If you’re researching podcast mics on a budget, there’s a good chance you’ve run into Samson Q2U. The Samson Q2U is a cost-effective option that comes highly recommended, especially for newer podcasters who don’t own much equipment.
However, while the Samson Q2U is a popular mic for podcasters, it’s not the right option for every recording setup. You can use this guide to weigh the pros, cons, and features and decide whether or not the Q2U is the right podcast microphone for your show.
Looking for a microphone that’s similar to the Q2U? We also highlight four alternatives below.
But first, let’s dive into everything you should know about the Q2U, starting with a breakdown of its most essential features.
- The Samson Q2U at a glance
- Samson Q2U features
- Setting up the Samson Q2U
- Samson Q2U performance in podcasting
- Where to buy the Samson Q2U
- Other Samson Technologies microphones
- Alternatives to the Samson Q2U
- The bottom line on the Samson Q2U
The Samson Q2U at a glance
What do you get with the Samson Q2U?
The chart describes the most important details:
| Mic Type | Pickup Pattern | Connector Type | In the Box | Perks | Price |
| End Address Dynamic | Cardioid | USB and XLR | Foam windscreen; mic clip; desktop tripod stand; boom arm; micro/mini USB to USB-A; XLR to XLR | Podcast equipment bundle available | $69.99 USD |
Keep reading for a full breakdown of the Samson Q2U.
Samson Q2U features
The Samson Q2U is a dynamic podcast microphone compatible with mixers, interfaces, and computers.
With this in mind, here are some features of the Samson Q2U:
- Dynamic microphone (best suited for podcasting)
- Die-cast construction
- Zero-latency headphone monitoring
- Clip LED
- Boom arm, tripod stand, and stand extension (included)
- 0.7 pounds per mic
- XLR and USB connections
Samson Q2U pros
- The Q2U is compatible with most DAWs and editing tools, which means you don’t need to learn new editing software to get started.
- You can connect the Q2U with USB and XLR cables, which means it’s compatible with podcast mixers, audio interfaces, and laptops/mobile devices. You can even record through multiple devices simultaneously as a failsafe for mission-critical recording sessions.
- The Samson Q2U is one of the most cost-effective microphones on the market. You get a decent microphone for the cost, and there’s no need to piece different cables and components from aftermarket sources.
- There’s a headphones connector on the back of the Q2U to listen directly to your audio output.
Samson Q2U cons
- Many reviewers say the Q2U struggles with humming, plosives (P and B), and sibilances (S and SH), so you may need to purchase a separate pop filter or adjust your mic placement to subdue those imperfections. This may also create more post-production work to sweeten the audio.
- The Samson Q2U doesn’t come with a storage case, which can be frustrating if you are looking for mobility with your recording setup.
- The Q2U doesn’t come with podcast headphones, so you’ll have to purchase those separately to monitor your audio.
- Wired microphones like the Q2U require occasional cleaning and maintenance to prevent dust build-up that could potentially dampen your audio quality.
- You don’t need phantom power for the Samsung Q2U, which can be beneficial if recording on specific interfaces but also a negative if your mixer functions with an ‘always on’ phantom power mode.
Setting up the Samson Q2U
Since the Samson Q2U is a USB/XLR mic, you’ll have additional flexibility in each recording session. You can use a recording device (like a podcast laptop) to capture audio or connect with a podcast mixer to adjust audio before post-production.
Either way, setup should only take a few minutes.
You can set up the Samson Q2U in seven basic steps:
- Attach your Q2U to a microphone tripod in Samson’s podcast microphone kit.
- If you want to use the Q2U in a Zoom or riverside recording with remote guests, connect the USB cable directly to your computer’s USB port. If you’re recording on a tablet or smartphone, you may need to purchase a cable adapter.
- If you want to use the Q2U to record directly to your computer or record with multiple mics: connect your microphone to an interface or podcast mixer. A few popular options include the Mackie ProFX, the Maonocaster Lite, and the ZOOM PodTrak P8.
- Set up your microphone in your podcast DAW. This could be Adobe Audition, GarageBand, Logic Pro, etc..Go to your DAW’s audio track input settings and select the Q2U as your recording device.
- Plug in your podcast headphones and adjust the gain accordingly.
- Hit record in your podcast editing software.
You’re now ready to record, edit, and publish your podcast on hosting sites.
