All > Samson Q2U
Samson Q2U
Retail Price
$69.99
Lowest Price
$69.00
Release Date
July 13,2018
The Samson Q2U is an excellent choice for shooting, podcasting, live sound, recording, narration, or spoken word. It has been a popular option for years for its recording capabilities, and the audio it produces is second to none in terms of quality. It is versatile and flexible in any context. Furthermore, it also offers clear, consistent vocals, and is sold at the lower end of the price scale, making it very affordable. It is feature-packed, very powerful, and comes with accessories. Q2U is a combination of the best aspects of analog and digital in one and is meant for people who don’t have sound-treated rooms. However, it is not recommended to be a studio microphone.
Purchase Links
Overview
- External Interface
- Functionality
- Mic Issue
- Overall Performance
- Podcast
- Quality
- Recommendation
- Value
- Volume Issue
- Positive
- Negative
External Interface - An expensive external interface is not required to get plugged in since it is connected through a USB.
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Functionality - Samson Q2U is an excellent choice for shooting, podcasting, live sound, recording, narration, or spoken word. It has been a popular option for years for its recording capabilities, and the audio it produces is second to none in terms of quality. It is versatile and flexible in any context. Furthermore, it also offers clear, consistent vocals, and is sold at the lower end of the price scale, making it very affordable. It is feature-packed, very powerful, and comes with accessories. Q2U is a combination of the best aspects of analog and digital in one and is meant for people who don’t have sound-treated rooms. However, it is not recommended to be a studio microphone.
Mic Issue - There is an issue with the mic not working after a computer restart, but it can be resolved with a firmware update.
gpg123
12/27/2021
Overall Performance - Q2U is a $60 dynamic microphone that is a better choice for its price point and has better background isolation and dual XLR/USB connectivity for ease of upgrading. Also, Q2U is affordable and durable. It can be used with an expensive audio interface and is excellent for location interviews. The Q2U can handle noise exceptionally well, pick up sounds close to it, and isn’t very sensitive. The included windscreen is not perfect, but it helps reduce the harshness of plosives.
Podcast - Q2U is a $69.99 mic that lets the user record via USB or XLR and has as good sound quality as any in its range, which makes it a good option for podcasting primarily because of its simplicity, versatility, affordability, and the accessories that it comes with that make up for its value. It gives sharp, concise vocals and is perfect for various podcast formats, from a solo show to interviewing a panel of guests. Its cardioid pickup pattern will keep the vocals loud and clear without background noise.
Quality - It's probably the best microphone to start with if the user wants to get into quality recording with their voice. It is the best beginner microphone and overpowers any other condenser mics. Also, it is better than most alternatives, which cost much more.
iPadProSpaceGrey
08/17/2021
Recommendation - This cheap, affordable microphone is strongly recommended for starters. Many people are recommending the Q2U, especially to those looking for decent desktop mic audio. It is a good upgrade path as users can get an XLR interface for better quality.
Value - Q2U is a good deal, and the value at this price is pretty hard to beat for its variety of features. It has a USB and XLR option, sounds quiet even with adjusted mic placement, gives excellent sounding recordings, and has a better mic overall. Samson Q2U is also recommended for content creation, streaming, and podcasting. Overall, it is a user favorite because of its price.
Volume Issue - The volume is too low over USB, which can be resolved only by boosting the gain overboard on the Peace Equalizer APO, but it also breaks and requires a PC reboot. The mic is fine in Discord, but the audio will be loud over USB.
CaptnKnots
08/17/2021
Sources
Tags
- External Interface
- Functionality
- Mic Issue
- Overall Performance
- Podcast
- Quality
- Recommendation
- Value
- Volume Issue
Sources
- OldTimemusic
- Podcast How To
- YouTube
- The Podcast Host
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
QQninja
08/17/2021
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Think Media
06/25/2020
The Podcast Host - Matthew McLean
10/02/2021
gpg123
12/27/2021
CravenInsomniac
06/17/2021
2001blader
08/17/2021
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
The Podcast Host - Matthew McLean
10/02/2021
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
iPadProSpaceGrey
08/17/2021
EposVox
10/17/2018
bokunotraplord
12/27/2021
NevermorrPlays
06/17/2021
Johnny_Origami
08/17/2021
erixxp
08/17/2021
Podcastage
03/22/2022
Angel_WR250R
12/27/2021
2001blader
08/17/2021
EposVox
10/17/2018
Podcastage
03/22/2022
boobsmolester
08/17/2021
CaptnKnots
08/17/2021
See All Sources
Performance & Specifications
- Default Settings
- Durability
- FETT & XLR
- Functionality
- Background Noise
- Issues
- Ideal Environment
- Limitations
- Mic Stand
- Noise
- Pick-Up
- Performance
- Podcast
- Presence Boost
- Pros
- Cons
- Proximity - Noise
- Sound Quality
- Sound
- Specifications
- XLR Set-Up
- Positive
- Negative
Default Settings - Q2U has excellent default settings and is very simple to plug in, whether using a voice recorder, turning on the video camera, or recording straight from it.
