People often view USB microphones as low-end, wasteful technology, which is unjustified, as there is more to them than many realize.
USB microphones are not only easy to use, but they also provide surprisingly high sound quality. They are an excellent choice for beginner content creators, podcasters, streamers, and even music artists.
In this article, I will examine the Razer Seiren X and the Blue Yeti. I will compare these two capable and popular USB microphones, evaluate their performance, and address some of the most common questions to assist you in choosing the right one for your needs.
Together, we will examine their strengths and weaknesses, compare them, and hopefully determine the winner in this duel between the Razer Seiren X and the Blue Yeti.
Table of Contents
Razer Seiren X vs. Blue Yeti Specs
As usual, it’s important to examine each device and what it offers, briefly review its specifications, and outline some of the more critical features and information before comparing them and highlighting their differences, advantages, and disadvantages.
Razer Seiren X
- The sample rate is from min 44.1 kHz to max 48 kHz
- Bit rate is 16 bit
- It contains 25 mm condenser capsules
- Uses super-cardioid polar patterns
- The frequency response is 20Hz – 20kHz
- Power Required 5V 100 mA
- Sensitivity 17.8 mV
- Max SPL 110 dB
- Impedance ≥ 16 Ω
- Power output 125 mW
- The signal-to-noise ratio is 85 dB
- The casing is made of aluminum
- The mic weighs around 13.5 ounces
Blue Yeti
- Power consumption: is 5V 150mA
- The sample rate is 48 kHz
- Bit Rate is 16bit
- 3 blue-proprietary 14mm condenser capsules
- 4 Polar Patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo
- Frequency response is between 20Hz and 20kHz
- Sensitivity is 4.5mV/Pa
- Max SPL is 120dB
- Weight: 3.4lbs
I will begin with the Seiren X, a USB streaming microphone from Razer.
Razer Seiren X
Razer is one of the top-selling manufacturers of gaming peripherals worldwide.
They encompass a wide range of products, including desktop cameras, mechanical keyboards, and, of course, gaming and streaming microphones, such as the Seiren X.
So, how does the Razer Seiren perform?
Design
The Razer Seiren X is a USB condenser microphone primarily designed for gamers and streamers, though it can be used by others as well.
Basic Description
The Razer Seiren X boasts a body constructed from anodized aluminum, featuring a surprisingly subtle yet effective design. Its relatively compact form is designed to be non-intrusive and to occupy minimal space.
This microphone is somewhat lacking in on-mic controls, featuring only a volume knob and a mic mute button.
The Razer Seiren X features a 5/8 thread mount for attachment to the base of the stand; however, you will likely require an additional 3/8 to 5/8 adapter to connect it to a boom arm.
It is also worth noting that for the same price, you can get the Razer Seiren in three colors: classic black, mercury white, and quartz pink. This offers some flexibility for personal preferences and style adaptation.
Behind the scenes
Things become more intriguing inside the microphone itself. The Razer Seiren X employs a super-cardioid polar pattern, ensuring highly directional audio pickup, which facilitates good side rejection and reduces unwanted background noise in the process.
The built-in shock mount addresses most sound anomalies by dampening vibrations caused by accidental bumps and knocks. Zero-latency headphone monitoring is achievable through a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.
The Seiren X is completely plug-and-play and highly compatible. Using just a USB cable, the Razer Seiren microphone will function with a variety of devices, including radios, amplifiers, computers, and gaming consoles such as the PS4 and PS5.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone
What more can be said about this USB microphone that hasn’t already been mentioned? The Blue Yeti is one of the most popular and recognized microphones for recording and streaming.
Design
Large and commanding, the Blue Yeti is one of the most substantial and impressive USB microphones available.
Basic Description
Despite its large size, the Blue Yeti features a sleek design and a sturdy, durable all-metal construction.
Accessible on-mic controls provide significant recording adjustability, allowing you to set microphone gain, select from four available polar patterns, adjust headphone volume, or quickly mute and unmute the microphone.
The included desktop mic stand is stable and reasonably adjustable, but it is not particularly impressive. The Blue Yeti features a 5/8 threading, allowing it to be mounted on most boom arms; however, your experience may vary depending on the specific arm, and you might require an additional adapter for compatibility.
Behind the scenes
Blue Yeti is just as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside. It features 3 custom blue-proprietary 14mm condenser capsules. It offers remarkable flexibility with 4 polar patterns: cardioid, stereo, bidirectional, and omnidirectional pickup patterns, allowing you to record sound and audio in a variety of situations you may encounter during the recording process.
Blue Yeti is a plug-and-play microphone that is compatible with both PC and Mac, allowing you to connect it using the included USB cable.
To achieve the best audio quality, it is recommended that you download and install Logitech’s free G HUB software. This will enable you to use Blue Voice software, which is an excellent way to enhance your recordings with a variety of available tools and effects.
Specifications for the Headphone Amplifier:
Time for Comparison
Now that we have examined the features and capabilities of these microphones, it’s time to compare them directly. Razer Seiren vs. Blue Yeti: how do they stack up against each other?
Design
Both the Blue Yeti and Razer Seiren X are well-crafted microphones, but in terms of construction quality, the Blue Yeti stands out. It is simply more robust and longer-lasting than the Razer Seiren mic. The Blue Yeti is made from higher-quality materials, making it more durable and heavier, which reduces the likelihood of damage from prolonged use.
