Overview

USB microphones can be cheap and cheerful. In recent years with more and more emphasis on pupils using technology in and out of school, the need for higher quality microphones has become more pressing. 

For years I have used Samson USB condenser microphones, such as the CO1U and the CO3U. They are robust, heavier and when pupils have used them they feel as if it is "the real thing". However, I wanted a more versatile microphone for recordings; one that would record using different patterns for different purposes- whether it is a solo voice, an interview either side of the microphone, birdsong in the garden, or a school choir.

There are four main recording patterns:

Stereo- for recording sound in front of you from left to right

Omnidirectional- for recording sound from all directions

Cardioid for recording sound from one direction

Bidirectional- for recording either side of the microphone, but ignoring sound from the side. 

Each pattern has its own advantages and is suited to different purposes. For example, an interview between two people would be best in the Bidirectional position. Recording an orchestra could be recorded in Stereo. A solo voice lends itself to Cardioid.

Time for Change

This morning I took delivery of a parcel. Inside it was my newly purchased Yeti Platinum Edition. My first thought was "This IS heavy!"

Everything about it from the way it is carefully packaged to the way it catches the light hints at something of real quality. It looks beautiful. It feels beautiful. It sounds beautiful. 

The sound quality is so good it even picked up the background noise coming from the (non-SSD) hard drive on my iMac into which it was plugged and the vibrations it was sending through the desk- and the Blue Mic has a layer of sponge on its base! I resolved this by simply picking up the microphone and speaking and the background vibration immediately disappeared. Rather than place the microphone on the table, I will either: position the microphone away from the recording computer, or I will be investing in the shortly-to-be-released Radius II Shockmount. It has been improved since the original Radius with a hinged design and better clamping to position the microphone. 

Conclusions

It goes without saying that I am absolutely delighted with the clarity and quality of the new Blue Yeti. It will be perfect for many of the occasions where I need good quality results quickly with minimal setup. It will certainly be useful for whole class recordings; but it is not going to resolve the perennial issue of lots of pupils recording on lots of devices at the same time in a classroom. For rough recordings pupils will be quite satisfied with this; but as with all things, if you want real quality, you need to find somewhere quiet to make final recordings. I will be there with my Yeti to ensure the final result is admirable not abominable!