Versus Series: Samson Q2U (XLR) vs (USB)

Рет қаралды 11,745

Күн бұрын

Audio comparison of the USB output vs the XLR output of the Samson Q2U microphone.
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Twitch -- / qualizar
Twitter -- / cp_qualizar
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Discord -- / discord
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Items used in this video:
Samson Q2U: www.amazon.com/dp/B001R747SG/...
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#StreamingTips #HomeStudioSetup #MicrophoneReview

Пікірлер: 96

@shawcast8918 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Chris what would you recommend Samson Q2U vs Behringer XM8500? Also my table has no space to attach the mic arm stand would you recommend getting a small tripod stand or like a boom/larger tripod stand so the mic is as close as possible to your mouth since there will be more distance compared to the mini tripod stand that comes with the samson. Thanks

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

Shaw, good question. I actually have both the Behringer and the Samson mics here in my locker. Both are good entry level units, but I do believe the Samson has more range and a lower self-noise. If I get a chance this week, I can record a video of the two of them side by side. As far as the tripod question. A great solution is a tripod with a boom arm attachment. I have one of these on my current setup, and love it when I need to have an extra mic not connected to my desk.

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

Shaw, to follow up, I went ahead and made another video. It will be releasing next Tuesday so be ready and be surprised. 🤫

@shawcast8918 3 жыл бұрын

@@Qualizar oh sweet will be interesting

@adamek9750 4 жыл бұрын

I can hear a difference, xlr does sound better. Im getting this mic to use with usb, sounds good enough.

@Qualizar 4 жыл бұрын

I am glad you liked the video. The USB holds up very well and has upgrade potential. Which is always a plus.

@mo7med2000 3 жыл бұрын

one of the greatest reviewer i have seen keep going , and i want to ask i have some times noise in my room can you test the noise on this mic?

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

I will try! Are you looking for line noise or ambient intrusion? Heck, if I do another video, I will do both. 😉

@igormirandapereira8610 2 жыл бұрын

Great Mic!

@robertorodriguez4900 3 жыл бұрын

Hi friend. Super excellent your video. I wanted to ask you a question: since right now the price difference is smaller, between the q2u and the atr2100x which one do you recommend?

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

That's a great question. I haven't had the fortune of landing a 2100x yet. But, if it holds similar to the AT2005 (which I believe it does in specs) it should win out my personal preference. The only thing that would interest me is the changes in the USB circuit for the newer model.

@asitk9211 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Chris ,thanks for the comparison. Its been helpful:-) I was trying to get a home set up for audio books, VOs for videos (pro level) . USB may not have been a great choice so got xlr set up with Focusrite solo 3rd gen interface .as my room is really untreated and roadside noisy surrounding all day(except for mid night) , i got dynamic mic -behringer xm8500. Recirding on audacity. Not very happy with the result though Noise is still an issue as it catches sound of vehicles passing below my apartment , continous construction work opposite my building and other room noise as well. (Defeats the purpose of buying a dynamic mic) Also, I have to work on post (just doing few effects like noise profile,EQ,compression, limit,normalise,noise gate) in audacity which i dont really specialize in. Is it worth to get a Q2u(costing $100) to save post processing hassle and noise Thanks

@Qualizar 4 жыл бұрын

Your best options to hide out imposing noises are tighter polar pattern (hyper cardiod?), temporary noise blocking blankets or padding on windows / exposed walls, or a sound resistant enclosure. Post processing is going to be a natural part of editing voice content. There are a few quick tips to setting up simple post processing in Audacity that you can test and tailor to fit your voice. $100 for the Q2U is very overpriced. That is double what I originally paid for it. For that price, you could go with a Rode PodMic or Shure SM58 and get a pretty good step up in sound quality. In terms of comparing the Q2U vs the XM8500, that is a good question. I have not paired those two together yet. In the Q2U reviews, I paired it against the Maono A04 and the Audio-Technica AT2005. But, I can do so in a future video if you'd like.

@kingsleyabrokwah3930 2 жыл бұрын

I have the Samson Q2U and love how great it still sounds over USB. Then it really shines through over XLR.

@jordanyoung8647 2 жыл бұрын

What’s your settings if you don’t mind ?

@kingsleyabrokwah3930 2 жыл бұрын

@Jordan Young I use a Focusrite Solo so I have my gain set to around 80-85%. But I sometimes change it depending on what I'm doing. That works best for daily use

@eyeyeye-fm9oo Жыл бұрын

I find my q2u has a high noise floor unless I talk really close to it. Do you know if using the focusrite lowered the noise floor any?

@kingsleyabrokwah3930 Жыл бұрын

@Victoria Well with it being a dynamic mic, I find that it works best when you are close to it. However, with the focusrite I do feel like the noise floor is less of an issue since I can adjust what I need to.

