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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…

Brand: SAMSONModel: SAQ2UPrice reference: $99.99Rating: 4.6/5 from 5509 reviews

Product review summary

This page is intentionally secondary to the manual page and exists to provide review-oriented context.

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.

BrandSAMSON
ManufacturerSamson
Model NumberSAQ2U
CategoryMusical Instruments > Microphones & Accessories > Microphones > Dynamic Microphones > Multipurpose
ColorMulticolor
MaterialMetal
Weight11.2 ounces
Recommended Uses For ProductPodcasting
Model NameQ2U
Connectivity TechnologyUSB-C
Connector TypeUSB Type-C
Special FeatureStand
Compatible DevicesPersonal Computer
Included ComponentsQ2U USB-C Microphone
Polar PatternUnidirectional
Microphone Form FactorMicrophone System
Power SourceCorded Electric
Number of Batteries1 AAA batteries required.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio70 dB
Hardware PlatformPC
Number of Channels1
Frequency Range50Hz–15kHz
Audible Noise148 Decibels
Enclosure MaterialMetal
Item Weight11.2 ounces
Item Dimensions10.05 x 7.5 x 2.55 inches
Antenna LocationPodcasting
Model NumberSAM SAQ2U
Built-In MediaQ2U USB-C Microphone
Global Trade Identification Number00809164009665, 05053959417134
UPC750408417640 809164009665
Mfr Part NumberSAQ2U
Warranty Description2 Years
Unit Count1.0 Count
External Testing Certificationnão aplicável
Best Sellers Rank#646 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #5 in Multipurpose Dynamic Microphones
ASINB001R747SG
Customer Reviews4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (5,509) 4.6 out of 5 stars
GTIN750408417640 809164009665