Blue Yeti Recording Microphone

 

Main advantage

This model is a more affordable version of the highly acclaimed Yeti model made and distributed by the same manufacturer. The option supplies users with two polar patterns that you can select from, a cardio and an omnidirectional pattern. 

This versatile product is ideal to be used for numerous applications such as podcasts, skype calls, and game streaming. The mic has a compact and aesthetic footprint and it will look amazing in your working environment. Besides, the Blue Sherpa Companion App that the mic is compatible with allows you to tune and control how your voice sounds so that you don’t have to keep re-recording yourself. 

Because this is a plug and play type of device, you won’t have to waste any time setting the mic up and/or installing a special driver in order for it to work. The choice performs as expected on both Macs and PCs. 

By using the built-in headphone output as well as the volume control, you can monitor the audio recordings that you make in real-time, with little to no difficulty. This way, you can make sure that the audio that you put out for your listeners to hear is of high-quality. 

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Main disadvantage

The one issue that might deter you from investing in this mic is its price. However, it does come fitted with numerous features that can prove practical, especially if you need a versatile mic that can be successfully used for podcast recording.

Besides, this is a great alternative to try if you don’t afford, or you don’t want to pay extra for the regular Yeti version that is a bit pricier. Overall, this unit has similar settings and it is particularly easy to use, especially given its plug-and-play design that makes it ideal for novices. It is also aesthetically pleasing.  

Main features explained

 

Size and design

When compared to the regular Yeti version, the Nano alternative is visibly more compact. It is also available in a wide array of colors so that you get to choose a color that best fits your preferences. 

The mic is 8.31 inches high and it measures 4.29 inches in diameter. It weighs 1.39 lbs. Consequently, you can pack the mic effortlessly and you can carry it with you whenever you are traveling or simply on the go. The one feature that makes it so well-liked by fellow buyers is the fact that it can be plugged in and used without the need for you to install a special software. The model is also compatible with both Mac OS and Windows devices. 

Plus, the Nano is also worthy of your consideration because it can support rates of 24-bit/48 kHz and it comes with 14mm condenser capsules. Because it is a side-address mic, you have to make sure that it faces you at all times while you are recording. This way, you will get the audio quality that you need. 

The front of the mic includes a headphone volume dial that you can also utilize as a mic mute button. When the light is green, the mic is on. When the light is red, the device is muted. On top of that, it should be added that on the back of the unit there is a button that you can use to switch between omnidirectional and cardioid, the two available pickup patterns.

While the omnidirectional setting is perfect to be used for group or for ambiance recordings, the cardioid alternative is suitable to be used when the subject is speaking in front of the mic. Thus, this latter pattern is better to use when recording YouTube videos or podcasts. 

 

Set up

Another vital aspect that you should not overlook when considering what type of microphone to get is the ease of use. If you are a novice, you probably do not want to waste precious minutes of your time trying to connect the device to your laptop or PC every time you want to record.

With this mic, this won’t be a situation that you’ll have to deal with. In fact, given that this option has a simple plug-and-play setup. It is also compatible with Mac and Windows 10 desktops. 

This mic can be utilized with the Sherpa app that is provided by the seller. You can utilize it whenever you want to make sure that you record audio clips of high-quality. What is more, you can use the Yeti Nano to record audio in 24-bit, 48 Hz format. This is a considerable improvement from the 16-bit format allowed by the Yeti version.

Another aspect that is worthy to point out is the small design of this product. Because of its handy construction, you can install it on your desk without it taking up too much of the available space.

When compared to other similar choices in the same category, it could be argued that the Yeti Nano is one of the best units on the market. Even though its small size means that it lacks some of the features that you normally find on a full-sizes mic, it still comes provided with amazing sound quality that makes it a good investment.

This is particularly true for those who intend to use it for podcasting or streaming. It can be easily utilized especially for those who need a product that has a simple design and that is easy to operate. Its size also makes it suitable for those who are on the go at all times. 

Sound performance

The Yeti Nano delivers quality audio that does not feature any distortions. This is true even if you don’t use the Sherpa app to rearrange the default levels. In other words, with this model, you can just hit record and use the default level as this won’t compromise the quality of the recording.

This aspect is particularly important if you are a novice that knows little about how to operate devices of this kind. On top of that, the Nano comes with no slapback delay. Thus, what you hear in the headphones that you are using is the same as the audio in the room.

Performance-wise, it is important that you understand that this is not a bass-rich mic. In fact, the choice was specially made to be used for providing you with high-quality clarity in the highs as well as in the mids. 

Of course, if you want to, you can also adjust it to also record lower levels with the same level of efficiency. However, in general, this device can be described mainly as a high-mids-focused microphone. 

Provided that you select the right levels, the Yeti Nano can supply you with excellent signal. If you want to play with the sound characteristics you can always utilize the Sherpa software that is also available to you. 

For added convenience, this option features a headphone jack connection for low-latency monitoring. It does not use DSP and, thus, this mic is suitable for professional recordings. Still, as a novice, you might find the lack of DSP a bit troubling as you will be required to find the best placement for the mic before you start recording. 

Failing to do so might cause you to deal with some distortions. Once again, the Yeti Nano is simple to handle and therefore, doing so won’t be problematic at all.

 

Accessories 

In many cases, the quality of a mic is indicated by the type of accessories that it is compatible with. As expected, the Nano Yeti can be used with some such accessories. To start, the unit comes provided with a padded desk stand. Using it can help you minimize the vibrations and the noise produced by the mouse or the keyboard that you are utilizing while recording.

If you want to avoid this, you can invest in a suspension mount that can also help you clear some of the mess on your overcrowded desk. If you decide to get a mount of this sort, it is vital that you always remember to reposition the mic. As we have pointed out earlier, the Nano Yeti is, by all means, a side-address microphone. 

Therefore, the front of the mc has to face you at all times while you are recording. If you do not position the Nano Yeti correctly, you risk recording low-quality audio.

On the bottom of this product, there is a special mount that you can also utilize for personalized set-ups. Even more so, you can utilize the Radius III shock mount, a vintage-style suspension mount, and the Compass broadcast boom arm that the product features to transform your desktop into something that looks a lot like a broadcast studio. 

The compass broadcast boom arm has a studio-grade design and it has an enclosed aluminum construction, hidden-channel cable management, and internal springs. This mic is also likely to fit perfectly with the aesthetic that you have created in your workspace because it has a compact design and, even more importantly, because it is available in a wide array of colors that you can opt from. Moreover, this mic has a sturdy construction and it can surely pass the test of time. 

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