@eyeyeye-fm9oo Жыл бұрын

@@kingsleyabrokwah3930 hmm OK, thanks. Maybe I'll get one at some point. Atm I've got it almost like I'm gonna kiss it lol. But It doesn't work well with the pop filter close like that.

@jierenzheng7670 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. Random question, I am quite curious if using the XLR mode with a Shure X2U, would it have any difference compared to the Q2U USB mode?

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

It would probably have a small amount of difference, but not enough to be noticeable in standard recordings. The X2U is doing the same effective job as the the USB circuit built into the Q2U. So, the only difference would be in the quality of components used in making up the USB interface.

@jierenzheng7670 3 жыл бұрын

@@Qualizar Hey thanks! I was thinking the Q2U USB circuit might not be as high quality, thus I was considering the X2U, but if it is not a noticeable difference, I'll pass I guess.

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

@@jierenzheng7670 the reason I suspect it wouldn't be noticeable is because of the minimal difference between the USB and XLR on the microphone itself. I don't think the additional $100 cost would be worth it just for that mic. If you are buying all the equipment new, at that point, step up the USB game to a better mic, like a Shure MV7 or something.

@jierenzheng7670 3 жыл бұрын

@@Qualizar Thank you so much for your help!

@saintcastle 3 жыл бұрын

i cant manually add this mic to streamlabs obs without turning on audio settings. with audio settings i cant use filters at all. manually i can add filters but i cant hear the audio even tho the bar is going up. do i need the xlr connection plugged into something?

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

If you are running this via USB, then the mic should register as a USB Audio Input/Output. You can go to the scene and then select add audio input, and select the Q2U. You will ONLY be able to hear yourself live if you have your headphones plugged directly into the back of the microphone.

@saintcastle 3 жыл бұрын

@@Qualizar ah makes sense thanks my dude for the reply and information.

@Philafxs 4 жыл бұрын

How does the noise floor compare? Unfortunately the background music is in the way to hear it.

@Qualizar 4 жыл бұрын

Philafxs. I can provide a short noise floor clip in a few days and share the link with you. I am still new to microphone reviews and learning what the important finite details are. Personally, I don't think the noise floor in this one is very high, and I do not record my content in a treated room. I will get something for you so you can hear the differences.

@Philafxs 4 жыл бұрын

@@Qualizar That would be appreciated! I found a couple reviews of people saying the XLR is quiet (lower self noise) than the internal amp used by the USB, hence the curiosity.

@Qualizar 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah. In my opinion, this is usually the case in treated rooms. I will perform the test, but I suspect that in my case, you will hear more room ambiance than internal noise. But, I am certainly interested in this test as well. I do have intentions of eventually expanding my testing environment / studio to include an isolation booth. Just isn't in the works yet.

@Qualizar 4 жыл бұрын

The below link is a video I created in the quiet space. I will say that in my untreated room, It is hard to tell much of a difference from my PC fans. But, here are the results... kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pamGZs1it9W9lmQ.html

@rocsoriano2994 4 жыл бұрын

What software did you use in the beginning for the effect?

@Qualizar 4 жыл бұрын

If you are referencing the double audio, that is a sampling of the USB & XLR tracks mixed together. If you are referencing the fade and fast motion effects, those are built into transitions / effects for Davinci Resolve

@gguninstall7491 2 жыл бұрын

I like this mic more via usb, voice sounds little bit brighter.

@ubstreamer 2 ай бұрын

Test starts at 02:38

@grizzly6943 3 жыл бұрын

thanks

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

Your welcome. I hope this helped.

@j2fh791 4 жыл бұрын

i have a cheap phantom power supply will this be good enough for the xlr cable

@Qualizar 4 жыл бұрын

The Samsom Q2U doesnt require phantom power as it is a dynamic microphone. If you use the USB cord, power is supplied from the motherboard in order to support the USB sound card functions.

@yeoungbraxx 3 жыл бұрын

comparison at 2:39

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the chapter tag. One of the things I constantly try to remind myself to add in.

@ruben_od5012 3 жыл бұрын

Hello. An honest question. I listen to a reconding I did with my Q2U on my headphones load and clear but on the computer speakers is too low (I tried in two different computers). Any ideas? Thank you

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

The first thing I would check is the actual GAIN level of the audio. I have another video that shows how to check audio levels during recording (Can also be applied to playback also). Check that out and see what levels you are running at and then you can confirm if it is the recording or your speakers... How To Set Proper Microphone Levels For Recording & Streaming: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rriGlquf3tmXe3U.html

@ruben_od5012 3 жыл бұрын

@@Qualizar Thank you. I'll check it out

@AlizKilla1 3 жыл бұрын

Idk I think it's pretty similar. I guess if you're on a budget going usb is still good. If you have some extra cash to burn then xlr has more options. Quality is very similar.

