Which Blue Yeti microphone should you buy?
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We're tech experts that need all the best devices to make our content, and that includes microphones to record audio for videos and podcasting.
Blue Yeti
The original
Pros
- Easy setup
- Available in multiple colors
- Excellent sound quality
Cons
- Flimsy controls
- Mounting is not easy
You're going to love the Blue Yeti, especially if you're new to podcasting. It's simple to use, and it's basically plug and play right out of the box. Plus, it's less expensive than the Pro model.
Blue Yeti Pro
Get the extras
Pros
- Works great in an analog and digital mode
- Higher-quality construction
- Digital controls
Cons
- Setup is not as easy
- It's very large
- Obviously, a higher price
The Blue Yeti Pro is a terrific microphone for amateurs and professionals alike. However, it's best considered as a splurge for most, or for those looking to take their recording to the next level.
There's no denying the Blue Yeti Pro is the better microphone among the two. However, if you're only beginning to dabble with podcasting or recordings in a home environment, the regular Blue Yeti should do just fine. This model is the one that's less costly and even more so when occasional price breaks occur.
Breaking it down
The most significant differences between both Yeti models is when it comes to design and recording resolution. The Yeti Pro is made of higher-quality parts and also offers vastly superior sound with sample rates of 24-bit and 192kHz vs.16-bit/48kHz.
| Yeti | Yeti Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz | 192 kHz |
| Bit Rate | 16-bit | 24-bit |
| No. of Polar Patterns | 4 | 4 |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Max SPL | 120dB | 120dB |
Despite the higher sample and bit rates on the Blue Yeti Pro, the Blue Yeti is still the best choice for most users. Depending on your situation, it will work just fine for podcasts, live recordings, and recording instruments. It's also the one with a far easier setup since the Pro model requires the installation of a driver that differs depending on the type of device it's connected to. The Blue Yeti is also noted for having more color choices. There are at least six standard colors available with special editions popping up often.
Not everything about the regular Yeti is positive, however. Its knobs and buttons don't feel as good as they do on the Pro. Also, the digital volume controls found on the Pro model are superior. Beyond this, both Yeti models look and work similarly.
When it comes to performance, both microphones score well. The Pro model, because it can record in both digital and analog formats, offers further flexibility. Plus, there's no doubt that the recorded sounds are ever-so-slightly better with the Pro version.
Basically, this choice comes down to where you are in your podcasting or recording career. If you're just starting out and want a good, decently-priced microphone to test the waters, the Blue Yeti will do just fine. However, if you already have a normal Blue Yeti and want to take everything to the next level, are an audiophile that wants more flexibility in what and how you can record, or you just happen to have more money to spend, you can't go wrong with the Blue Yeti Pro.
Blue Yeti
Appropriate choice
The proper, colorful choice
Buy the Blue Yeti if you're new to recording. Once you cultivate an audience, reward yourself by purchasing a Blue Yeti Pro down the road.
Blue Yeti Pro
A step up
For amateurs and professionals
If money isn't a factor, you should select the Blue Yeti Pro. Otherwise, stick with the original and save some cash.