USB mic recommendation for MAC and PC

David Decoons, wo2x · January 2023

Hi all,

I set up my MAC Mini M1 silicon with SmartSDR for MAC and wanted a USB mic to use when I locate it away from the radio or with my Dell XPS laptop.

I picked up a Blue Yeti X mic. This is an upgraded version of the Blue Yeti and it has four condenser capsules in it vs three on the original Blue Yeti. There is polar or Omni patters available.

Setup was easy. Installation of the software for MAC took a couple of reboots and following instructions on Ventura 13.1 OS, but straightforward.

Initial reports with no EQ’ing were good but a little too much low end and slightly lacking highs. The free software allows loading different profiles for the mic and customization of EQ and effects such as compression, limiting, and ambiance. With some quick adjustments, I have it sounding very good for a USB mic plugged into the MAC Mini.

The Blue Yeti X is worth considering if you are looking for a desk mic for remote operation where you want to set up a semi-permanent installation.

The next thing I am going to wire up is a USB to serial adapter wired for use as a PTT switch.

I can do a sched on the air if anyone wants to hear it.

73

Dave wo2x

David Decoons, wo2x · January 2023

Just an FYI, the price of the Blue Yeti X USB mic dropped $50. It was $169.99 on Friday and now $119.99.

73

Dave wo2x

Jay · January 2023

I just purchased a Behringer BIGFOOT All-In-One USB on amazon a few weeks back for about 27.96 on special. It is like a yeti. It is about 75 dollars now. Works great there is a comparison video on youtube.

Jay n2gq

Mike VE3CKO · January 2023

Alternately, instead of a USB mic, I used a Pyle USB mixer I picked up at a garage sale for next to nothing. This Pyle PAD20MXU is a 4-channel with XLR-1/4" input so you can use any microphone, even one that requires phantom power. Walmart sells them too. There are many versions and brands of USB mixers, the Pyle 2-ch version with bluetooth is $42.76 on Amazon.

When my basement flooded, I had to setup a studio C in the sun-room so used my PR40 thru the USB mixer and made a serial adapter for footswitch and handswitch, had some bugs but read through this thread for the fix. No profiles to change so should have exact sound quality as was from the shack.

I have a couple of friends who have the original Blue Yeti and it is a quick solution to get on-the-air remotely if you didn't want to lug around and expensive "studio" mic.