If you’re reading this, you’re likely on a desperate search for a solution to your Blue Yeti’s static sound, and you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, you will learn about some of the most probable causes of this issue with the Blue Yeti microphone, along with potential solutions.
Many people have had the Blue Yeti loud static issue, but because several things can cause that issue, there are multiple solutions for that problem.
The Best Ways to Fix Blue Yeti Loud Static Issue
1. Check your USB connectivity (try different sockets and check the cable)
2. Choose an appropriate gain setting
3. Choose the correct polar pattern
4. Update your OBS or switch to another streaming software
5. Have an electrician check your grounding
6. Convert files into another format
7. Try using software for noise reduction
Here’s what I will cover:
Now, let’s dive in and eliminate that annoying static noise!
Table of Contents
Reasons for Loud Static Sound in Blue Yeti Microphone
Blue Yeti microphones are highly regarded and widely used by many streamers and content creators. However, in recent years, there has been a persistent issue with this microphone: it captures an unusual static-like noise in recordings.
The causes can vary, encompassing both software and hardware-related issues. Hopefully, you can identify your specific problem by referring to my list.
I am hopeful that you won’t have to spend any extra money on your recording equipment!
1. Issues With The USB Port
Issues with USB ports are common across all devices that utilize them, so the Blue Yeti mic is no exception.
To determine if this is your issue, simply try using some of the other USB ports on your computer and observe any changes in audio quality.
If you are using a separate USB hub, it is possible that its ports are malfunctioning.
2. Issues With The USB Cable
Just as common as issues with USB ports, or perhaps even more so, USB cables tend to break on us all the time.
Before purchasing a new USB cable for the Yeti mic, try using a cable from one of your other devices that you know works and connect it to the mic.
Next, test the Blue Yeti mic to determine whether it provides clear audio or continues to produce that white noise.
3. The Mic Gain Is Inappropriate
If you are unfamiliar with mic gain, it may indicate that this is the issue with your Blue Yeti mic.
Essentially, mic gain is a setting that ensures the microphone’s input is appropriate—not overloaded and capturing excessive background noise, nor set too low to adequately pick up your voice.
If you’ve tested every cable, port, and any other potential hardware component that could be causing the issue, then this is likely the best next step you can take.
To explore this, simply navigate to your Settings, open the Sound section, and then select Recording.
If it is set too high, your microphone may pick up the hum of your PC or other radio frequencies.
4. Incorrect Polar Pattern
A polar pattern may be a term that is unfamiliar to you, but it can be the reason your Blue Yeti mic picks up every background sound, resulting in that static noise.
The polar pattern refers to the direction in which your microphone detects signals.
Different polar patterns include subcardioid, cardioid, omnidirectional, supercardioid, hypercardioid, bidirectional, and lobar.
The Blue Yeti features four distinct polar patterns: stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and bi-directional.
Your microphone may be set to a mode that captures excessive background noise.
5. OBS Is Incompatible With the Latest Mac OS Update
Many users with updated Mac OS have encountered the same issue with their Blue Yeti, but have discovered that the problem lies in OBS, not the microphone itself.
If you are a Mac user, you should consider this.
The minor issue here is that you’ll need to find another laptop that uses a different operating system to determine if the microphone functions properly there.
If you have other programs that serve the same function, you can try those as well to see if they reduce background noise pickup.
6. Your Microphone Is Not Positioned Correctly
This is likely the first thing you should determine.
At times, the placement of your mic may lead to interruptions in its performance.
For instance, it can detect vibrations from other devices that are on the same table.
To verify this, you will need to move your device around and check if the voice recording still contains static noise.
Additionally, if you discover that the microphone functions properly when placed on a certain type of mic stand, then this is the issue you are facing.
7. Grounding Issues
Ultimately, your power supply may be the cause of the static sound in the recording.
The outlet to which your PC cable is connected may be poorly grounded or may not be grounded at all.
If you are using a laptop computer instead of a PC, you should try using the Blue Yeti device while it is running on battery power rather than being plugged in.
If you have a PC, try plugging everything into a different socket.
If the noise disappears when you try these solutions, it will confirm that power supply issues are the cause of your white noise problem.
If the static persists after you’ve plugged the computer into every other socket, you will need to test your outlets with a device called a multimeter.
You can purchase this yourself; however, before taking that step, ask around to see if someone you know has it and has experience using it. It may be better to ask them to do it instead.
This approach will make it somewhat more affordable to improve your audio recording quality.
