Blue Microphones - Yeti USB Multi-Pattern Electret Condenser Microphone

Compared to just a few years ago, dictation software has vastly improved (especially on the Mac). After a horrible experience 3 years ago, I decided to give it a second go when Nuance released the new version of Dragon Professional for Mac. I started out using a cheap headset microphone, but it was uncomfortable and made me feel tethered. After hearing from other Mac users of Dragon, the Blue Yeti came highly recommended and was also "officially" supported by Nuance. While $130 initially felt a bit pricey, after getting my hands on it and using it for a few weeks I consider it to be an absolute steal for the price. This mic is a legitimate professional mic that can used in so many different ways - Podcasts, Skype / FaceTime, Google Hangouts, GarageBand, YouTube Blogs, conference calls, and dictation just to name a few. Initially I thought I would have to have the mic sitting pretty close while I dictated, but I just leave it sitting next to monitor facing towards me at an angle. Despite being nearly 2 feet away, it performed leaps and bounds better than the original plastic headset mic I used initially (which sat about an inch away from my mouth). The Yetti is nearly perfect, but I do have 1 major complaint. I really wish it had an on/off switch because if you leave it plugged into your computer, it has a red LED that is constantly lit up (if it is muted the LED will blink). The only way to turn it off is to unplug it which can be inconvenient. However, I ended up just buying a cheap $7 USB adapter that has an off/on power button so I can leave the microphone plugged in and just press the button on the adapter when I need to use it. Despite this one drawback, I still give it 5/5 stars and my full recommendation!

This has been recommended by professionals in the live webinar and speaking platforms. It has a clear recording sound and picks up the voice nicely without the need to hold a mic or angle it toward your face.

I am a tech enthusiast gearing up to start a YouTube channel. This was recommended to me by multiple individuals. The three condensers in this mic allow for amazing audio pickup and sensitivity. It probably wouldn't hurt to get a pop filter with this. The overall build of this is solid. This is a quality item being encased in a mix metal body. It looks sharp on the desk. However, the in box mic stand does pick up every tap on the keyboard and thumping on the desk. Other wise no complaints. I use this for voice overs, recording acoustic instruments and to make regular FaceTime, google hangouts and skype calls as well (paired with my Logitech C930e). Being that I use a Mac Pro I also receive and make phone calls using this mic. Note this can be done with any Mac with OSX Yosemite. I highly recommended this mic. Don't wait on it just jump.

I have it for a good while and it is a great use. The price is abit steep but i think its worth it for a good mic but i added a windshield because it dose pick up alot of background noise but overall a great mic.

The quality of this mic is impeccable, however it picks up literally everything. If you are looking to use this as a microphone for your computer to stream or do anything other than have short conversations or voice commands then a boom arm is mandatory. The stand it comes with picks up every tap, touch, bump, mouse click, or keyboard stroke that you make. I turned the mic onto cardiod and the gain all the way down and it still picks up my mouse clicks. I have gotten it down to a minimum with some third party programs, but it is still there. This microphone is excellent for recording your voice or sounds that you need for editing, however it might pick up more than you would like.

This mic is a life saver when it comes to voice recordings with no studio resources. Just plug it in and you’re ready to go. Excellent for virtual meetings, podcasting and voice recordings. The response of this mic tends to be a little hot, so be sure to be in an isolated soace or try to look for good acoustics areas to set up your mic with your computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet.

My 11 year old loves this microphone, he steams on Twitch. The sound quality is more crisp and clear than the HyperX quad cast.

During the pandemic CJAM 99.1 FM had to close so we could no longer broadcast live. Using the Blue Yeti and Audacity software I was able to create a fantastic sounding program from home for broadcast in my normal time slot. You will need to buy a pop filter for the Blue Yeti for better results. Mr. T, host of Positive Amplitude, Sundays from 6-8 PM EST on CJAM