Blue Yeti Podcast Mic
Equipment Setup Guide
Sections
What's included in your Podcast Kit
What to expect from this guide
Getting started: connecting the equipment
Manually adjusting the mic settings
Adjusting your computer settings (system preferences)
Mac OS users
Final preparation and getting the best sound possible
Using the MUTE function and turning the mic off
FAQs
Troubleshooting
What's included in your Podcast Kit
Blue Yeti Podcast Microphone and USB Cable
Foam microphone cover
Over-ear headphones
With these headphones you will hear yourself, plus the other podcast speakers and also your computer system sounds.
USB A to USB C adapter
In case your computer has only a USB C port available to use, you can add this adapter to the USB cable provided in order to connect the Blue Yeti to your computer.
What to expect from this guide
The Blue Microphones Yeti is a USB mic used for podcasting. It features a broadcast-quality sound combined with a rugged design. This guide will explain how to connect the equipment to your Windows computer, how to use the mic and headphones, and how to make sure you get the best recorded sound possible from this equipment.
If you find after reading the following information that you still require help with your podcaster kit, please contact Adventurous Media directly for email or telephone support. We are happy to help! info@adventurous.media + 41 (0) 43 538 0870
Getting started: connecting the equipment
Plug the USB cable provided into the base of the Blue Yeti (look underneath the mic).
2. Plug the other end into your computer’s USB port. If your computer has only a USB C port available, attach the USB A to USB C Adapter (included in the kit) to the end of the USB cable provided, and then connect it to your computer. The mic does not require any additional power supply. The light on the front of the microphone is now on.
3. Plug the Headphone cable into the port on the base of the Blue Yeti.
4. Stretch the foam cover down over the microphone head as shown.
Manually adjusting the mic settings
Please make sure the mic settings are as follows before adjusting your computer settings.
On the back of the microphone, the GAIN and PATTERN settings should be selected as shown in the picture above.
2. On the front of the microphone, set the VOLUME to exactly halfway, from left to right (12 O'Clock) (see above picture). The light should be permanently on. It should not be flashing. If it is flashing, press the mute button once.
You are now ready to adjust your computer settings.
Adjusting your computer settings (system preferences)
When connected to your computer, Windows 10 will automatically detect the microphone.
Go to the windows settings panel found at the bottom left corner of your computer desktop (as shown above).
2. Select “Settings” (the Cog icon shown above)
3. Select “System” (shown above) and then select SOUND from the list of options on left of the screen.
4. Make sure that “YETI Stereo Microphone” is selected as the OUTPUT device (see above picture). The Master Volume should be set to 100.
5. Make sure that “YETI Stereo Microphone” is selected as the INPUT device (see above picture).
6. Now use the “TEST YOUR MICROPHONE” feature. Start speaking at a normal volume, then adjust the gain knob on your microphone or interface until the level hovers on the right side of the meter. If the signal goes into the extreme zone (at the far right side of the screen), turn the GAIN knob on the back of the mic down again (anticlockwise) to avoid distortion. The image above shows the ideal meter level when speaking normally into the microphone.
Mac OS users
Plug the Yeti into your mac
2. Go to system preferences/sound settings and select “Yeti” as input device (see image above)
3. Also select “Yeti” as the output device (see image above)
4. Open the meeting link
5. As you join a meeting, please check your audio settings and ensure that Blue Yeti is selected for both audio input and audio output
Final preparation and getting the best sound possible
Now it’s time to make sure that you are comfortable and that the mic is well placed. Position the microphone on your desk, so that the top of the microphone is 10cm or less from your mouth. You can tilt the microphone backwards or forwards by loosening/tightening the two knobs on either side of the microphone. Place the mic a little to your right or left, and tilt the front of the mic up toward your face. Speak forward as you normally would, instead of directly into the microphone. Doing this reduces the risk of "popping" (when the air pressure from your mouth can be heard as low frequency noise).
