Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack (Includes Mic Clip, Desktop Stand, Windscreen and Cables), silver
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This isn't an omnidirectional mic that you put in the middle of the room and record everyone; instead, it's a direct to your mouth, pointed directly at your face mic (to put it another way). ) Look for the Yeti mic if you want a multi-host microphone that you can place on a table and have everyone talk "at it."
If you don't want to be up close, a condenser mic is the way to go. Dynamic mics are designed to be used close to your mouth and reduce background noise; if you don't want to be up close, a condenser mic is the way to go. Condenser microphones are more forgiving if you turn your head away, but they also pick up more background noise.
This is an old question that hasn't been fully answered, so here it is. Yes, this microphone works with macOS, Windows, and most versions of Linux (that I'm aware of), as well as iOS (iPhone/iPad) devices that support Apple's camera connection kit (30-pin connector). pin or Lightning ports), as well as newer USB-powered devices.
I believe I received mine in a week during the Christmas season last year.
Selected User Reviews For Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack (Includes Mic Clip, Desktop Stand, Windscreen and Cables), silver
I've reviewed and used a LOT of microphones in my time, and I can honestly say that the Samson Q2U is THE MIC that everyone should buy, whether they're beginners or not. br>It has solid build qualitybr>Sounds great right out of the boxbr>Provides a clear upgrade path by supporting USB and XLRbr>Direct monitoring via USBbr>Can sound even better with post-processingbr>Rejects background noise better.
TL; Excellent sound quality, but some extra peripherals are required, and your speaking habits may need to be adjusted. There's a chance that you'll run into a hardware issue. Before you buy it, think about how you'll use it. br>br>** Note 1/31/2021 *
Amazon deprecated the review commenting functionality, and this review received a lot of helpful comments/responses: In short, the Samson website has a firmware update that fixes the problem I mentioned at the end of my review. Hardware (such as a USB HUB with physical switches) can be used as an alternative to firmware. It's worth noting that their website,'samsontech,' does not have an SSL certificate, so it's still not HTTPS. in 2021; As a result, Chrome users will see a warning at the top of the page that the page is not secure. It's also a quick-and-dirty MFC app for firmware updates. When/if you use it, you'll understand what I mean. br>br>In terms of value, the microphone is excellent. When I compare the sound quality of my current recordings to previous recordings made with different microphones, the Samson Q2U sounds the most "professional," despite being in the same price range as my other two microphones (the Blue Snowball and Antlion ModMic 5). My voice sounds very clear, natural, and detailed (it doesn't sound like I'm speaking through a tin can), and there is virtually no background noise when I use the Samson Q2U. br>br>My setup for the Samson Q2U is the microphone and a 'NEEWER Adjustable Boom Arm' to hold the mic. The Q2U has a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. On the bottom, there is a 5mm audio port. It saves me the trouble of dealing with an additional long headphone cable on top of a long USB cable (for the mic) because I have two wide monitors and my desktop is on the right side, while my main monitor (along with the Mic) is on the left. br>br>Because the Q2U is a dynamic microphone, it is only sensitive to loud noises. Regardless, I keep the gain low to reduce background noise (such as mechanical keyboard thuds and furious mouse clicks). In order to be picked up clearly, I must speak directly into the microphone. I needed to project my voice more and stay centered in front of the mic as someone who is naturally soft spoken and moves around a lot. br>br>In terms of sound quality, the Snowball and Q2U were the closest, but the Snowball, unlike the Q2U, is a condenser microphone, which picked up a lot more background noise. Reducing the gain on the Snowball required me to move closer to it (the stand it came with is short, so I had to lean into it), which also meant I had to get a pop filter. The Snowball is also heavier than the Q2U (and, due to its shape, is top heavy). Placing it in front of my keyboard/mouse resulted in it being knocked over from time to time. I could have used the Snowball with a boom arm, but its form factor, combined with the pop filter, made it a little too obtrusive for my liking; the Q2U, on the other hand, comes with a stand but is not top heavy, making it more stable. br>br>My favorite is the Antlion ModMic because it doesn't require a boom arm or a microphone stand, which can get in the way. Unfortunately, the modmic's sound quality is only marginally better than that of gaming headset microphones (I've used the Razer Carcharias and Steel Series Siberia V2). Your voice will usually sound tinny and 'phone-like' when using a headset microphone. br>br>My only complaint about the Samson Q2U is that it has an odd problem (otherwise, I'd give it five stars): The microphone's power indicator flashes red and green rapidly when my computer starts up, and it will continue to do so indefinitely. The microphone is unusable while it is flashing- Static will be produced by the microphone. Every time I power cycle my computer, I have to unplug and re-plug the USB cable to fix this. This is a known issue with the microphone that has been mentioned in other reviews and forum posts on the internet, but no official solution appears to exist. However, it's worth noting that the problem appears to affect other USB microphones as well. As a point of reference, my motherboard is an ASRock AB350 ITX.
