Top 5 Blue Microphones
Whether you’re in the market for your first microphone or hoping to upgrade, you’re certainly going to encounter some Blue products. The company — founded in 1995 by musician Skipper Wise and recording engineer Martins Saulespurens — is known for prioritizing clarity as well as convenience. To that end, Blue offers an extensive line of condenser microphones you may want to consider. So let’s break down the different Blue microphones and which might be best suited for your project.
Company profile: Blue Microphones
Yeti Series
Yeti
Easily the most popular of the Blue microphones, the Yeti is also among the best options when it comes to USB microphones. Using the company’s tri-capsule technology, you can capture clear, crisp audio no matter where you are, though you may need to adjust your settings accordingly. The Yeti’s studio controls make it simple to turn up your headphone volume, turn down your microphone gain or mute your recording instantly. But where the Yeti really shines is in its versatility. This microphone provides four distinct pattern settings — cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional and bidirectional — that make it a breeze to record audio for your podcast, music, interview or video. There’s no complicated setup involved either. The Blue Yeti is as plug-and-play as they come and, priced at $129.99, is ready to go as soon as you are. Want to compare models? Visit our Blue Snowball vs Yeti comparison.
Yeti Pro
The more premium option to the standard Yeti, this microphone can help you take your project to the next level but has a significantly higher price point of $249.99. Like its little brother, the Yeti Pro is a USB microphone offering studio-quality sound and four pattern settings, but it is also the only microphone of its kind to feature a dual XLR breakout cable. If you need to connect to mixers, preamps or other equipment, you’ll want the Yeti Pro’s built-in capabilities. With this microphone on your side, you’ll be capturing 24-bit/192kHz digital recordings directly onto your computer. For many projects, the standard Yeti will deliver what you need. However, as your podcast evolves, the Yeti Pro gives your audio room to grow.
Yeti Nano
A slightly more compact version of Blue’s signature product, the Yeti Nano is designed specifically for broadcast-quality podcasting sound. You’ll enjoy 24-bit sound quality and both cardioid and omnidirectional settings, making this the perfect microphone to capture every bit of nuance in your voice. Even if you’re recording a video, the Yeti Nano doesn’t miss a beat. The no-latency headphone output and two mic capsules ensure that you’re able to react quickly and decisively with confidence. Plus, the Yeti Nano features a sleek finish that just looks amazing on camera, if you do decide to make the leap into live-streaming your recording. For all the premium sound of the Yeti without some of the extra flourishes, the Yeti Nano (priced at just $99.99) makes an exceptional alternative.
Yeticaster
If you’re anxious to get started recording, then this professional broadcast bundle gives you everything you need to create your own studio for only $199.99. Of course, you’ll receive the Yeti itself and all of the features we discussed above. In addition, the Yeticaster bundle includes the Radius III shockmount and the Compass premium broadcast boom arm. A vintage-style suspension mount, the Radius III is tailored specifically to eliminate the background noise, shock and vibrations that might otherwise disrupt your recording. Meanwhile, the Compass has internal springs and built-in cable management that enable you to ideally position your Yeti. In short, the Yeticaster maximizes the purity of your recording for you so that you can stay focused on the task at hand.
Snowball Series
Snowball
While Blue is best known for its Yeti series, the Snowball has its own set of advantages, not the least of which is its $69.99 price tag. Although it has a much more basic list of features than the Yeti, this microphone also boasts the same USB capability and premium sound quality right out of the box. Just plug it into your desktop, and you’re ready to hit record. With its condenser capsule technology, you can capture virtually any kind of audio with ease. You can also select from cardioid, omnidirectional and cardioid -10db pattern settings, the last of which is perfect for especially loud environments.
Snowball iCE
Further proving that Blue has a microphone for all skill levels and budgets, the Snowball iCE — remarkably priced at just $49.99 — condenses (pun intended) the premium experience of Blue microphones down to its purest essence. You’ll still capture crisp, clean audio, thanks to the built-in cardioid pattern. However, the lack of other pattern settings and studio controls means that the Snowball iCE might not be the best option for seasoned podcasters or other recording professionals. Still, if you’re just getting started and looking for an affordable, quality microphone, the Snowball iCE might be all that you need.
Want to compare models? Visit our Blue Snowball vs Ice comparison.
On the Go
Raspberry
If you’re on the hunt for a microphone that’s a bit more travel-ready, check out Blue’s “On the Go” condenser microphones. One of the most premium is the Raspberry, priced at $199.99. With 24-bit studio-quality sound, you can record directly onto your desktop, iPhone or iPad wherever you are without sacrificing your audio quality. The Raspberry also features Blue’s Internal Acoustic Diffuser (IAD) design, which allows the recording to naturally hone in on your voice while simultaneously minimizing ambient noise. In short, it has all the quality of Blue’s larger mics with even more of the convenience that has become the company’s trademark.
Mikey Digital
Perhaps you are literally on the road and unable to even make it to your desktop to record. Well, don’t worry because Blue’s Mikey Digital is tailored to transform your iPhone or iPod into a mobile recording studio. This stereo condenser microphone is insanely compact and meticulously designed to meet all your needs with a built-in input jack, microphone shielding, Lightning connection, auto level sensing and a 230-degree swivel mount. For $99.99, it’s the power of Blue microphones literally in the palm of your hand, and yes, it does integrate with many of the most popular recording apps, such as Garage Band, Spire Recorder and Jammit.
Snowflake
The great thing about USB microphones is that you can just plug it in and begin recording, and Blue’s Snowflake — priced at $59.99 — delivers on that front, even if it is lacking in bells and whistles. With a precision-tuned condenser capsule and cardioid polar pattern, this microphone retains the premium sound that you expect from any Blue product but offers precious little as far as adjustment capabilities. Still, it does have a built-in digital converter and preamp to boost your audio quality, and of course, there is the matter of its ultra-compact size and convenient placement at the top of your computer screen.
Spark Digital
With a premium price of $199.99, the Spark Digital is about as close to you can get to replicating your full studio on the go, complete with audio monitoring tools such as input gain and zero-latency monitoring. Compatible with your iPad, iPhone and laptop, this microphone carries a hand-tuned cardioid condenser capsule as well as the built-in headphone output and volume control. What really sets Spark Digital apart though is its Focus Control feature. While normal mode emphasizes the low-frequency sensitivity, Spark Digital turns its attention to mids and highs, resulting in higher clarity and purer-sounding audio.
Tiki
We all have a tendency to multitask, especially when communicating with our friends, family or business associates online. So perhaps all you need from a microphone is the ability to sharpen this experience. Enter the $59.99 Tiki, which utilizes proprietary iZotope noise-canceling technology to bring the very best out of your online conversations. Perfectly suited for services like Skype, this microphone elevates the quality of your audio without overcomplicating matters. In the classic Blue fashion, just plug Tiki into your USB port and start talking. Plus, since it’s roughly the size of a flash drive, you can take this die-cast metal microphone anywhere.
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