Blue Yeti Pro USB and XLR Microphone User Manual

Yeti PRO
User Manual

Yeti Pro USB and XLR Microphone

Congratulations on your purchase of The Yeti PRO, the first USB microphone offering not only amazing 192kHz/24 bit audio recording capability, but the ability to record in a traditional analog setting as well! The Yeti PRO is the ultimate tool for creating amazing recordings, no matter what the source or environment. Best of all, this Yeti PRO can capture anything! The Yeti PRO features Blue’s innovative triple capsule array, allowing for recording in stereo or your choice of three unique patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, giving you recording capabilities usually requiring multiple microphones. The Yeti PRO can be used in a traditional analog fashion, or plugged directly into your computer eliminating the need for an audio interface.
The Yeti PRO utilizes a high quality 192kHz/24-bit analog-to-digital converter to send incredible audio fidelity directly into your computer, a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring, and simple controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain located directly on the microphone so you are always in control of your recording. The Yeti PRO’s exceptional performance and fidelity have earned it the distinction of being a THX Certified Microphone, a validation of Yeti PRO’s incredibly low distortion, high fidelity, and balanced frequency response.

Getting to know your Yeti

Triple Capsule Array

• Three condenser capsules in an innovative configuration to enable great recordings in most any situation.

Multiple pattern selection

• You can quickly select from each of Yeti PRO’s four pattern settings (stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional) by simply rotating the pattern selector knob. See pages *** for more details and pattern suggestions.

Microphone gain

• Use this knob to control the gain (sensitivity) of Yeti’s microphone elements. When recording in USB mode, begin recording with this knob centered. If you are experiencing digital distortion with a very loud sound source, simply decrease the gain counterclockwise. If you desire higher sensitivity, simply increase the gain by turning clockwise. *When recording using the analog outputs, set the microphone gain on the Yeti PRO to zero, or turned all the way counterclockwise.

Blue logo

• The Blue logo indicates the front of the microphone.

Set screws

• Turn each of these knobs clockwise to tighten and secure the microphone at the desired angle. To remove the microphone from the included desk stand, simply unscrew both set screws entirely while supporting the microphone with your hand. Carefully remove the Yeti microphone by lifting directly up and out of the desk stand.

Mute button/status light

• Press this button to mute the output from the microphone. When the mute button is flashing, the microphone is muted and no signal will be sent to the computer. To end microphone muting, simply press the button again. The status light will illuminate solid during normal operation to indicate proper function.
  NOTE: The mute button is not functional when using the Yeti PRO in analog mode.

Headphone volume control

• Easily control the volume of Yeti PRO’s headphone output by adjusting the volume knob — no need to click through software menus to find the right headphone volume.
  NOTE: Headphone function is not functional in analog mode.

Headphone output

• Yeti PRO includes a standard 1/8” (3.5mm) headphone jack for monitoring and playback. You can use Yeti’s headphone output to monitor your microphone recording in real-time, without latency delays. Or, use the Yeti PRO’s headphone amplifier to reproduce music, movies, or tracks from your computer with the incredible fidelity and detail provided by the dedicated headphone amplifier and high quality digital-to-analog converter.
  NOTE: Headphone function is not functional in analog mode.

USB connection

• Yeti PRO supports the USB audio class 2.0. Mac users need to install OS 10.6.4 or higher, and Windows users will need to download the Yeti PRO driver from www.bluemic.com/yetipro. Yeti PRO connects to your computer with one simple USB cable. Plug the mini USB (small connector) into the USB port on Yeti PRO, and plug the other end into an available USB port on your computer. To perform at its best, Yeti PRO should be plugged directly into a powered USB port, so avoid connecting through USB hubs or other USB multipliers.

5-Pin XLR Connector

• On the bottom of Yeti PRO, you’ll find a male 5-Pin XLR connector. Plug in the supplied Y-Cable to connect Yeti PRO to a standard microphone preamplifier(s).

Standard thread mount

• If you would like to mount your Yeti PRO to a standard microphone studio mount, remove Yeti PRO from the included desk stand and thread in a standard threaded mount for maximum versatility.

