Logitech G Yeti Orb: An oddly formed however strong microphone that is additionally wallet-friendly
The usage of devoted microphones on one’s desktop has develop into extra prevalent in recent times, as web actions akin to Zoom calls and dwell casting flip into norms quite than exceptions. These microphones are available in all kinds of sizes and pricetags, and whereas the built-in microphone on webcams is adequate for video calls, you’ll desire a standalone microphone should you’re doing extra severe dwell content material. Such because the Logitech G Yeti Orb.
The Yeti Orb is exclusive in its design, sporting a globe-like form that’s wrapped in a tastefully carried out mixture of black plastic and gray material. When you’re acquainted with Logitech’s Blue Snowball mic, then the Yeti Orb’s lineage is unmistakable. I discover the general design to be unobtrusive but unusually subtle (it jogs my memory of the gatekeeper droid in Star Wars). There’s additionally a discreet Logitech G emblem that lights up with RGB – a delicate nod to its gaming pedigree.
Functionally, the Yeti Orb’s acquired this neat little indicator mild, positioned strategically to face the consumer, giving a transparent signal should you’re dwell or on mute – a small however essential visible cue for any broadcaster or podcaster.
The stand that comes with the mic is made from black plastic and durable sufficient for desk use. Definitely, no frills there, and certain to illicit feedback when you’ve got guests over. However should you’re the sort who likes a bit extra flexibility, you may simply detach it and mount the Orb on a mic arm. The twin threaded brackets are a wise add-on, providing each mounting choices and two tilt changes for the desk stand.
Now, here is the place it will get fascinating. The Yeti Orb goes full minimalist in its operation – no buttons, no dials. For higher or worse, every part is managed by way of the G Hub software program as soon as the mic is related to the pc by way of USB-C. This is perhaps a little bit of a curveball for some, but it surely’s a transparent nod to a extra streamlined, digital-first method.
With Logitech’s G Hub as your command centre, there are various settings that you may tweak apart from the standard enter and output volumes. Dominating a big chunk of the software program’s panorama is the Blue VO!WHAT customisations – basically an EQ adjuster. You get 4 ready-made settings, however there’s room to mess around and craft your individual.
Then I come upon one thing a bit extra whimsical – a palette of voice results. Fancy sounding like a robotic, an extraterrestrial being, or a chipmunk hopped up on helium? It’s not fairly my factor, however I think about a number of the extra playful streamers and casters may have a ball of a time with it. In my time with the Yeti Orb playtesting it with a couple of Baldur’s Gate 3 multiplayer periods in addition to Zoom conferences for my assessment, I leaned in the direction of utilizing the mic in its uncooked, unfiltered state.
There’s additionally a nifty function the place you may compile a sound library for Macro features. Suppose sound results or your individual voice clips, able to be unleashed with a easy keystroke mid-stream. You can even use pre-set Profiles to fluidly swap settings based mostly on the applying or sport in use.
A phrase of warning although – proximity issues with the Yeti Orb. The additional you’re, the extra you may end up cranking up the acquire, which inadvertently invitations extra background noise. And on that word, the Yeti Orb is not precisely a maestro at noise cancellation. In case your gaming rig features a clacky mechanical keyboard, you may need to maintain this mic shut, or else brace for a little bit of audio intrusion.
So what do I consider Logitech’s Yeti Orb total?
Straight out of the field, the sound high quality impresses and the simplicity of its setup is a boon. That mentioned, the shortage of bodily controls for primary features like acquire and mute may very well be a deal breaker for some – every part is tied to the G Hub software program.
Worth-wise, the Yeti Orb is priced at S$89or about half the price of its higher-end sibling, the Yeti GX (S$219). The trade-off? You are lacking out on some practicalities, like these elusive bodily buttons. If the absence of tactile controls is not a deal-breaker for you, the Yeti Orb stands as a strong alternative for a USB mic, balancing commendable sound high quality with a wallet-friendly price ticket.
