Samson G-Track Pro vs Blue Yeti: An In-Depth Comparison

Microphones have come a long way in the last few years, particularly computer microphones. Microphones that plug directly into your computer via USB are the underrated heroes of any type of internet video and voice production. A lot of content creators use these microphones for recording music, gameplay, or doing podcasts about their favorite subjects.

In the last few years, I’ve tried out my share of USB microphones. None of them have compared to the Blue Yeti or the Samson G-Track Pro in my experience. I’m here to tell you why they’re both viable options for online production and where they shine.

But which should you buy? Let’s take a look at what the Samson G-Track Pro and the Blue Yeti have going for them.

Quick Comparison Chart

Main Differences

Let’s take a look at how these microphones compare to each other. We’ll look at the specifications and major features of each below.

However, it’s worth noting that the main difference between these microphones isn’t about what they’re made of or even how they sound. Both microphones can be used for a variety of activities, including streaming, podcasting, gaming, and more.

The difference comes in how useful they are for each of these things. The Samson G-Track Pro shines when it’s being used to record music. The instrument input and audio interface with two simultaneous tracks make the G-Track Pro a powerhouse for recording. Outside of a dedicated studio microphone, this is one of the best you can get.

The Blue Yeti, on the other hand, is a favorite of live gameplay streamers, podcasters, and gamers. If you’re doing voice production for any internet platform, the Blue Yeti is one of the best entry-point microphones you can pick up. If the microphone on your gaming headset just isn’t working out for you, the Blue Yeti is a great upgrade.

When it comes straight down to the specifications, it’s simple. The Blue Yeti has a stereo pattern that the Samson G-Track Pro lacks. The Blue Yeti also features three condensers to the Samson G-Track Pro’s two. On the other hand, Samson has a larger diaphragm and an instrument input, both of which are missing from the Blue Yeti.

Here’s a summary of the specs and how they compare between these two microphone models.

Features	Samson G-Track Pro	Blue Yeti
Polar Pattern	Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional	Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo
Capsule	Dual Condenser	Tri-Condenser
Diaphragm	1”	0.55”
Frequency Response	50Hz – 20kHz	20Hz to 20kHz
Sensitivity	+6dB FS/PA	Unspecified
Max SPL	120 dB SPL	120 dB SPL
Sample Rate	Up to 96kHz	Up to 48kHz
Power Output	85mW @ 32Ω	130mW @ 32Ω
Controls	Mute, Mic/Instrument/Headphone Volume, Monitor On/Off, Mono/2 Track	Volume, Mute, Gain control
Input	Instrument	None
Operating System	Windows/Mac	Windows/Mac
RAM Requirement	Unspecified	64MB Min
Stand Included	Yes	Yes
Dimensions	4.5 x 10.5”	4.72 x 4.92 x 11.61”
Weight	3.52lb	2.2lb

But what do these specifications mean for you?

Polar Pattern

A polar pattern is a measure of how sensitive the microphone is from any given direction.

A bidirectional polar pattern only picks up sound from two directions, whereas an omnidirectional polar pattern picks up sound from all directions. Cardioid is a single-direction polar pattern that is sensitive to sounds from a single direction, usually the front or side of the microphone.

A stereo polar pattern, such as the one the Blue Yeti offers, pick up sounds in a unique pattern that allows them to be replayed in a stereo arrangement.

Usually, when a microphone is more sensitive to sound from a certain direction, it tries to suppress and mute sound from other directions.

Capsule

The capsule is the part of the microphone that changes voice waves into a signal that can be read and reproduced by your computer. The more condenser capsules a microphone has, the more settings are generally available. The Blue Yeti has three capsules, while the Samson G-Track Pro only has dual capsules.

Diaphragm

The size of a microphone’s diaphragm can affect the clarity and fidelity of the sound it reproduces. The Samson G-Track Pro and the Blue Yeti both have ‘small’ diaphragms, so the difference may not be as pronounced. Generally, however, larger diaphragms tend to shape the sound. When recording vocals for a song, this means that your voice will be more rounded out and ‘polished’. However, smaller diaphragms reproduce sound more accurately overall.

