Blue Microphones Yeti USB Cardiod/Bidirectional/Omnidirectional/Stereo Microphone

The Yeti is one of the most advanced and versatile multi-pattern USB microphones available anywhere. Combining three capsules and four different pattern settings, the Yeti is an ultimate tool for creating amazing recordings, directly to your computer. With exceptional sound and performance, the Yeti can capture anything with a clarity & ease unheard of in a USB microphone.

The Yeti features Blue's innovative triple capsule array, allowing for recording in stereo or your choice of three unique patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, giving you recording capabilities usually requiring multiple microphones.

The Yeti utilizes a high quality analog-to-digital converter to send incredible audio fidelity directly into your computer, a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring, and simple controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain located directly on the microphone. There are no drivers to install - simply plug the Yeti into your PC or Mac, load up your favorite recording software, and record something amazing.

Triple Capsule Array

Three condenser capsules in an innovative configuration to enable great recordings in most any situation.

Multiple pattern selection

You can quickly select from each of Yeti’s four pattern settings (stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional) by simply rotating the pattern selector knob. See pages 12-19 for more details and pattern suggestions.

Microphone gain

Use this knob to control the gain (sensitivity) of Yeti’s microphone elements. Begin recording with this knob centered. If you are experiencing digital distortion with a very loud sound source, simply decrease the gain counterclockwise. If you desire higher sensitivity, simply increase the gain by turning clockwise.

Blue logo

The Blue logo indicates the front of the microphone.

Set screws

Turn each of these knobs clockwise to tighten and secure the microphone at the desired angle. To remove the microphone from the included desk stand, simply unscrew both set screws entirely while supporting the microphone with your hand. Carefully remove the Yeti microphone by lifting directly up and out of the desk stand.

Mute button/status light

Press this button to mute the output from the microphone. When the mute button is flashing, the microphone is muted and no signal will be sent to the computer. To end microphone muting, simply press the button again. The status light will illuminate solid during normal operation to indicate proper function.

Headphone volume control

Easily control the volume of Yeti’s headphone output by adjusting the volume knob — no need to click through software menus to find the right headphone volume.

Headphone output

Yeti includes a standard 1/8” (3.5mm) headphone jack for monitoring and playback. You can use Yeti’s headphone output to monitor your microphone recording in real-time, without latency delays. Or, use the Yeti’s headphone amplifier to reproduce music, movies, or tracks from your computer with the incredible fidelity and detail provided by the dedicated headphone amplifier and high quality digital-to-analog converter.

USB connection

Yeti connects to your computer with one simple USB cable. Plug the mini USB (small connector) into the USB port on Yeti, and plug the other end into an available USB port on your computer. To perform at its best, Yeti should be plugged directly into a powered USB port, so avoid connecting through USB hubs or other USB multipliers.

Standard thread mount

If you would like to mount your Yeti to a standard microphone studio mount, remove Yeti from the included desk stand and thread in a standard threaded mount for maximum versatility.

Stereo

Description: 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

Description: 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

Description: 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

Description: 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.