To improve my audio without the messy wired headphone (I say messy because the wires do tend to get tangled a lot) or wireless headphone. Taking a cue from my recent post on "How to ace online Hearings/Meetings" I decided to get myself an external microphone. The one I choose was a Blue Yeti external USB microphone. Due to some promotional campaign on Amazon, I got myself a sweet deal on the purchase price.
You can checkout the current deals on the Microphone from Amazon
The microphone is named after a legendary ape-like-creature i.e Yeti who roams the Himalayas.
First Impressions & Features...
The microphone resting on its base gives its a unique look that adds to its character. It is solidly built which will last for years to come. It has a solid base, which keeps the microphone stable and prevents it from toppling over.
The microphone is Plug 'n play compatible with both PC (Windows) and Mac and it is to be connected with the USB cable provided with the microphone. It is a simple plug N play The USB cable is long enough that will suffice for most of the users.
Front Side of the Blue Yeti microphone
One can see three things on the front side of the Blue Yeti microphone which are in desencing order Blue logo; Mute button and Volume knob.
It comes with a dedicated mute button which gives a user to quickly mute himself/herself. When muted, the LED status light will flash.
If a user has headphones plug in the microphone for active listenting, he can increase/decrease using the volume knob.
After setting the microphone, the microphone should be upright position and not tilted towards the user as the microphone is a side-address microphone, which means you should speak, sing, and play into the side of the microphone with the Blue logo facing the sound source, not the top of the microphone described from the picture below.
Back side of the Bue Yeti microphone!
At the back of the microphone there are two knobs one for Gain Control and the other multiple polar pattern selection.
The Gain control which allows the User to control microphone to gain (sensitivity).Turn the knob right to increase the level, and left to reduce the level.
The Blue Yeti microphone has a Tri-capsule array—three condenser capsules that allows the microphone to record on almost any situation. It allows the user to record in various scenario due to its four multiple polar pattern selection i.e
cardioid
bidirectional,
omnidirectional
stereo
The term polar pattern describes how a microphone picks up sound. More specifically, it describes how sensitive the microphone is to sound waves coming in from different directions. A microphone’s polar pattern is an important consideration when it comes to figuring out if a microphone is the right or wrong tool for a particular situation.
The below pattern quick reference table helps to understand which pattern you should use for your specific application.
Final Thoughts...
I have been using the Blue Yeti for my online hearings/meetings for 4 months and very happy with my purchase. It works like a charm and I have not encountered any problems or glitches.The only grouse which I have is the price of the table mount which costs as much as the microphone. Due to my table setup, initially, I planned to mount the microphone on my table which frees up space on the table. However, seeing the price of the table mount I have decided to postpone my purchase. If any one of the readers has any alternative(s), do PM me.
r.s
Technical Specs
Microphone and Performance (https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/yeti/#full-features)
Power Required/Consumption: 5V 150mA
Sample Rate: 48 kHzBit Rate:
16-bitCapsules: 3 Blue-proprietary 14mm condenser capsules
Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, StereoFrequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHzMax SPL: 120dB (THD: 0.5% 1kHz)
Dimensions (extended in stand): 4.72″ (12cm) x 4.92″(12.5cm) x 11.61″(29.5cm)Weight (microphone): 1.2 lbs (.55 kg)Weight (stand): 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
Headphone Amp
Impedance: 16 ohms
Power Output (RMS): 130 mWTHD: 0.009%
Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 22 kHz
Signal to Noise: 100dB
Comentarios