I may no longer require my condenser mic after this purchase! This item is OUTSTANDING for the price point! br>br>I learned about this microphone from the YouTube channel Podcastage. I had to do some digging to find a good alternative because the original dynamic mic I wanted, the Samson CS Microphone, was discontinued except on Amazon (where it was triple the original price), so I had to do some digging. Unlike my Zhiyun Smooth purchase, I did some research before slamming my money down on the virtual Amazon counter. After reading a lot of reviews and making comparisons, I've come to the conclusion that I figured it was worth a shot after seeing some unboxing videos. Everything I required was contained within the box when it arrived. I have an interface, so instead of using the USB, I used the XLR cable (side note: I haven't even connected my headphones to the mic's headphone jack). I did a sound check right after plugging it in. I was happily surprised! I wasn't expecting the microphone to be as clear as it was. If I can find a long enough cable to take with me to performances, I might use this mic for more than just recording. br>br>This mic demolished my preconceived notions about dynamic microphones (which I had assumed all sounded the same). A MUST HAVE FOR YOUR HOME STUDIO, WHETHER YOU'RE DOING MUSIC PRODUCTION OR PODCASTING.
For my podcast interviews, I chose the Samson Q2U because it was an affordable option. There are numerous suggestions for other microphones that cost several hundred dollars. That's not something I can afford! Advantages: br>br> Setup is simple. Connection via USB or cable. Both cords are long, allowing you to move items around. Skype integration is available. Wireless headphones are compatible with this device.
Con: The only "con" I can think of is that the stand bothers me because it feels flimsy. I like that it comes with a stand, but it isn't quite as stable as I'd like. But, with a future purchase, I'll be able to fix that. If you're just getting started and have a limited budget, this is a great option. br>br>Revised in May 2018: I've used it for a couple of podcast interviews now, and it's fantastic. I speak clearly and loudly, and the interviewer receives an excellent podcast recording. It's even being used by my son to record music.
The Behringer audio interface UM2 and the Samson Q2U microphone are an excellent match. br>Previously, I was using a USB CAD U37 microphone, and the difference was astounding. What have I been doing for the past few years? Get this combo, as recommended by the podcast experts. br>It's incredibly easy to set up and use. The volume controls for the microphone input and headset output make recording and monitoring a breeze. After years of blogging, I'm now using it to podcast. br>From 2" - 3" the mike records voice beautifully. I don't need any more distance than 15" with no background noise, and I haven't tried recording music directly with it. br>Invest in a microphone boom suspension stand for $12. 20 It provides you with the necessary flexibility. The small tripod that comes with the microphone is functional, but it restricts where you can position your head. I'm never near a computer or a desk. br>I can't believe how easy it is to use the microphone and control unit. This pairing is one of my favorites. You're not going to be let down. br>Bye-bye, USB microphone, with all its complication.
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