I don't do tech reviews often because I think they are a very difficult type of video, as Educators if we're going to tell someone to spend money, we need to be confident in our choice. I've had and used the Samson Q2u for over 2 years now, and can confidently recommend it both in budget, and performance.
You did great on the video! Really makes sense. You always do well at explaining things. I really would love to learn more about how to get a mic setup with the GOXLR. I have a goxlr and Samson q2u, but unfortunately all videos that I’ve seen about how to set up a mic with all the settings in the goxlr are always confusing. I would love to see you explain it and explain how to set it up. There aren’t a lot of videos explaining how to do that.
I genuinely think its just how Creators set it up, I know I'm not perfect at EQ either, and make a lot of mistakes, but compared to the average streamer Its kinda wild
it's a great mic, i made a video about this one recently and you really cant beat this thing for the money. my first elgato low profile sagged, exchanged it, 2nd one works great
I've been of the mind that honesty sells for a long time, and it's why, on top of the amount of thorough work you put in, I think you're going to stay relevant for a long time and keep the viewership of the subscribers you get. Watched some mic tests for the Blue Snowball Ice (and I didn't know much about condenser microphones (now I'm half a wizard)), and thought they sounded good enough until I tested the hardware for myself and can't position it in a way to stop peaking at my very quiet fans and still pick up my voice. CARDIOID doesn't make enough the difference and it's noise cancellation is just a bit of reduced gain. In hindsight if you listen hard enough with a pair of untrained ears, you can hear every time a finger brushes against a surface. I'm also sitting here looking at a $20 arm and a bunch of pop filters and things to hang in front of this giant moon that I'm to put in front of my face, which I'm concerned will still be too close to my keyboard. Nah I %/&kered up. Q2u me. What's nice is I don't really need to listen to any quality tests because I've been watching your videos and am confident you're not selling me a pitch.
My recommendation is actually a takstar ssc598 - if you're using a DSLR cam with mic input. Although it uses a AA battery, it lasts a very long time. I've modded mine to accept a homemade power bank which lasts weeks on it. It has a booster on it, and a low filter cut built in. It was cheap for me under £50 (maybe much less) and given that it has a hot shoe mount, you can take it out on the go! It's a shotgun mic, which (very very basic) means what it points towards is super clear, everything else is quiet.
Great Review! Curious as your thoughts on the Audio-Technica ATR-2100x-USB as it's an extremely similar price-point and I was considering getting it as a second microphone (I already have a Shure MV7 and wanted something similar) for another setup that I don't care that much about. Also, as someone who knows a little bit about audio, I'm very suprised on how well you were able to explain the difference between a dynamic microphone and a condenser!
Just finished the entire video and saw that you reccomended it there. Ah well. Still, I would like to see a review (from your perspective) comparing those two mics (and maybe the MV7 as well since it offers similar features but is "more expensive".
I’m not super familiar with mics. If I simply plug this directly into my laptop, will it work in discord and while recording? And will it work with both of those at the same time
hey, question, this looks like a super professional mic and it sounds amazing compared to the others, i don't know if it was your tone just being higher or the quality of the other two being... yknow, not amazing - but my question was, this looks like a mic you could sing with too. basically my passion is streaming and music so i'd love to be playing music on stream and singing to it as well at some point. would you recommend the Samson for this too?
Personally the only Omnidirectional mics I use or like are Lav mics, and those don’t work on podcasts well. Those are more for talking heads videos, etc
The Q2U is also regularly on sale for $30 USD or less at Best Buy and Amazon. Lowest I remember personally seeing was $25 early in 2023 at Best Buy. Almost picked up a second one just to have one as a backup. Samson also makes good Microphone Boom Arms IMO. I have two of the MBA38 clamped to my desk, one is for a Q2U and the other is used as a camera/phone mount. The clamp has a huge depth if you have a desk that is awkwardly thick or has a skirt trim.
As a Samson Q2U user, I should note that this mic can have major Sibilance issues, meaning it can emphasize the S and Sh sounds. So if your voice strongly emphasizes these sounds naturally, the mic can amplify that quite a bit. Some ways to minimize this are to move the mic off-axis, add a pop filter, or use a de-esser plugin. Edit: I recently discovered that sliding the foam windscreen part way off the mic, so there is an air gap between the top of the mic and the windscreen, can also help a ton. Personally, I recently ended up going with the Techivation T-dee-esser plugin, which is actually free. Aside from that, I'm quite happy with the mic. Especially for the price.
Yes. People should go for a sm58 instead. The sibilance is crazy. Even connected to xlr its still pretty bad. I use a pretty agressive d-esser and the sibilance is still to harsh.. I would not recommend it for streaming. Its still my main microphone, but there are better options. Q2U with Shure A81WS windscreen does solve some of these issues, but still..
My voice and this mic weren't great. Sibilance is definitely an issue for me and this mic. Saying that it still sounds better than most at this price range and is a good step up from headphone mics.
This video could not be more relevant to me right now. My gaming headset microphone completely broke down and I was starting my search for an upgrade. Thanks for such an informative, fun video!
Yessir, keep doing these reviews! I have been using the same $50 mic for years now. The Newer NW-7000. Never had a problem with it! Thought I had to be nuts. Been looking to make an upgrade and this video couldn't have come in a better time. Thank you sir!
I found ur channel a few weeks ago. Ur tech reviews are spot on the way u present. Ur budget setup vid was great and influenced some of my purchases. I'm still working on getting obs setup. Really kicking my butt but it's coming along. Ur tutorials really help tho
Your stream setup and tech advice videos really helped me move from thinking about streaming to actually streaming, so thank you so much for being in this space! As an extremely new content creator, it would be helpful to see more detail on how certain settings affect the quality you can get out of a product. Learning how to make a less expensive equipment work its best would be a great way to break down some of the intimidating barriers to starting for others as well!
I like these videos. I personally use the Shure SM58, $99. And I use a cheap Behringer audio interface that was like $120-$150, and that's all my audio hardware save for a mic arm. Everything else is software, and everything I use is free.
This video is literally just about one microphone? That’s not sponsored? Huh? I’m actively making fun of the videos that do what you’re saying, I don’t understand how you’ve taken this away.
There is a difference between mic who try to be trendy and really good mics. Sometimes more recent mics are better, sometimes not. I prefer the V7 (or V3, if you don't need to handle it) from sE electronics or the new Earthworks sr117, they sound better to me, but they are just XLR. the mv7 is to me the best one with a double connection, also because of the soft included, very helpful
I found a couple of Blue Yetis and Snowballs at a pawn shop for $30-40 per mic. If you just want a quick and cheap solution, might be worth looking at pawn shops.
Shure is the best one, Samson takes the second place and Rode... surprisingly sounded the worst one. I have a Samson but my voice is very flat and boring. I was thinking of buying a HyperX Quad but I guess I won't for now. Thanks.
Nice video, would be useful if i could use such microphones, but do you know how to make a normal headset mic sound better, i have to use a metadox phasma mask to not bother my parents while streaming and it's started to sound worse lately Also might as well #Own3dGiveaway Synthrunner Twitch Allerts
haha its so funny i see this and you posted it recently. I'm wanting to upgrade to xlr and sound mixer stuff since my yeti cuts me out while i scream no matter what i do to try and fix it, so everyone says xlr is the way to go. and i am totally lost with which ones to get
Not really the same, the PodMic is a flat 100AUD but requires an XLR interface, so adding minimum 100-200AUD to the price tag. It's also heavily weighted to trebles or high tones meaning higher voices, gravelly voices, or any women using it need a lot more work to actually EQ it.
If I was using a different mic for most of the video, and then only showing small segments of the mic, sure I get it, but this entire video is on the Samson showing a real use case of how it would appear and sound in videos. If the sound effects or music in this video mean the mic is hard to understand, than hey, maybe you don't like the sound it produces, or it won't fit your style of content. I don't know, I thought a lot about it before making the video, and felt making an engaging video and showing how the mic works in this style of content was better for showing it off.
