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The Blue Yeti and the Rode NT-USB are two of the most popular USB condenser microphones used in the world of podcasts and live streaming. With that being said, how do you choose which one to buy? Especially if they’re very similar microphones, built for the same purpose. Well, that’s why we’re here. We’ve tested both microphones, so you won’t have to. So keep reading to get your answer.
I’m sure we’ve all seen plenty of Youtubers, influencers, and vloggers, using the Blue Yeti and the Rode NT-USB to record their streams. Both condenser microphones are made by reputable audio companies, offer high-quality sound, are plug-and-play ready, portable, and lightweight, and are perfect for traveling and vlogging. However, this doesn’t mean that you should rush and buy either of these two just because they have a good reputation that precedes them.
Before making that purchase, think of the reasons you want that microphone in the first place. Do you want to record vocals? Instruments? Podcasts? If you want a versatile and affordable microphone that you can use for multiple settings, you might want to go for the Blue Yeti. If you’re looking for a microphone that delivers high-quality sound but don’t mind the hefty price tag, then the Rode NT-USB is the right option for you.
Read More: 15 Best ASMR Microphones
Blue Yeti vs. Rode NT-USB – Comparison Table
| Product | Blue Yeti | Rode NT-USB |
| Product Image |  |  |
| Maximum SPL | 120dB | 110dB |
| Polar Pattern (s) | Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo | Cardioid |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs. (0.55 kg) | 1.1464 lbs. (0.52 kg) |
1. Blue Yeti
The Yeti USB condenser microphone is one of Blue’s best-selling microphones. From Twitch streaming to Youtube videos to professional podcasting, the Blue Yeti promises to deliver high-quality sounds to your audience while being affordable, versatile, and highly accurate.
Also Read: Best Blue USB Microphones
Main Specifications
With a frequency response of 20Hz to 20 kHz, the Yeti covers all the frequency spectrum that the average human detects. However, it does have a low-frequency dip at around 120Hz, a relatively even response between 120Hz and 2 kHz, and a treble boost between 3 kHz–6 kHz. And that is to avoid muddiness and distortion since the Blue Yeti is mainly designed for speech.
It has a sample rate of 48 kHz/16-bit with a max SPL (Sound Pressure Level) reaching 120dB, so be assured that it can handle some pressure.
48 kHz is the most common sample rate when creating music or other audio. And 16-bit is plenty and more than enough for playback.)
One of the most noticeable features of the Yeti is the versatility of its polar patterns. It is a multi-pattern microphone that comes with three condenser capsules that let you choose between four polar patterns; Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo, to use in whichever setting you choose.
The Blue Yeti is also plug-and-play ready, so you can have it up and running within a few seconds on either PC or Mac.
When it comes to software, the Yeti uses the advanced Blue VO!CE software that features an impressive set of broadcast vocal effects, professional-grade filters, HD audio samples, and advanced voice modulation effects that help you achieve crispy, high-quality sound for your audience. And there are many blue yeti usb microphone settings option available that you can use on advance level.
The Yeti comes with gain control, a mute button, and a zero-latency headphone output, so you can experience no delay using your headphones with your mic.
It is also notable to mention that the Yeti is the world’s first THX Certified microphone.
* THX Certification is a globally recognized assurance of uncompromising quality, consistency and performance.*
Features and Connectivity
The Blue Yeti is a USB microphone that is effortless and quick to start using. All you have to do is plug it in, and voilà! It’s on!
It also features a couple of knobs that let you adjust the microphone gain, pick-up pattern (so you can quickly and smoothly switch through all four polar patterns), a knob for headphone volume, and another to mute/unmute your microphone.
Sound Capture Quality
When it comes to frequencies, the Blue Yeti covers anything from 20Hz to 20 kHz, so it is designed to capture any sound in that frequency range. However, you can modify what it captures based on your preferred polar pattern because it has four polar patterns. As a result, it is highly adaptable in that sense. In any case, the Blue Yeti offers excellent sound quality and capture.
Practical Use
Because of the Yeti’s polar pattern versatility, you can use it to record instruments, a band’s live performance, a conference call, a podcast, or even ASMR videos using any of the four available polar patterns. So we can undoubtedly say that the Blue yeti is extremely practical in any recording situation.
Price & Value for Money
It’s surprising that you can get the Yeti for only $89.99. With how versatile and how clearly it captures sound. We would think that it would definitely be in the +$100 price range. You can’t, of course, professionally record your voice for music purposes using the Yeti. Still, it does give you a bang for your buck.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Multi-pattern condenser microphone featuring four different polar patterns: Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo for different uses.
- Affordable. You get a lot for only $89.99.
- Has user controls for microphone gain, pick-up patterns, headphone volume, and mute/unmute your microphone.
- Great sound quality.
- THX certified.
- Vast frequency range.
- One of the best USB condenser microphones for podcasts on the market.
- Plug and play ready.
- Feature the new and advanced Blue VO!CE software.
- Available in three colors. Black, blue, and silver.
- Slick and flexible design.
- Number 1 best-selling USB microphone for YouTube and Twitch.