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

I've been really surprised in my tests at how far USB has come. The one thing I notice like you said is that XLR can have hardware audio processing. Where as USB cant, and XLR can boost to higher volumes without clipping from lack of power. But, in normal ranges, both sound great.

@OasisMentalHealthApplications 3 жыл бұрын

Do you still need the USB for power when using XLR?

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

No. The XLR mode does not need USB to power it, and it does not need phantom power from your XLR interface/mixer either.

@reynaldiraez7406 2 жыл бұрын

@@Qualizar what audio interface u use?

@changthewang3948 3 жыл бұрын

Is there less background noise on XLR than on USB?

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

I didn't notice much difference. The biggest thing about USB, is that I noticed that it seems to have almost a built in noise suppression at low levels. At certain times, the USB line would show less than -60db sound while the XLR stayed consistent at -50 during quiet scenes.

@honestnerd 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vid but please stop using background music for a mic review, otherwise we can't hear them properly.

@izakarya4258 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the effort, consider having no background music is such a video. It does matter honestly for me.

@Qualizar 4 жыл бұрын

I have come to understand this with microphone reviews. I have made some changes to my video production methods. Thanks for the continued review. I do have another review with the Q2U included in a newer video here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oMt_ntJmtNDOm3U.html

@izakarya4258 4 жыл бұрын

@@Qualizar Thanks man, best wishes

@nicholastozier9356 4 жыл бұрын

I've been having all sorts of issues with vocal clarity on my set up. This mic, XLR, and a Boehringer UM2 interface. Maybe it is just my voice..?

@Qualizar 4 жыл бұрын

I don't have experience with the UM2 specifically, but what is the issue you are having? I planned to get some U-PHORIA Models for testing, once prices reset from the COVID influx. Do you have better clarity if you use the microphone over USB?

@nicholastozier9356 4 жыл бұрын

@@Qualizar, I've tried both ways. I may be trying to re-record with USB today, because the podcast I spent hours on last night sounds so bad. I'd be happy to send it to you, if you are up for a challenge?

@Qualizar 4 жыл бұрын

Nicholas, you can send me snip of the file through email if you would like. I would certainly be interested to hear

@nicholastozier9356 4 жыл бұрын

@@Qualizar, I'll do you one better, here is the link: anchor.fm/thetosho/episodes/E2---Bad-Audio----Worse-Injuries-ef60b6

@Qualizar 4 жыл бұрын

Nicolas, do you have a location to discuss this directly? I listened to about 15min of your latest recording and have some comments for you. If it is easier, you can feel free to email me @ CP.Qualizar@gmail.com, so we can discuss this further.

@FunTimes.7 3 жыл бұрын

I just received from BestBuy my Samson Q2U last night. In less than one day I came into a issue which puzzles me. I'll try a bulleted list of my issue below: 1. Connected Mic to Samsung Galaxy Note 9 via Samsung's USB adapter. 2. Mic worked awesome. 3. Meanwhile, I plugged in earbuds through the Q2U's headphone jack while the mic is connected to the cell phone....I could hear myself with no latency through the Galaxy Note 9 just fine. 4. No issues, I was able to hear myself through my headphones with no latency. 5. I then connected the mic into a Samsung Notebook 9 Pro laptop. 6. Plugged in headphones through the Samson Q2U's headphone jack. 7. I heard myself just fine with no latency. 8. Just out of curiosity, I launched Windows "Sound" from [Control Panel], the Sound applet that has the four tabs "Playback", "Recording", "Sounds" and "Communications". 9. In the "Recording" tab, I right-clicked on the Samson's microphone setting and selected "Properties". 10. I then selected the "Listen" tab. 11. From here I placed a check inside the checkbox "Listen to this device" to see if the usual latency that Windows 10 provides was there. Indeed it was. 12. I DESELECTED the checkbox "Listen to this device" so that I can return back to listening to my voice through the Q2U's headphone jack as before....and NOW I can NO LONGER hear my own voice coming through the Samson Q2U using the Samson's headphone jack. If I UNPLUG the Samson mic from the USB all together and then plug it back in, upon the Q2U "booting up" I can briefly hear my phone through its headphone jack for one second and then it disappears. This happens now even when I transfer the Q2U over to the Galaxy Note 9 device as opposed to experiencing this just on the Windows device, so it seems the symptom follows the hardware of the Q2U rather than stating it's a Windows 10 issue. No matter if I plug the Q2U via USB through a Windows laptop or another mobile device or a cell phone, etc.......when listening to through the Q2U's headphone jack I can briefly hear my voice and then it mutes. Yes, the on-device On/Off switch on the Q2U is set to on. I've played with that, too, in different variations, tried plugging in the mic in different orders-of-operation, etc. I still can no longer hear my own voice anymore at all through the Q2U headphone jack. The microphone itself still records just fine. And lastly, yes....the volume switch on the Q2U is also engaged to high to ensure I don't have the volume all the way down. Please help. I've only used this microphone literally less than 10 minutes out of the box. lol Thanks.