Frequency Response

A frequency response range refers to a range of frequencies that a microphone will pick up. A larger frequency is generally preferred because the microphone can pick up more sound or more detailed sounds with a larger frequency range. However, any range that includes about 80Hz to 15kHz is great, so both of the microphones we’re looking at here would be considered to have excellent frequency response ranges.

Sensitivity

You want a sensitive microphone. Digital microphones don’t vary that much with their sensitivity levels, and the signal can be enhanced through software and other techniques. A larger sensitivity rating can mean that a microphone picks up a more nuanced sound, with deeper details and an all-around better sound.

Max SPL

Max SPL (or “sound pressure level”) indicates the level at which sound will begin to distort. This means that louder sounds won’t be as clear. Extremely loud sounds (up to 120 dB on either of these microphones) will not record correctly. This is a high enough SPL that most normal recording will be captured well.

Sample Rate

The sample rate of a microphone is how often it ‘samples’ the sound it’s receiving. The sample rate is measured in Hz per second, so a sample rate of 96k (from the Samson G-Track Pro) will sample the signal it receives (your voice, most likely) up to 96,000 times per second. This creates a higher frequency, which can mean that the sound is more detailed.

A higher sample rate takes up more room on a hard disk, so recording with he Samson G-Track Pro may be more detailed, but your audio files will be larger.

Power Output

The Samson G-Track Pro and Blue Yeti are both USB microphones. They are optimized to work when plugged into your computer’s USB ports. Each microphone still has a power output, however – and how much power the microphone needs to work can determine if you can use it with your USB port.

Higher power outputs usually mean the microphone is more capable, but that’s only from an electrical perspective. Higher power output could damage a USB port, though these microphones are fine for use with your USB ports.

Controls

Does the microphone have any knobs or buttons? Controls on the microphone itself can help you change settings without having to access special software. You can make adjustments without referencing the screen, and that’s invaluable for live content.

A mute button on the microphone itself is one of the most invaluable features to look for. So many times, I’ve gotten a phone call during a stream and struggled to mute the audio from the mic using the software. If something comes up and you need to mute background noise or loud sounds during a stream, a mute button can make all the difference. For live streaming, choose a microphone with a mute button.

Input

Microphones are an output device. They output your voice to your computer for use in recording and other programs. But if a microphone has an input (such as a the G-Track Pro’s instrument input), it allows them to output layered audio with more than just voice. With instrument input, you’ll be able to hook your guitar, piano, or another instrument directly into the microphone. This allows you to record directly onto your computer as well.

Operating System

Since both microphones we’re looking at will be connected to your computer, you need to know that they’ll work with your computer’s operating system. Windows and Mac OS are the most common types of operating systems, and both the Samson G-Track Pro and the Blue Yeti work on both of them.

RAM Requirement

This is another computer-specific requirement. Some microphones will need a certain amount of system memory (Random Access Memory, or RAM in this case) to work properly. While the Samson G-Track Pro doesn’t specify if it was a RAM requirement, the Blue Yeti will work on any system that has more than 64 MB of RAM. Most computers made in the last few decades have more than 64 MB of RAM.

Stand Included

Having a stand for your microphone is important. You can’t use it without one! Thankfully both of these microphones come with a stand so you don’t have to purchase one separately.

Dimensions

How big is the microphone? If you’re setting it up on a desk arm or a custom stand, the size can be important. Choose a microphone that will fit into these devices, and is large enough to work while remaining out of the way when it’s not in use.

Weight

The weight of the microphone can also determine whether it will work in a desk arm or other rig. Most stands, arms, and rigs will have a weight limit for the microphones they will hold safely, so make sure that you choose a microphone that is light enough to fit inside whatever stand or arm you want to use.

In-Depth Reviews

Let’s take a closer look at how the Samson G-Track Pro and the Blue Yeti perform individually.

Samson G-Track Pro Review – Recording music is easy with the built-in instrument input port.

The Samson G-Track Pro is a relatively new USB microphone with features that challenge entry-level microphones across the board. With a ton of controls, options, and an instrument input, the G-Track Pro has no problem standing up to giants like Blue and Rode.