Think Media
06/25/2020
Durability - Q2U can be used for a couple of years and still works well.
FETT & XLR - There is an XLR in Q2U. FETT head allows even 15% instead of 40-5-% without it. It is unnecessary but will enable 20-30% free gain.
KryptonicHD
12/27/2021
Functionality - Users can switch to USB and record directly into their computer if they intend on using an interface for the podcast and something breaks. Its functions also make it easy to find a setup that can accommodate them. Having both USB and XLR means users can record through both simultaneously, as this dual functionality assists the user in any circumstances. It is perfect for calls, video chatting, recording, Discord, streaming, podcasts, gaming, music and events, college, and audiobooks. Overall, it is also a solid all-around solution, comes with a stand that is a great addition, and works well, especially at cutting out background noise. Q2U can be used without headphones, and there is no feedback at all in voice calls. Lastly, no complex drivers are also needed as it is just plug-and-play.
Background Noise - The background rejection is excellent. It is USB, and the noise is minimal and barely heard.
Issues - Users will have to deal with sibilance, plosives, and noise.
Podcastage
03/22/2022
Ideal Environment - It works well in a room with uncovered hardwood floors or a sound-treated environment like a studio. There are a lot of places where Q2U cannot be used, but it can still be used less-than-ideal recording conditions. Shure SM58 is better in most locations, but nothing would go wrong with Q2U’s price point and USB connectivity.
Limitations - Q2U is not for people looking for the topmost clear sound just because it gives a radio or podcast tone. The Wave 3/Blue Yeti likely picks up more background noise and might be perfect for getting the most accurate audio.
KryptonicHD
12/27/2021
Mic Stand - Samson Q2U is a good mic overall, especially as a starter mic, and is recommended for podcasting. However, it needs a mic stand or a boom arm because it doesn’t work well as a handheld to avoid disappointments.
EposVox
10/17/2018
Noise - It cuts all the extra noise, making it an easy, trustworthy dynamic microphone. It picks up a little air conditioner noise when not talking over USB, but it might be because of its level difference.
Pick-Up - It doesn’t pick up well in close proximity, so the user might have to speak directly to the vertical axis. Q2U gives an overall good sound and it’s going to sound like an actual podcast or radio vibe.
Performance - Samson Q2U is a dynamic microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern suited to picking up vocals while rejecting much of the background sound. It does a better job than most mics and performs well at handling noise. Shure SM58 is the only mic that handles better than Q2U.
The Podcast Host - Matthew McLean
10/02/2021
Podcast - It is an amazing mic for starters in podcasting.
Think Media
06/25/2020
Presence Boost - It has no presence boost, and its response is unusually neutral, which is suitable for audio pros as it is easier to slot into a mix and add EQ. Users might want a pop filter, a thick foam windscreen, and an excellent non-desktop stand for this mic as it is prone to plosives and physical bumps.
Think Media
06/25/2020
Pros - It is affordable and can be used directly on a PC or Mac. It handles background noise well, has a cardioid dynamic response, and comes with all podcasting essentials.
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Cons - Q2U doesn’t have adaptor for phones and tablets.
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Proximity - Noise - It filters almost every background noise and works better the closer the user is.
Coady54
08/17/2021
Sound Quality - Q2U sounded clear and professional and has a noticeable difference between Samson and Yeti. It sounds better than the original, excels in rejecting background noise, and has a less harsh top end. The quality is excellent, cannot be compared to the sound quality of the old traditional unit, and sounds impressive in Zoom calls or for work.
