X

Hands on with the Yeti microphone (photos)

Take a closer look at the Yeti, a USB microphone made by Blue Microphones.

Donald Bell
Donald Bell has spent more than five years as a CNET senior editor, reviewing everything from MP3 players to the first three generations of the Apple iPad. He currently devotes his time to producing How To content for CNET, as well as weekly episodes of CNET's Top 5 video series.
Donald Bell
IMG_2670.JPG
1 of 14 Donald Bell/CNET

Here's the Yeti USB microphone in all its packaged, preunboxing glory.

Learn more about the Yeti from Blue Microphones.

IMG_2677.JPG
2 of 14 Donald Bell/CNET

With a name like Yeti, we should have known this microphone would be huge. Still, the imposing size of the Yeti was a bit of a shock, measuring a full 12 inches in height. It's like the SUV of USB microphones.

Learn more about the Yeti from Blue Microphones.

IMG_2674.JPG
3 of 14 Donald Bell/CNET

The Yeti microphone is meant to be used in the upright position, but we couldn't resist angling it forward like some kind of crazy alien raygun.

Learn more about the Yeti from Blue Microphones.

IMG_2679.JPG
4 of 14 Donald Bell/CNET

To give a better sense of the stupefying size of the Yeti, we photographed it with two of the more common USB mics on the market: the Snowball (right); and the Samson G-Track (left). The Yeti towers over them both.

Learn more about the Yeti from Blue Microphones.

IMG_2675.JPG
5 of 14 Donald Bell/CNET

The bottom of the Yeti includes a headphone jack for direct monitoring, and a mini USB port for transmitting audio to your computer. There's also a place to screw a standard mic stand if the whole integrated desk stand thing isn't working for you.

Learn more about the Yeti from Blue Microphones.

IMG_2676.JPG
6 of 14 Donald Bell/CNET

The front of the Yeti includes a large plastic (somewhat wobbly) headphone volume knob and a mute button, which is perfect for dropping out audio for coughs or sneezes.

Learn more about the Yeti from Blue Microphones.

IMG_2678.JPG
7 of 14 Donald Bell/CNET

Knobs for gain and pattern adjustment are found on the back of the Yeti. Patterns include omni, cardioid, stereo, and bidirectional.

Learn more about the Yeti from Blue Microphones.

IMG_2683.JPG
8 of 14 Donald Bell/CNET

The Yeti microphone folds down into its integrated stand for storage. Of course, it's still larger than most microphones, even while folded.

Learn more about the Yeti from Blue Microphones.

IMG_2673.JPG
9 of 14 Donald Bell/CNET

What makes the Yeti so special (and uniquely large) are the three microphone capsules it uses for recording audio. The capsules are arranged in such a way that both mono and stereo recordings can be made.

Learn more about the Yeti from Blue Microphones.

IMG_2671.JPG
10 of 14 Donald Bell/CNET

Did we mention how cool the box is? You'd think there would be an adorable Yeti action figure in here.

Learn more about the Yeti from Blue Microphones.

IMG_2708.JPG
14 of 14 Donald Bell/CNET
Creating our test recordings for the Yeti, Snowball, and Samson G-Track.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos