Blue Yeti Nano vs Warm Audio WA-87 R2
A side-by-side look at Blue Yeti Nano and Warm Audio WA-87 R2 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Blue Yeti Nano
Yeti quality in a form factor that actually fits your desk
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Check price on Amazon
Warm Audio WA-87 R2
U87-style FET condenser with three polar patterns at a fraction of the price
See site
Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Blue Yeti Nano | Warm Audio WA-87 R2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Solo podcasters and work-from-home pros who need good audio in a compact package | Studio-focused podcasters who want professional multi-pattern condenser flexibility without spending on a Neumann |
Key features
Blue Yeti Nano
- 24-bit / 48kHz resolution
- Two Blue-proprietary 14mm condenser capsules
- Two polar patterns: cardioid and omnidirectional
- Micro-USB connectivity
- 3.5mm headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring
- Blue VO!CE software support
Warm Audio WA-87 R2
- Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and -10 dB pad
- Large-diaphragm FET condenser XLR, requires 48V phantom power
- Three polar patterns: cardioid, omni, and figure-8
- NOS Fairchild transistor and Cinemag USA output transformer
- Maximum SPL 125 dB (132 dB with pad engaged)
Pros and cons
Blue Yeti Nano
Pros
- Compact and clean - much smaller than the full Yeti
- Excellent cardioid sound quality at the price
- Built-in headphone monitoring without an interface
- Multiple color options to match your setup
Cons
- Micro-USB port is outdated compared to USB-C competitors
- Only two polar patterns - no bidirectional for interviews
- Limited software integration vs. the Yeti X
Warm Audio WA-87 R2
Pros
- Three polar patterns enable cardioid, omni, and figure-8 recording configurations
- Premium passive components (Fairchild NOS transistor, Cinemag transformer) at accessible price
- U87-inspired voicing with full, present character
- High SPL ceiling handles a wide range of sources
Cons
- Condenser sensitivity demands acoustic treatment
- Requires 48V phantom power
- Multi-pattern capability is underutilized in basic solo podcast setups
The verdict
Choose Blue Yeti Nano if
Solo podcasters and work-from-home pros who need good audio in a compact package.
The Nano delivers a clean, warm cardioid sound that is genuinely better than most laptop mics at its price point. Omni mode works well for small roundtable conversations. The knock against it: the micro-USB port felt dated at launch and…
Choose Warm Audio WA-87 R2 if
Studio-focused podcasters who want professional multi-pattern condenser flexibility without spending on a Neumann.
The WA-87 R2 is the most honest U87 homage on the market - Warm Audio builds it with premium passive components and does not hide what they are doing. The cardioid pattern sounds full and detailed, with the characteristic presence…