Listen to your own voice (using the headphones) and decide if it sounds good or if you need to make some adjustments. If your voice is sounding thin or quiet, you may need to move your microphone closer and point it toward yourself more. If you sound “boomy” or unintelligible, your microphone might be too close.
Try placing the small foam disc provided in the Blue Yeti packaging underneath the base of the mic, so as to reduce unwanted sound vibrations from your desk / floor / room.
Maybe you now have the correct settings and mic placement, but sometimes noise still manages to sneak into your audio recording. Traffic, neighbours, pets and other common sources of noise can’t be completely avoided, but there are some ways to reduce their impact. If possible, use your quietest room and/or a place which has soft furnishings, like carpets, rugs, thick curtains, furniture and bookshelves. Close the windows and if there are heating / electrical devices you can switch off, please experiment to see if it makes a big difference.
8. Using the MUTE function and turning the mic off
When you are not speaking during a podcast recording, it is good practice to temporarily mute the microphone by pressing the MUTE button on the front of the mic. The light should now be flashing. When it’s time to talk, press the button once again.
Once you have finished recording, it is recommended to disconnect the microphone from the computer. You can simply remove the USB cable from the computer to do this. To turn it on again, repeat the previous steps in this guide.
FAQs
WHAT PART OF THE MIC DO I TALK INTO?
The Yeti Pro is a side address microphone. A side address microphone accepts sound from an angle perpendicular to the mic as opposed to a front address mic where you speak into the "end" of the microphone.
DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL SOFTWARE TO USE YETI? DO I NEED ANY DRIVERS?
No, the Yeti is a plug-and-play device. No drivers are required.
DOES YETI NEED BATTERIES? OR "PHANTOM POWER"?
No. Yeti does not require batteries. Yeti derives its operating power from something called bus voltage, which is always present on your USB port. As long as the red LED is glowing, you've got power.
WHAT DOES “POLAR PATTERN” MEAN?
A polar pattern is the shape of the area that a microphone "hears". You can change it for different situations. To get a good sound for our purposes, select the third position (from left to right). The icon looks like an upside-down heart shape.
Troubleshooting
MY MICROPHONE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE WORKING.
Ensure your USB cable is properly connected directly to your computer's USB port. Also check that the status light is illuminated. Open your computer's audio menu and verify that Blue Microphones Yeti is the selected sound source.
I'M NOT HEARING ANY SOUND COMING THROUGH THE HEADPHONES PLUGGED INTO MY YETI.
Verify that the Yeti microphone is properly connected to your computer, and ensure that Blue Microphone's Yeti is the selected sound source. 2. Verify that the indicator light on the Yeti is lit, and that the headphone plug is fully inserted into the headphone jack at the underside of the Yeti. 3. Confirm that the headphone volume knob is turned up, with the tab pointing up to start. Also confirm that the microphone is not currently muted (indicator light should be solid, not flashing. 4. Check your computer's onscreen menus to verify that Blue Microphones Yeti is selected as your output.
MY RECORDING IS DISTORTING.
Decrease the microphone gain by turning the microphone gain knob counterclockwise or try increasing the distance between your Yeti and your sound source.
MY RECORDING IS NOT LOUD ENOUGH.
Increase the microphone gain by turning the microphone gain knob clockwise or try decreasing the distance between your Yeti and your sound source.
WHY DO MY SPEAKERS FEEDBACK WHEN I PLUG IN MY YETI?
For our purposes, we always should use the headphones provided, plugged into the Yeti. Please be aware though that anytime you use a microphone in conjunction with live speakers or open back headphones, there is a potential for feedback. So, when you plug in your Yeti, make sure that the speaker/headphone volume is turned down, and your speakers are far enough away from the microphone to avoid a potential feedback loop. Once you've plugged in the microphone and established a signal, make sure your selected output device is the Yeti - this sends all sound to the headphones. Then, adjust your speaker/headphone volume to an appropriate level.
I HAVE AN ISSUE WHICH HASN’T BEEN ADDRESSED HERE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Please contact Adventurous Media for email or telephone support. We are happy to help! info@adventurous.media + 41 (0) 43 538 0870