Rode NT USB and Blue Yeti are the two most popular microphones for recording high-quality audio for podcasters, YouTubers and content creation in general. They are both high-quality microphones but with different features, strengths and weaknesses. Choosing one over the other can be challenging for many users.
Knowing what you want is crucial in finding the right microphone. In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at Rode NT USB and blue yeti to help you make a better decision. We’ll be discussing four main factors: design, features, performance, and pros & cons.
| Rode NT USB | Blue Yeti | |
| Polar Patterns | Cardioid | cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz-20kHz | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz | |
| Bit Rate | 16 bit | |
| Max SPL | Max SPL: 110 db | Max SPL: 120dB (THD: 0.51kHz) |
| Connectivity | USB | USB |
| System Requirements | Windows and Mac OS | Windows and Mac OS, USB 1.1/2.0, 64 MB RAM |
| Features | · Comes with a pop filter · Cardioid sound pattern · 3.5mm jack output for zero latency monitoring | · Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional and Stereo sound patterns · Includes mute button, gain control, and zero latency headphone output. · Ideal for podcasts, meetings, discussions, voice-overs, vocals, instruments, and streaming. · Plug n’ play |
| Warranty | 2 years |
CONTENTS
Rode NT USB
Rode is a reliable brand for microphones and other accessories. The Rode NT USB microphone is one of its standout products, characterized by high-quality sound and effortless setup. It might not be the flashiest, but well-designed and very reliable, Rode NT USB has something to offer for professional content creators.
Design and Build Quality
Rode NT USB looks nice and has a well-designed knob with a neat-looking pop filter. It has a solid capsule, firm controls and a strong tripod stand. The tripod looks great, but depending on your taste, you could choose a suspension kit instead.
A knob on the side of the microphone has a small microphone and computer icon. The knob helps you decide whether you want to hear direct monitoring from the mic or the computer. You can also select something in-between there.
A headphone jack on the microphone allows for direct monitoring. The zero-latency 3.5mm port enables you to hear yourself in real-time. The Rode NT USB also has a volume control knob, but it does not have a gain control knob. The build quality of this microphone is pretty decent, and it would be safe to say it’s on the same level as other high-quality microphones.
The Rode NT USB has been designed to simplify the recording process in many ways. It has a simple plug-and-play functionality as you don’t have any additional software to set it up. This is great for people who don’t have or don’t intent to buy an audio interface. You could actually connect it to an interface, but you don’t have to because the microphone itself is the interface.
Features
Apart from a pop filter and stand, the Rode NT USB microphone comes with a long USB cable, a mic mount, a long USB cable and a nice leather padded pouch for carrying the mic. Like all USB microphones, the Rode NT USB is solid and is an excellent choice for vloggers, podcasters, voice-over artists and even musicians who are just starting.
With a price range of under two hundred dollars, the Rode NT USB is a reasonably priced microphone that would rank with other brands like Blue Yeti. However, it might not be the best choice when using it with a tripod stand as it can pick up unwanted noises such as keyboard strokes, mouse dragging and even table noises.
Some people may also find it difficult to get the mic where it needs to be to record comfortably. Without the gain control, it means you have to set everything manually. Still, you can make a few system adjustments to find to help you choose how loud you want the input to be.
Also, Rode NT USB has only one recording pattern, which is the cardioid pattern. Cardioid is the most common sound pattern, with sensitivity to audio coming from the front part of the microphone. It does not pick sound coming from back, but has reduced sensitivity to sound delivered from the sides.
Performance
Rode NT USB delivers exceptional sound quality, thanks to its cardioid capsule set in the regular studio fashion. The microphone sounds natural and clear, and there are no effects like sibilance and popping. Also, the proximity effect is minor and works perfectly from different angles. The tripod works great but may pick vibrations. For the best results, you may want to get an additional shock mount and suspension kit. However, these are optional as they can still work with the tripod.
The Rode NT USB is very clear with an extended frequency response that works perfectly well above 10 kHz. However, this microphone might be the best choice in spoken-word situations such as podcasting, voice-overs, and things of that nature. Vocals and instruments might be a little too loud for this mic. It might not be the right microphone for musicians.
When you plug it in, you’ll be surprised at how solid its noise level is, and the real-time monitoring either through your computer or microphone is a really nice feature. Unfortunately, it does not have a gain knob. Most users would be happy with this microphone.
Strengths
- Rode NT USB delivers excellent sound quality with a high level of clarity, which makes it a great choice for most content creators.
- Plug and play simplicity makes it easy to set up and use the microphone
- Comes with a pop filter which prevents pops and hisses and makes the sound clearer
- Great at reducing background noises
Weaknesses
- It has a single sound pattern
- Can pick up table vibrations, knocks and keyboard strokes
- Unstable buttons
- Does not come with a gain knob
Conclusion
If you’re serious about streaming, podcasting, or something else and like dabbling in music, this Rode NT USB is a great microphone for you. The microphone offers brilliant sound quality that ranks it among the best USB microphone, and the inclusion of a pop filter adds to the quality of the microphone.
