Blue Yeti X vs Blue Yeti Nano (2021): What’s The Difference?

Blue’s lineup of USB microphones is arguably one the most reliable in the market today. Their mics are simply guaranteed to upgrade any streaming, recording, or podcasting setup. The Blue Yeti Nano, for instance, is a powerhouse device that takes the best features from the original Yeti and packs it in a smaller and more affordable unit.

Meanwhile, the Blue Yeti X refreshes the company’s flagship line by building on the success of the Blue Yeti while also introducing new capabilities. But how does the latest flagship microphone from Blue compare with its budget counterpart? Below, we compare the Yeti X with the Yeti Nano to see what’s the difference.

Blue Yeti X vs Blue Yeti Nano Comparison Chart

Design

Both the Blue Yeti X and Yeti Nano are exceptionally built USB microphones.

The Blue Yeti X builds on the design and form of its flagship predecessor but also adds—and discards—just enough to deliver a more refined unit. For instance, the mute button and volume dial on the original Yeti has now been replaced by a more intuitive smart knob.

Users turn and toggle the new multifunction knob to control mic gain, headphone volume, and mute. It’s also surrounded by hi-res LED metering to help you visualize your voice level. And if you need to switch between any of the Yeti X’s four polar patterns, you’ll find a dedicated button conveniently placed at the back of the mic.

In terms of aesthetics, the Yeti X certainly looks sleeker than the Yeti and even the Yeti Nano. Although it’s only available in black, the mic’s mesh metallic grille and silver accents lend the unit a more modern appearance. The accompanying base is weighty and stable, too, while the overall heft of the Yeti X tells of sturdy construction.

With the Yeti Nano, you’re essentially getting a microphone half the size of its flagship siblings. There’s no mute button here, too, although you do get the standard dial for volume control. Nevertheless, the construction and finish feel just as premium as the Yeti and Yeti X.

Yes, the Nano is the lighter microphone, but it still comes out nicely weighted. Its accompanying stand feels robust as well. Best of all, you have several color options to choose from, including subtle grey and black variants and more eye-catching red, blue, and gold.

Features

The Blue Yeti X offers more hardware and software features compared to the Yeti Nano.

Both the Blue Yeti X and the Yeti Nano are condenser USB microphones that operate as plug and play devices on either PC or Mac. The Yeti X, however, comes with four 14mm condensers as opposed to the Yeti Nano’s two. Blue’s flagship model also offers four pickup patterns: cardioid, omni, bi-directional, and stereo. With the Yeti Nano, you’re only getting cardioid and omni.

If you’re a podcaster, however, this shouldn’t worry you. The standard cardioid mode is enough for most recording sessions anyway, while the omni pattern can be used for interviews in the absence of the bi-directional mode. Just like the Yeti X, the Yeti Nano also comes with a button on the mic’s back for switching between patterns.

Where the Yeti X edges the Nano, however, is in built-in controls, particularly with its smart knob hardware. Thanks to this multifunction dial, users can easily control settings like gain and mute. On the Yeti Nano, fine-tuning both can only be done through software controls. The LED lights surrounding the knob also make the Yeti X easier to manage. It’s simply more intuitive to monitor voice level when you can see it in front of you.

Now both mics enjoy the Blue SHERPA companion app for customizing settings and getting firmware updates. However, SHERPA’s Blue VOI!CE feature for adding real-time vocal filters is compatible only with the Yeti X. Unlike the Yeti Nano, Blue’s flagship device also integrates with the Logitech G HUB. The program allows users to customize the LED lighting on their Yeti X and also access their mic’s settings.

Performance

Blue’s Yeti X and Yeti Nano are both exceptional microphones for recording, streaming, and podcasting.

The Blue Yeti X and Blue Yeti Nano both deliver excellent recording quality while also being surprisingly easy to set up. Straight out of the box, these mics require little tinkering with to give you that professional sound. Their accompanying desk stand is also stable enough to minimize movements or vibrations, allowing for a much cleaner recording.

Despite having only two polar patterns, the Yeti Nano is versatile enough to handle most recording situations. Blue’s budget microphone captures vocals clearly and loudly. In fact, it’s almost hard to distinguish the Yeti Nano’s performance from a Yeti X recording, especially when both are in cardioid mode. For a much smaller and cheaper microphone, you’re certainly getting your money’s worth.

The flagship Yeti X, on the other hand, continues to build on the warm, rich, and clear recording that’s become the trademark of Blue microphones. However, the mic does lend itself better for more specific situations, for instance, interviews requiring the precision of a bi-directional polar pattern. Just like its predecessor, however, expect a full-bodied sound from the Yeti X, with vocals perfectly nestled in the mix.

Blue’s microphones aren’t perfect, though. If you’re going to nitpick, they’re not always good at handling plosives. But you can address this by getting a pop filter or foam windscreen. Unfortunately, you’ll have to purchase these accessories separately.

Accessories

The Blue Yeti X and Yeti Nano are compatible with mic stands, boom arms, and several filters.

Like most external microphones, the Blue Yeti X and Yeti Nano are compatible with a range of accessories. While you can opt for third-party suppliers, it’s good to take a look into Blue’s own offerings, too. The Compass, for instance, is a sturdy and adaptable boom arm made by Blue, especially for its mics. The boom arm’s C-clamp makes it easy to install on most desks, while its built-in cable management keeps your setup neat and organized.

For added stability during recording, you can also get the Radius III, Blue’s own vintage-style suspension mount that shields your Yeti X microphone from noise, shock, and ambient vibration. It’s a lightweight accessory that’s compatible with standard microphone stands. Blue, however, doesn’t offer its own line of mic stands. The same goes for filters. If you need to minimize plosives, you’ll have to get your windscreen or pop filter from a different brand.

Verdict

For most users, the Blue Yeti Nano offers more value-for-money than the flagship Blue Yeti X.

The Blue Yeti X is a worthy successor to an already reputable microphone like the Yeti. The Yeti X’s inclusion of a smart knob, however, along with improved software support and integration, means the overall recording quality and experience also gets a bit of an upgrade.

But the Yeti X is expensive, especially when you consider how good the Blue Yeti Nano fares. Despite missing some features, Blue’s smaller but more affordable USB microphone is a great deal. If you’re a streamer, gamer, or podcaster looking to upgrade from the headset, then the Yeti Nano is a great first step towards external microphones.

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