Microphones / Compare

Elgato Wave DX vs Samson Q2U

A

Product A: Elgato

Wave DX

29 of 61 known

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B

Product B: Samson

Q2U

37 of 61 known

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Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AElgato Wave DX

BSamson Q2U

General

5 of 8 differ

Series

Wave1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026The page lists Wave DX in the Wave audio line next to Wave Neo, Wave:3 and Wave Go.

Not available

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

10MAH9901, 10MAH9901-WH23007, 10MAH9901-DM2502, 10MAH9901-PI23006, 10MAH9901-BL2501, 10MAH9901-PU2501, 10MAH9901-GR25011Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026SKU 10MAH9901 is the black model in the Tech Specs and in the page data. The page data gives one SKU per colour: 10MAH9901-WH23007 White, 10MAH9901-DM2502 DOOM, 10MAH9901-PI23006 Pink Petal, 10MAH9901-BL2501 Glacier Ice, 10MAH9901-PU2501 Wild Lavender and 10MAH9901-GR2501 Forest Green. No retailer listing of the colour SKUs was found.

SAQ2U1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026The page data names SKU SAQ2U.6Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B001R747SGRead 20 October 2026Model number and Mfr part number SAQ2U.

GTIN / EAN

8400066629908Retailer pageshop.cisilion.com/elgato-wave-dx-black-pc-microphone-10mah9901.htmlRead 15 October 2026EAN 0840006662990 for 10MAH9901 black. The Elgato page data carries 10840006662997, a GTIN-14 with a leading 1 that is not the retail barcode.9Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B0B8GRCXB6Read 15 October 2026Amazon US product details list UPC 840006662990. The page also prints an item weight of 407 g, which is not used.

8091640096651Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026The page data gives UPC 809164009665 for SAQ2U. Amazon lists the same code as a 14 digit GTIN 00809164009665.6Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B001R747SGRead 20 October 2026UPC 809164009665 and GTIN 00809164009665. A second EU code 05053959417134 is also listed and is not stored.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

29 September 20223Press releaseaphnetworks.com/news/26070-dynamic-mic-no-other-elgato-launches-wave-dxRead 15 October 2026Copy of the CORSAIR press release dated 2022-09-29: Elgato today announced the launch of Wave DX.

January 20097Press articlesweetwater.com/insync/winter-namm-2009-samson-q2uRead 20 October 2026Sweetwater InSync coverage of Winter NAMM 2009, dated 2009-01-14 in the search result. The page itself returned 403 when fetched, so the date and text are from the search result excerpt.

Status

Available1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026The US page sells all seven colours at 99.99 USD and shows them in stock.

Available1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026The page is live with the current spec table and the Q2U is listed in stock on Amazon US.6Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B001R747SGRead 20 October 2026Amazon US lists the Q2U USB-C Microphone as rank 3 among dynamic microphones with 5,631 ratings.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$99.994Press article9to5toys.com/2022/09/29/elgato-wave-dx-launchRead 15 October 20269to5Toys, 2022-09-29: the Wave DX is available for purchase today for $99.99. US price, no sales tax.

$59.995Press releaselanoc.org/news/hardware-news/samson-ces-2017-q2u-recording-and-podcasting-packRead 20 October 2026Samson announced the Q2U Recording and Podcasting Pack at CES 2017 on 2017-01-05, available February 2017 at a list price of $59.99 in the US. This is the pack as sold now, with a windscreen and a stand extension and without the HP20 headphones of the 2009 pack. The 2009 launch price was not found.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

€119.995Reviewigorslab.de/en/elgato-wave-dx-im-test-xlr-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Igor's Lab (Germany), 2022-10-01: price tag of 119.99 EUR, offered separately at 119.99 EUR. The tax treatment is not stated. German recommended prices include VAT.10Press articletuttotech.netRead 15 October 2026Italian launch article: available at the recommended price of 119.99 euro. The tax treatment is not stated.

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

Not available

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black, White, DOOM, Pink Petal, Glacier Ice, Wild Lavender, Forest Green1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Colour swatches on the page: Black, White, DOOM, Pink Petal, Glacier Ice, Wild Lavender, Forest Green.

Not available

Microphone typeiElectret condensers count as condenser.

Dynamic1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026

Dynamic1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Specifications: Element Type Dynamic.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Introduction and Specifications: dynamic microphone element.

Capsule and pickup

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Capsule sizeiDiaphragm diameter of one capsule as published. A 1-inch capsule is 25.4 mm.

Not available

Not available

CapsulesiNumber of capsules. Multi-pattern USB microphones often use three.

11Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026The page names the dynamic capsule inside Wave DX in the singular. It prints no capsule count.

12Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Layout item 2 names the capsule in the singular. It prints no capsule count.

Polar patternsiEvery pattern the user can select. Unidirectional is used only when the maker names no exact pattern.

Cardioid1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Tech Specs: Polar pattern Cardioid.

Cardioid1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Specifications: Polar Pattern Cardioid. The text calls it a cardioid (unidirectional) pattern.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Specifications: polar pattern cardioid.

Address typeiEnd address means you speak into the top of the microphone. Side address means you speak into its side.

End address1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026FAQ: speak into the top of the mic, not the side. Wave DX is a top-address microphone that captures the voice from the end of the grille.2Owner's manualelgato.com/explorer/products/wave/elgato-wave-dx-quick-start-guideRead 15 October 2026Using Wave DX: speak into the end of Wave DX at about 8-12 cm.6Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/elgato-wave-dx-xlr-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Review: it is an end-address microphone. The review spec table calls the microphone type Condenser, which is wrong. Elgato says dynamic.

End address1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026The compare table lists the Q2U as End Address Dynamic.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Quick start: point the end of the microphone towards the performer.

Sound specs

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Frequency responseiPublished acoustic range of the microphone. A sample rate does not establish it.

Min50 HzMax15 kHz1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Tech Specs: 50 - 15000 Hz. No tolerance is printed.

Min50 HzMax15 kHz1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Specifications: Frequency Response 50Hz-15kHz. The compare table of the same page prints 20Hz-18kHz for the Q2U, which differs. The spec table and the manual agree on 50Hz-15kHz, so that is stored.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Specifications: Frequency Response 50Hz - 15 kHz.

Sensitivity (analog)iAnalog output level for 94 dB SPL at 1 kHz, as published in dBV. For a microphone with a switchable preamp, the bypass value is used. A value published only in mV/Pa is converted as 20 x log10(mV/Pa / 1000) and rounded to one decimal, so 1.6 mV/Pa is -55.9 dBV/Pa. The printed value goes in the source note. A sensitivity in plain dB with no reference, as many low-cost USB microphones print it, is left out.

-52dBV/Pa1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Tech Specs: 2.5 mV/Pa, -52 dbV/Pa. 2.5 mV/Pa is -52.04 dBV, so the two figures agree. The reference level is not printed and 1 Pa is assumed.

-54dBV/Pa1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Specifications: Sensitivity -54dBV/Pa. The reference level is not printed and 1 Pa is assumed.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Specifications: Sensitivity -54 dBV/Pa.

Sensitivity (digital)iDigital output level over USB for 94 dB SPL at 1 kHz. The minimum gain value is used when several are given. The gain setting goes in the source note. On a USB-only microphone use this field only when the maker prints dBFS or ties a dBV value to the USB output, as Shure does for the MV7i. A dBV, dB re 1 V/Pa or mV/Pa value that names no USB output is left out. The printed unit and the gain go in the source note. A value printed for another reference level is converted by the level difference, so -40 dBFS at 80 dB SPL is -26 dBFS at 94 dB SPL. The printed value goes in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Max SPLiHighest sound pressure level at the source's distortion limit. The THD level and output path go in the source note. The value without a clipping protection mode such as Clipguard is used when both are given. The value with the pad off is used. When the maker lists several preamp loads, the highest load is used. The load goes in the source note. On a USB microphone that prints values per gain setting, the minimum gain value is used, as for sensitivity.

Not available

148dB SPL1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Specifications: Max SPL 148dB SPL. No distortion limit is printed, so max_spl_thd_percent is left out.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Specifications: Max SPL 148 dB SPL. No distortion limit is printed.

Max SPL distortion limitiThe distortion level at which the maker states the max SPL, e.g. 1, 3 or 10 % THD. Left out when the maker names none. Max SPL figures compare only at the same limit.

Not available

Not available

Self-noiseiEquivalent noise level, A-weighted, in dB SPL. Lower is quieter. The analog value is used when analog and digital values are both given. A value in dBV or dBFS is left out. On a USB microphone that prints values per gain setting, the minimum gain value is used, as for max SPL.

Not available

Not available

Digital noise flooriDigital noise floor of a USB microphone as printed, usually A-weighted over 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Lower is quieter. Processing that was on during the test goes in the source note. It is not self-noise.

Not available

Not available

Signal-to-noise ratioiAs published. Reference level and weighting go in the source note. The microphone's own figure, not the SNR of a built-in headphone amplifier.

Not available

Not available

Dynamic rangeiAs published. The distortion level goes in the source note. The value without a clipping protection mode is used when both are given. Use the same pad setting, preamp load and gain as for max SPL.