Sound - Users can hear the off-axis rejection around the mic when it's spun to 90 degrees, and the coloration continues to 180 degrees. It sounds good and can be preferred over ATR21000 because Q2U is louder, which is better and has a better low-end too.
Specifications - It is a dynamic mic with a cardioid polar pattern. The frequency response of Q2U is from 50 Hz to 15 kHz, with a max SPL. of 148 dB. Its sensitivity is at -54 dBV/Pa; a bit depth is up to 16 bits, and the sample rate is at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. The Q2U has mini-USB digital output, XLR analog output, and an on/off mic switch. Lastly, Q2U is 7.5 inches by 2.2 inches in diameter and weighs 0.7 lbs (0.32 kg).
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
XLR Set-Up - XLR will allow more power and give users more flexibility, so that’s not a wrong move. Dynamic mics are meant to be placed closer than condensers, and the gain has to be adjusted to give the right volume balance without generating excessive noise.
bokunotraplord
12/27/2021
Sources
Tags
- Default Settings
- Durability
- FETT & XLR
- Functionality
- Background Noise
- Issues
- Ideal Environment
- Limitations
- Mic Stand
- Noise
- Pick-Up
- Performance
- Podcast
- Presence Boost
- Pros
- Cons
- Proximity - Noise
- Sound Quality
- Sound
- Specifications
- XLR Set-Up
Sources
- YouTube
- The Podcast Host
- OldTimemusic
Think Media
06/25/2020
Podcastage
03/22/2022
Podcastage
03/22/2022
KryptonicHD
12/27/2021
Podcastage
03/22/2022
NNovis
08/17/2021
The Podcast Host - Matthew McLean
10/02/2021
kkchen
08/17/2021
PervertedPineapple
12/27/2021
Think Media
06/25/2020
EposVox
10/17/2018
KryptonicHD
12/27/2021
NNovis
08/17/2021
Podcastage
03/22/2022
funkyb
08/17/2021
The Podcast Host - Matthew McLean
10/02/2021
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
KryptonicHD
12/27/2021
EposVox
10/17/2018
EposVox
10/17/2018
Think Media
06/25/2020
Think Media
06/25/2020
GeraldoOfRivaldo
12/27/2021
The Podcast Host - Matthew McLean
10/02/2021
Think Media
06/25/2020
Think Media
06/25/2020
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Coady54
08/17/2021
EposVox
10/17/2018
Podcastage
03/22/2022
Podcastage
03/22/2022
xPRIAPISMx
08/17/2021
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Think Media
06/25/2020
Podcastage
03/22/2022
Podcastage
03/22/2022
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
bokunotraplord
12/27/2021
See All Sources
Build & Design
- Build
- Controls
- Cardioid microphone
- Compatibility
- Design
- Electromagnetism
- Feasibility
- Flexibility
- Dynamic Capsule
- Headphone Jack
- Improvement
- Latency
- Light
- Material
- Podcasting Pack
- Pop filter
- Portability
- Switch
- Positive
- Negative
Build - The build quality is excellent. It is made of metal and has a nice weight that makes it feel solid enough to take a beating. In addition, it has an on-and-off switch and an LED light as a charging indicator that indicates that the user is peaking or clipping the audio.
Think Media
06/25/2020
Controls - It has volume control at the bottom, a headphone jack for audio monitoring that acts as a sound card, a USB micro to hook up devices, and an XLR output. It also has an on/off switch that controls both USB and XLR, an XLR analog output, mini USB output, and up and down buttons. There are buttons to control the headphone volume at the end of the microphone and an XLR port to run an interface or preamp for the 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Cardioid microphone - It has a uni-directional cardioid polar pick-up that is suitable for vocals. It is more sensitive to where the microphone points and about 6dB less sensitive on the sides.
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Compatibility - It is not just the connection that is universally compatible. It also offers compatibility with Mac and Windows, Android, and iOS devices through a Host OTG cable or Apple’s Lightning to USB camera adapter. Users can connect to your recording software via USB or an XLR cable.
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Design - It has a sleek black finish and a professional look. Its simplicity is one of the most pretty things, as well as its traditional appearance. It looks incredible and compact. It also comes with everything the user might need.
Electromagnetism - Dynamic mics use electromagnetism to convert sound to an electrical signal, which is available in two categories: moving coil and ribbon. They are hardwearing and perfect for live events and mic'ing drums.
