It seems like the hot new thing to do in today’s world is to start a podcast. From Gwyneth Paltrow to Shaq, podcasting has taken the world by storm. Even we at TheTechPirate.NET have a weekly podcast. If you want to break into the podcasting (or streaming) business, you will need a decent microphone. I recently acquired a Samson Q2U microphone to use. Here is the review:
Pricing
$59.99 on B&H (10-29-20)
$79.99 on Amazon (10-29-20)
Features
- USB and XLR Connections
- Plug and Play
- Quality Mic Desk Stand Included
Initial Impressions and Unboxing
The overall packaging of the microphone was simple with no real bells or whistles. The mic itself is very premium feeling with an included sponge foam grill. It comes with both a micro-USB type B cable and an XLR microphone cable. It is definitely nice to have the option to connect the mic using a USB or XLR connection. The stand is about 7 inches and is surprisingly high-quality compared to other stands. The tripod feet are very durable with enough weight to keep the Q2U from falling over from a light bump or desk shake. The I/O on the mic is simple but effective: a USB type B port, an XLR port, on/off switch, volume buttons, and a headphone jack. For a microphone at this price-point, it is loaded with value.
User Experience and Sound Quality
I connected the Samson Q2U to my Windows PC using the USB connection with little issue. There is no extra software to download. Just Plug and Play. I do wish that Samson used a more durable connector than a USB type B but it should be fine as long as you are careful. The sound quality is more than adequate for a microphone under 100 dollars. The dynamics are tuned pretty well and the microphone does not seem to catch a lot of background noise. I was forced to stay pretty close to the mic as a result but that is a small price to pay for a clean sound. You can hear this when compared to my Logitech gaming headset.
I would recommend a boom mic arm if you are going to stream with the Samson Q2U due to the fact that the included stand can get in the way a bit. However, that included stand is great if you stream or podcast on the go using a laptop. Another note is that due to the headphone port, Windows automatically switches the default sound device to the Samson Q2U. This is a minor annoyance if you use USB headphones but a simple foray into the default sound options fixes this minor issue. Samson Technologies is also really good about supporting their equipment with a recent firmware update fixing a USB connection bug being fixed.
Conclusion
The Samson Q2U is an excellent product for both its versatility and its value. As a starter mic for a streamer or pod-caster, it can’t be beat. For anyone in school or for anyone who is mobile, this microphone can create a solid sound while not destroying your wallet. I give the Samson Q2U an A+ at this price point due to its low maintenance and ease of use.
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