Samson Q2U—The Best And Cheapest Microphone.

If you have a story to tell, or you would like to share your ideas with the world through an audio format, you definitely need a microphone.

And the Samson Q2U appears to be one of the best and the cheapest microphone out there.

This was determined based on the price, features, how long this microphone has been out, and also its functionality.

Do you have a YouTube channel, would you like to engage in public speaking, or do you want a microphone for your Zoom calls?

Read on!

The Samson Q2U Dynamic Microphone is a microphone with a USB and an XLR interface, giving you the flexibility to either connect to a computer via a USB mixer/ audio interface.

With volume buttons and an audio jack for latency-free monitoring, the microphone is a very feature-rich package for the price.

This dynamic mic has great sound quality at all levels of input gain, making it perfect for both recording vocals, as well as instruments like drums or guitar amps.

It also comes with its own stand so that you can easily position it any way you want without worrying about stability.

This makes it not only one of the best microphones on the market but also one of the cheapest!

It is priced around $49.99 to $69.99 online (Amazon) and comes with:

-A stand

-Microphone clip

-An extender for variable height

-A USB & XLR cable

-A windscreen

Samson Q2U—The best and cheapest microphone

This is a dynamic microphone, which means it cuts out all the noise that isn’t coming straight into the microphone.

You can use it in outdoor settings where there is a lot of background noise.

This type of microphone is able to tune out the noise around you and only focus on the sound coming straight into it.

Dynamic microphones are great for Podcasts, live streaming, voiceovers, music, online meetings, events, and much more!

Who makes the Samson Q2U microphones?

Not to be mistaken for Samsung, Samson is an American company focused on providing the best audio experience possible.

They provide a variety of products in the audio industry and specifically microphones.

Different accessories such as microphones, headphones, amplifiers, mixers, and much more!

Samson has been making microphones since 1980, which means they have been in the industry for over 30 years now!

For almost three decades now, Samson has grown from a small two-person operation to a worldwide enterprise.

Dedicated to innovating new products that will enhance the lives of music and broadcast professionals everywhere. And over 250 of their products are sold and distributed in over 140 countries around the world.

Samson Q2U Features

-User-friendliness: The Samson Q2U is not an intimidating microphone at any level, it is beginner-friendly. It requires absolutely no drivers to run out of the box.

Just plug it into your computer, and you should be good to go.

It simply has an ON/OFF switch with an LED light, to indicate whether or not the microphone is powered on.

The light is green when the microphone is powered on and flashes red when your audio is clipping or peaking.

It records audio at 16-bit / 48 kHz, giving you the broadcast standard for media playback.

It’s also worth noting that it can simultaneously record digital audio over USB and route analog audio over its XLR connection, so you can effectively mirror its output if you so choose.

-Versatility: Despite getting the ON/OFF switch and the LED indicator, you also get volume controls. The volume controls help you monitor your audio with headphones.

Yes, this microphone has a built-In 3.5mm headphone jack to monitor your sound. Just plug a pair of headphones into the Q2U’s 3.5mm jack, and you’ll be able to listen to your broadcast-quality audio.

The ON/OFF switch also acts as a mute feature, which can come in handy during live recordings. This switch has absolutely no bearing on powering the mic.

In fact, as this is a dynamic microphone, it requires no power to run when used in the analog domain.

When plugged into a digital device, such as a computer, the mic will draw power from the computer to operate the digital interface.

When using an AUX to USB adapter, you can connect the microphone to your phone and record straight to your phone. You can record audio on the go using this microphone.

The microphone is made out of metal and has a nice weight to it. Although made out of metal, it is not that heavy and has a nice weight balance. Weighing 11.2 oz / 0.32 kg

It can take a beating when used under certain conditions.

Here is a brief overview of the specs:

Element Type: Dynamic

Polar Pattern: Cardioid (unidirectional)

Frequency Response: 50Hz–15kHz

Sensitivity: -54dBV/Pa

Max. SPL: 148dB SPL

Bit Depth: Up to 16-bit

Sample Rate: 44.1kHz/48kHz

Why does the Samson Q2U stand out?

Although there are other great and more advanced microphones out there, the Samson Q2U stands out among other microphones because of all the features it comes with, the ability to use it with no barrier of entry (for beginners of course), the versatility, and the price point.

Finding comparable microphones with the same features and sound quality at the same price does not seem to be an easy task in today’s market.

In today’s market, the better the microphone, the more expensive it is. So keep in mind that the Samson Q2U is not the best-sounding microphone out there. But when compared to other ones it is a good return on investment for any beginner out there.

The pros and cons of using this microphone

Pros:

-Usually available at an affordable cost

-This microphone is rugged (usually made out of metal and also 100% mechanical) and can withstand high-pressure levels

-Does not require any battery or power source to run.

-Does not require a phantom power

Cons:

-Typically not as accurate or as sensitive as condenser microphones (this can depend on the usage at times)

-Usually unsuitable for in-studio productions or film work

-Limited to up-close recording

Use it for YouTube, podcasts, gaming, or voiceovers

Buy the Samson Q2U if you are looking to start podcasting, Youtube, or if you are simply eager to record.

Because without post-production, the sound will still be amazing, so no need for post-production editing.

A dynamic microphone is a good choice for those who play or sing live. It’s especially well-suited to those who are active with their microphones.

eg. Moving, acting, or interviewing.

Because if something were to happen, or if you were to drop it, it would most likely still function properly.

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Samson Q2U alternatives

When it comes to alternatives, the Shure SM57 or Shure SM58 come to mind.

Both of these microphones are industry-standard mic that is a must-have for whatever type of recording you’d like to jump into.

They are extremely durable and are perfect for recording high volume and percussive instruments such as snare drums, guitar amplifiers, and even vocals.

Not only stand these microphones will stand the test of time but they will happily take any abuse you throw at them.

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