Blue Yeti USB microphones can be plugged into any computer. They use a USB connector but each comes with a USB-C adapter for laptops. They are among the simplest items in our collection.
You will usually use a single Yeti microphone for recording, whether you want to record a single participant or a small group. Apparently, Mac OSX users can connect more than one Yeti to their laptop (not tested), in which case the recommendations for single participants below can apply to more than one person.
When recording a single person (generally yourself)
- Select the "front recording" setting (the symbol looks like an inverted heart shape).
- Set the gain (mic sensitivity) slightly below the middle. You may want to adjust based on your voice level.
- Face the front of the microphone (Blue logo), 15-20 cm away (the distance of a "shaka" hand sign).
- Start recording with your computer.
- Pro tip: To strongly reduce background noise when you do not have a studio, record under a blanket. Yes, really.
When recording two participants (interview)
- Select the "front and back recording" setting (8-shaped symbol)
- Set the Gain (mic sensitivity) slightly above the middle. You may want to adjust based on voice levels.
- The participants should be seated on either side of the microphone (front and back). Try to keep a short distance for better sound.
- Start recording with your computer.
- Sadly, this will record some background noise – test ahead of time and consider using a Zoom H5 instead.
When recording a small group of participants
- Select the 360° recording setting (circle symbol)
- Set the Gain (mic sensitivity) slightly above the middle. You may want to adjust based on voice levels.
- The participants can be seated all around the microphone. Try to keep a short distance for better sound.
- Start recording with your computer.
- Sadly, this will record some background noise – test ahead of time and consider using our mixer instead.
