Recording industry is increasing recently. One of the company, Blue Microphones introduced its product, Yeti in 2009 and soon claimed as the best USB podcast microphone for some time. Those who is searching for the best microphone for any project and interested in Yeti products, so let’s talk about Yeti vs. Yeti X primer through this article.
The Differences Between Yeti vs. Yeti X microphones
Blue as the company won critical acclaim in 2020 as it introduced the Yeti X. It is because the new one comes with a little bump from its best-selling predecessor. The Yeti X performs better in digital audio resolution to 24-bit/48kHz, while the classic Yeti has up to 16-bit/48kHz for the resolution. Theoretically, higher bit depth represents a massive increase in capturing digital data for more accurately recreate sounds. In the other words, people may not really notice the difference in the audio quality, and many users may not really need or use the extra audio resolution in their streams, podcasts, or other broadcasts.
However, the Yeti X has another positive point, which is a fourth condenser capsule, while the Yeti only has three condensers. The capsule convert sound waves into the mic’s signal, which will result in greater audio clarity. If we look at their prices, many other USB mics these days also utilize four condensers to capture the audio. Read also: Rode NT1 Kit vs NT1A.
In terms of design, the Yeti X designed with sleek look with shinier finishing elements to the microphone and stand base. What makes the Yeti X has a retro appeal is the flatter microphone. Besides, the Yeti X is smaller in size than the Yeti though it weighs a bit more; including the microphone and the stand, the Yeti X weighs 2.8 pounds, while the Yeti and its stand weighs 2.2 pounds.
| Blue Yeti | Blue Yeti X | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 4.9 x 4.7 x 11.6 inches | 4.33 x 4.8 x 11.38 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 3.2 pounds | 2.8 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | click here | click here |
Another visually difference might be the multicolor, multifunction LED ring around the Yeti X’s level encoder/mute button on its front. This features show input level meter of the microphone in green, yellow, and red, so the user can see whenever the levels are too hot. There is also encoder to control the microphone input’s levels, volume of headphone, and to maintain balance between the mic volume and volume from the computer.
Finally, the Yeti X provides additional options being paired with the Logitech G Hub desktop software. The users can use this to customize LED ring colors of the Yeti X, and activate “Blue VO!CE” vocal effects using the G Hub, which are EQ settings for treating your voice with presets—including “Warm and Vintage,” “Crisp and Modern,” and “AM Radio”—or dialing in your own settings.
Similarities Between These Mics
These two mics we compare about are USB-powered and able to detach from their stands to be mounted on standard mic stands or boom arms. When the user detach the Yeti from its stand can send several small, easily lost washers in all directions, and those parts also make reattaching the Yeti to its stand somewhat of a hassle. However, the Yeti X’s design doesn’t use any of those washers, so detaching and reattaching it to and from its stand which results in better experience.
Moreover, Both the microphones are kind of sensitive when picking up sounds with the same four pickup patterns. Cardioid (in the front), most common for a single person talking or singing; omnidirectional (360 degrees), best for representing the entire ambience of a space; bi-directional (front and back), ideal for two people sitting across from each other; and stereo, which creates a wide audio image and perfectly fit for recording instruments or multiple sound sources in front of the mic. While the Yeti, has Pattern control for choosing these pickup patterns (a dial) but a bit stiff to switch. Thankfully, the Yeti X offers a better button switch with LED icons which used to show active pattern.
Once set up, the original Yeti will produce a detail, crisp, strong, sound with a durable metal design and professional looks. The Yeti has a headphone output as well, which allows the user to monitor the mic’s input without latency while listening to computer’s audio—it is an excellent and very handy feature.
The Sounds
There is a clear difference in the fidelity of the two mics when we comparing 16-bit/48kHz recordings from the Yeti to 24-bit/48kHz recordings from the Yeti X. While the Yeti sounds slightly harsher for “esses” and other consonant sounds, the Yeti X is on the opposite. It also provides clearer spoken words and a little more textured musical instruments resonant on the Yeti X. Even when we compare recordings at 16-bit/48kHz resolution from both mics, there was a smaller, but still noticeable difference in the clarity coming from the Yeti X.
In short, some people may not notice the difference between 16-bit audio and high-resolution (higher than 16-bit) audio. Millions of people tend to listen to podcasts and live streams every day in compressed audio formats like MP3, in which case using a microphone with 24-bit or 16-bit audio would not really make a difference.
Blue Yeti vs Blue Yeti X
Overall
Regardless of the model you choose, both the microphone have their own characteristic which make them worth to compare. In the market of USB microphone, the Yetis known as durable but sensitive to sound. Besides, the Yeti perform good for their accuracy, and operated easily with plug and play options for multi device based broadcasting.