We welcome you to the Q2u cult. ONE OF US ONE OF US!
Hahaha happy to join! Thanks for all the great videos mate!
The Mic man himself 😊
Love my q2u. Bought it because of your review sir!
I don't do tech reviews often because I think they are a very difficult type of video, as Educators if we're going to tell someone to spend money, we need to be confident in our choice. I've had and used the Samson Q2u for over 2 years now, and can confidently recommend it both in budget, and performance.
You did great on the video! Really makes sense. You always do well at explaining things. I really would love to learn more about how to get a mic setup with the GOXLR. I have a goxlr and Samson q2u, but unfortunately all videos that I’ve seen about how to set up a mic with all the settings in the goxlr are always confusing. I would love to see you explain it and explain how to set it up. There aren’t a lot of videos explaining how to do that.
I have been using this mic for years, and I love it. Glad to see more and more people waking up to how good this mic is.
I'm always kinda stunned in so many of the blind audio tests I have heard, the SM7b is often the most thin and subdued audio of the bunch
I genuinely think its just how Creators set it up, I know I'm not perfect at EQ either, and make a lot of mistakes, but compared to the average streamer Its kinda wild
it's a great mic, i made a video about this one recently and you really cant beat this thing for the money. my first elgato low profile sagged, exchanged it, 2nd one works great
I've been of the mind that honesty sells for a long time, and it's why, on top of the amount of thorough work you put in, I think you're going to stay relevant for a long time and keep the viewership of the subscribers you get.
Watched some mic tests for the Blue Snowball Ice (and I didn't know much about condenser microphones (now I'm half a wizard)), and thought they sounded good enough until I tested the hardware for myself and can't position it in a way to stop peaking at my very quiet fans and still pick up my voice. CARDIOID doesn't make enough the difference and it's noise cancellation is just a bit of reduced gain. In hindsight if you listen hard enough with a pair of untrained ears, you can hear every time a finger brushes against a surface.
I'm also sitting here looking at a $20 arm and a bunch of pop filters and things to hang in front of this giant moon that I'm to put in front of my face, which I'm concerned will still be too close to my keyboard. Nah I %/&kered up. Q2u me. What's nice is I don't really need to listen to any quality tests because I've been watching your videos and am confident you're not selling me a pitch.
My recommendation is actually a takstar ssc598 - if you're using a DSLR cam with mic input. Although it uses a AA battery, it lasts a very long time.
I've modded mine to accept a homemade power bank which lasts weeks on it.
It has a booster on it, and a low filter cut built in. It was cheap for me under £50 (maybe much less) and given that it has a hot shoe mount, you can take it out on the go!
It's a shotgun mic, which (very very basic) means what it points towards is super clear, everything else is quiet.
Dude this was great. Keep up the great content and thank you for being a person not an influencer on this
I have this microphone in an x. L. R box, I really need help my windows. Test is showing one percent I'm sure it's the XL box by. I just need help
thanks for keeping it real man!
Great review! Keep it up!
Great Review!
Curious as your thoughts on the Audio-Technica ATR-2100x-USB as it's an extremely similar price-point and I was considering getting it as a second microphone (I already have a Shure MV7 and wanted something similar) for another setup that I don't care that much about.
Also, as someone who knows a little bit about audio, I'm very suprised on how well you were able to explain the difference between a dynamic microphone and a condenser!
Just finished the entire video and saw that you reccomended it there. Ah well.
Still, I would like to see a review (from your perspective) comparing those two mics (and maybe the MV7 as well since it offers similar features but is "more expensive".
This video is underrated.
I’m not super familiar with mics. If I simply plug this directly into my laptop, will it work in discord and while recording? And will it work with both of those at the same time
hey, question, this looks like a super professional mic and it sounds amazing compared to the others, i don't know if it was your tone just being higher or the quality of the other two being... yknow, not amazing -
but my question was, this looks like a mic you could sing with too. basically my passion is streaming and music so i'd love to be playing music on stream and singing to it as well at some point. would you recommend the Samson for this too?
