At a glance
| Microphone Type | Dynamic USB/XLR |
|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Sample Rate | 44.1 / 48 kHz |
| Headphone Monitoring | 3.5 mm headphone output |
| Mute Button | No |
| Connection | USB, XLR |
- Model Q2U
- Released 2016
SamsonLast updated on November 2026
Samson Q2U Review
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On this page
Overview
The Samson Q2U is a handheld-style dynamic microphone with a cardioid pattern, USB and XLR outputs, a 3.5 mm headphone jack with volume control, and 16-bit conversion at up to 48 kHz.
- Dynamic capsule rejects room noise
- USB and XLR outputs
- Very low price
- Includes stand, clip and windscreen
Key Takeaways
- Grows with you from USB to an interface
- Zero-latency headphone monitoring
- Plug and play on Windows and macOS
Best For
- Budget home offices
- First podcasts
- Noisy rooms
Avoid If
- You want studio-grade detail
- You need on-mic mute
Pros & Cons
The Samson Q2U is the budget mic most people should start with. It handles noisy rooms well, works over USB today and XLR later, and costs very little. Detail and controls are limited.
PROS
- Dynamic capsule rejects room noise
- USB and XLR outputs
- Very low price
- Includes stand, clip and windscreen
CONS
- Limited 15 kHz top end
- Basic desktop tripod
- No mute button
Review Scores
Score Breakdown
7.5/10 Expert Score
- Capsule Quality & Fidelity7.4/10
- Interface Versatility & Patterns9.2/10
- On-Mic Hardware Controls5.9/10
- Mounting & Shock7.1/10
How this score is calculated
Each criterion is the weighted average of its available spec scores (0–10) from our Microphones scoring matrix. Empty specs are skipped, not scored as 0. The Expert Score is the weighted average of the scored criteria, shown out of 10; stars = Expert Score / 20, rounded to the nearest half star. Not scored for this product (it doesn't apply, or the published specs don't cover it): DSP Engine & Software. Its weight is shared by the other criteria.
| Criterion | Weight | From specs | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule Quality & FidelityTransducer Type: Dynamic → 9.0; Sample Rate: 44.1 / 48 kHz → 6.5; Bit Depth: 16-bit → 6.0; Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 15 kHz → 6.0; Max SPL: 148 → 10.0 | 47% | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| Interface Versatility & PatternsConnection: USB, XLR → 10.0; XLR Output: Yes → 10.0; Polar Pattern: Cardioid → 9.0; Number of Patterns: 1 → 6.0 | 24% | 9.2 | 9.2 |
| On-Mic Hardware ControlsGain Control: No (set in OS) → 3.0; Zero-Latency Monitoring: Yes → 10.0; Touch Mute: No → 3.0; Headphone Monitoring: 3.5 mm headphone output → 8.0 | 18% | 5.9 | 5.9 |
| DSP Engine & Software | — | required inputs missing | — |
| Mounting & ShockMount Thread: Standard mic clip thread → 3.0; Stand / Mount: Desktop tripod (included) → 10.0; Pop Filter / Windscreen: Foam windscreen (included) → 10.0 | 12% | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| Expert Score | 7.5/10 | ||
Samson Q2U Review
Samson’s Q2U became a favourite budget recommendation among podcasters for its dual outputs. It follows the same idea as pricier broadcast mics: a dynamic capsule that favours the voice close to it.
Capsule Quality & Fidelity 7.4/10
Samson quotes a frequency response of 50 Hz to 15 kHz, and the USB converter works at 16-bit with 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rates. That is narrow on paper, but voice sits comfortably inside it.
Spoken word sounds warm, clear and slightly mid forward, a good fit for meetings where intelligibility matters more than sparkle. Bass builds up nicely when you speak close to the grille.
Next to a condenser such as the Rode NT-USB+ it lacks air and fine detail. For calls, few listeners will notice.
- Element Dynamic
- Sample Rate 44.1 / 48 kHz
- Bit Depth 16-bit
- Max SPL 148 dB
Interface Versatility & Patterns 9.2/10
The cardioid dynamic capsule needs you to be close, ideally within a few centimetres. Sound from the sides and rear drops away quickly.
That is exactly what makes it good in shared homes and offices. Keyboard clatter, a fan or a TV in the next room fade into the background as long as you speak into the end of the mic.
The trade-off is that you must stay on axis. Leaning back or turning to a second screen makes your voice thinner and quieter, so a boom arm helps keep the mic in place.
