A microphone functions by converting sound wave into an electrical signal. Several applications such as sound recording, telephones, radio and television broadcasting etc. require microphones that differ in their built, quality and working methods.
Today’s technology-based world demands newer and improved ways every single day. Tons of microphone types are available in the market at present. Before the signal can be reproduced, the microphone needs to be connected to a preamplifier which further helps in the process.
Investing and getting the right product is not that easy provided that there is a huge list of options available. There are many companies out there with a lot of microphone preferences. But one that is worth the investment and accomplishes the job well is hard to find.
One such company is Blue that manufactures excellent quality mics that ensure highly efficient performance and come under a budget. Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti Pro are two great mics produced by this company.
Blue Yeti vs Blue Yeti Pro
The main difference between Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti Pro is that the Pro model is equipped with higher quality parts and is suitable for amateurs as well as professionals, while the predecessor is more simple and especially for new people in podcasting.
To be precise, Blue Yeti Pro is an updated version of the former with some additional features.
Comparison Table Between Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti Pro
| Parameter of Comparison | Blue Yeti | Blue Yeti Pro |
| Launch | Blue Yeti was introduced in 2010. | While Blue Yeti Pro was introduced in 2011. |
| Set up | It comes with a simpler set up which can be easily done by even someone new to the field of sound recording. | For the setup, it needs a driver to be downloaded according to the system and version. |
| Design | It comes in a silver finish and has standard features. | Whereas, it has a retro black studio finish with a huge set of features. |
| Quality | It offers sample rate if 16-bit and 48 kHz. | Whereas, it offers a higher sample rate of 24-bit and 192 kHz. |
| Performance | It gives a little bumpy output and tends to pick up sibilant sounds more readily than Yeti Pro. | It provides comparatively smooth and flat output. |
| Frequency | It seems to be louder at higher-end frequencies resulting in distortion. | The frequency rate is more balanced here and the distortion levels are also low. |
| Pricing | Blue Yeti retails for a comparatively lower price. | Whereas, the Yeti Pro is more expensive. |
What is Blue Yeti?
In 2010, Blue came up with a microphone named Yeti which has some of the best features available in the market at that time. The mic has a simpler set up that can be easily used by inexperienced people too.
Yeti instantly became popular among the masses because of its unique features at a reasonable price. Also, the mic could be easily plugged into a USB port. It provides the users with an easy way to record sound, podcasting, Skype calls and conferences as well.
Unlike the Pro model, Yeti has a silver finish to it. It has a mute button although the knobs and buttons are a little loose when compared to that of Yeti Pro. Talking about the headphone monitor circuit, Yeti has a noisy and breezy low gain headphone amp, and that is why it needs maximum gain for decent output levels.
Having four polar patterns, Blue Yeti beats every other microphone in terms of versatility. Anything and everything can be recorded with this mic.
What is Blue Yeti Pro?
Blue Yeti Pro was released in 2011 as an updated version of Yeti. This mic has the ability to record sound four times faster than the latter. Also, there is an XLR cable along with the USB port in Yeti Pro.
Due to this upgradation, Yeti Pro has both digital and analogue side to it, unlike the standard Yeti version. This is why it has a more complex set up. Making it even more attractive, it comes with a retro black studio finish. No doubt, this adds a hint of luxury to it.
The mic has digital volume controls and it spins infinitely. It also uses higher quality ADC which controls the distortion levels and balances the frequency. Overall, it provides the user with better sound quality.
The analogue side of Yeti Pro has a much lower noise level than the digital one. In addition to this, it also has the options for EQ, pads and filters in it. Coming to the point, both digital and analogue side of Yeti Pro is equally balanced and very convenient to use.
Main Differences Between Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti Pro
- Blue Yeti Pro is an updated version of Blue Yeti and comes with additional features.
- Yeti has a simpler set up when compared to the Pro model.
- Yeti Pro has a retro black studio finish while Yeti has a silver finish to it.
- Output in Yeti Pro is smooth and flat, whereas, it’s a little bumpy in Yeti.
- Yeti Pro is more expensive than the standard Yeti.
Conclusion
Blue has a certain reputation for designing products that perform well and at the same time, come under a budget. Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti Pro also follow this rule, although the Pro model is a little more expensive than the standard one.
Both these microphones have some or other advantages over each other. Yeti Pro has some added features than the standard version. But Yeti has the upper hand when it comes to price and simpler use.
With the course of time, technology has advanced itself so much that its use in many new fields has brought a huge transformation. Blue microphones are a great necessity for audio and are widely preferred. In other words, the microphone comes under the category of “can’t live without” technologies for sure.
Although the Pro version is an updated one, the standard Yeti had gained enormous popularity during the time it got released due to its amazing features and outputs. Both mics are equally good considering individual aspects. So recording requirements become the deciding factor here.
References
https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3017680.3017691