Getting Started with Yeti PRO

After unpacking your Yeti PRO, rotate the microphone 180 degrees so that the Blue logo and headphone volume control is facing you. Tighten the set-screws on the left and right of the base after adjusting the microphone for your desired angle. Connect the Yeti PRO to your computer with the supplied USB cable (avoid plugging Yeti PRO into USB hubs or multipliers — plug directly into your computer for best performance). See below for installation instructions for your operating system:

Windows 7 and Windows Vista

Plug in your Yeti PRO Microphone using the provided USB cable, then visit www.bluemic.com/YetiPRO to download the appropriate driver for Windows Vista or Windows 7.

1. Download the “Yeti PRO USB 2.0 Driver” from www.bluemic.com/YetiPRO to your computer’s hard drive.
2. Double click the “Yeti PRO USB 2.0 Driver.exe” file.
3. Plug in your Yeti PRO microphone and follow the instructions in the installation wizard to install the Yeti PRO USB 2.0 Driver.

After the Yeti PRO USB 2.0 driver has been successfully installed;

1. Plug the microphone into the USB port on your computer using the provided USB cable.

2.  From the Start menu, select the Control Panel.

3. From the Control Panel, select the Sound icon.

4. Select the Recording tab. Select the “Yeti PRO Stereo Microphone” from the list.
   From this screen, you’ll want to adjust the computer’s internal microphone gain (volume) settings. Select the Properties button, then select the Levels tab. As a starting point, set the microphone fader at about 80%. If you decide you want to record something that is very loud,  like a drum set, or a band practice, you will want to turn this setting down. If you are recording something that may be quiet, like an interview with a person who speaks softly, you may want to turn this setting up.

5. Select the Playback tab. Select the “Yeti PRO Stereo Microphone” from the list.
   From this screen, you will also want to adjust the computer’s Master Volume. As a starting point, set the computer’s master volume to 100%. Once you’ve selected the Yeti as your output device, you can control headphone volume with volume knob on the front of the Yeti.
   Also, from this screen, you will want to adjust the microphone monitoring volume. You can adjust this by moving the fader labeled “microphone” to the left or to the right.*
   *NOTE: The microphone monitoring volume is different than the microphone gain control. The microphone monitoring volume is the amount of sound from the microphone that is sent to your main computer output. The microphone input volume is the control that determines the amount of sound from the microphone that goes into your computer. If the microphone input is distorting, the microphone input volume should be adjusted accordingly.

Selecting the Sampling Rate and Bit Depth in Windows Vista and Windows 7

For Input;

1. Plug in your Yeti PRO Microphone
2. Go to your computer’s Control Panel.
3. From the Control Panel, select the Hardware & Sound option.
4. From the Hardware & Sound menu, select the Sound icon.
5. From the Sound menu select the Recording tab.
6. Select the “Yeti PRO Stereo USB Microphone” from the list of input devices.
7. Click on Properties.
8. Select the Advanced tab from the Properties window.
9. Select your desired sample rate from the Default Format pull down menu.**

For Output;

1.  Plug in your Yeti PRO Microphone
2. Go to your computer’s Control Panel.
3.  From the Control Panel, select the Hardware & Sound option.
4. From the Hardware & Sound menu, select the Sound icon.
5. From the Sound menu, select the Playback tab.
6.  Select the “Yeti PRO Stereo USB Microphone” from the list of output devices.
7. Click on Properties
8. Select the Advanced tab from the Properties window
9.  Select your desired sample rate from the Default Format pull down menu**

Windows XP

Plug in your Yeti PRO Microphone using the provided USB cable, then visit www.bluemic.com/YetiPRO to download the appropriate driver for Windows Vista.

1. Download the “Yeti PRO USB 2.0 Driver” from www.bluemic.com/YetiPRO to your computer’s hard drive.
2. Double click the “Yeti PRO USB 2.0 Driver.exe” file.
3. Follow the instructions in the installation wizard to install the Yeti PRO USB 2.0 Driver.

