Blue Yeti USB Microphone for PC, Mac, Gaming, Recording, Streaming, Podcasting, Studio and Computer Condenser Mic with Blue VO!CE effects, 4 Pickup Patterns, Plug and Play – Silver

Having used a microphone that plugged into the external soundcard of my computer, with all its attendant disadvantages of extraneous noises and electrical crackle, I decided to invest in a USB-powered unit. I settled on the Limited Platinum Edition of this microphone after reading its specifications and various reviews. Whatever edition one buys, the specification is the same, and it is certainly advanced and versatile. Microphone plus adjustable base is approximately 12 inches high, with a total weight of about 3.4 pounds, so it looks and feels sturdy with an attractive retro appearance.Frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz. The head contains a "triple capsule" configuration of recording elements which are switchable on the back of the microphone to four polar patterns to cover all possible recording situations: Stereo, Cardioid (unidirectional), Omnidirectional, and Biderectional. Above that is a Gain control to adjust the sensitivity of the unit in relation to the loudness of the signal and its relative position. Underneath the unit are two sockets: one for the USB cable (which is included) and the other for monitoring and playing back via headphones. There is also a threaded socket for accommodating a microphone stand, in which usage the base is detachable. A Mute button is at the front of the microphone (with an attendant red light at the front) and below it a Master Volume control for headphone use. Setting up the unit in relation to your computer and the recording program used is easy.This is definitely the best and most versatile microphone I have ever used. It gives superb, faithful results whilst being extremely easy to control. A real winner.

Good heavy duty quality, sound is great and is the best mic ive used that doesnt distort my voice, but blue yeti is seen as the best usb mic so yep, highly recommend

When I received this item I was excited just by the beautiful box it came in. When I got it out of the box everything I wanted was there; the heavy microphone bass made from cast aluminium, attached to the microphone, a good length of USB wire (3M) and a book with some graphs of frequency response on the different settings.The instruction book had a load of information about the different settings but if you know anything about microphones and recording all you will need to look at is the knobs on the thing.This thing is STURDY. It would take a small earthquake to knock it over. It is also very sensitive. I was previously on an ATR40 and the response on that was terrible. The response on this mic however is, compared to my previous one, out of this world. I was thinking about having my tea and it recorded that! Honestly though, it can pick anything up. I've been using it to record vocals and acoustic guitar mainly and i've had to have it on the quietest setting because it picks up everything so well. TThere's a 4-way selector knob for how you want the mic set up to record either 1. Stereo 2. Cardioid 3. Omnidirectional and 4. Bidirectional. You can change the gain of the mic with another knob, on the front you have a mute button and a headphone volume button.When plugged in the computer and with headphones plugged into the mic you can record and hear the output from the computer.If you want to record using a boom stand you can too, not sure how that would work live but fine for if you want it set up in a home studio, aimed at a guitar, kit or whatever.Literally the best piece of kit I have ever bought for recording, great value and couldn't be happier. I can only imagine what the Yeti Pro is like but I can't think that I'd ever need one based on how good this is.

The microphone comes in a nice box and is protected by rigid polystyrene moulded to its shape. this was reassuring as audio equipment in particular is susceptible to damage. The microphone itself if solidly built mainly from metal and comes with a mostly aesthetic stand. (mostly aesthetic as it absorbs very little vibration).When plugged into both mac and windows 7 machines the microphone is immediately recognised and does not require driver installation.Recording is quick and easy and sound can be monitored through headphones in real time via the 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom of the microphone. This jack can feel a little loose at times, however the sound does not fade or distort, so it serves its purpose.The recording modes can be easily switched using the knob on the back of the microphone, it is rather stiff however this is beneficial as it avoids any accidental switching when handling the microphone ensuring all changes are intentional.The microphone is rather sensitive and picks up sounds very well, for this reason when recording vocals, voiceovers and instruments, when it is not essential to pick up reverb (or a feel for where the music/sound was recorded), the microphone performs best and most clear when the gain is set to roughly 20%, using the knob on the back of the unit.A variety of recording modes offer the best quality for instruments, vocals, voiceovers, interviews and stereo audio capture. A handy instructions booklet tells you what modes are best for what situation and this can significantly reduce the time you spend fiddling with your audio after recording to get the best quality sound.The microphone is USB bus powered, meaning it is powered by the USB controller itself. It will also gain enough power from a 4 port non powered USB hub and still function fully. However the mic is unable to take power from either a 1A or 2.1A USB charger. (like the ones that come with iOS devices)The mic loses a star for its shaky headphone port and its hit or miss mute function, as well as a few compromising plastic fixtures and controls which spoil the classic metal feel of the device.In conclusion this microphone provides exceptional sound quality for a reasonable price. Built in modes aid in recording reducing audio editing times and the built in headphone monitoring is a handy feature.