Loosing my mind with my Audio Quality and I have no clue how to fix it or even what to google to fix

[naive vector]

I just started a youtube channel and I am supper frustrated with my audio quality. I have a good mic (Blue Yeti) but I have 0 clue what I am doing with the audio and am feeling super frustrated. What all do I need to know about audio to make it sound "good"?

My first video, the voice over randomly cut out when I said some words but it was inconsistent and I ended up leaving it in the final cut because I needed to just post a video.

I swapped my set up a bit for my second video, removed the pop filter because it seemed to be blocking too much noise and now my audio sounds like its in a tin can. Have not posted this yet because lord I know that sounds so bad.

Honestly Im so frustrated because one, I dont even know what qualifies as good audio. I know when I hear good audio in a Youtube video that its good, but how tf do I get to that point. Two, I dont even know what I dont know, so I dont even know what to google to boost my knowledge. If anyone feels comfy explaining the bare basics of audio to me and pointing me in the direction of some YT videos that will help me expand that knowledge that would be so amazing. Also any good videos that will help me learn what to edit for the audio, what classifies as good audio and how to know if I have it. Etc. Im feeling real dumb right now lol.

[flint ivy]

Getting good audio can feel overwhelming, but it’s simpler than it seems. Start by setting up your Blue Yeti in Cardioid mode (the heart-shaped icon), which focuses on your voice. Place the mic 6–12 inches away, slightly angled, and keep the gain low to avoid picking up too much background noise. If your audio sounds “tinny,” it’s likely the room causing echoes—add soft materials like curtains or blankets to absorb sound.

When editing, tools like Audacity or DaVinci Resolve can help clean things up. Focus on reducing background noise, using EQ to make your voice clear (boost mids, reduce bass), and applying light compression to even out volume. If your audio cuts out on certain words, check for overly aggressive noise gates or stay consistent with mic placement.

Good audio is clear, consistent, and free of distractions. Don’t overthink it record test clips, tweak one thing at a time, and keep learning. Check out YouTube channels like Podcastage or Booth Junkie for beginner-friendly advice. With practice, it’ll click!