How To Fix Blue Yeti Static Sound Issues
Depending on your issue, you will see which of these solutions will work for you.
1. Resolving USB Connection Issues
The first and simplest step to resolve your USB issues is to try connecting your mic to a different USB port on your PC.
If you have a powered USB hub, consider connecting the USB microphones to different ports on it. However, if you notice issues with other devices as well, it may be time to replace the hub.
However, if you don’t have a port, obtaining one might resolve your issues, as many people have discovered that it fixed their microphone, allowing it to work properly.
If the cable on your Yeti mic is broken, you should purchase a new one and replace it.
This is now a significant investment, but try to avoid purchasing the cheapest options, as they tend to break more quickly on the audio device.
2. Adjusting the Gain Setting on Your Mic
As I mentioned, the level of background noise that the Blue Yeti microphone picks up can depend on the current gain setting.
The gain setting on your mic is likely too high, so you will need to reduce it.
This is what you need to do:
3. Correcting the Incorrect Polar Pattern
To correct the polar pattern, you should configure your mic to cardioid mode.
When you plug in the mic, you will have the option to select which polar pattern you want to use.
It appears the same on all different computers, so there shouldn’t be any issues with resolving this.
When in this mode, the microphone typically functions well.
4. Addressing OBS-related Issues
The only genuine and sustainable solution is to choose a different streaming software.
Some possible alternatives include Wondershare DemoCreator, XSplit, and ShareX.
While OBS appears to be the industry standard, many streamers still prefer these alternatives because they find them more suitable for various reasons.
Regarding the microphone issues specifically, no one reported any audio problems with the Blue Yeti or any other equipment.
Although this issue is mainly related to the newer Mac updates, you can still attempt this on Windows.
5. Resolving Grounding Issues
Two problems can occur in this situation: either the grounding wires in your house are broken, or there are none at all.
Both of these will likely require a professional electrician, as attempting to handle this on your own can be potentially dangerous.
If this appears to be excessive for merely a background noise problem, consider this your reminder that it is, in fact, more than just a background noise issue.
Having a grounding problem not only affects your sound quality, but it can also impact your quality of life.
You don’t just want quality content; you also want a good quality of life, and that won’t be possible if there is a grounding issue.
6. Convert Your File Format
Some individuals discovered the solution to the loud noises by converting their files.
The default format for your file will be .mkv, but it appears that the microphone recording eliminates the static noise when saved in .mp4.
This is an additional step, and it may be frustrating, but it is a free and straightforward solution.
7. Noise Reduction Software
If nothing here has helped you, consider exploring software designed to enhance sound quality.
Noise cancellation software functions by applying pop filters to your audio recordings.
To achieve this, it captures the background sound and then inverts it to create a signal that generates anti-noise to cancel the original sound.
The two primary options that are compatible with both Windows and Mac OS are Krisp and Nvidia RTX Voice.
If you’re a Linux user, you can use NoiseGator. For those with sour microphones on an Android device, consider trying the Neutralizer or Noise Killer apps.
Whenever you edit your recording, ensure that you use headphones to confirm that it sounds good once it goes through the program.
FAQ
Why is my Blue Yeti making static noise?
There are many reasons why the mic could be having this kind of an issue. Some of the most common ones include USB issues, gain, and polar pattern issues, which are all very easy to deal with. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAlso, if you use Mac OS and also OBS, it seems like the latest updates of the operating system don’t work well with OBS, making microphones have a static noise to them. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eA bit of a bigger issue that you could have is related to your power supply, and your grounding might not work properly, or you might not have grounding at all. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eFinally, maybe the location where you have your microphone isn’t the best for acoustics so you might need to work out a new recording place.
How do you get rid of the static noise on a Blue Yeti?
This depends mostly on what is the issue that is causing the sound in the first place. Depending on what is your core issue, you will see what are the next steps you need to take in order to fix the problem. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIf you aren’t sure and you can’t really point your finger at the primary problem, some recording fixes include converting your files to .mp4 or installing software that’s made for canceling the background sounds. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe first things that you should check when troubleshooting this is the USB ports and cables, the placement of your mic, and the grounding status of your sockets.
Why does my mic have so much static?
There are many issues that can cause this to happen. Some of the most common issues are the things related to your mic’s USB connection, the microphone settings, the placement of your mic, and even whether you have a good grounding in your home. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eYou should try each of these things out to see and point where the problem lies. Once you diagnose what the exact problem is, you will know what your solutions are.
