Looking for a new mic to stream, game, or record audio with? Today, we’ll be exploring two high-end competitors: AKG LYRA and Blue Yeti.
While both products are exceptional in their own right, we’ll be diving into the specs, the pros and cons, and how they compare to each other, so you don’t have to.
What Is AKG LYRA?
If you’re looking to create podcasts, YouTube videos, a new track, or something else, AKG LYRA is the perfect solution.
This ultra-HD microphone boasts a simple, sophisticated design, and it’s easy to use – simply plug it into your computer, your tablet, or even your phone (yes, that’s right!), and you’ll have access to high-quality audio for your podcasts or videos in just a few simple steps.
Like the sound quality of the AKG LYRA? Let’s take a look at some of its standout features:
- 4 Capture Modes: This mic can capture audio from four angles. The front is for solo recording, the front and back are for multi-person, the tight stereo sound can be used for solo instrument recordings, and the wide stereo can be used for any recording that needs a bit of ambiance.
- Plug and Play: This USB mic is a super simple plug-and-play design. There’s nothing to assemble and no separate interface, so it works straight out of the box. USB microphones are great for podcasting, streaming, and recording music at home (Also see, ‘Can You Use A USB Mic With An Audio Interface‘).
- Stand: This mic comes with an integrated desktop stand for your convenience, which can be removed if you don’t need it.
- Headphone Jack: the AKG LYRA features a headphone jack on the front of the mic, so you can record for zero-latency monitoring.
- 4K Compatible: This mic is 4k compatible to provide ultra HD audio recordings every time.
- Super Compatible: The AKG LYRA is compatible with iOS 10. X and higher, Android 9. X and higher, Windows 8 and higher, and macOS Lion 10.7.X and higher.
- Simple Controls: The control panel is simply made up of: front, front and back, tight stereo, wide stereo, and a mute button. Simply press the option you want, and you’re good to go.
AKG LYRA Specs
- Sample Rate: 192 kHz
- Four Polar Patterns
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Bit Depth: 24-bit
What Is Blue Yeti?
Not enticed by AKG LYRA?
The Blue Yeti is a super simple USB microphone that works great for recording podcasts, gaming, streaming, recording YouTube videos and music, and more.
USB mics are ideal for home recording because they don’t require any special drivers or hardware and you can plug them directly into your computer.
This condenser microphone boasts a streamlined, attractive design with a simple interface. Unlike other USB microphones, the Yeti has a built-in headphone amplifier and volume control, as well as controls for monitoring your levels.
It boasts four pickup patterns, including flexible, cardioid, omni, and bidirectional polar pattern.
You’ll see plenty of onboard audio controls for your headphone volume, mic gain, and, of course, a mute option that you can access the most important features with ease.
Blue Yeti doesn’t necessarily need a pop filter to reduce harsh plosives and sibilance, but it does help to improve audio quality (Also see, ‘Blue Yeti Pop Filter‘).
Additionally, you can use a shock mount or acoustic foam for reducing unwanted background noise and other unwanted vibrations.
Like the AKG LYRA, the Blue Yeti microphone is another awesome plug-and-play mic that can be used straight out of the box.
Simply plug your mic in, and you’re ready to go! Still not convinced? Let’s explore some of the key features of the Blue Yeti Microphone.
- Four Pickup Patterns: With four pickup patterns, you’ll get the best sound quality, no matter where you’re sitting or how many people you’re interviewing.
- Versatile: This mic is compatible with macOS 10.14 or later or Windows 10 or higher.
- Blue Sherpa App: When you use a Blue Yeti microphone, you’ll have access to the Blue Sherpa app. This free desktop app gives you a little extra control over features such as gain, volume, and the polar patterns of your mic.
- Blue Vo!ce: Blue voice effects can be accessed via Blue Sherpa. When you enable Blue Voice, you can play around with low, medium, and high frequencies, width, expander/gate, and much more.
- Plug and Play: Like AKG LYRA, Blue Yeti mics are plug-and-play and can be used straight out of the box without any complicated setup.
- Mic Stand: Blue Yeti mics come with a desktop mic stand that can be adjusted or removed depending on your preferences.
Blue Yeti Specs
- Sample Rate: 48kHz
- Four Polar Patterns
- Frequency Response: 15Hz-22Hz
- Bit Depth: 16-bit
AKG LYRA: Pros And Cons
Like any product, both of our competitor mics have their own sets of pros and cons. Let’s explore the pros and cons of the AKG LYRA.
Pros
- High-Quality Design
- Easy to Use
- Impressive Audio Quality
- Four Polar Patterns
- Compatible with most operating systems and can even be plugged into your phone
Cons
- No level indicator
- The stand can feel a little unsturdy
- No access to external apps like Blue Yeti offers
Blue Yeti: Pros And Cons
So, we’ve taken a closer look at the pros and cons of the AKG LYRA, but what are the Blue Yeti’s biggest strengths and weaknesses?
Let’s find out.
Pros
- Plug and Play Design
- Gain control dial to adjust how sensitive your microphone is
- Four polar patterns
- Access to the Blue Sherpa app, where you can control your mics settings in-depth
- Blue Vo!ce gives you even more control over your mics settings
- Strong quality recordings every time
Cons
- Unfortunately, you can’t have a multi-head setup, and you’ll have to use a single mic only
- Sometimes, the mic can be far too sensitive and pick up even the smallest background noise in your surrounding environment
How Do They Compare?
For podcasters, gamers, streamers, and musicians, popular USB microphones Blue Yeti and the AKG LYRA have incredible recording audio capabilities.
If we’re basing our final opinion on specifications alone, the AKG LYRA will come out on top.
This mic has a greater sample rate and frequency response than the Blue Yeti, which gives it a slightly greater advantage.
However, we’d encourage you to make your decision based far beyond the base specifications of your microphone.
For example, the Blue Yeti mic gives you access to the Blue Sherpa app; here, you have much greater control over your mic’s settings and sensitivity.
This is something the AKG LYRA doesn’t offer.
The gain control feature directly on the mic is also something that isn’t provided on the AKG LYRA.
Although both of these mics record exceptionally well, we’d recommend Blue Yeti to any creator looking for a mic that goes beyond offering basic controls, like polar patterns.
Blue Yeti is also often compared to Rode NT USB mic. While the Rode NT is a great mid-tier option for podcasting, streaming, or recording music, it can’t quite match the Blue Yeti’s versatility and sound quality.
It’s also attractive, easy to use, and at a great price; what’s not to love?!
In the end, the best USB microphones for you will depend on your budget, audio needs, and what type of sound you’re looking to record.
Final Thoughts
Whatever audio project you’re working on, choosing the best USB microphone should be at the top of your list.
We hope we’ve broadened your horizons with these two incredible options, and we can’t wait for you to unleash their power on your latest project!
More Blue Yeti Comparison Articles
- Rode Podcaster vs Blue Yeti
- Blue Yeti vs HyperX Quadcast
- Samson Q9u vs Blue Yeti
- Samson Q2U vs Blue Yeti
- Elgato Wave 3 vs Blue Yeti
- Audio Technica ATR2100 vs Blue Yeti
