With the popularity of digital content like streaming, the need for a good microphone is also becoming more apparent which is why many manufacturers continue to release products for this type of users such as the long popular Shure MV51 Vs Blue Yeti. These microphones are amazing for their sound quality and ease of use but they are also not cheap. To make sure you will like the purchase, let’s see what the two can offer and pick the one which seems to fit you best.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- What are USB Microphones
- What are Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti
- How are the Built of Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti
- How are the Sound of Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti
- What are the Features in Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti
- How are the Experience with Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti
- Shure MV51 Vs Blue Yeti
USB Microphones
Microphone is a typical equipment that almost all of us are familiar with already. There are microphones in your TWS, in the smartphone, laptop, tablet, smart watch, and in your smart speaker. They are almost everywhere now, we carry a small, compact microphone on a daily basis with our smart phone alone but, will these microphones be sufficient for a more serious application such as content making and streaming or even recording? The answer will probably not and this is why we have external microphone plug into the camera or phone when needed.
Microphone at the basic is a transducer means it converts sound waves into analog audio signals with related elements such as the capsule and cartridge or motor with moveable diaphragm. Initially microphones typically come with XLR connectivity such as Shure SM7B Vs Audio Technica AT2020 and require XLR cable as well to connect it into something, to make it work and serve a certain purpose. Back then when audio processing is done only professionally, this was not a problem but it is different today.
Many of us are content makers whether it is filming your journey, streaming your favorite games, reviewing certain products, or independent artists who want to introduce their work through online platforms. In this type of application almost everyone can use their smart device and most, if not all smart devices such as computers or phones don’t have the required port to accept XLR microphone’s cable. This is why manufacturers are introducing USB mic in the first place, basically to make everything simpler for the users.
As the name suggests, instead of XLR, a USB microphone will have a USB port or cable instead to connect directly into your computer or other smart devices compatible with external microphone. This decision alone can cut the setup process because typically a mic will require an interface before being connected into the computer, moreover, if they are condensers which need phantom power to work. A USB mic is a convenient and easy to use option as well as working just as good as a regular mic with a more complicated setup.
In terms of application, USB microphones are just as good as any other types of microphone and you can use them to record anything from vocals and performances of acoustic instruments to typical content such as video voiceovers, podcasts, radio, and for communication like video call and conference. Depending on the microphone type or the size, they are usually portable so we can take it anywhere if needed.
| Shure MV51 | Blue Yeti | |
|---|---|---|
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| Product Dimensions | 3.5 x 6.3 x 4.3 inches | 4.9 x 4.7 x 11.6 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 1.75 pounds | 0.055 ounces |
| Shop now at Amazon | click here | click here |
About Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti
Since there is a pretty high demand for USB microphone, there are plenty to choose from too. Almost all manufacturers that are making regular microphones have at least one USB type in the collection so if you already have a favorite brand then we can just browse their collection. Typically USB microphones are very much the same to XLR type so they can be installed on mic stands or some of them can be mounted on a table top installation.
Overall they are a great option to simplify your desk setup but they tend to be quite expensive as well so we need to pay more for a good USB mic. Shure and Blue both are very famous for their high-quality microphone and also carry some of the best options in the market such as the Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti. We are sure most people who are shopping for a USB mic will be familiar with them as well for how often they have been in the spotlight.
The two are solid options for almost anyone but you will often hear of them when it comes to what best microphone for podcasts are or similar application. We also agree that they are impressive for human voice since the two can deliver a clear, crisp, but also comfortable sound profile for streaming purposes. But, we also think that human voices like speech and singing are not the only thing they are good at because instruments also sound pretty good and this adds into their versatility as a desktop mic.
In comparison, both Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti will be prominently different on sound color and some features included in the build. One thing we really like from the two is you can practically tweak the mic from the unit itself which means we don’t really have to play with audio software too much at least during the recording. Overall, we do think most typical users will be happy with the purchase, regardless whether you choose to go with Shure or Blue.
Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti Design
Before checking what the microphones can offer, let’s see the unit first and for those who are concerned about the built quality of Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti, you don’t have to since the two are built like a tank with all metal construction and feels very solid. Starting with Yeti, this mic comes with a USB cable and with the stand that you can see on the sample picture above. At the bottom of the mic there is a 5/8-inch mic stand mount, the USB port, and the headphone port.
With MV51, there is another cable besides the main USB which is a USB to lightning means this microphone is directly compatible with your iOS devices. What caught our interest is the control on the unit which Yeti actually has as well, such as the knob at the front to adjust the monitoring level but this one has a pretty layout. Here we have a volume slider for both mic and monitor, mute button, and microphone mode selector. We also want to mention the MV51 kickstand panel at the back of the unit.
Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti Sound Quality
Now for the most important part, let’s hear the Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti. What’s unique about these microphones is there are several modes to them so each one will produce different sound color and best for a certain type of application. Since most who are reading this are probably looking for a podcast microphone, the sound quality of both options are very good. They are a bit different however with Yeti (in cardioid) somehow sounds slightly warmer than MV51 (in speech). You can hear spoken words clearly with any of the two but Shure is flatter in general.
For music recording, you can choose the stereo or figure-8 from Yeti while MV51 have their own setting for singing and instrument yet they are apart from each other. The singing setting is almost similar to the speech setting but just slightly brighter while the acoustic setting makes the sound a bit dampened in comparison. With Yeti, you will get a pretty flat result in stereo and some roll off on the low end.
Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti Features
What makes the two very attractive as a USB microphone besides the good sound quality is their additional features itself. There are plenty to adjust in here, for example with Yeti there are 4 available polar patterns for cardioid, figure-8, stereo, and omnidirectional so we can do almost anything with the mic from streaming your podcast or games, doing interviews, singing, and recording instruments are all possible. The best part is it has a gain knob, which is also available on the MV51 but instead of polar pattern Shure choose to provide audio processing options.
It can be more straightforward if your usage is among the available settings but in versatility, Yeti will open possibilities for a wider application. Another thing we love from the two is they do have zero latency monitoring so you can speak and monitor the sound at the same time.
Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti Performance
Lastly on the performance side, the Shure MV51 and Blue Yeti are very impressive for the price point. At least you don’t have to buy anything to use them with a computer unlike the XLR setup. The available adjustments on both microphones are also making the two suitable for a wider range of application but in comparison we do think the MV51 is overall flatter in general. What we love the most from Shure is recording directly to your iOS device which makes it on another level of convenience.
Shure MV51 vs Blue Yeti
Both of them are good microphones but you may like one of their sounds the most and personally we are liking Yeti’s sound better, especially for instruments because it is brighter and can capture the presence of your guitar for example compared to how it sounds in MV51. Of course it can be processed on your computer but straight out of the mic we prefer Yeti’s sound. On the other hand, when it comes to ease of use and setup with how they sit on the table, we like the convenience and features of MV51.
Conclusion
The option is all yours as there is no bad alternative between the two but in comparison if you will only use a computer we highly recommend Yeti but for mobile applications such as with smartphones or if you only use it for single speaker, the MV51 will be more convenient.