While both are stand-alone mics, the Blue Yeti features a somewhat superior desktop stand. This stand is more adjustable and maneuverable without requiring a dedicated boom arm.
These mics feature practical, simple, and sleek designs, but they are not suited for specific spatial requirements.
Razer Seiren is a compact and discreet microphone. It is travel-friendly and an excellent solution for tight spaces, smaller desks, and similar environments. In contrast, the Blue Yeti is a magnificent microphone designed to be showcased and serve as a highlight on your desk or in your studio.
Performance
Now we’ll examine how these two microphones perform in audio recording and managing unwanted background noise.
Sound Quality
This comparison is closely related to the purpose for which these microphones were originally designed.
Although the specifications are fairly consistent across the board, with the same bit depth, sample rate, and frequency response, these microphones still sound and perform differently.
Due to its super-cardioid polar pattern, the Razer Seiren is most effective at capturing sound directly in front of it from a single person during a podcast or stream. In contrast, the Blue Yeti offers greater versatility, allowing you to select a polar pattern based on your specific requirements.
In my opinion, the sound quality is generally better on a Blue Yeti, but both options are quite good in that respect. Best of all, they won’t consume much of your storage space with a 48 kHz sample rate.
Note that neither of these mics comes with a pop filter, which is something you may want to consider if plosives are an issue for you.
Background Noise
Razer Seiren holds an advantage in this category for two main reasons. Firstly, the Razer Seiren X employs a super-cardioid pickup pattern, which effectively eliminates distracting noises that originate from a distance away from the microphone.
Secondly, the built-in shock mount in the Razer Seiren effectively dampens vibrations to protect against desk bumps or noise from a mechanical keyboard, thereby contributing to smooth sound and excellent audio quality.
Due to the absence of those features, the Blue Yeti performs significantly better in sound-treated rooms with minimal background noise. Some noise issues can be further addressed by attaching the Blue Yeti to a dedicated boom scissor arm, although this would add an extra expense to your budget.
Outputs and Control Features
In the grand scheme of things, the Blue Yeti has an advantage over the Razer Seiren X in this category.
Outputs
There is little to distinguish them regarding connectivity.
Both the Blue Yeti and Razer Seiren connect and are powered through a simple USB cable, and each features a 3.5mm headphone jack for latency-free headphone monitoring without any confusing echoes.
It is important to note that the Razer Seiren is compatible with more devices than the Blue Yeti, including PS4 and PS5, which can be beneficial for gamers and streamers.
Audio Control
Blue Yeti mic offers more onboard audio controls than the Razer Seiren. However, both microphones share some similarities, such as a mic-mute button and a headphone volume knob. The Blue Yeti enhances the experience by providing direct control over microphone gain and a pickup pattern switch, allowing you to easily select from multiple available pickup patterns.
It is also important to note that, unlike the Blue Yeti, the Razer Seiren does not include dedicated software for sound enhancement. Therefore, all settings must be adjusted directly from the PC or other device to which it is connected.
You can download a compatible third-party app for Raizer Seiren, such as Voicemeeter Banana. However, a Blue Yeti includes dedicated software that allows you to easily adjust the sound to your preference, making it a much better overall option.
The Price
The Razer Seiren is currently 40 percent cheaper on Amazon; however, both products generally fall within the same price range when not discounted, typically around 100 dollars. As it stands, the Razer Seiren is significantly more affordable right now and could be a worthwhile investment.
Both the Blue Yeti and Razer Seiren are stand-alone microphones, but they can always benefit from an additional scissor arm, windscreen, or a pop filter. In this case, it is important to note that you may need an additional adapter to connect the Razer Seiren with some of the most popular boom arms available.
FAQ
Is Blue Yeti still the best?
Blue Yeti is indeed one of the best in its class. It is a high-end microphone that strikes a good balance with its price and recording quality. In 2022 the Blue Yeti is still going strong, and it is widely popular with many podcasters, vloggers, streamers, music creators, etc.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIt offers unparalleled versatility with its 4 easily switchable polar patterns. The audio quality is top-notch, bearing in mind that it is a condenser mic, along with a durable and authentic design that makes the Blue Yeti a well worth package.
What mic is better than Blue Yeti?
There aren’t many USB mics that can effectively outperform Blue Yeti at a similar price range, but it is certainly not the best microphone on the market.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIf you opt for the best and most proven options you can buy, some of the best products come from Shure. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eDepending on your setup, you can’t go wrong with either Shure SM7B or MV7. The former is one of the best XLR microphones in recent history, with the latter representing sort of a successor to that model, but with an additional USB connectivity option.
Is Razer Seiren X worth it?
That depends entirely on your preferences. If you are on demand for a quick solution for streaming games or recording podcasts, the plug-and-play mic that you can utilize with pretty much any device, then yes, Razer Seiren X is worth it.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAt the current price of around 60 dollars, you will get a compact stand-alone microphone, capable of noise reduction, adaptable, and with some great features that you can efficiently use right out of the box.
Blue Yeti vs. Razer Seiren Verdict
The Blue Yeti is slightly superior to the Razer Seiren X in a side-by-side comparison.
If you’re uncertain about the scenarios in which you will use your microphone or if you know you will use it in various situations, the Blue Yeti appears to be the ideal choice. Its versatility is enhanced by four polar patterns, making it more effective for recording everything from group podcasts to music.
If you’re not particularly tech-savvy and are seeking a compact and practical microphone for streaming that includes a stand, occupies minimal space, and is easy to carry while traveling, you might consider the Razer Seiren X instead.
