You can quickly select from each of Yeti's four pattern settings (stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional) by simply rotating the pattern selector knob. The chart below shows each pattern's symbol, sound source direction, and suggested recording applications.

For a more in-depth look at each pattern, please refer to the detailed descriptions and frequency response charts further down the page.

The Stereo mode is great for capturing a realistic stereo image. To start, point the microphone at the sound source that you want to record (the "front" of the microphone is the side of the microphone with the Blue Microphones Logo). Depending on the instrument and/or sound that you want to achieve, place the grill of the microphone anywhere from 2 inches to several feet in front of the sound source. By centering the sound source, you will get equal amounts of signal in both the left and right channels. If you want a little more of the signal in the right channel, move the sound source a little to the right side of the mic (as if one is behind the microphone), and if you want a little more of the signal in the left channel, move the sound source to the left (as if you are behind the microphone). Alternatively, you can record everything as centered as possible, and easily adjust the position when you're mixing the recording. If you want the sound in the right or left channel only, you should try using the cardioid, bidirectional or the omnidirectional setting, and use your software to hard-pan the sound to the left or the right.

Cardioid is the most commonly used mode and can be useful in most any situation. If you are recording vocals, a podcast, or a voiceover, cardioid is likely your best choice. When recording in cardioid, sound directly in front of the microphone is picked up while the sound at the rear and sides of the microphone is not picked up. Therefore, you will want to arrange the source directly in front of the microphone. Cardioid will deliver the most direct, rich sound, but will not offer as much airiness or presence as the other recording modes.

Omnidirectional means that the microphone picks up sound equally from all directions. This setting is perfect for recording a group of musicians all playing at the same time, recording a conversation between multiple parties around a room, a conference call, or any other situations where you want to capture the ambience of ‘being there.' Because sound is picked up from all directions in this mode, the orientation of the microphone isn't crucial, but as a good rule of thumb, start by orienting the front of the microphone at the primary sound source you wish to record.

Bidirectional means that the microphone picks up sound at the front and rear of the microphone, while the sounds to the sides are "rejected", or not picked up. The bidirectional setting is very useful in achieving a nuanced, pleasant sound when recording musical instruments, and is perfect for recording an interview with two or more guests. By placing the microphone between two or more subjects (front of microphone facing one source, rear of microphone facing another), you can achieve a natural sound without the complexity of using multiple microphones.

These charts are only a starting point for the sound provided. How the microphone reacts in a particular application will differ greatly because of many variables, like room acoustics, distance from sound source (proximity), tuning of instruments, mic cabling and other factors. For more tips on miking and recording techniques, check out the Blue website.

Power Required/Consumption: 5V 150mA
Sample Rate: 48 kHz
Bit Rate: 16bit
Capsules: 3 Blue-proprietary 14mm condenser capsules
Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 4.5mV/Pa (1 kHz)
Max SPL: 120dB (THD: 0.5% 1kHz)
 

Impedance:16 ohms
Power Output (RMS): 130 mW
THD: 0.009%
Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 22 kHz
Signal to Noise: 100dB
 

Dimensions (extended in stand): 4.72" (12cm) x 4.92"(12.5cm) x 11.61"(29.5cm)
Weight (microphone): 1.2 lbs (.55 kg)
Weight (stand): 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
 

PC: Windows 7, Windows Vista, XP Home Edition or XP Professional
USB 1.1/2.0; 64 MB RAM (minimum)
Macintosh: Mac OSX ( 10.4.11 or higher )
USB 1.1/2.0
64 MB RAM (minimum)
 

Skip To: FAQ | Software Setup | Hardware Setup

 

FAQ

I'm not hearing any sound coming through the headphones plugged into my Yeti!!!!

• Verify that the Yeti microphone is properly connected to your computer, and ensure that Blue Microphone's Yeti is the selected sound source.
• Verify that the indicator light on the Yeti is lit, and that the headphone plug is fully inserted into the headphone jack at the underside of the Yeti
• Confirm that the headphone volume knob is turned up, with the tab pointing up to start. Also confirm that the headphone is not currently muted (indicator light should be solid, not flashing)
• Check your computer's onscreen menus to verify that Blue Microphones Yeti is selected as your output.

My recording is distorting

Decrease the microphone gain by turning the microphone gain knob counterclockwise or try increasing the distance between your Yeti and your sound source

My recording is not loud enough

Increase the microphone gain by turning the microphone gain knob clockwise or try decreasing the distance between your Yeti and your sound source

My microphone doesn't seem to be working

Ensure your USB cable is properly connected directly to your computer's USB port. Also check that the status light is illuminated. Open your computer's audio menu and verify that Blue Microphones Yeti is the selected sound source

Does Yeti need batteries? I've heard that condenser microphones require something called "Phantom Power". Do I need to concern myself with this?

No. Yeti does not require batteries. Yeti derives its operating power from something called bus voltage, which is always present on your USB port. As long as the red LED is glowing, you've got power.

Is Yeti compatible with Windows Vista? What about Windows 7?

Yes, Yeti is compatible with both Vista and 7!

Do I need any special software to use Yeti? Do I need any drivers?

Technically, no. Depending on your application, your OS may have sufficient features to utilize the capabilities of Yeti. But, to get the most out of your Yeti, you'll want to have some kind of software that allows for digital signal processing and non-linear editing that will accept audio from the USB port. Some examples of these programs are listed below.

Why do my speakers feedback when I plug in my Yeti?