Check the video in the description for podcastage’s review of it too! He sings in his!
This was much needed for a podcast that I’m starting, but do you have any recommendations for a budget omnidirectional mic?
Personally the only Omnidirectional mics I use or like are Lav mics, and those don’t work on podcasts well.
Those are more for talking heads videos, etc
Did u change ur channel name? Great vid btw,The fan test on the Samsung q2u was crazy!
The Q2U is also regularly on sale for $30 USD or less at Best Buy and Amazon. Lowest I remember personally seeing was $25 early in 2023 at Best Buy. Almost picked up a second one just to have one as a backup.
Samson also makes good Microphone Boom Arms IMO. I have two of the MBA38 clamped to my desk, one is for a Q2U and the other is used as a camera/phone mount. The clamp has a huge depth if you have a desk that is awkwardly thick or has a skirt trim.
#Own3dGiveaway Skylla Stream Overlay Template Package
Lfg !!!
First!!
Bitch I was too late
❤❤😂🎉
I have sponsorship for you buddy, how much gonna you charge, and how to contact you ?
As a Samson Q2U user, I should note that this mic can have major Sibilance issues, meaning it can emphasize the S and Sh sounds. So if your voice strongly emphasizes these sounds naturally, the mic can amplify that quite a bit. Some ways to minimize this are to move the mic off-axis, add a pop filter, or use a de-esser plugin. Edit: I recently discovered that sliding the foam windscreen part way off the mic, so there is an air gap between the top of the mic and the windscreen, can also help a ton. Personally, I recently ended up going with the Techivation T-dee-esser plugin, which is actually free. Aside from that, I'm quite happy with the mic. Especially for the price.
Yes. People should go for a sm58 instead. The sibilance is crazy. Even connected to xlr its still pretty bad. I use a pretty agressive d-esser and the sibilance is still to harsh.. I would not recommend it for streaming. Its still my main microphone, but there are better options.
Q2U with Shure A81WS windscreen does solve some of these issues, but still..
Thanks for the extra info! I never had issues so I assume its my voice luckily! Always good to have extra context for people!
@@comfytobyPersonally I can't stand the high end of the 58.
@@dylanj8676 Samson Q2U is even worse in an untreated room.
My voice and this mic weren't great. Sibilance is definitely an issue for me and this mic.
Saying that it still sounds better than most at this price range and is a good step up from headphone mics.
Fun fact! That Neon Squirtle in the background is my fan art I did back in 2014! Keep up the good work dood!
im the 3000th view
Not gonna lie. This is the best mic comparison video I've seen that I can easily share with my friends and know that they will understand
This video could not be more relevant to me right now. My gaming headset microphone completely broke down and I was starting my search for an upgrade.
Thanks for such an informative, fun video!
I like graphs :|
Honestly if i didn't yet i would subscribe
Yessir, keep doing these reviews!
I have been using the same $50 mic for years now. The Newer NW-7000. Never had a problem with it! Thought I had to be nuts. Been looking to make an upgrade and this video couldn't have come in a better time. Thank you sir!
I found ur channel a few weeks ago. Ur tech reviews are spot on the way u present. Ur budget setup vid was great and influenced some of my purchases. I'm still working on getting obs setup. Really kicking my butt but it's coming along. Ur tutorials really help tho
Amazing review quick to the point funny and explained in a way that an audio newbie like myself understands what's going on.
I love the video - even though i already have a mic i love (mackie em-99b) its still nice to look at a mic video
Is an upgrade from blue yeti worth it ? Im struggling between samson q2u or shure mv7
Depends, you can absolutely make the Blue Yeti sound good, I did a video a few months ago on making a $10 grocery store mic sound good.