Although its cardioid pattern makes it a little less versatile, the Rode NT USB excels at what it was designed to do. Thanks to its adaptability and lower price, we’d still recommend its competitor Blue Yeti for users who’re starting. However, it’s still a fantastic choice for anyone looking to take their hobby to the next level.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone
Blue is one of the most popular manufacturers of high-quality USB microphones, and Blue Yeti is one of its most successful products. The microphone is popular among streamers and podcasters due to its excellent sound recording ability and pocket-friendly price. It’s available in colors like black, white, silver, and ‘cool gray.’
Design and Build Quality
The Blue Yeti is a well-built microphone with an outer shell made entirely of metal, except knobs and thumbscrews securing the microphone to its base. The base is also made of metal, which adds more weight to the mic.
Rubber pads at the base of the microphone prevent it from skidding when you put it down. Users who tend to move nervously or restlessly will appreciate the idea of keeping the microphone still.
You’ll find a headphone jack, mini-USB port, and a threaded base at the base that allows you to attach the mic to any standard mic stand. To cut unwanted noises, you can put the mic on a shock mount to stabilize it.
The headphone jack works with a 3.5mm headphone, which allows for real-time monitoring where you to hear yourself in real-time through headsets. This is quite a handy feature as it saves you the trouble of asking the listeners if they can hear you. A volume knob on the front part of the microphone lets you increase or decrease the volume. There’s also an LED illuminated mute button just above the volume knob.
On the opposite side, you’ll find two knobs. One is for pattern selection, and the other is for gain control. Blue Yeti has four sound patterns, which will be discussing in the features section of this mic’s review.
The gain control knob lets you adjust the loudness of the sound being recorded by the microphone. With this microphone, you can make a lower-sounding audio sound louder than it is. Having a microphone with this capability allows you to record cleaner audio, and less work is required to adjust the recording. A gain control knob is a common component on microphones in this category, but cheaper USB microphones don’t have them.
The USB port on the Blue Yeti is a USB type-A to Mini-B connector, which is somehow a drawback as Mini-B connectors are not as popular as they used to be. If you break or misplace the cable, finding a replacement might not be as easy as a Micro-B connector which was introduced in place of the mini connectors in 2007.
Features
The Blue Yeti comes with a nice box that houses all the accessories needed to set up the microphone. The Blue Yeti is a USB microphone compatible with Windows 7, 10, XP, Vista and Mac Operating systems.
The microphone does not come with a pop filter that prevents the popping noises but excels at what it does, so you don’t need the pop filter. The Blue Yeti is the best microphone to use for music recording, podcasting, and streaming.
The gain control function allows you to adjust the volume that the microphone sends to your computer. The microphone also comes with four polar patterns. They include:
Cardioid – Capture sound coming from the front part of the microphone while ignoring sounds coming from the back and sides.
Omnidirectional – Records sounds coming from all directions. So, if you have a group discussion or meeting where people sit around a table, this sound pattern will capture the voices of all the participants.
Bidirectional – This sound pattern captures sound from two opposite directions, so it’s great for people sitting across each other.
Stereo – Gives a much fuller sound, and it’s ideal for recording instruments or multiple sound sources.
Performance
You’re basically supposed to speak closely with the Blue Yeti microphone at 90 degrees. This microphone is great for doing a voice-over or starting a podcast. It has a frequency range of 20Hz – 20 kHz, making it easier to handle different sounds. The sound quality is always exceptional.
The microphone sends a 48 kHz/16-bit digital signal to the computer. The biggest complaint about the Blue Yeti is that it picks up unwanted background noises easily. However, this is not a deal-breaker as it performs exceptionally well in most categories.
Strengths
- Four recording patterns add to the versatility of the microphone
- Records directly to your computer without an audio interface
- Great microphone for the price
- Study design
- Easy to use and set up
Weaknesses
- Sensitive to bumps and pops
- No XLR output
Conclusion
The Blue Yeti offers the perfect blend of pure quality and affordability. For less than one hundred and fifty dollars, you get a microphone that does not only delivers exceptional sound quality but is also well-designed and can add a touch of style and sophistication to your professional or home studio. It’s an all-around microphone that will never disappoint whatever the setting you use it in.
Rode NT USB vs Blue Yeti: Which One Is for You?
Both Rode NT USB and Blue Yeti are great microphones. They make wonderful upgrades from standard microphones. If you’re looking for something to help you get started in video gaming or making videos, then the Rode NT USB microphone is the best choice. Generally, this mic delivers better sound quality and features that improve the sound recording experience.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a versatile microphone that allows you to record in virtually any setting, then you’re better off with Blue Yeti. This microphone is not only cheaper but also performs better than Rode NT USB.
Overall, we would recommend Blue Yeti over Rode NT USB.