Anytime you use a microphone in conjunction with live speakers or open back headphones, there is a potential for feedback. When using a microphone with live speakers or open back headphones, you need to make sure that the speakers are not pointed directly at the microphone. Also, you should make sure that your speaker/headphone volume isn't loud enough to be picked up by the microphone. When your speakers/headphones are emitting the sound from a microphone directly into the same microphone, it will cause, what is referred to as, a feedback loop. So, when you plug in your Yeti, make sure that the speaker/headphone volume is turned down, and your speakers are far enough away from the microphone to avoid a potential feedback loop. Once you've plugged in the microphone and established a signal, adjust your speaker/headphone volume to an appropriate level.

Can I use Yeti with a traditional analog audio mixer?

No, the Yeti features digital output only. It must be connected to a USB port in order to function.

What sample rate and word length does Yeti use?

The Yeti's digital output is set to 16 bit/48 kHz

How can I select a different sample rate?

Because Yeti is designed for the greatest ease of operation and setup, sample rate / word length are not user-definable. Sorry, geeks.

Can I use more than one Yeti at a time?

Some audio editing software allows for multiple USB connections. Check with your software vendor - they should have technical support staff who can answer all of your questions about their product.

What does polar pattern mean? Why should I care?

If you think of polar patterns as the shape of the area that a microphone "hears" omnidirectional hears everything at equal volume from all angles (in a 360 degree sphere surrounding the mic), while cardioid only hears what's right in front of it at full volume and other sounds at increasingly diminished volume as the sound source moves further away from the center of the mic (audio techs call this off-axis). You should care because one of the most useful features of a microphone is the ability to control its pickup. We like polar patterns so much, that some of our professional studio microphones have as many as nine different patterns!

 

Software Setup

Please note: as there are so many different software packages that are compatible with The Yeti, we are compiling a list of software we've tested and assured compatibility. We will publish that list shortly along with detailed instructions explaining how to use The Yeti with each package because, as you can imagine, they are all different! In the mean time, we suggest consulting your software's manual, user forums and technical help lines. Here are a few to get you started:

How to get audio from my Yeti with...

Garage Band

1. Go to Preferences->Audio and select the Blue mic as the input device (it will only show up when The Snowball is plugged in).
2. Create a vocal track and select the Blue mic as the input device for that track.
3. You may need to adjust the Yeti's input level in the control panel if you experience any distortion (crackling).

Logic 7

1. Open the Audio and MIDI setup program in your Apps->Utilities folder.
2. Create an Aggregate Audio Source (Audio menu - open Aggregate device editor).
3. Add the devices you want to use to the aggregate device (Built in audio and Blue mic).
4. Change the audio device in Logic's audio preferences from Default to Aggregate.

Sonar

1. Select "USB Audio Device" (1, in, 0 out) from an audio track.
2. From within that subcategory, there are 3 selections: Left USB Audio Device, Right USB Audio Device, and Stereo USB Audio Device.
3. Select Left or Right for mono audio tracks.
4. Press "R" to arm the track for recording.
5. Roll disk.

Adobe Premier Elements 4 (Windows Vista/XP)

1. If you should experience any problems getting the program to recognize the mic, Adobe recommends the following: If the device does not allow you to record, then your microphone is not being detected as a valid input device in Premiere Elements. You can use an open source program called ASIO4ALL, which is a device driver that essentially wraps existing WDM devices, like USB microphones, as ASIO-compatible sound devices. Use the following steps to utilize this tool:
2. Quit Premiere Elements.
3. Visit the following web page and download the latest available version of ASIO4ALL: http://www.asio4all.com/
4. Install the software, and restart the system if asked to do so by the installer.
5. Make certain that your microphone is plugged in.
6. Launch Premiere Elements. Go to the 'Edit->Preferences..>Audio Hardware' menu option. For the Default Device, choose the ASIO4ALL option. Click the ASIO Settings button, then select your microphone from the list of devices, click Exit, and then click OK on the Preferences dialog. Close and then restart Premiere Elements.

 

Hardware Setup

Windows XP Setup Procedure

1. Under START MENU open SOUNDS AND AUDIO DEVICES control panel.
2. Select AUDIO tab; insure BLUE USB MIC is selected as DEFAULT DEVICE.
3. Click on VOLUME; select appropriate volume level.
4. Exit control panel.

Windows Vista Setup Procedure

1. Under START MENU open Control Panel, then select Sound.
2. Select Recording tab; insure BLUE Yeti is selected as Working with check mark next to the icon. (Disable alternate mic if necessary)
3. Click on Properties; select the Levels tab, set your input level, click Apply, then OK.
4. Exit control panel.

Windows 7 Setup Procedure

1. Under START MENU open Control Panel, then select Hardware/Sound
2. On Hardware/Sound page click Sound, then choose Recording tab
3. Insure that the Yeti Is selected as the Default input device
4. Set your volume in the Levels menu.

Macintosh Setup Procedure

1. Open Apple menu -> SYSTEM PREFERENCES.
2. Double-click SOUND preference file.
3. Click INPUT tab.
4. Double-click BLUE USB MIC under CHOOSE A DEVICE FOR SOUND INPUT dialog box.
5. Set input volume to the appropriate level.
6. Exit SYSTEM PREFERENCES.

Read what people have been saying about the Yeti.

All reviews are in PDF format.

 

CNET   ::   Yeti USB Mic

Crave   ::   Yeti in the Wild

Wired   ::   Blue Microhpone's Yeti

All manuals are downloadable in Acrobat PDF format.

 

Yeti Manual   ::   English