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Feasibility - Users can plug it straight into the computer without additional drivers or software. Setting it up can be part of the simplest setup, and users won’t have to worry about the mic placement as it can be mounted in different ways.
Flexibility - Samson Q2U is a durable, affordable, and handy microphone for a podcaster or lead singer in a band. It has USB and XLR cables to plug in and is a durable, affordable, and convenient microphone, regardless of location. Headphones or earbuds can be plugged in to monitor the audio. It suits anyone with its fantastic recording capabilities.
Dynamic Capsule - Q2U’s dynamic capsule is housed within the microphone’s head, capable of picking up a wide range of vocal tones and frequencies, which converts them into clear, conversational tones that appeal to the ear and give your podcast that professional finish. It works harmoniously with Q2U’s cardioid polar pickup pattern, making it perfect for recording vocals with super clear vocals and no ambient noise. The capsule and pickup pattern combination makes it great for various podcast formats and recording outdoors.
Headphone Jack - It has a 3.5mm headphone jack that allows users to monitor their progress while recording to make necessary adjustments.
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Improvement - There is an improvement over a webcam mic that is like a spinning disk to an SSD. The stand it comes with is enough for 95% of the people and doesn’t need a mic arm.
edge-browser-is-gr8
12/27/2021
Latency - Q2U integrates into the current workflow with 3.5mm headphone output, which has zero latency that allows users to hear the recording in real-time.
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Light - Light is directly beneath the grill as an indicator for charging or connectivity.
Podcastage
03/22/2022
Material - It is made of metal, has a very firm metal mesh grille, and has a high quality in terms of build that gives Samson Q2Ua a professional look.
Podcasting Pack - The cardioid pick up that comes with the Q2U is called podcasting pack.
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Pop filter - Users should purchase a pop filter because the included windscreen is not working well in reducing plosives.
Portability - The Q2U is solid diecast construction, making it easier to bring to locations without worrying about possible damages. It can also be easily connected to devices and features an on/off switch that controls XLR and USB.
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Switch - The on/off switch is tricky and hard to move, and it is recommended to be left switched on.
Think Media
06/25/2020
Sources
Tags
- Build
- Controls
- Cardioid microphone
- Compatibility
- Design
- Electromagnetism
- Feasibility
- Flexibility
- Dynamic Capsule
- Headphone Jack
- Improvement
- Latency
- Light
- Material
- Podcasting Pack
- Pop filter
- Portability
- Switch
Sources
- YouTube
- OldTimemusic
- Podcast How To
- The Podcast Host
Think Media
06/25/2020
Think Media
06/25/2020
EposVox
10/17/2018
Podcastage
03/22/2022
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
KryptonicHD
12/27/2021
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
The Podcast Host - Matthew McLean
10/02/2021
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
NNovis
08/17/2021
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
The Podcast Host - Matthew McLean
10/02/2021
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
kc9kvu
12/27/2021
Podcastage
03/22/2022
EposVox
10/17/2018
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
edge-browser-is-gr8
12/27/2021
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Podcastage
03/22/2022
EposVox
10/17/2018
Podcastage
03/22/2022
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
CravenInsomniac
06/17/2021
QueenAfyn
06/17/2021
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Think Media
06/25/2020
See All Sources
Price & Value
- Price
- Affordable
- Value
- Positive
- Negative
Price - It is a plug-and-play all-in-one USB mic with a price range of $50-$70, which went up due to high demand, costing $45-$58 on Amazon, $60 at B&H and BestBuy, $129.99 if purchased as part of a podcasting pack. The silver color has dropped by $10 back to the $39.99 Cyber Monday price and $50 for the gray version. Overall, Q2U is an excellent mic for its price.
Affordable - This mic is recommended for people on a budget
CravenInsomniac
06/17/2021
Value - It is one of the best deals, comes with an XLR cable, and can be upgraded when a deal comes around. It is an excellent microphone and can surprise users with what it holds for its price. Q2U is one of the best for the price. It has impressive features, recording capabilities, and a generous accessory pack, but its price range is surprising as it is very affordable. It sounds better than Audio Technica and is available in BestBuy for 60 bucks. For its price, it doesn’t even need an interface because it has a USB connection. Overall, the mic screams excellent value.
