There is no doubt that when it comes to podcasting, and really any form of content creation, the Blue Yeti is one of the very best microphones out there with its incredibly high audio quality and extra features all for a reasonable price.
While you can buy pretty much any USB microphone from Blue and can rest assured it will work well enough to provide clear and crisp audio.
Over recent years a few different variations of their standard microphone have begun appearing with their own unique features and capabilities, and this includes the Blue Yeti X.
Despite all the buzz, how good really is the Blue Yeti X microphone? And how does it stack up to the original model?
Keep reading to find out all the major differences between these two fan-favorite microphones.
Key Differences Between the Blue Yeti vs Blue Yeti X
|
Classic Performer
|
Premium Upgrade
|
|
Primary Rating:
4.6
|
Primary Rating:
4.7
|
|
$79.50
|
N/A
|
What Is The Blue Yeti?
First released in 2009, the Blue Yeti has gone on to become the most popular microphone for podcasting, music recording, and voice overs, and despite being over a decade old, it still holds up incredibly well and this is largely due to the outstanding amount of extra features it comes with.
Whether it’s the polar patterns that have 4 separate modes so that the microphone can recognize where each voice is coming from, its lightweight design, or the Blue Sherpa software that allows you to adjust the microphone down to its most minute details.
These features have allowed the Blue Yeti to stand the test of time and still be considered a must buy for those looking for a high end and affordable microphone.
What Is The Blue Yeti X?
Released an entire decade later in 2019, the Blue Yeti X is designed to be a bigger, bolder, and overall more efficient version of its predecessor.
With a bit more a sleek finish to its appearance, the Yeti X is dedicated to providing the very best and clearest vocal sound with a much greater focus on clarity than ever before and to date.
It is the microphone Blue has been pushing as their best and most state of the art product that anyone who takes their audio recordings seriously should definitely consider checking out.
Audio
While it may not be studio audio level, the original Blue Yeti still has an excellent resolution of 16-bit/48kHz which makes the audio crisp, clear and perfect for beginners or more advanced audio enthusiasts who aren’t looking to break the bank for the greatest quality on the market.
With three built-in condensers to convert sound waves into the mic’s signal, making the audio clarity even clearer.
This definitely makes the Blue Yeti a step above many other beginner to advanced level mics you can find, and since audio is everything when it comes to podcasts.
It’s definitely a great option that won’t have your listeners wishing the quality was any better.
The truth is however that the Yeti X is a step above when it comes to audio quality having an audio resolution of 24-bit/48kHz that guarantees the audio will come out even clearer since the higher bit depth will create a massive increase in captured digital data to recreate the sounds even more accurately.
Additionally, the Yeti X also comes with four condenser capsules as opposed to the Yetis three.
While this isn’t too surprising as many USB microphones these days come equipped with four condensers to make the audio as precise as possible, it does mean that the Yeti X reigns supreme in terms of sheer audio quality.
Appearance
While this of course all comes down to personal preference, what is immediately noticeable between both designs is that the Yeti X has a much more modern and almost futuristic appearance with a more shiny and glossy appearance.
The illuminated encoder on the front of the Yeti X that shows the mic’s input level also looks far more advanced than the regular Yeti’s regular mute and volume buttons that stick out from the front.
The Yeti X also has a slightly flatter microphone head to help it look more modern, compact and sleek in its design.
It should be noted that if you are looking to record only the audio for podcasts rather than also using a camera, then the appearance won’t really matter and is entirely up to you and your aesthetic tastes.
However if you are using a camera and want your podcasting set to look as modern and stylish as possible, the minimalist design of the Yeti X is definitely a step above the regular Yeti design.
Ease Of Use
Back when it was first released in 2009, the Blue Yeti was ahead of the curve in terms of accessibility.
Being able to record high-quality audio on a simple USB microphone was virtually unheard of back then, and even today it’s very easy to use.
Alongside its plug ‘n play design, the regular Yeti model also comes with onboard audio controls allowing you to adjust the headphone volume, pattern selection and mic gain, along with a mute button on the front, which can all be adjusted easily through the very supportive Blue Sherpa software.
The Yeti X switches the familiar volume and mute button for an LED illuminated multi-function smart knob which may look a lot more minimal in its appearance but is actually incredibly smart as it allows you to monitor and adjust your voice in real-time so that you can have an incredible amount of control over your audio experience.
This illuminated ring grants the user more precise monitoring over their audio that the regular Yeti just does not provide, and since it is also compatible with the Sherpa app, it is a lot easier to use and far better for the long term as you get more experienced with audio recording.
Weight And Size
The last thing you want when recording audio is for the mic to be big and bulky to where it could make a loud bang if moved or tipped over, or even worse if it’s too heavy for a microphone arm.
Luckily, both these microphones are lightweight with the Yeti X weighing only 2.8 pounds with a stand and the regular Yeti weighing 2.2, making both microphones easy to carry around and more than capable of resting easily on any stand you place them on.
Price
While the additional features and more modern appearance do mean that the Yeti X is a bit more pricey than the Blue Yeti standard model, you can usually find it for only about $50 more which, considering how high-tech a lot of the features are, is quite a steal for such a reliable microphone.
Depending on how clear you want the audio quality along with how reliable and easy to use you want it to be in the long term, this should be what encourages to sway towards buying one or the other.
However it must be said that while Blue could have ramped the price much higher for their new and fancy Yeti X, they have kept it at a fairly good price point considering how efficient it is.
Can the Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti X be used for streaming?
Yes, both the Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti X are excellent for streaming. The Blue Yeti provides great sound quality for beginners, while the Blue Yeti X offers even higher clarity for professional streamers.
Do I need additional software to use the Blue Yeti or Blue Yeti X?
No, both microphones are plug-and-play via USB. However, the Blue Sherpa software is available for both models, offering advanced control and customization options for users who want more precision.
Which is better for podcasting: Blue Yeti or Blue Yeti X?
Both microphones are ideal for podcasting. The Blue Yeti is perfect for beginners or casual podcasters, while the Blue Yeti X, with its enhanced clarity and features, is suited for those who need a more professional setup.
Are there any differences in compatibility between the Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti X?
No, both the Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti X are compatible with major operating systems like Windows and macOS, as well as most recording and streaming software.
What’s the main difference in terms of build quality between the Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti X?
The Blue Yeti X has a more modern and sleek design with premium materials, while the Blue Yeti has a more traditional design but still offers a durable build.
Final Verdict
All in all, while the Yeti X is a step above the regular Blue Yeti in nearly every department, choosing which to pick up largely depends on both how much you’re willing to spend, but also how seriously you are going to take audio recording for the long term.
The Blue Yeti has some great audio resolution which will come out crisp and clear to the audience and while it may not have the functionalities to reach the highest quality possible, with how easy it is to use and its cheaper price point, it’s definitely the go-to option for beginners or those who just want a reliable and accurate microphone without worrying too much about the extra features.
The Yeti X is therefore for those who want something they know will serve them reliably for years to come with its slightly higher audio quality, upgraded audio control and sleek appearance which can help make a podcasting studio look that much more stylish.
While the Yeti X is therefore the better option if you have the extra money to spend on it, there is no shame in buying the slightly downgraded, but still reliable Blue Yeti that will still serve its purpose very well.
