This article will compare the two popular microphones in the market: Blue Yeti X and Rode NT USB. There are forty dollars gaps here, which might be interesting to look at. Let’s find the differences in all aspects, including performance and feature. To understand them better, let’s take a look at the detailed points below.
Introduction
- Blue Yeti X
Blue Yeti was already a popular microphone to be used for various purposes. Whether for professional works or fun, it fits all quite nicely. Blue Yeti X came to perfect it, though the differences between the two are pretty slim. With three condensers available, Blue Yeti X can perform four polar patterns.
- Rode NT-USB
The name clearly tells you that it is a USB-powered microphone. It costs about $170; it comes with all the necessities and additional accessories that might enhance its performance. Read also: Blue Yeti Nano Vs Fifine K678.
Design
- Blue Yeti X
Upon opening the top case of this microphone, you can find three condenser capsules, which directly tells you that it’s just a standard microphone. In the design, at least. It comes with a pretty convenient mute button (useful for home karaoke), and it’s signified with red colour. The gain indicator is placed right on the microphone and can be adjusted accordingly. Since the mic itself is pretty sensitive, it would be better if you stick to 25. You can use four different recording patterns freely, and users can easily switch in-between by using the switch dial on the back.
| Blue Yeti X | Rode NT USB | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 4.33 x 4.8 x 11.38 inches | 2.44 x 1.97 x 7.24 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 2.8 pounds | 1.15 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | click here | click here |
The volume knob is there, located on the side of the mic. On the other side, the switch dial can be found. The headphone jack is placed right under, along with the USB port.
- Rode NT-USB
The mic does look nice on the design. It has a neatly-looking knob with a pretty lovely pop filter. The side of the mic is filled with a little knob, along with computer and microphone icons. Now the function of this knowledge is to adjust whether you want to hear direct monitoring from a microphone or computer.
The headphone jack is here too for direct monitoring, promising zero latency. Volume control is located underneath but without a knob for gain control. The overall build quality of this mic is pretty decent.
Features
- Blue Yeti X
Each buyer gets a package consisting of the microphone and other stuff around marketing (not generally applicable). USB cable also included, and it’s compatible with all the devices you possibly have. It also supports a wide range of OS, including the recent Windows 10 and the older Vista. Mac and iOS devices are also supported.
It also comes with a pop filter for the background noises, along with the degree adjustment. You can adjust it to be 90 degrees, and you’re all set for a podcast. It’s a comfy and affordable mic that serves various urposes, including entertainment and professional industry.
You can listen to your voice in real-time by using the 3.5 mm audio adapter. Check your own voice by connecting it to your headphone. Now, this feature has been a speciality of Blue Yeti. Only a few competitors have it, with some compromises.
- Rode NT-USB
The buying package of this mic is relatively complete than the one above. Upon opening the fancy box, you can find the mic along with the other accessories, including the pop filter, additional mount, and stand adapter. It all comes quite nicely to become your following podcast setup.
A leather carrying pouch also included, so what else you’re hoping for. With the common understanding that USB microphones are not decent, Rode NT-USB wants to eliminate the rumours. It’s pretty solid to be used as a mic for podcast or streaming. This one microphone is attractive in particular. With a price under $200, it has proved itself to be a reasonable option for other giant brands, like Blue Yeti.
However, it does come with some issues. When using different tripod stands, the mic can be pretty sensitive. It can pick a lot of noise, including keyboard typing or a simple mouse dragging. Some people also had difficulties around its position. The proper position that should be fixed easily can be achieved harder in this mic. So, you can do nothing besides meddling with the system settings.
Performance
- Blue Yeti X
Technically, you need to adjust it as close at 90 degrees to your mouth to deliver the proper sound level. It’s ideal for those who desire a mic for streaming or podcast. It’s affordable but work quite nicely.
Extraordinary performance comes from its four polar patterns that can be adjusted to fit your needs. First is a cardioid pattern, which records the voice in a heart-shaped pattern. This mode is excellent for creating YouTube videos or streaming, where you don’t want to get some background noises.
The second one is stereo; we think you know what it is. It presents to give a much fuller sound. And don’t worry, it won’t capture noises from the front and behind. It’s more suitable if you record with some instruments or different vocals.
The bi-directional mode is perfect for interview videos, where you need to capture the sound from the front side while picking up your voice as well as from the back. It’ll block the sides to give more focus.
And then, there’s omnidirectional recording, capturing the sounds from eight different points. This is the mode to pick when you have a vlog in nature or walk during the night rains (those ASMR videos). It can pick up all the surrounding noises quite nicely. Blue Yeti X has made the switching process effortless, which is one of its unique points.
- Rode NT-USB
Most people would say that they are happy with it. Not the best in the market, but still decent. Rodent NT-USB has brought a new meaning to the USB microphones market. Even when you only stick with one option of pattern, the mic can still deliver its value quite decently. For a podcast, interviews, or streaming videos, this mic is good to go. But for other purposes like recording vocals and instruments, it’s not on par with other mics.
Blue Yeti X VS Rode NT USB
Verdict
In our opinion, Blue Yeti X clearly passes our expectations. It’s great in both performance and feature terms. With a price that’s on the level with Rodent, we think this is a way better option to pick. So if you need an all-rounder microphone, Blue Yeti X is the one.