Samson Technologies - Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone with Accessories

Been using mine for 2 years, works really well. Copy paste from another of my posts: I use the Samson Q2U. Its a dynamic mic, not a condenser mic. so research if thats something you want (they have different pickup patterns). but the best thing about it is that you can just use it over usb. I have since upgraded to an XLR input but haven't had a noticeable upgrade in sound quality. I also have a cheapo mic arm from amazon so I can better position the mic to my face and not have it be sitting on the table in front of me (clamped to the front of my table to the side). I definitely recommend Voicemeter, I feed my Mic through Voicemeter, then I use the ReaFir VST with Lighthost to filter out my Ac unit running 6 ft away. Quick overview (not my videos): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52Rs7tqFYm8 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyzQZScP2Sw

I use the Q2U. Good crisp sound. Pair it with a nice XLR interface like the Focusrite Scarlett and you'll be golden.

For noisy environments skip the blue Yeti, get a dynamic mic like the Audio Technica ATR2100x USB or Samsung Q2U, both isolate your voice far better and stay under $100.

I started with a budget kit on Amazon too, and upgraded later as my show grew. A good starter setup: I’d say grab a simple USB mic like the Samson Q2U or ATR2100x and a set of closed back headphones. Add a cheap boom arm so you’re not holding it. Or Mike stand, That’s enough to get going without spending too much. I personally use my iMac as they are superb over windows IMO. If there are co-hosts (I think I saw that there are) you just double. the mics and headphones. It is a labor of love.

Shure SM57 and a Samson Q2U. Depends on which boom I have plugged in ATM.

I had this same issue. I was able to fix it by unplugging the mic and spraying the on/off switch with BW100 electric contact cleaner while moving the switch from on to off repeatedly. 90% isopropyl alcohol would probably work too, just be sure to allow it to dry before plugging it back in.

Agree with Samson Q2U. I’ve been happy with the sound quality for its price.

Also ran this a few years, after heavy research into affordable mic’s I got the Q2U. It’s a podcaster mic essentially, talk directly into it. Mine had the USB port break off due to cable stress but been using the XLR without issue

I would probably advise you to go with the Samson Q2U. I have 3 mics: Rode NT-1 5th Generation, Fifine K688, and the Samson. I believe the Samson is the best sounding for my setup, or let's say the easiest to deal with in terms of noise and clarity - I record in a room with some basic sound treatment.

Bullet points are one red flag. And it's written like a marketing article, not someone recommending what they think are good mics for content creators. No mention of the God Mic. You can't make a list without including the SM7B. It's pricy and a bear to work with, but it's the gold standard for mics. Audio Technica has a handful of great budget mics, not just the 2020. And why put BOTH the 2020 and the Maono on the same list they are in the same price range. Samson Q2U is a great USB budget mic. Not on the list.