- Doesn’t require an interface to function.
Cons:
- Not a very flat response. Output is a bit polished.
- Not suitable for professional vocal recordings.
Visit this article on Blue Yeti Mic Problems and fixes by become singers.
2. Rode NT-USB
Another great USB condenser microphone that is also a rival to the Blue Yeti is the Rode NT-USB mic. It is indisputable that Rode manufactures some of the best audio equipment in the market today and is recognized as a world leader in several audio categories, so there’s no questioning the abilities and sound quality of the Rode NT-USB microphone offers, especially in the world of live streaming and podcasting.
Main Specifications
The Rode NT-USB microphone also covers the entire frequency range, which is the human auditory range that goes from 20Hz to 20 000 Hz. And even though it peaks around 6000Hz, it still has a relatively flat response compared to the Blue Yeti.
It also has a sample rate of 48 kHz/16-bit with a max SPL reaching 110dB. Not as powerful as the Blue Yeti, but it can still handle lots of power.
Regarding polar patterns, the Rode NT-USB has the standard cardioid polar pattern, which is fine if you’re recording vocals, but it is the only polar pattern it offers.
It is compatible with both PC and Mac. And plug-and-play ready. So you can just plug it in and immediately start recording.
Features and Connectivity
The Rode NT-USB microphone is clearly a USB microphone meaning all you have to do to get it to work is plug it into your computer’s USB port.
It also features an on-board monitor level and headphone mix controls, a professional pop filter to avoid all the popping sounds and noises while recording, high-power headphone output for zero latency, And a tripod to quickly set it up on your desk for more flexibility and comfort.
Sound Capture Quality
As mentioned before, the Rode NT-USB delivers high-quality and relatively flat sound. This is great if you don’t want your sound to be polished right off the bat and want to leave some room for EQing after recording. Overall, the Rode NT-USB performs remarkably and will make you sound like a pro.
Practical Use
If you’re looking for a microphone for live streaming, vocals and instruments, gaming, podcasting, voice-overs, and more, this is what the Rode NT-USB was built to do. We don’t recommend using it for professional vocal recordings in a fully acoustically treated studio, as you won’t get perfect and accurate results using the Rode.
Price & Value for Money
You can find a Rode NT-USB for around $169, which in our opinion, is a bit overpriced. Yes, it does sound and look good and performs well, but for that price, you can find higher-quality microphones that serve more purposes than the Rode.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent microphone for live streaming, gaming, podcasts, voice-overs, and more.
- Pop filter and tripod included in the package.
- High-quality sound.
- Sleek design.
- Great build quality.
- Doesn’t require an interface to function.
Cons:
- A bit expensive.
- Not versatile.
Also Read: Best Rode USB Microphones For Singing and Podcasting
Differences between the Blue Yeti and the Rode NT-USB: Which one should you choose?
Even though the Blue Yeti and the Rode NT-USB are very similar microphones, there is clearly a winner here. The Blue Yeti.
We picked the Blue Yeti over the Rode NT-USB for a few reasons. This does not mean that the Rode isn’t an option you should consider and that it isn’t an excellent microphone. But let’s see exactly why the Yeti won this fight.
Let’s start with the pick-up pattern. The Blue Yeti comes with three condenser capsules that let you choose between four polar patterns. Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo to use whichever way you like. This enables you to record not only vocals and podcasts but live instruments and bands, as you may need those extra three polar patterns to deliver clear and high-quality sound.
The Rode NT-USB comes with a single capsule and polar pattern, which is cardioid. Now we’re not saying that this isn’t good enough for recording. We all know that cardioid is the standard pick-up pattern for recording vocals. But the lack of options limits the Rode and makes it an excellent microphone for mainly recording vocals.
With a maximum SPL of 120db, the Blue Yeti wins this case over the Rode NTB-USB, which has a maximum SPL of 110db. Meaning the Yeti handles more pressure than the Rode.
The Blue Yeti comes at a reasonable price of $89.99. While the Rode NT-USB is almost double the price at $169.
If you’re into design and look, you can find the Blue Yeti in three colors. Black, blue, and silver. The Rode is only available in black.
The only battle the Rode NT-USB takes home, at least for us, is the flat response. If you’d like to be able to EQ your sound after you’re finished recording, you might want to go for the Rode NT-USB. The Yeti performs well, but the sound comes out a bit buffed for our taste. We also like the free pop filter, and tripod Rode includes in their package.
FAQ
Is Rode NT-USB good for singing?
What USB Type Does the Rode NT-USB Use?
What Does The Gain Knob Do On A Blue Yeti?
Conclusion
All in all, both microphones are great, and both are worth considering. All you have to do is think of your goal using the microphone. Whether you care about the four polar patterns, the Blue Yeti offers, maybe one is more than enough for your needs. And perhaps you’re simply looking for the exceptional sound quality Rode always promises and do not care about the price tag the Rode NT-USB comes with. It all comes down to preferences and your wants and needs. All you have to do is check our review, and hopefully, you’d make up your mind by the end of it.
