The Q2U mic has a greater max SPL but a fairly similar sample rate. We give it a score of 8/10 for performance. Blue Yeti This is always a bit subjective. But my assessment is that the sound quality of the Q2U was on a par with that of the SM58. The Q1U is not as good as either.

With the Q2U, Samson have somehow managed to all but eliminate the steady hiss that is so common in USB mics. This is huge! You can listen below to the difference in the “self-noise” (hiss) of both mics. I compared the Q2U with both the Q1U AND the most common standard (XLR) dynamic mic in the world, the Shure SM58. P-PopsQuite frankly, the sound quality of the Q2U is excellent, especially when you consider that it is priced like that. If you compared it to similarly priced microphones, it trumps them most of the time. I would put it down to it being on par with the industry favorite, the Shure SM58. As we mentioned, this is an affordable mic, so it isn’t going to produce perfect audio every time. We found it to be quite sensitive to plosives (the burst of air produced when you make the sounds of letters like K, P, and T). The Samson Q2U microphone is more primitive in terms of its special effects. You really just get the basics for a podcast, music, and interview recording.

As you switch between the modes, the microphone’s directions are changed to ensure maximum sensitivity and the directions of sound rejection. We also recommend wearing headphones or headset during your recording. This will help you identify ambient sounds that make their way into your recording. If something is too loud (or you think it will be too hard to edit out later), consider pausing and recording that segment again. If you need headphones, we recommend the Sony MDR 7506 or the Sennheiser HD280 Pro. Other Microphone Options We strongly recommend using a windscreen (such as this On-Stage Foam Windscreen) or a pop filter (such as the PEMOTech Pop Filter) if you decide to go with this microphone. Because it is compatible with most devices, we give the Q2U a 10/10 for system compatibility. Blue Yeti This range of patterns lets users accommodate different recordings, from podcasts to music, interviews, and much more. We give it a score of 10/10 for patterns. How They CompareAs a condenser mic, it works great in studio environments especially when you want to capture delicate vocals or high frequency sounds. I do dig the classic design, plus the fact that it is well built with good quality material makes this a standout at this price range. Blue Yeti design With your new microphone, you’ll receive various items to help you make the most of the Samson Q2U.

When starting, you want to avoid spending too much money on complicated equipment that might be difficult to use. In my years of coaching podcasters, I’ve found that overthinking equipment keeps people from starting because they get overwhelmed with information. The Samson Q2U’s little brother, the Q1U, was infamous for an annoying hiss sound. Hiss, static, and hum are really common amongst microphones at this price point. Thankfully, the Q2U doesn’t have this problem. Samson did a great job at improving this mic. Also, if for some reason the XLR is not working well, you can easily switch to using the USB connection instead.For those less familiar with microphone technology, deciding upon your first podcast microphone can seem daunting. That’s why the Samson Q2U is such a great choice. It features everything you need to record high-quality audio without overcomplicating things. The Wrap Up