Blue Yeti X - Desktop 03
When I reviewed the Blue Yeti Nano and the Blue Blackout Spark SL I was a microphone amateur. I still am. I spend most of my time listening to content, rather than creating it with my mouth besides witty asides and rambling lessons directed at my kids. So when it came time to review the latest microphone from Blue Microphones, the Blue Yeti X, I enlisted the help of someone whose verbal ego and budding talent was up to the task — my son Jakob, the self-deprecating, wisecracking film school student and wannabe rapper.
Currently attending Belmont University in Nashville, Jake is busy making student films, mixing and creating backing tracks for better musicians than he and wearing the hell out of that jean jacket. So while I prefer to review products that deliver sound, he's in the business of making sound. So here's his Blue Yeti X review. Concise and sharp and parsed for your consumption.
Long, black, and sleek with a nice cone shaped top: the Yeti X USB Microphone. Functionality meets luxury in the brand new microphone from Blue Microphones.
Unlike its predecessor, the Yeti USB Microphone, multiple functions are now implemented so lazy punks don’t have to learn how to operate DAWs anymore.
Although the Yeti X thrives on minimalism and ease of use, I find it much more effective than other condenser microphones I’ve used in the past. The built-in compressor is a nice addition for the consumer, and takes out any potential costs on amps, pedals, and pop filters.
Spending hours setting up, finding the right spot, and bringing myself to record vocals has been taxing in the past. XLR Cables, Pre-Amps, and Pop filters have always been a necessity when recording vocals, but the Yeti X proves none of this is necessary.
Imagine buying a house but it comes with a car, spouse, and no kids: that’s what the Yeti X feels like.
Overall, the Yeti X USB Microphone is the most useful and effective microphone I’ve used in my very unsuccessful rap career.
My beats may be sick, but my lyrics that accompany them are usually pretty healthy. My previous audio recordings are reminiscent of Steven Tyler super up on cocaine; whereas, they are now coherent and flow in the mix.
The packaging lists it as the most functional microphone for podcasting and streaming, but I’d argue it may also be pivotal for aspiring voice-actors and vocalists as well. This is shown by the many modes available within the microphone that set it apart from competitors on its own. Built-in presets allow for individual pick up, duet pick up, directional pick up, and whole room pick up.
I found the directional pick up most useful when recording vocals, but slowly began to find the whole room pick up mesmerizing. Two friends sitting in the back of the room jamming on their guitars, a vocalist harmonizing in the corner, and a lead vocalist directly in front of the microphone, all sounds float into the mix with ease.
I used the Yeti X USB Microphone with Logic Pro X on Mac, and then tried it with FL Studio as well. The microphone had no latency issues when transferring programs, and maintained the same audio quality across all platforms.
The market price of $169.99 may seem steep to some, but it is by far the superior microphone on the market. Why spend more money implementing exterior accessories on a condenser microphone when you could have everything built-in to one USB powered device? That’s like putting spinning rims on a 1998 Subaru Outback, it’s just unnecessary.
One thing that I should note about the Yeti X that Jake failed to mention is the VO!CE software included with the Yeti X, that sets it apart from its predecessor as far as software options. He touched on some of the functionality, but the VO!CE software for creators has high-res LED metering for visual feedback and customized LED lighting.
With four condenser mic capsules (versus three for the previous Yeti) the software offers creators a way to quickly adjust both computer audio and microphone audio that is picked up by the microphone. The VO!CE software package offers a ton of professional voice effects and custom options for creators.
If you are interested in tech specs as well as some kid actually using the microphone in a real world situation, then check out the product page here.
The gist of this exercise is that over the years I’ve spoiled my kids with technology, so I value their opinions when it comes to using technology to suit their means. If he had come to the conclusion that the microphone was terrible, he certainly would have said so. As it stands, it appears the Blue Yeti X is a solid, dependable microphone that has changed the quality of output for at least one film school student.
The Blue Yeti X retails for $169.99 and is available now. A review unit was provided by the manufacturer.
