Best Headphones to Use with your Blue Yeti

Best Headphones to Use with your Blue Yeti iMore 2020

Who should buy these headphones?

Anybody who needs headphones to record, but also for other tasks, can't go wrong with the ATH-M50x. Brought out as a follow-up to the studio-grade critically-acclaimed M50s, these professional monitor headphones are designed to excel at sound mixing, DJ monitoring and everyday music listening. The solid bass capacity also makes them a good choice for gaming, allowing you to hear the whole range and fully immerse yourself in another world. They're also portable and fold up, making them a good choice for recording on the go.

Is it a good time to buy these headphones?

You might think newer is always better, but despite originally being released in February 2014, the ATH-M50x are still popular with reviewers, critics, podcasters, and people who use them every day. Audio-Technica released a new member of the M-series in July 2018, the ATH-M60x, but for use with the Blue Yeti, the M50x would still be a better bet. Even though they are smaller, the M60x do not fold up, so are not as easy to transport. They also sit on the ear rather than around the ear, which may prove more uncomfortable for longer recording sessions, and cost a little more at $200 against the M50x's $149.

Sounding great no matter the angle

Those who love the Blue Yeti do so passionately. It has a wide spectrum of users, from YouTubers to streamers, musicians, and podcasters. Its USB connection makes it easy to use, and with no software downloads required, it's quick to set up anywhere. With a price range of $90 to $150 depending on your color preference or vendor, it's not cheap but still affordable for those who are budget-restricted. Despite the low price, your audio will sound professional and clean. Four different microphone options mean it will adapt as you grow in your hobby, passion, or pursuit. Surely, it makes sense to have headphones to match, right?

There are several reasons why the ATH-M50x could be the headphones for you and your Yeti. One handy Yeti feature is the headphone jack on the base that lets you listen as you record. With the M50x you can get a great idea of what noises you're making as you make them, then use them afterward for all that mixing and fixing detail. These headphones are also equipped to deal with change; they come with three interchangeable wire options of a 1.2m TRS straight cable, a 3.0m TRS straight cable and a TRS coiled cable that can stretch from 1.2 to 3 meters. There's also a quarter inch adaptor, so whatever equipment you need them to handle, be it a phone, laptop, desktop, microphone, or mixing desk, these headphones are ready.

Whatever you need them to handle, these headphones are ready.

It should be noted that these headphones are not noise-canceling, which may be an issue for some users. The sales spiel promises "excellent sound isolation in loud environments," so they will lessen the noise around you, but not isolate it completely. This may not be so much of an issue, as most recording situations require a fairly noise-free environment to begin with. Additionally, when listening back at loud volumes, there may be some sound leakage from the headphones that the microphone could pick up. While not ideal, this can be easily rectified by adjusting the volume.

But overall, these headphones fight hard to deserve the praise they receive. All members of Audio-Technica's M series perform well under scrutiny, and the M50x rises slightly above the others. Even compared to its successor, the M60x, it still scores slightly more points on sound quality, portability, and comfort.

Alternatives to the ATH-M50x

If noise-canceling and premium sound isolation are absolute must-haves, be prepared to pay slightly more. The ATH-M50x is recommended as the best option not only because of its quality but also because of its values. Below are some other fantastic options for your listening pleasure if money isn't a factor.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series 2 go all out to impress. We're talking wireless capabilities, 20 hours of use per charge, compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, noise canceling, comfort (it's kind of in the name), and more. These will sound great, look great, and work great with the Blue Yeti. An audio cable is included for hook-up with the microphone. Its major downside is the price you'll have to pay for all these great features.

These headphones are not flawless, but they are solid. With a detachable mic, good all-around audio, and fun color options, they could be a suitable alternative if you can't afford the prices of the ATH-M50x or the Bose QuietComfort.

Bottom line

There's a reason the ATH-M50x come up so much in audio conversations. It's a product worth talking about because it constantly delivers on its promises, which makes it well worth the consideration when you're looking for an audio solution to match your Blue Yeti, especially when it's such good value for money.

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