As its name suggests, the Yeti is big, imposing, and has near mythical abilities. But unlike its Himalayan counterpart, Blue Microphones' newest USB podcasting mike is most definitely real.

Sharp, clear recording in all four settings; Stereo setting yields dizzingly dynamic results for podcasting; Bidirectional setting yields audio more intimate than an afternoon in Victoria's Secret

Gain, headphone volume, and pattern-select switches on the mike's body are awkwardly placed - makes them hard to get at when the mike's in its stand; Using hefty mike for field work probably not a wise idea

The Yeti's sensitivity and recording quality make it well worth its cost to any serious podcaster.

Forget what you think you know about sound recording: the traditional home microphone is dead. Never again should a mini-jack plug have to run its awful buzzing signal into your Mac's mic socket. The digital domain of USB is here – and it's better.

I've been through numerous microphones over the years, but none have touched the quality and features of the THX. If you need a "real live" broadcast mic, this is it! I'm in the agency business and voice all commercials for my clients.

The Yeti is one of the most advanced and versatile multi-pattern USB microphones available anywhere. Combining three capsules and four different pattern settings (Stereo, Cardioid, Omnidirectional & Bidirectional) the Yeti ...

The Blue Microphones Yeti lacks the connection necessary for studio use with a mixing desk, but for recording podcasts and interviews straight to PC the Blue Microphones Yeti could be ideal. It's solidly built and offers decent performance.

Home studios can be very expensive to set up. They require space and money, with equipment like microphones easily costing four digits for pro-level gear. If you're not completely dedicated to your recording, it's likely prohibitive to put together a studio.

Excellent sound quality; Flexible design with multiple microphone patterns

Overbuilt stand makes mounting the microphone awkward

Got the Yeti a couple of days ago and connected it up to my Macbook pro running Lion and had no issues at all. I was recording in a couple of minutes of unboxing. Also works like a charm on my iPad 2 but does need a powered hub (I have a small Belkin one) to work.

In the professional audio world, Blue Microphones is probably best known for the Bottle condenser microphone, which costs thousands of pounds, and the Baby Bottle, which merely costs several hundred.

The Blue Microphones Spark Digital will work with both Mac computers and PC computers. It has a great frequency response that you can appreciate no matter what style of music you create.