After the Yeti PRO USB 2.0 driver has been successfully installed;

1. Plug the microphone into the USB port on your computer using the provided USB cable.

2. From the start menu, select the control panel.

3. From the control panel, select the “Sounds and Audio Devices” icon.

4. Select the “Audio” tab.

5. Select “Yeti PRO Stereo Microphone” from the “Sound Playback” pull-down menu.

6.  Select the “Volume” button within the “Sound Playback” area.
   From this screen, you will want to adjust the microphone monitoring volume.* If there is NOT a visible fader for microphone output, select “Properties” from the Options menu. Make sure that the box labeled “Microphone,” within the “Show the following volume controls” window, is checked.
   *NOTE: The microphone monitoring volume is different than the microphone gain control. The microphone monitoring volume is the amount of sound from the microphone that is sent to your main computer output. The microphone input volume is the control that determines the amount of sound from the microphone that goes into your computer. If the microphone input is distorting, the microphone input volume should be adjusted accordingly.
   From this screen, you will also want to adjust the computer’s Master Volume. As a starting point, set the computer’s master volume to 100%. Once you’ve selected the Yeti as your output device, you can control headphone volume with volume knob on the front of the Yeti.

7. Select “Yeti PRO Stereo Microphone” from the Sound Recording pull down menu.

8.  Select the Volume button within the Sound recording area.
   From this screen, you’ll want to adjust the computer’s internal microphone gain (volume) settings. As a starting point, set the microphone fader at about 80%. If you want to record something that is very loud, like a drums or a band practice, you’ll want to turn this setting down. If you are recording something quiet, you may want to turn this setting up.

Selecting Sample Rates using Windows XP

Selecting samples rates in Windows XP is completely software dependant. Please reference the manuals accompanying the recording software that you are using for information regard sample rate selection.
The default sample rate for Windows XP is 48 kHz.
Apple-Macintosh OSX (10.6.4 or higher)

1. Plug the microphone into your computer’s USB port using the provided USB cable.
2. From the main Apple menu, select the System Preferences.
3. Select the Sound icon.
4.  Now select the Input tab and select “Yeti PRO Stereo Microphone.” As a starting point, set the Input Volume to about 80%. If you decide you want to record something that is very loud, like a drums or a band practice, you will want to turn this setting down. If you are recording something that may be quiet, like an interview with a person who speaks softly, you may want to turn this setting up.
5. Select the output tab and select “Yeti PRO Stereo Microphone”.
6. From this screen, you will want to set the “Output Volume” to 100%. Once you’ve selected the Yeti as your output device, you can control the headphone volume with the knob on the front of the Yeti PRO.
   Now that your Yeti PRO is connected, verify that the microphone gain knob is centered, select your desired recording pattern, and get ready to record.

SELECTING SAMPLE RATES ON APPLE MACINTOSH

1. From the Applications menu, select Utilities
2.  From the Utilities menu, select Audio MIDI Setup
3. From the Window pull down menu, select Show Audio Window
4. Select ”Yeti PRO USB Microphone” from the column on the left side of the Audio Window
5. Once you’ve selected “Yeti PRO USB Microphone” from the colomn on the left side of the Audio Window, select the Input tab.
6.  From the Input tab, you can select the desired sample rate and bit depth.
7. Select the Output tab, and select your desired output sample rate and bit depth.**

**NOTE: Sample Rate settings must be the same for both input and output.

Using Yeti PRO in Analog Mode

Not only can you plug your Yeti PRO directly into your computer to record amazing high fidelity recordings, but you can also plug Yeti PRO into a microphone preamplifier and record as you would a standard microphone! To use Yeti PRO in Analog Mode, you will need to plug the supplied Y-cable into the 5 pin connector at the bottom of the Yeti PRO microphone. If you are going to use the Yeti PRO in Stereo, you will need two microphone preamplifiers. As with all other stereo recordings, using matched preamplifiers will provide the best results. The white XLR connector on the Y-cable carries the left channel signal, and the red XLR connector on the Y-cable carries the right channel signal. If you are recording in Cardioid, Omnidirectional, or
Bidirectional, you’ll only need to plug in the white (left) XLR connector into a preamplifier.
Once you’ve plugged the Yeti PRO into your microphone preamplifier(s), set the microphone gain on the microphone to zero. Once you’re plugged into your preamplifier(s), you’ll want to control the gain with your microphone preamplifier(s) as opposed to the gain on the Yeti PRO microphone.
NOTE: The headphone volume control and instant mute are digital controls and are not functional when using the Yeti PRO in analog mode.
So What Can I Do with Yeti PRO?
In short, anything! Remember that there are no rules in recording — only guidelines. If it sounds good, then it is good! On the following pages we’ve provided suggested uses and a description for each of the recording modes (patterns) available and how you can use them to get great results, every time. If this all seems a bit much, just remember you can always try a recording while switching through each of the recording modes to dial in your favorite sound.

