The Blue Yeti Nano is a USB microphone that is compatible with both Mac and PC computers and offers plug-and-play functionality. The Nano is a condenser microphone that is ideal for high-quality vocal recordings and audio broadcasts.
Use cases include:
- Narrating instructional videos
- Improved audio quality for instructors teaching on Zoom
- Recording podcasts and other audio project
Specs are available on the product website.
Next tab: How to Use
To use the Yeti Nano microphone, follow these steps:
- Connect the microphone to your computer - Using the USB cable that is provided in the kit, connect the smaller USB-mini end to the bottom of the microphone, and the other end to a standard USB-A port on your computer.
- Launch your audio application - There are several tools that may be freely available to you for audio broadcasting and recording, including: Zoom, Audacity, Media@UCSF Capture, GarageBand and more. Contact us if you need help selecting an application.
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Set the "Yeti Nano" as your microphone source - Your system may not automatically set the Yeti Nano as your microphone source, and instead will remain set to your previous (built-in) microphone. Be sure to verify that the Yeti Nano is selected! The process will vary depending on the application you are using to record or broadcast audio.
Microphone features:
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Mute button - Press to mute the microphone. The light on the button will illuminate green when active and red when muted.
- Volume - This microphone does not have a gain control dial. Instead, you must control the output levels of the microphone within the computer application you are using to broadcast or record audio. Turning the dial on the front of the Yeti Nano microphone only affects the volume of headphones, if you have a pair connected directly to the microphone port (located on the underside of mic). It is best to connect headphones to your computer, so we recommend ignoring the volume dial.
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Polar pattern - The button on the back of the microphone allows you to change the polar pattern. The two choices are:
- Cardiod Mode (left option) - capture sound from the front of the mic only, best for recording one subject.
- Omnidirectional (right option) - capture sound from all sides of the mic, best for recording multiple subjects.
These additional tips will help you use the Yeti Nano mic effectively and avoid common pitfalls:
- The USB-mini connection on the bottom of the microphone is easily damaged. Be mindful not to tilt the mic without providing adequate slack in the cable. Also, always unplug the cable before transporting the mic.
- Your audio will sound best when the mic is positioned about 8" from your mouth, directly in front of you.
- Speak over-top-of the mic instead of down-into the mic to avoid popping sounds.
- The Yeti Nano does an excellent job of enhancing the quality of your voice and canceling extraneous noise, but if you are in a particularly loud environment, a headset or lapel mic may be necessary.
The Library's equipment loan program offers a comprehensive collection of multimedia production equipment that is tailored to the needs of campus academic programs. Priority is given to faculty, staff and students who are building instructional content.
Equipment pick up and drop off exchanges are offered out of the Parnassus Library.
Additional information about Library multimedia services: http://tiny.ucsf.edu/mmexpert
View the full catalog and place a new reservation: tiny.ucsf.edu/equiploan