Blue Microphones Yeti Review ( Price )

£97 inc VAT Contact • bluemic.com/yeti Read more • tinyurl.com/3u9n9hu Specification USB microphone; 16bit/48kHz; 20Hz-20kHz frequency response; 4.5mV/Pa (1kHz) sensitivity; 5V 150mA power consumption; 120x125x295mm (extended in stand); microphone: 550g; stand: 1kg

Blue Microphones' Yeti is a USB microphone that includes a built-in analogue-to-digital convertor (ADC). With no drivers to install for PC or Mac, it's good to go out of the box. The Yeti is billed as a studioquality condenser microphone that requires no additional power. A built-in headphone amplifier lets you monitor recordings in real time with zero latency. A 3.5mm headphone jack on the microphone is also useful for monitoring and playback. A triple-capture mic array makes the Yeti a universal microphone, suited to a number of recording situations. Podcasters, singers and musicians will get great results when using it in partnership with an audio-capture program. Onbody controls include mic pattern selection, master and headphone volume, mute and gain. The gain control lets you specify the signal strength between the mic and the computer. The Yeti handled high volume without distortion. There are four polar pattern selection modes. These alter the way the microphone 'hears' sound from different directions - something that traditionally requires the use of several microphones. The cardioid polar pattern picks up sound mainly from the front of the microphone, plus some from the sides. The omnidirectional polar pattern picks up sound equally from all directions. The bidirectional pattern picks up sound at the front and rear, and is ideal for recording interviews. Finally, the stereo recording pattern lets you capture two channels of sound. The Yeti is a robust microphone with a metal construction, and operation of its various dials is simple. A shockproof housing is available as an optional extra. The Yeti comes with a long USB cable and a stand that lets you rotate the angle of the microphone. This stand can be detatched for studio use, but the Yeti lacks the O D • • P XLR socket required for traditional studio recordings using a mixing desk. A universal thread mount also lets you use a traditional mic stand. Disappointingly, output is fixed at 16bit/48kHz, and there's no pop filter to reduce sensitivity to plosive consonants in vocal recordings. Verdict It lacks the connection necessary for studio use with a mixing desk, but for recording podcasts and interviews the Yeti could be ideal. It's solidly built and offers good performance.

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