Podcast Production: Yeti and Yeti Pro USB Microphones

Creating a successful podcast doesn't require much equipment, but you do need a few essential devices, including audio-editing or podcast software, a computer with an internet connection, a microphone – and something to say. We can't help you with the latter, but we can give you advice regarding the best podcast software, multimedia computer and USB microphone to create your podcasts, publish them and build your audience. Reminiscent of the 1950s "pill"-style microphones, the Yeti USB and Yeti Pro USB/XLR models from Blue Microphones bring updated yet classic style and incredible sound quality to today's computer-based recordings.

The Yeti are side-address microphones, which means that the condenser capsules are set up to receive sound waves from angles perpendicular to the Yeti's upright pill shape, rather than at the top, as with standard mics. The Yeti and Yeti Pro have several onboard controls to help you adjust the settings to best suit the type of environment in which you are recording. On the front of the microphone, you'll find a mute button and a volume control knob for the headphone input, which is located on the bottom of the mic. You can do all of your monitoring directly through the Yeti, which gives you a zero-latency signal so you know exactly what you're capturing in real time.

Also located on the bottom are the USB mini jack, standard threaded mic-stand mount and for the Yeti Pro only, an XLR output. The mic comes with a weighted base that sits on a desk and holds the Yeti in place.

The mics' gain control is located on the back of the microphone, along with the recording pattern control, which we'll discuss in a moment. The Yeti have an incredible amount of gain. You'll probably never need to turn it more than a third or halfway up. Even at a low gain setting, these mics pick up sounds very well. The only scenario in which we can imagine using the full amount of gain is outdoor recording where you want to capture the full ambiance of the environment.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Yeti microphones is their unique three condenser capsule setup with four different recording pattern configurations. In addition to a standard stereo microphone, which records a left and right channel realistic stereo image, you can set the Yeti USB microphone to record as a cardioid, bidirectional and omnidirectional microphone, effectively giving you four high-quality microphones in one.

For recording a podcast, the cardioid setting is probably the one you'll use most. With this setting, the microphone picks up sound from the front of the microphone – the side with the Blue Microphones logo – while rejecting input from the back and sides. The cardioid setting picks up a direct, clear signal at the source that diminishes in signal strength toward the perimeter.

Another setting you may use often, especially if you have a talk show podcast, is the bidirectional recording pattern. With this configuration, the Yeti picks up sound at the front and rear sides of the microphone while rejecting input from the sides. This setting is perfect for interviews with guests, because you can sit on one side of a table with your guests on the other side and the microphone between you and record everyone with a single mic.

The omnidirectional setting picks up sound equally from all directions, which is perfect for recording conference calls, conversations with multiple people around a room or a group of musicians playing live in your podcast studio. The omnidirectional setting picks up by far the most room ambiance, which translates into a crisp signal with plenty of high-end frequency responsiveness, and the recordings give you a sense of being there, so to speak.

Now that you know the basics, let's discuss the differences between the Yeti and the Yeti Pro.

The two main differences between the Yeti and Yeti Pro are the Yeti Pro's additional analogue output, the stereo XLR output and included stereo XLR cable, and the difference in construction quality of the knobs, body and stand. The Yeti Pro is sturdier than the Yeti, and its controls are more solid than the cheaper mic's are.

The other differences lie in the microphones' technical specifications. The most significant difference is the mics' sample rate and bit rate. The Yeti has a sample rate of 48 kHz, whereas the Yeti Pro has a 192 kHz sample rate. The bit rates are 16 bits for the Yeti and 24 bits for the Yeti Pro.

Other significant specs that are the same for the two mics are the frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the built-in headphone amplifier's frequency of 15 Hz to 22 kHz. The Yetis' physical dimensions are identical, and both come with a 3-meter USB cable. The Pro model also includes a 12-inch Y-cable for the XLR out.

The system requirements are similar. Both mics are compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP, as well as the Mac OS. The Yeti Pro requires OS 10.6.4 or higher, while the Yeti requires 10.4.11 or higher. The Yeti requires at least 64MB of RAM, while the pro model requires at least 256MB.

As a podcaster, you are part of the ever-evolving tradition of over-the-air broadcasting, adding your voice to the thousands that have preceded you. Adding a Yeti USB microphone to your setup will give you the utmost in audio quality to ensure that your podcasts sound as good as the pros. If you want a single microphone that can do the job of four mics, Blue Microphones' Yeti are the perfect solution for recording high-quality podcasts every time.

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