The mic has a USB port for computers and a standard 3-pin XLR output for mixers and interfaces. The XLR path bypasses the internal converter entirely.
That makes the Q2U a rare budget mic that stays useful when you upgrade. Plug it into an interface later and you gain better preamps and hardware gain control without buying a new microphone.
Over USB it is class compliant on Windows and macOS, so it works on locked-down work laptops. Samson includes both USB and XLR cables in the box.
- Connect USB, XLR
- XLR Yes
- Pattern Cardioid
- Patterns 1
On-Mic Hardware Controls 5.9/10
An on/off switch sits on the body, and a headphone volume knob sits next to the 3.5 mm jack on the base. There is no gain control or mute button.
Without hardware mute, you rely on the meeting app or keyboard shortcut. The power switch can silence the mic, but it disconnects the device, which some apps handle badly mid-call.
Input level is set in the operating system. Once set, it stays consistent, so most people only adjust it during the first setup.
- Gain No (set in OS)
- Zero Lat. Yes
- Monitor 3.5 mm headphone output
Mounting & Shock 7.1/10
The body is metal with a mesh grille, and it weighs about 320 g. Samson includes a small desktop tripod, a mic clip and a foam windscreen.
The microphone itself feels tough and handles knocks well. The tripod is the weak point, sitting too low on most desks and transmitting thumps from typing.
A cheap boom arm and the included clip fix both issues, bringing the mic closer to your mouth and away from the desk surface. Its handheld shape also means it can leave the desk for a quick recording away from the computer.
- Thread Standard mic clip thread
- Stand Desktop tripod (included)
- Pop Filter Foam windscreen (included)
Full Specifications
General
| Best For | Budget call and podcast setups |
|---|---|
| Microphone Type | Dynamic USB/XLR |
| Release Year | 2016 |
| Launch Price | $69.99 |
| Use Case | Calls, podcasts, streaming |
Design & Build
| Weight | 320 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 190 mm x 55 mm diameter |
| Stand / Mount | Desktop tripod (included) |
| Mount Thread | Standard mic clip thread |
| Materials | Metal body and grille |
| Pop Filter / Windscreen | Foam windscreen (included) |
| Boom Arm Compatible | Yes |
Audio
| Capsule Size | Dynamic |
|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz to 15 kHz |
| Sample Rate | 44.1 / 48 kHz |
| Bit Depth | 16-bit |
| Max SPL | 148 dB |
| Sensitivity | -54 dBV/Pa |
| Number of Patterns | 1 |
| Transducer Type | Dynamic |
Controls & Monitoring
| Headphone Monitoring | 3.5 mm headphone output |
|---|---|
| Mute Button | No |
| Gain Control | No (set in OS) |
| Lighting | Yes (dual-color power/clip LED) |
| Headphone Volume | Yes |
| Zero-Latency Monitoring | Yes |
Connectivity
| Connection | USB, XLR |
|---|---|
| Cable | USB cable 2.25 m and XLR cable 3 m (included) |
| USB Connector | USB Mini-B |
| XLR Output | Yes |
| OS Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Works With | Mac, PC, Chromebook; most computer DAWs |
| Phone / Tablet Support | Yes (USB connection to a computer or mobile device) |
In the Box
| In the Box | Microphone, tripod stand, mic clip, windscreen, USB cable, XLR cable |
|---|
Identifiers
| Model Number | Q2U |
|---|
Product Details
| Brand | Samson |
|---|---|
| Model | Q2U |
| Model number | Q2U |
| Release year | 2016 |
Price Comparison
| Store | Price | Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Samsontech.comOfficial Samson store | Launch price $69.99 | View deal (opens in a new tab) |
The Verdict
I’d start with the Q2U if your budget is tight and the room is noisy. For a richer tone and on-mic mute, the Shure MV7+ is the step up.
FAQs
Is the Samson Q2U a dynamic microphone?
Yes, it uses a cardioid dynamic capsule.
Does it have XLR?
Yes, it has both USB and XLR outputs.
What sample rate does it support?
44.1 kHz or 48 kHz at 16-bit over USB.
Does it have a mute button?
No, only an on/off switch.
Can I monitor myself?
Yes, through the 3.5 mm headphone jack with volume control.
What comes in the box?
The mic, a tripod stand, clip, windscreen, and USB and XLR cables.
Is it good for noisy rooms?
Yes, the dynamic capsule rejects much of the background noise.
What is the frequency response?
50 Hz to 15 kHz.
