Table of Contents
Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone
Features
Samson Q2U USB Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack comes with a microphone, a desktop stand, a desktop stand extension, mic clip, USB cable, and XLR cable. It has all the basic peripherals needed to create audio either digitally or manually.
The USB plug works with any desktop, laptop, and tablet, as well as with any operating system like Windows and Android. It does not need any software to work as it is plug-and-play. The XLR plug, on the other hand, also works well with any console or mixer.
The microphone itself is very durable as it has a solid die-cast body. It is omnidirectional and captures only the important sounds from the recordings. It also has a plug for a 3.5-mm headphone, with volume adjustment.
Summary
Samson Q2U USB Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack has both pros and cons, but the advantages obviously outweigh the disadvantages of buying this product.
Firstly, this product comes from Samson, which had established its name in the microphone production industry. Secondly, it is way more affordable than other brands that deliver the same output quality. Thirdly, it can be used anytime, anywhere, and with anything, since it is versatile. Lastly, it makes recording and broadcast sessions more efficient.
However, this pack does not come with a storage case, and the microphone needs a pop filter to ensure that plosives do not get distracting.
Comparison
Just like its more pricey counterparts, one of which is Audio-Technica ATR2500, this product delivers what it promised. It can be used with the USB connector or with the XLR connector. It records and broadcasts really well. It comes with all the important accessories.
There is no significant difference between the two other than the price.
The Verdict
Overall, the Samson Q2U USB Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack is worth every penny as it can be used for a long time because of its durability. It can serve a lot of purposes, and it helps the user be more efficient and effective, and it is a brand that users can really count on.
No one can imagine life without a microphone. This device serves very important purposes in any industry. A seminar, video conference, or training will not be effective if there’s no microphone. Similarly without the best headset for conferencing, you won’t catch everything that is said. A Skype or Hangouts video or audio call will not happen without a microphone. People may not have noticed, but microphones are present if there’s a mobile device present.
It all started in 1827 when Charles Wheatstone invented the term microphone. It was just a concept back then. Not until 1876, there was no real microphone. The one who developed this wonderful device for transmission of telephone voice was Emile Berniler.
Microphones work by converting sound energy into electrical energy. The two have almost the same waveforms. After doing its job, the speaker turns the electrical energy back into sound energy for all the people to hear. A good quality microphone is essential because it produces the raw element of a transmitted sound.
Since 1876, a lot has changed with the microphone. Currently, microphones are more commonly used digitally. People speak to one another using built-in microphones in their mobile devices. “Podcasters” and “YouTubers” use the microphone to record audio and video for people’s entertainment.
Comes from a trusted brand
Samson is a trusted brand when it comes to microphone manufacturing. It is one of the leading companies in terms of wireless microphones. They started in 1980, and have continued to be one of the reliable brands on the market. This brand is preferred by professionals working either on stage or backstage.Good quality for the price
Samson Q2U USB Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack is a good quality product for its price. Other microphones that have the same inclusions and performance cost so much more. This product is sensitive enough to capture background instrumental music. Hence, because of this, it also allows for dual pop-filter use.It is also omnidirectional to make sure that only the most important audio, such as the speaker’s voice, is clearly heard.
Versatile
In terms of versatility, no one can question the ability of this microphone to be used for almost all possible intents and purposes. As aforementioned, it can be used with a computer or with a sound mixer. It can be used while standing up as it is a handheld device, and can be used while sitting down, together with the desktop stand.Its tripod stand also comes with an extension if the speaker is still a bit taller even when sitting down. This product is perfect for home or studio use, and outdoors, provided it is used with the right filters and other additional peripherals.
Efficient
Samson Q2U USB Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack is very efficient to use. For one, its desktop stand allows the user to hold a script, a book, or anything necessary for a successful recording. In addition, it has a headphone jack that has a volume control for ease of monitoring a recording session; not to mention, this product is a plug-and-play microphone that does not need any complicated set up on any device.
Does not come with a storage case
For a product this good, owners would want to take good care of it. However, this pack does not come with a storage case.Needs a pop filter
Since the microphone is sensitive, it could use a pop filter. This is especially important if the speaker has minor speaking issues that make his or her plosives (b, d, p, etc.) pop more loudly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samson Q2U worth it?
The Samson Q2U is a dynamic mic with a cardioid polar pattern. The unique aspect of this mic is that it works both with XLR and USB mode. You can use it with your computer directly, or else you can connect it with a mixer or PA.
The mic has a good frequency response (20Hz–18kHz) and comes with a desktop stand, tripod stand, and boom arm for easy use.
Since this is a dynamic mic, it is not meant for very fine-quality audio recording. Instead, the Samson is a great mic for applications where you may expect more noise, such as live interviews, news reporting, and live shows. You can also use it for home setups of YouTube videos, streaming, and gaming.
Is Samson Q2U good for vocals?
Despite being a dynamic microphone, the Samson Q2U has a good following in the vocal scene, especially for garage bands that are louder and need an inexpensive mic to start. Its dual connectivity to XLR and USB makes it a versatile mic that you can practice on alone in your home setup and then with your Garageband.
Does Samson Q2U need phantom power?
No, this is a dynamic mic. It does not need phantom power even in XLR mode.
Do you need a pop filter for Samson Q2U?
Yes, the Samson Q2U does not come with its pop filter, so I would suggest that you should get one separately.
Can I use Samson Q2U with iPhone?
Yes, you can use the Samson Q2U with both iPhones and iPads. You can connect the USB camera adapter to the lightning cable at one end to the USB port on the mic at the other end, and then just plug in the lightning cable to your device.
How do I set up my Samson USB microphone?
You need to follow the below steps:
First, connect the Samson USB mic to your laptop or computer using a USB cable.
Go to the bottom right of the screen, right-click on the speaker icon, and select Sounds.
Next, go to the Recording tab in the panel that opens up, look for your Samson USB mic and select it as the default device for audio.
Next, go to the Playback tab and select Samson USB mic as the default output device for audio.
Now plug your headphones into your laptop, and speak into the mic. If everything is correctly done, you should be able to hear your voice in the headphones.
Best Studio Mics was started by a husband and wife team who love the sound and the technicals behind recording it. Both are professional theatre artists, one with a stage management background and one more on stage. One also has experience in film and television work and the different audio requirements of that arena.