Sources
Tags
- Price
- Affordable
- Value
Sources
- YouTube
- The Podcast Host
- Podcast How To
Podcastage
03/22/2022
Think Media
06/25/2020
EposVox
10/17/2018
The Podcast Host - Matthew McLean
10/02/2021
CravenInsomniac
06/17/2021
BigTortoise
12/27/2021
EposVox
10/17/2018
Syinite
06/17/2021
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Think Media
06/25/2020
See All Sources
Accessories & Packaging
- Cables
- Inclusion
- Tripod Desk Stand
- Warranty
- Positive
- Negative
Cables - It comes with XLR and USB cable that can be used to connect the mic to the recording equipment.
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Inclusion - It comes with various accessories that will give a professional finish to the microphone, including a desktop tripod stand, boom arm, and foam windscreen, which helps reduce pops, distortion, and wind noise. It also comes with a 3M XLR cable, a 2.25-meter USB cable, a pair of Samson headphones, Cakewalk Music Creator software, a cleaning kit for the mic and its accessories, and a 3-month subscription to Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting. Also, it comes with a little extension for the tripod that works as a microphone clamp that users can clamp to secure the connection. A protective foam cap also helps eliminate wind noise that is picked up when recording outdoors. The windscreen doesn’t give many plosives, but it does a great job of cutting them out without muffling the voice too much.
Tripod Desk Stand - Q2U is a great, affordable accessory that allows you to easily set the microphone on a flat surface. In addition, it is user-friendly and has an extension piece.
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Warranty - It comes with a 2-year warranty so users can get a replacement without a fuss.
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Sources
Tags
- Cables
- Inclusion
- Tripod Desk Stand
- Warranty
Sources
- Podcast How To
- YouTube
- OldTimemusic
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Think Media
06/25/2020
EposVox
10/17/2018
Podcastage
03/22/2022
OldTimemusic - Corey Hoffman
06/14/2022
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
See All Sources
Miscellaneous
- Audio-Technica ATR 2100 USB vs Samson Q2U
- Dynamic Mic vs Condenser Mic
- Free App
- Flaw
- Origin
- Popularity
- Q2U Dynamic mic vs Seiren Mini condenser mic
- Q2U vs Blue Yeti
- Positive
- Negative
Audio-Technica ATR 2100 USB vs Samson Q2U - Samson does an excellent job at rejecting background noise and sounds natural, while the Audio-Technica gets noises like gate cuts.
EposVox
10/17/2018
Dynamic Mic vs Condenser Mic - Dynamic mics are relatively better than condenser mics in terms of streaming.
rdm13
08/17/2021
Free App - Users can download the free Ferrite app to make any tweaks in the gain. This is also a fantastic way to do video podcast work, saving steps in syncing audio in a post or using a smartphone as the camera.
Think Media
06/25/2020
Flaw - Q2U has to placed within 7-8 inches closer or it won’t pick up the sound.
edge-browser-is-gr8
12/27/2021
Origin - The mic is made in China.
Podcastage
03/22/2022
Popularity - It appears in Best Podcast Microphones article and is considered as the go-to for podcasters and highly recommended in the community as well.
Q2U Dynamic mic vs Seiren Mini condenser mic - The difference is that the Q2U dynamic mic has to be placed closer to the mouth or source for excellent sound and is the gateway drug, bar none, whereas the Seiren Mini condenser mic is a solid plug-n-play device that can pick up sound from across the room..
LyleTheGamer
12/27/2021
Q2U vs Blue Yeti - Q2U definitely sounds better than Blue Yeti.
iPadProSpaceGrey
08/17/2021
Sources
Tags
- Audio-Technica ATR 2100 USB vs Samson Q2U
- Dynamic Mic vs Condenser Mic
- Free App
- Flaw
- Origin
- Popularity
- Q2U Dynamic mic vs Seiren Mini condenser mic
- Q2U vs Blue Yeti
Sources
- YouTube
- The Podcast Host
- Podcast How To
EposVox
10/17/2018
rdm13
08/17/2021
Think Media
06/25/2020
edge-browser-is-gr8
12/27/2021
Podcastage
03/22/2022
The Podcast Host - Matthew McLean
10/02/2021
Podcast How To - Mark
12/23/2020
Herzx
12/27/2021
LyleTheGamer
12/27/2021
iPadProSpaceGrey
08/17/2021
See All Sources
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