SAMSONQ2U Recording and Podcasting Pack - USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone with Accessories (Includes Mic Clip, Desktop Stand, Windscreen and Cables), 16-bit, 44.1kHz/48kHz, Silver

It is an amazing Microphone for the price! I don't use an audio box so I just hook it up straight to my laptop and the sound quality is fantastic! You have the choice of connecting via USB or XLR depending on your preference and it's as simple as PLUG AND PLAY.Get a pop filter to go with it if you can as it doesn't come with one, but even without one the sound is pretty crisp and clear.It looks professional and the stand it comes with keeps it nice and compact for easy folding away and transportation and I expect it will probably fit most extension arms.Really good product, really good price, really good sound quality. It's a fantastic purchase and an easy purchase to make for someone who's just starting out.

As an aspiring content creator, I sought a quality microphone for streaming on Twitch and making YouTube videos. I was directed towards the SAMSON Q2U Recording and Podcasting Pack as a budget-friendly option, recommended by an experienced voice actor. Although I initially considered the higher-end Shure SM7B, known for its studio-grade recording capabilities, I opted for the SAMSON due to its value proposition.Pros of SAMSON Q2U:Excellent sound quality for its price range.Dynamic cardioid pattern that effectively reduces background noise—ideal for home studios.Affordable, offering significant savings over the Shure SM7B.Dual USB and XLR functionality, with all necessary cables provided.Direct headphone monitoring available.Compatibility with various devices, such as the iPad Pro through an adapter.Although the included stand is basic, it’s a good starting point.Cons of SAMSON Q2U:Best performance requires close proximity; consider investing in an adjustable boom arm.Minor white noise issues with USB connection on PC, though fixable in editing software.The narrow diameter complicates finding a compatible shock mount.Some initial power connectivity issues, requiring re-plugging to resolve.Comparison with Shure SM7B:While the Shure SM7B is a legendary microphone with superior sound isolation and professional quality, its price point is significantly higher and may not include necessary extras like a boom arm, XLR cables, or an interface, which are required for optimal performance. This can greatly increase the overall cost.Conclusion:After using the SAMSON Q2U for my streaming and YouTube projects, I've found it to be an exceptional value, particularly for those just starting out or on a budget. While the Shure SM7B undoubtedly excels in professional settings, the SAMSON Q2U stands out for its affordability, ease of use, and excellent starter kit components. For beginners and intermediate users alike, the SAMSON Q2U offers a compelling package that balances quality and cost effectively.Given my positive experience and the feedback from my audience, I confidently recommend the SAMSON Q2U over the Shure SM7B for those who need a reliable, cost-effective solution without compromising too much on quality. This microphone has not only met but exceeded my expectations, making it a standout choice in its price bracket.

Very good value package with everything you need to upgrade your WFH sound for Zoom/Skype/Teams/Meet/Jitsi etc. Class compliant USB requires no extra drivers, and its integrated 3.5 mm headphone output gives you zero latency foldback/sidetone. This is useful to avoid shouting with headphones on or talking slower and slower due to a delay in hearing your own voice.The mic is built to a price point but feels sturdy and works reliably. Decent off-axis rejection and a fine range of operation means you can use the integrated stand to position on a desk next to a keyboard for voice chats.In Zoom, enable Original Sound with this mic and impress people with the high quality of your audio :-)Over USB, the noise floor is slightly higher than if you used its XLR output, but it's still absolutely fine for everyday use.This also works as a USB microphone into my Android Galaxy S9, though sadly not as a microphone for Zoom probably due to how they've coded the Android app to use Android's built-in audio routing. It works fine with all the popular sound recording apps on Android. Perhaps Zoom will fix this in a future release.Also worth noting, the Samson USB audio chipset does not suffer from any clicking, stuttering and other audio problems, which its nearest competitor does suffer from when used with an Android device over USB (the Audio Technica ATR-2100x USB).

The mic works well - good voice sound and blocks surrounding sounds; and the mic feels heavy and good quality. However, the mic stand is too small and falls over easily when the mic is in it. I will need to buy a sturdier stand.