Polar Patterns

Stereo
Description: The Stereo mode is great for capturing a realistic stereo image. To start, point the microphone at the sound source that you want to record (the “front” of the microphone is the side of the microphone with the Blue Microphones Logo). Depending on the instrument and/or sound that you want to achieve, place the grill of the microphone anywhere from 2 inches to several feet in front of the sound source. By centering the sound source, you will get equal amounts of signal in both the left and right channels. If you want a little more of the signal in the right channel, move the sound source a little to the right side of the mic (as if one is behind the microphone), and if you want a little more of the signal in the left channel, move the sound source to the left (as if you are behind the microphone). Alternatively, you can record everything as centered as possible, and easily adjust the position when you’re mixing the recording. If you want the sound in the right or left channel only, you should try using the cardioid, bidirectional or the omnidirectional setting, and use your software to hard-pan the sound to the left or the right.
Cardioid
Description: Cardioid is the most commonly used mode and can be useful in most any situation.
If you are recording vocals, a podcast, or a voiceover, cardioid is likely your best choice. When recording in cardioid, sound directly in front of the microphone is picked up while the sound at the rear and sides of the microphone is not picked up. Therefore, you will want to arrange the source directly in front of the microphone. Cardioid will deliver the most direct, rich sound, but will not offer as much airiness or presence as the other recording modes.
Omnidirectional
Description: Omnidirectional means that the microphone picks up sound equally from all directions. This setting is perfect for recording a group of musicians all playing at the same time, recording a conversation between multiple parties around a room, a  onference call, or any other situations where you want to capture the ambience of ‘being there.’ Because sound is picked up from all directions in this mode, the orientation of the microphone isn’t crucial, but as a good rule of thumb, start by orienting the front of the microphone at the primary sound source you wish to record.
Bidirectional
Description: Bidirectional means that the microphone picks up sound at the front and rear of the microphone, while the sounds to the sides are “rejected”, or not picked up. The bidirectional setting is very useful in achieving a nuanced, pleasant sound when recording musical instruments, and is perfect for recording an interview with two or more guests. By placing the microphone between two or more subjects (front of microphone facing one source, rear of microphone facing another), you can achieve a natural sound without the complexity of using multiple microphones.

Specifications

Microphone and performance
Power Required/Consumption: 5V 500mA (USB)/48V DC (Analog)
Sample Rate: 192 kHz
Bit Rate: 24bit
Capsules: 3 Blue-proprietary 14mm condenser capsules
Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 4.5mV/Pa (1 kHz)
Max SPL: 120dB (THD: 0.5% 1kHz)
Headphone Amplifier Impedance: >16 ohms
Power Output (RMS): 130 mW
THD: 0.009%
Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 22 kHz
Signal to Noise: 114dB
Dimensions (extended in stand): 4.72” (12cm) x 4.92”(12.5cm) x 11.61”(29.5cm)
Weight (microphone): 1.2 lbs (.55 kg)
Weight (stand): 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
Cable: 12” Y-Cable and 3M USB Cable
System Requirements
PC: Windows 7, Windows Vista, XP Home Edition or XP Professional
(all Windows systems require a driver prior to use)
USB 2.0 High Speed; 256 MB RAM (minimum)
Macintosh: Mac OSX ( 10.4.11 or higher )
USB 2.0 High Speed
256 MB RAM (minimum)

References

• Logitech G Video Game Live Streaming Gear

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