The upgraded model of the Blue Yeti has a number of new features and higher resolution audio recording, but is it worth upgrading to the Blue Yeti X?
The ever popular Blue Yeti received an upgrade with this new model from Blue microphones. The Yeti X is roughly the same size and weight as the Blue Yeti (Classic), but the audio quality has been improved and the microphone’s interface has been altered.
Dimensions (extended in stand): 4.33 in (11 cm) x 4.80 in (12.2 cm) x 11.38 in (28.9 cm)
Weight (microphone and stand): 2.8 lbs (1.28 kg)
Weight (microphone only): 1.14 lbs (.519 kg)
This multi-patterned “professional” microphone records in 2 channels, 24 bit, and your choice of 44.1 khz or 48 khz. Audio resolution can be changed in your computer’s sound settings.
Audio is captured using the four proprietary 0.55 in (14 mm) condenser capsules located at the top of the mic, which is encased in a pop filter. The built-in pop filter actually works great, possibly better than the Yeti Classic, but those who record with their mouth directly to the mic will still want to get their own pop filter.
A 3.5mm headphone jack is located on the bottom of the microphone next to the micro USB input. This headphone amplifier outputs at 7.1 channel audio and your choice of 44.1 khz or 48 khz. Using the headphone jack will allow you to hear your own voice through the mic with zero latency. Unfortunately, the sound quality of your voice through the headphone jack sounds fuzzy, robotic, and nothing like the final recording. Also, using the headphone port to output all sound from your computer will disable all volume controls for some reason. Even the windows volume slider on my desktop did nothing.
Four patterns can be selected by pressing the button on the back of the mic: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional, and Stereo. A light touch will quickly change the pattern, which can cause issues if you touch or move the mic and have to cycle through the patterns to get back to the one you wanted.
The front of the microphone has an audio meter in the form of several LED lights. They will turn green to yellow to red as the audio captured from the microphone increases.
Just below the LEDs is a dial-button combo called the multi-function Smart Knob. Press the knob once to instantly mute the microphone. A small click will be heard on the recording when you first press the mute button, however. Press the Smart Knob for one second to switch between gain, headphone levels, and a mix between the two. Turn the knob to increase or decrease these options.
The stand of the Yeti X is very similar to the Yeti. There is a dial on the left and right side of the mic for tightening and repositioning, and a large space is cut out near the back of the stand to place the USB cable through. The mic stand is sturdy, but will pick up any sort of vibrations for the mic to record. Most purchase a separate arm or shock mount that attaches to the 5/8 threaded hole at the bottom of the mic. Unscrew the mic from the stand and the two knobs on the sides will stay attached to the stand, which is a nice upgrade from the previous Yeti.
The Blue Yeti X uses a micro USB to USB cable. Micro USB provides a secure connection which is much better than the Yeti Classic’s mini USB, but would be better if it had USB-C.
Overall, the Blue Yeti X is an awesome multi-pattern USB microphone. It sounds better than the Yeti Classic because of the 24 bit audio, and the sound meter on the front of the mic is very useful. On the downside, the 3.5mm headphone output is terrible in many ways, and the pattern button on the back of the mic is too easy to accidentally press.
The $170 price point is a little too high to warrant an upgrade from the Yeti Classic, in my opinion. Plus, there are better quality and cheaper cardioid microphones out there for podcasters and live streamers who don’t wish to use those different patterns offered by the Blue Yeti. If those different polar patterns are something that would be useful, and you don’t already own the Yeti Classic, I would recommend buying the Yeti X, but maybe wait for a sale or buy used.
You can buy the Blue Yeti X microphone from Amazon using one of the links below. Use my links and I will get a small cut which won’t cost you anything extra. This will help keep my website up and running.