Rode NT USB VS Blue Yeti Head To Head Comparison – Which Is Best?
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Rode NT USB VS Blue Yeti
Perfect for capturing your latest performance or podcast or for helping you create a new song that you are working on, high-quality microphones that plug into your computer turn your home into your very own recording studio without all of the hassle and cost.
USB microphones that can as easily record vocals as music and offer great software to help you fine-tune your finished product are indispensable for anyone looking to make a name for himself or herself.
Rather than relying on the internal recorder on your computer, when you buy an external microphone that can plug into your USB port, you will enjoy increased functionality, stability, and reliability over what your internal microphone can offer. And even impressive portability that will allow you to record in loud environments without all of the ambient noise that an internal microphone would pick up.
To help you accomplish your goal, we have placed the Rode NT USB head to head with the Blue Yeti, so you can more easily compare the Rode NT USB VS Blue Yeti.
Price Comparison
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Compare Rode NT USB VS Blue Yeti
Specification Comparison and Reviews
Using a point system from one to 100 makes it very easy to compare the Rode NT USB vs. Blue Yeti external computer microphones and makes it simple for users to make an informed decision when they are shopping. By comparing these microphones and laying out three main features that they have, it makes it a lot easier to find the one that best meets your needs.
Polar Pattern
The polar pattern of a microphone is how it picks up sounds to record. While all microphones will have different sensitivities, some are going to be more sensitive to one direction over another while others won’t even pick up sound from a specific direction. When you use a microphone with one particular polar pattern, you will be able to record only what you want while canceling out unwanted noise from elsewhere in the room. This helps you cancel out ambient noise or reflected sounds and improves the quality and tone of your recording.
Rode NT USB
The Rode NT USB is very easy to plug in and use, and part of the ease of use is that it only records in a cardioid polar pattern. When using this pattern, you will enjoy the precise quality of your vocals or music, but it can be challenging to get a full, rich feeling, especially if you are playing with other people.
If you are going to share the microphone with another user, you will need to be side by side for the best possible result.
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti microphone boasts four different polar pattern modes, making it easy to record exactly what you want without any additional ambient noise.
This microphone has an omnidirectional mode that will allow you to pick up sound from all directions. A cardioid mode that is great for recording sound that is directly in front of the microphone. Bidirectional mode for recording two sources in the front and back of the microphone. And stereo mode for a very realistic sound, it’s easy to personalize your recording with this microphone.
If you want a microphone that will be able to easily record any music, singing, or podcast that you want to make, you should consider a Blue Yeti.
However, if you want a clear and compelling voice only microphone for podcasting, then the Rode NT USB is a good choice.
Frequency Response
The frequency response of a microphone measures how it responds to different frequencies when it is recording. It’s important when comparing microphones to buy that you make sure that the one you choose has both a high and low enough range so that you don’t lose very low vocals or high notes in your music.
Since microphones all differ in how they pick up and respond to frequencies, it’s important to make sure that the microphone you choose will be able to handle the recording that you will be doing or you will miss out on some of the sounds.
Rode NT USB
With a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, this microphone is fairly stable and offers great recording across the whole frequency range. It does bump around the 2Hz range, which will perfectly capture higher snapping sounds without making them sound tinny or out of place.
For the average user who wants a solid microphone that will capture normal sounds, the Rode NT USB is a great choice.
Blue Yeti
The frequency response of the Blue Yeti is 20Hz-20kHz. This is very standard across the board for most microphones, but the Blue Yeti has high and low-frequency -3db points inside the edges of the range.
This means that most of the sounds that you record need to be farther within 20Hz-20kHz to ensure that you get a clear and crisp sound as otherwise, they are going to be too muddled and possibly difficult to pick up.
Most people hear the sound as crisp, although the higher notes and sounds may read as a little harsh to some people.
Frequency response is essential, and you need to consider it when buying a microphone. Microphones with larger frequencies will be able to handle various high and low noises better.
There was a no substantial edge in frequency response across the board for either microphone.
Pop Filter
In order to make sure that you have the clearest sound possible when recording, you will need a pop filter. This helps improve the sound of your recording by eliminating or reducing any popping sounds that fast-moving air can cause when you are talking or singing.
This filter, when it is external, will also help to protect the microphone from saliva, improving the microphone’s lifespan. Without a pop filter, any strong letters such as “p” and “b” can create a loud popping noise in the final recording, which can be distracting and ruin the overall effect.
Rode NT USB
The Rode NT USB is set apart from the competition because it comes with an included pop filter that fits perfectly onto the base of the microphone.
This means that the pop filter has been designed and created to work with the microphone so that you don’t have any issues and that it will keep the screen at the right distance to improve sound quality.
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti can be purchased with an optional pop filter, but the standard microphone does not come with one.
This means that you have to be very careful when speaking or singing into the microphone so that you do not have loud popping noises on your final recording.
Many people new to recording may not know that they need to buy a filter and this can result in frustration.
A pop filter is essential to make sure that your sound is clear and without any popping noises. The Rode NT USB comes out on top because the included pop filter makes using this microphone incredibly easy.
Finding and choosing your pop filter can be a little scary and overwhelming, especially if you are new to recording, which is why so many people opt for microphones that have the pop filter either included or recommended as this will reduce the stress of picking out your equipment.
Final Score
Rode NT USB = 190 points
Blue Yeti = 180 points
Overall, the best microphone for between the Rode NT USB vs. the Blue Yeti depends upon what you are going to use the microphone for. They are that close.
If you are only going to use it for podcasting, then the Rode NT USB edges out the Blue Yeti. However, if you want to have more versatility in what you are recording then hands down, the Blue Yeti is the best choice.
- Clear Sound
- Pop Filter Included
- Great Vocal Recording
- Solid Construction
- Struggles With Music
- Lesser Signal Strength
- Multiple Recording Patterns
- Available Pop Filter
- Instrument And Vocal Recording
- Solid Construction
- More Prone To Popping
- Lesser Signal Strength
Our Choice
As people who love great sounding music and podcasts, we choose the Blue Yeti because of versatility, as our choice when choosing between the Rode NT USB vs. Blue Yeti.
Your Choice?
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