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

This is an odd event. I just tried to replicate you issue without ending up with the same result. I can still plug mine into either OTG device or PC, turn the volume all the way up and hear myself via monitoring, even if the computer isn't set to that output. As frustrating as it may sound, you may have a defect in your unit. I would poke around Samson's website and see, but if you don't get an answer, you may need to RMA or return it for exchange.

@FunTimes.7 3 жыл бұрын

@@Qualizar - thank you so much. It's exchanged. Happy holidays.

@impyr3x293 3 жыл бұрын

hello, i really need help to setup this mic via xlr, i have a behringer u-phoria um2 interface, and a arctis 7 wireless headphone, and if i check the sound - there is a hizzle in the background and i dont know how to get rid off, pls help!

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

You can try changing the USB port or CABLE. The buzz noises from USB devices are typically due to noise in the line from other electronic devices. If you run the cables near any other electronic devices, try removing them first and seeing if your noise goes away. I dealt with Ground Loop Hum pretty bad when I first started out too. It was a lot of trial and error.

@impyr3x293 3 жыл бұрын

@@Qualizar Thanks for quick response, sir! Gonna try it

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

Just wanted to follow up and see if you were able to get this sorted out. Let me know if you can.

@gguninstall7491 2 жыл бұрын

maybe your mic is faulty im using mine via usb 100% gain and there slim to none background noise

@impyr3x293 2 жыл бұрын

@@gguninstall7491 F

@abhiananth1527 Жыл бұрын

was there a difference ?

@UmairVatao 4 жыл бұрын

In your opinion, is it worth buying an XLR interface for this mic as an upgrade?

@Qualizar 4 жыл бұрын

In my personal opinion, I do not believe you will see a MAJOR quality improvement from this microphone specifically by going to XLR. You could BOOST your gain a lot more, but this would just induce more noise in the long run. I would recommend going XLR if you plan to make that adjustment in the future anyways, or you have some benefit through equalization, tying in an instrument, or something that the mixer/interface will bring additional benefit to your audio content.

@UmairVatao 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks @@Qualizar for the valuable information. The video was really useful! Subscribing, hope you get many more

@davidpossien3061 3 жыл бұрын

music playing during a mic test?

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! I know. It was a terrible move! This video was very early on in my video creation, and I didn't know any better. 😶

@WolfgangBrozart 3 жыл бұрын

Why does mine have a black grille? Weird

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

Did you buy it new? I have not seen a Q2U with a black grill yet. But, maybe it was a model change at some point ?

@v.r.santhosh7201 3 жыл бұрын

samson q2u or ATR 2100 X which is good

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

I haven't gotten a 2100x, bit the AT2005, it's older cousin a great mic. The Q2U and the 2005 are very similar with just a little differences in Freq. range. Not much would be noticeable for general recording/streaming.

@v.r.santhosh7201 3 жыл бұрын

@@Qualizar thanks for the reply and what do u think about shure mv7 when compared to the ATR 2100x do u think its worth to buy that mic as samson is selling around 125 USD in my country

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

The MV7 is supposed to be a phenomenal mic for podcast and streaming. I really like the software that comes along with the USB version of it. It makes for a great setup for anyone getting into it new. Of course those bonus features and quality come at that higher price. But, I haven't heard anyone get one, and.be disappointed.

@namsukeichinose 3 жыл бұрын

No cloud lifter needed right?

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

No cloud lifter used in this video

@youngkswifeu 3 жыл бұрын

please someone help! is it usb B to usb A? (i need to know the specific name of the usb output😭)

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

This Microphone uses mini USB to USB A

@youngkswifeu 3 жыл бұрын

@@Qualizar thank you so much!

@grizzly6943 3 жыл бұрын

its good mice for streaming ?

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

I think its a great microphone for streaming.

@AndyBaedal 3 жыл бұрын

Man u shud turn off the music when doing this kind of comparison

@Qualizar 3 жыл бұрын

Yes. This was one of my first microphone comparisons, and that it the top comment I get. 😔 I have learned my mistakes though and no longer use music during my videos when reviewing microphones.

@robertdepesci3418 4 жыл бұрын

i dont hear the difference... and I'm listening through a good DAC amp and IEMs

@Qualizar 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah. I think redoing this test in my new studio would be interesting. One thing I didnt think to test here was if there was a difference in the amount of self noise between the two sources. Maybe I will make a follow up and see. 🤔