I will be doing a review of the Behringer XM8500 dynamic mic in the not too distant future but today, I am doing a review of the Blue Yeti USB microphone, which is a super versatile microphone that you can use for talking on YouTube, radio podcasting or gaming commentary, as well as a other wide range of uses such as recording instruments, recording voice overs, conference calls, and ASMR.
The Blue Yeti USB microphone features three 14mm condenser microphones that are offset slightly at different angles. There is a MUTE switch with light indicator on the front of the Yeti mic, as well as headphone VOLUME knob with a 3.5 mm headphone socket at the bottom of the microphone for monitoring your own audio levels.
There is also a threaded mic stand at the bottom of the Yeti mic for attaching the Yeti microphone to a standard microphone stand. On the back of the Blue Yeti, you find a GAIN knob dial for adjusting the microphone's sensitivity and a recording dial knob with four different recording modes: stereo, omnidirectional, bidirectional and cardioid.
In stereo mode, the Blue Yeti microphone will record sounds from both left and the right, which is great for recording vocals and instruments. In Omnidirectional mode, the Yeti mic picks up sound from all the way around the microphone, which is ideal for conference calling or outdoor recording.

Bidirectional mode is great for one-on-one interviews or singing duets where you have two persons at either side of the microphone. In Cardioid mode, the Yeti microphone only picks up sound directly in front, making this recording mode ideal for podcasts and voice over work.
The Blue Yeti mic also comes with a solid metal desktop stand (with rubber support) that articulates via two built-in screw knobs, allowing you to invert the microphone and easily adjust it to your mouth.
The Verdict
The Blue Yeti microphone is a Plug and Play condenser microphone compatible with PC and MAC. The sound quality is superb and because the Yeti has zero latency you get real time microphone playback. You get various recording modes and you can control the sensitivity of the microphone. If you turn the gain dial all the way up, the Yeti microphone will pick up inaudible sounds.

The mute button is located in a very convenient position and has a light indicator which flashes red when muted. The USB cable is nice and long. If you do voice commentary on YouTube or are musician starting out, the Blue Yeti is the microphone for you. Check out the Blue Yeti USB Condenser Microphone