Here’s a quick look at the specs.

• Cardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional polar patterns
• Dual condenser capsules
• 1” diaphragm
• 50Hz – 20kHz frequency response
• 120 dB Max. SPL
• Up to 96kHz sample rate
• Instrument input

The Samson G-Track Pro is one of the best microphones available right now for non-professional music production. This versatile microphone does it all – you can use it to add commentary to your gameplay, film Youtube videos, record podcasts, and more. It shines when it comes to recording music.

This is because of the instrument input jack, as well as the dual-channel audio that allows you to record from both vocal and instrument sources at the same time. No more having to record separately and sync them up!

Plus, this microphone works with most computer software programs. You can plug it in and be ready to record immediately, with no required drivers or additional steps. Check out the on-board microphone jack for monitoring, and the microphone controls are right on the device so you can make adjustments at the moment.

Being able to control how you sound is invaluable, especially during live sessions. The multitude of controls at your fingertips makes using the Samson G-Track Pro easy. Before, remixing sound during a stream was tricky – you’d have to stop what you were doing and adjust your settings in the software. With the Samson G-Track Pro, I know I can always change how I sound without pausing to make adjustments.

If you’re looking for more bang for your buck, consider buying this G-Track Pro accessory bundle. For a great price, you get the G-Track Pro microphone, PreSonus HD8 Professional Over-Ear Monitoring Headphones, a headphone case, a pop filter, a ¼” TRS cable, and a microfiber cloth. You’ll have everything you need when you start streaming or recording!

Pros

• Includes an onboard mixer with independent controls to help create a perfect audio balance
• Heavy microphone with a durable design
• Two-channel audio and built-in instrument input for recording music and vocals

Cons

• Some users have reported faulty cords shipping with the microphone
• Can be expensive when compared to the Blue Yeti

Blue Yeti Review – Great Sound Voice with Stereo Polar Pattern 

Blue is a staple of the USB microphone market today, with a variety of different entry-level microphones to get you streaming, podcasting, and recording on a budget. The Yeti is by far one of their most popular models for voice-driven recording, and it’s easy to see why.

Let’s take a glance at the specifications.

• Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo polar patterns
• Triple condenser capsules
• 0.55” diaphragm
• 20Hz – 20kHz frequency response
• 120 dB Max. SPL
• Up to 48kHz sample rate
• Multiple colors available

When I first started recording video commentary, I used a Blue Snowball. The quality was great, but it wasn’t enough. The Blue Yeti improves on almost every aspect I found lacking in their previous, lower-cost microphones.

Whether you’re chatting with friends or streaming live gameplay, the Blue Yeti is one of the best microphones in this price point for voice. You can easily change your settings, monitor yourself with lag-free amplified headphone monitoring, and instantly mute the mic if you need to. All of these features make the Blue Yeti convenient to use, but how does it sound?

For voice work, podcasts, streaming, and recording for internet sources, the Blue Yeti sounds great. It’s not a professional studio microphone, but it isn’t half-bad for the price, either. The Blue Yeti is one of the most popular voice-capture microphones for this reason. It always makes your voice sound clear.

There are four different patterns on this three-condenser microphone, which means that it does more than the Samson G-Track Pro. You can choose to record stereo sound, taking your vocals to the next level with the Stereo patterns.

This versatile microphone works great for all types of recordings (and even live streaming). You can choose your favorite color and get started right away because it’s ready the moment you plug it in. For a beginner podcaster, Youtuber, or Twitch streamer, this is the ideal microphone.

Pros

• Multiple colors to match your aesthetic and the feel of your setup.
• Controls on the microphone make it easy to make adjustments, mute, and increase sensitivity on the fly.
• Four polar patterns so you can create recordings that would normally take multiple microphones

Cons

• Customer support doesn’t respond quickly when you have an issue
• May be too sensitive without messing with the settings
• May not sound as good as higher-end microphones

Verdict

The Samson G-Track Pro and the Blue Yeti are both great USB Plug’n’Play microphones. Both can be used in just about any setup. Podcasting, gaming, live streaming, and more are simple with both of these microphones, and they both produce