed.

[@rock_rock]

I think my blue yeti microphone has the exact same type of issue, but I don't have the know how to fix it.

[@BorderlineOCD]

I have the USB ports linked in the desc you'd just need to find someone maybe a friend or family member that has a bit of soldering experience. It's not a particularly hard repair.

[@rubenproost2552]

Mine has a distorted sound on the left channel when recording but not thru the head phones. The wave form on that channel is asymmetric. Wonder what part might be busted. Maybe some amplifier or the adc or a local trace of a powersupply? Did anyone find a schematic?

[@BorderlineOCD]

I'm not sure buddy. Very unlikely you'll find a schematic for a Blue mic. You could physically inspect the 3-mic array and make sure one of them isn't damaged/torn/fractured etc. I wouldn't recommend swapping the mics around though as they are very fragile. But might give you an idea if its one of the mics in the array or something further down the line in the circuitry.

[@rubenproost2552]

@@BorderlineOCD I found it! It was a tiny (could hardly see it) little smd capacitor on the digital board labeled C2 that turned leaky. I first compared voltages between the left and right channel on various points but they were identical. Then I compared resistance. C2 on the left channel measured 960 ohms instead of infinity on C1 on the right channel. So I soldered it out and immediately lost it on the floor. So then I also soldered out C1 and nearly lost that too but managed to get it on my component tester before I lost it. It was 4.7uF Thru some weird coincidence I happened to have a little strip of those in my drawer. like *EXACTLY* the ones needed. So, it's fixed now. :D

[@BorderlineOCD]

Nice detective work buddy very glad to hear it.

[@ktakatheo]

I JUST broke my pins today, in the middle of doing voice-over work. I don't have any of the tools or experience to repair it, but I really don't want to buy another mic...the actual microphone plug should still work though, correct?

[@BorderlineOCD]

You’ll have to physically inspect the USB port connector to see if it is salvageable. Sometimes is breaks clean off and can be reflowed. Sometimes there is damage or it’s worn and makes sense to replace. Either way a soldering iron, solder and some flux will be needed.

[@PolizomaAce]

@@BorderlineOCD Hey I broke mine today I think. I was wondering what flux does. Do I need that?

[@BorderlineOCD]

It helps prevent solder bridges and keeps the solder on the copper pads where it's supposed to be. Solder is impregnated with flux but it's not enough for delicate jobs and for beginners especially I think it's a must. I don't solder without it.

[@cheeseFunghi]

I used this mic for 2 days. I turned on my ps4 the next day and the device didnt pop up. The red light also wasnt showing. €120 flushed away. :(

[@_LeMKo]

🙏🙏

[@beatrixpicard6436]

Can I send you my mic for repair?? LOL

[@jansmycka4338]

Yeah, the replacement part is hard to find :-(

[@BorderlineOCD]

The USB port? I have a link in the description. They are pretty affordable and available on both Amazon and parts distributers like Mouser.

[@jansmycka4338]

@@BorderlineOCD Yeah, sadly I was cursed with being from EU :D noone has it here - that or wait 21 weeks for delivery :D

[@jxplayz63]

Hello, my blue yetti port has broken. By any chance woupd you be able to fix it for me for money please just let me know and i will give you my details Thank you, James

[@readmystats9058]

It cost $400 dollars if you buy all the stuff he has listed. Might as well buy a new one for $113

[@0tteru]

I bought a soldering kit and flux to repair this for no more than 20 dollars.

[@HIGH-FANTASY]

Same Mic, same problem

[@Agia]

Is it bad that I went to ebay right away to look for one..... and found one with a usb issue lol

[@BorderlineOCD]

It's a common issue due to the placement of the port. If you adjust the mic while plugged in the cable stresses the port. An L-shaped USB cable would have solved this issue so its a bit of a bad design and I'm sure they replaced thousands under warranty. Excellent mic though. Pick one up and fix it :)

[@Agia]

@@BorderlineOCD already purchased. $20 shipped was the best deal I found buy not sure if it has the stand and everything. I plan to put it on a boom arm with a shock mount either way.

[@peter3346]

how much can i pay you to fix mine haha

[@AmazeFaves]

Can someone fix my blue yeti mic please, I'll pay you!

[@jcdenton1310]

First

[@BorderlineOCD]

I think you won. Good job bud.