If you want a visual guide to setting up the Q2U, refer to the video below:
Samson Q2U performance in podcasting
Despite its classification as a budget podcast microphone, the Samson Q2U boasts an impressive frequency range between 50Hz and 15kHz. Combined with a -54dBV/Pa sensitivity level, it’s less likely to pick up unwanted background noise than some of its more expensive competitors.
This level of quality is further reinforced by the microphone’s internal design. Thanks to the Q2U’s cardioid pickup pattern, you can better isolate the human voice by rejecting unwanted environmental feedback.
But the Q2U really shines with its max SPL. You can reach sound pressure levels up to 148dB before hearing distortion.
This long list of features, coupled with a cost-effective price tag, makes the Samson Q2U a strong option for podcast recording.
Where to buy the Samson Q2U
The easiest place to buy the Samson Q2U is directly from Samson Technologies.
However, there are a few other retailers worth discussing here.
You can buy the Samson Q2U:
- From Amazon. If you’re a member of Amazon Prime, you get free shipping and free delivery for your microphone.
- From Best Buy. Some stores carry Q2Us in stock, so you can take home a microphone the same day you buy one.
- From B&H. Choose from two different color options (gray and slate) and three configurations (basic mic pack, basic mic + headphones, or basic mic + complete recording kit).
- From eBay. You may not have access to Samson’s additional accessories, but you’ll likely pay 50% or less than you would on a brand-new Q2U.
Other Samson Technologies microphones
Samson Technologies offers many other microphones besides the Q2U.
You can also explore:
- G-Track Pro: Comes with a built-in mic stand and associated cables for $139.99 USD.
- Q9U: Comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and a foam windscreen for $199.99 USD.
- CL7a: Comes with a mic swivel for $149.99 USD.
Alternatives to the Samson Q2U
The Samson Q2U may be a cost-effective microphone, but it’s not the best fit for every podcaster.
If the Q2U doesn’t have what you’re looking for, one of these mics may be a good alternative:
PreSonus Revelator
The PreSonus Revelator shares several features with the Samson Q2U: they’re both USB mics, designed with cardioid pickup patterns, and hover underneath a $100 price point.
However, you can get a few extra things with the Revelator, including podcast editing software like Studio One Artist and a software bundle with Studio Magic. Just remember you won’t get any physical podcast equipment. If you want tools like tripods and boom arms, you’re better off going with the Samson Q2U.
You can learn more about the PreSonus Revelator in our dedicated guide.
Shure MV7X
If you’re comfortable raising your podcast equipment budget, the Shure MV7X is a solid Q2U alternative. It offers similar microphone specs—a dynamic mic with a cardioid pickup pattern—but better technical perks, like a lower mic frequency (50 Hz).
However, you should know the Shure MV7X starts at $179.99 USD—nearly three times the cost of the Samson Q2U. It also doesn’t come with any physical microphone accessories. If you don’t have the budget for windscreens, boom arms, and XLR cables, you’re better off looking for a different Q2U alternative.
Our comprehensive guide covers the Shure MV7X in more detail.
RØDE PodMic
You get a lot for a little with the RØDE PodMic. For $99.99 USD, you get a built-in pop filter, shock mount, and a two-year warranty to cover early hardware failures.
Just keep in mind the RØDE PodMic is XLR compatible only. You can’t plug it directly into your computer or tablet without a mixer/interface.
You can find out more in our guide to the RØDE PodMic.
Audio Technica AT2040
If you’re planning on live streaming rather than pre-recording your podcast, the Audio Technica AT2040 would be an excellent choice. This microphone is popular with YouTube and Twitch streamers and is a proven reliable tool for streaming high-quality audio.
But the AT2040 isn’t USB compatible, so you’ll need a podcast interface or mixer to live stream your show. Many of these run between $300 and $2,000, so the AT2040 will be deceptively expensive unless you have existing equipment.
The bottom line on the Samson Q2U
The Samson Q2U is a cost-effective yet high-quality microphone for podcasters. It’s often called a Swiss Army Knife since it works in many situations and adapts to different recording styles.
On that note, if you’re looking for the Swiss Army Knife of podcast production, look no further than The Podcast Consultant. We offer everything needed to get your show up and running, including remote recording, podcast auditing, social media marketing, and more.
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