Samson Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Pack.
The Samson Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack is an all-in-one solution for recording high-quality audio for your podcast, music, or any other project. W…
Product review summary
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Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack Review
The Samson Q2U is an excellent value for its price. It is a dynamic microphone that delivers high-quality audio with minimal setup. The mic features both XLR and USB outputs, making it ideal for home/studio, mobile recording, and stage performance. Its cardioid pickup pattern captures sound from in front of the microphone, minimizing ambient sounds and other room noises. The Q2U can be connected directly to a computer or mobile device via its USB output or plugged into a mixer or audio interface using the XLR output. It also features a 1/8" (3.5mm) headphone output for monitoring captured audio. The Q2U Recording and Podcasting Pack comes complete with a mic clip, desktop tripod stand, tripod stand extension, USB cable, and XLR cable.
Pros:
- Professional handheld dynamic microphone with USB digital output for connecting to a computer and XLR analog output for connecting to a mixer, audio interface or portable PA system
- Dynamic microphone capsule with a cardioid pickup pattern captures sound from in front of the microphone, minimizing ambient sounds and other room noises
- Onboard 1/8" (3. 5mm) headphone jack allows for zero-latency monitoring
- Solid, die-cast construction with heavy gauge mesh grille
- Plug-and-play device, meaning it doesn’t need any special drivers to work with your computer
- Comes with everything you need to start recording great sounding projects
Cons:
- The microphone's power indicator flashes red and green rapidly and will continue doing so indefinitely upon booting up the computer, which is a known issue with the microphone and appears to have been reported in other reviews and forum posts on the internet as well, but does not appear to have an official solution
- As a dynamic microphone, it typically only picks up loud noises, requiring the user to speak directly into the microphone in order to be picked up clearly
FAQ
Q: What are the features of the Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack?
A: The Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack is a professional handheld dynamic microphone with both USB digital output for connecting to a computer and XLR analog output for connecting to a mixer, audio interface, or portable PA system. It has a cardioid pickup pattern that captures sound from in front of the microphone, minimizing ambient sounds and other room noises for podcasting, home recording, or voiceover work. It also reduces possible feedback in live performance settings. Onboard 1/8" (3.5mm) headphone jack allows for zero-latency monitoring, so you can hear yourself without any delay or echo, plus a mix of your computer audio playback. The Q2U is a plug-and-play device, meaning it doesn’t need any special drivers to work with your computer. It comes complete with everything you need to start recording great sounding projects: an extended desktop stand with mic clip that positions the microphone close to the sound source, a pop-filter for reducing p-pops, and USB and XLR cables.
Q: Can this microphone be used for a multi-host podcast?
A: This microphone is not ideal for a multi-host podcast as it has a cardioid pickup pattern that captures sound from in front of the microphone and less from the side and rear, minimizing ambient sounds and other room noises. If you want a multi-host mic where you can set it on the table and everyone can talk "at it," then look for the Yeti mic.
Q: How well does the microphone pick up a talking level voice from a short distance?
A: Dynamic mics are meant to be close to your mouth and limit some background noise. If you don’t want to worry about having to be up close, then you need a condenser mic. All mics sound best when you’re close, but condenser mics are a little more forgiving if you turn your head away, but they also pick up more background noise.
Q: Is this microphone compatible with both a Mac and an iPhone/iPad?
A: Yes, this microphone will work through USB with macOS, Windows OS, most versions of Linux, and will work with iOS (iPhone/iPad) devices that can use Apple's camera connection kit (30-pin or Lightning ports) as well as newer ones that use USB-C.
Q: Does the mic require phantom power when using the XLR output?
A: No. This is a dynamic mic, no phantom power required.
Q: Can this mic output sound with both XLR and USB at the same time? Also does the switch act more like a mute button or will it turn the power off?
A: The USB and XLR outputs can both be used at the same time. The On/Off switch mutes the audio to the USB and XLR outputs, it does not disconnect the mic from the computer.
Q: What shock mount size fits this mic?
A: The shock mount size for this mic is 31.35mm at the base where the cables plug in and 32.75mm where the on/off switch is.
Q: Would this microphone be a good fit for recording audiobooks?
A: Yes, this microphone should work well with audiobooks.
Q: How does this compare to the ATR2100?
A: While we cannot provide a direct comparison between Samson Technologies Q2U and Audio-Technica ATR2100, we have found that these mice are great for everyday use. They sound great indoors and outside. Expensive high-end mics tend to pick up absolutely every little sound so you actually only sound good in a controlled professional sound room. With these mics, you're good almost anywhere.
Q: Why does it take 1-3 months to ship this product?
A: This may have been a temporary issue with the seller or shipping provider. However, most products should be shipped within a reasonable amount of time.
Q: What are the dimensions and weight of the Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack?
A: The product dimensions are 13 x 4 x 10 inches, and it weighs 11.2 ounces or 0.7 pounds.
Q: What is included in the Q2U Recording and Podcasting Pack?
A: The Q2U Recording and Podcasting Pack includes the mic itself, a mic clip, a desktop tripod stand, a tripod stand extension, a 2.25m USB cable, and a 3m XLR cable.
Specifications
Structured product details pulled from the latest available product data.
| Brand | SAMSON |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Samson |
| Model Number | SAQ2U |
| Category | Musical Instruments > Microphones & Accessories > Microphones > Dynamic Microphones > Multipurpose |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Material | Metal |
| Weight | 11.2 ounces |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Podcasting |
| Model Name | Q2U |
| Connectivity Technology | USB-C |
| Connector Type | USB Type-C |
| Special Feature | Stand |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Included Components | Q2U USB-C Microphone |
| Polar Pattern | Unidirectional |
| Microphone Form Factor | Microphone System |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Number of Batteries | 1 AAA batteries required. |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 70 dB |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Frequency Range | 50Hz–15kHz |
| Audible Noise | 148 Decibels |
| Enclosure Material | Metal |
| Item Weight | 11.2 ounces |
| Item Dimensions | 10.05 x 7.5 x 2.55 inches |
| Antenna Location | Podcasting |
| Model Number | SAM SAQ2U |
| Built-In Media | Q2U USB-C Microphone |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00809164009665, 05053959417134 |
| UPC | 750408417640 809164009665 |
| Mfr Part Number | SAQ2U |
| Warranty Description | 2 Years |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| External Testing Certification | não aplicável |
| Best Sellers Rank | #646 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #5 in Multipurpose Dynamic Microphones |
| ASIN | B001R747SG |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (5,509) 4.6 out of 5 stars |
| GTIN | 750408417640 809164009665 |