Your stream setup and tech advice videos really helped me move from thinking about streaming to actually streaming, so thank you so much for being in this space! As an extremely new content creator, it would be helpful to see more detail on how certain settings affect the quality you can get out of a product. Learning how to make a less expensive equipment work its best would be a great way to break down some of the intimidating barriers to starting for others as well!
I’ve made that video :) I made a $10 mic sound amazing. Scroll the channel, you’ll see it
Primo video! Top creativity. Loved it.
Absolutely wonderful style of review. So useful!
When you live in NZ and this mic still costs $200... 😢
Rode XDM-100 usb mic is on sale for $100 atm
Second
what is the song at 4:16
I like these videos. I personally use the Shure SM58, $99. And I use a cheap Behringer audio interface that was like $120-$150, and that's all my audio hardware save for a mic arm. Everything else is software, and everything I use is free.
Amazing video, really like the way it was presented!
Glad you enjoyed it
ALL a new creator needs is (list of 40 completely subjective things that are probably all sponsors of the person saying them)
This video is literally just about one microphone? That’s not sponsored? Huh?
I’m actively making fun of the videos that do what you’re saying, I don’t understand how you’ve taken this away.
Presonus Revelator Condenser $99 .. full DSP suite, no comparison
Loved this, so helpful and I laughed a lot 🤘👍
Glad it helped!
There is a difference between mic who try to be trendy and really good mics.
Sometimes more recent mics are better, sometimes not.
I prefer the V7 (or V3, if you don't need to handle it) from sE electronics or the new Earthworks sr117, they sound better to me, but they are just XLR.
the mv7 is to me the best one with a double connection, also because of the soft included, very helpful
EPIC!! keep up being real. Awesome man appreciate you looking out for those who seek the REAL deals!!!
I found a couple of Blue Yetis and Snowballs at a pawn shop for $30-40 per mic. If you just want a quick and cheap solution, might be worth looking at pawn shops.
Shure is the best one, Samson takes the second place and Rode... surprisingly sounded the worst one. I have a Samson but my voice is very flat and boring. I was thinking of buying a HyperX Quad but I guess I won't for now. Thanks.
I got the RØDE NT-USB together with the RØDE PSA1 Arm secondhand from a friend for 120€, looking forward to test it.
Nice video, would be useful if i could use such microphones, but do you know how to make a normal headset mic sound better, i have to use a metadox phasma mask to not bother my parents while streaming and it's started to sound worse lately
Also might as well #Own3dGiveaway Synthrunner Twitch Allerts
1:35 I care
haha its so funny i see this and you posted it recently. I'm wanting to upgrade to xlr and sound mixer stuff since my yeti cuts me out while i scream no matter what i do to try and fix it, so everyone says xlr is the way to go. and i am totally lost with which ones to get
I SUPER APPRECIATE YOU EXPLAING WHAT THE GRAPHS MEAN CUZ I HAVE NOW CKUE WHAT THEY SAY 😂😂 MUCH APPRECIATED ❤
very helpful I actually will get the Q2u
Second
The podmic is also good
Not really the same, the PodMic is a flat 100AUD but requires an XLR interface, so adding minimum 100-200AUD to the price tag. It's also heavily weighted to trebles or high tones meaning higher voices, gravelly voices, or any women using it need a lot more work to actually EQ it.
For pepole who don't have cash for a interface then yes but for pepole who do its very good
It's really not that good, glad you like it, but from an unbiased tested point of view it is a very mediocre microphone.
@StreamScheme not really but you should check out the maono pd400x
Like the review, hated the noise of the cuts. Not great for reviewing an audio product.
If I was using a different mic for most of the video, and then only showing small segments of the mic, sure I get it, but this entire video is on the Samson showing a real use case of how it would appear and sound in videos.
If the sound effects or music in this video mean the mic is hard to understand, than hey, maybe you don't like the sound it produces, or it won't fit your style of content. I don't know, I thought a lot about it before making the video, and felt making an engaging video and showing how the mic works in this style of content was better for showing it off.
I wanted to see the graphs tho 🥲