Not available

Not available

Output impedanceiRated impedance of the XLR output. For a microphone with a switchable preamp, the bypass value is used. A USB-only microphone has no value here, even when the maker prints an impedance for the capsule. When the maker prints a rated and an actual impedance, as Shure does for the SM58, the rated value is stored and the actual one goes in the source note.

600Ω1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Tech Specs: Impedance 600 Ohm.

Not available

Connectivity

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OutputsiOutputs that carry the microphone signal to a computer, interface or mixer. A headphone jack does not count. Wireless is a radio link to a receiver, such as 2.4 GHz.

XLR1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Tech Specs: Connector 3-pin XLR. FAQ: the mic does not connect directly via USB.2Owner's manualelgato.com/explorer/products/wave/elgato-wave-dx-quick-start-guideRead 15 October 2026Installation: use a shielded microphone cable with 3-pin XLR connectors to connect to a preamp or audio interface.

USB, XLR1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Specifications: Digital outputs USB-C and analog output XLR. The 1/8 in headphone output does not carry the microphone signal to a computer.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Features: dynamic microphone with USB digital output and standard XLR analog output.

Inputs for other sourcesiInputs on the microphone for another microphone or instrument, which it sends to the computer with its own signal.

Not available

Not available

USB and XLR at onceiBoth outputs carry audio at the same time.

Not available

Yes7Press articlesweetwater.com/insync/winter-namm-2009-samson-q2uRead 20 October 2026The excerpt says you can even use both outputs simultaneously.10Reviewthepodcasthost.com/equipment/samson-q2u-podcasting-reviewRead 20 October 2026The review says the microphone has USB and XLR connections and can record through both at once.

USB portiUSB socket on the microphone. USB-B is the full-size square socket. A Micro-B socket is Micro-USB, even when the maker writes USB-B.

Not available

USB-C1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Specifications: Digital Ouputs USB-C, and the page photos show a USB-C port on the bottom. The 2021 manual and older retail listings name a Mini-B port, so Samson changed the connector under the same SKU. See the doubts in the report.6Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B001R747SGRead 20 October 2026Amazon lists connector type USB Type-C, built-in media Q2U USB-C Microphone and includes a USB-C cable.8Reviewbuzzsprout.com/blog/samson-q2u-reviewRead 20 October 2026Review of 2026-09-30: the current Q2U uses USB-C and older units use Mini-USB. The USB-C port is a small symmetrical oval next to the XLR connector.

Cable host plugiPlug on the computer end of the included USB cable. An included adapter is listed in In the box.

Not available

USB-A1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026The page photo of the box contents (Q2U Accessories-2 USB-C) shows a USB cable with a small USB-C plug for the microphone and a USB-A plug for the computer. No text names the host plug.

Cable lengthiLength of the included USB cable.

Not available

2.25m1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Features: includes USB cable (2.25m) and XLR cable (3m). The older manual says 10 ft cables.5Press releaselanoc.org/news/hardware-news/samson-ces-2017-q2u-recording-and-podcasting-packRead 20 October 2026Included USB cable 2.25 m and XLR cable 3 m.

Phantom poweriPhantom power for the XLR output. Optional means some XLR modes work without it, for example a built-in preamp in bypass. Supplies means the microphone gives 48 V phantom power to a microphone on its XLR input.

Not required1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026FAQ: no phantom power is required and a 48V setting on the interface can stay off. The Quick Start Guide goes further and says not to use 48V phantom power. The schema has no option for phantom power that must be off, so the closest option is stored.2Owner's manualelgato.com/explorer/products/wave/elgato-wave-dx-quick-start-guideRead 15 October 2026Note: do not use 48V Phantom Power with Wave DX.

Not required9Reviewcastos.com/samson-q2u-review-an-affordable-and-easy-to-use-mic-for-new-podcastersRead 20 October 2026The review says dynamic mics do not require phantom power. The Q2U is a dynamic microphone with a passive XLR output and the USB side is bus powered. The maker does not state phantom power.

Digital audio

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Max bit depthiHighest recording bit depth over USB.

Not available

16bits1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Specifications: Bit Depth up to 16-bit.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Specifications: sample rate 44.1/48kHz and bit rate 16bit.

Max sample rateiHighest recording sample rate over USB. This is not the frequency response.

Not available

48kHz1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Specifications: Sample Rate 44.1kHz/48kHz.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Specifications: sample rate 44.1/48kHz.

32-bit float recordingiRecords over USB in 32-bit floating point. A 32-bit integer format does not count.

Not available

No1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026The maker lists up to 16-bit, so there is no 32-bit float mode.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026The manual lists 16bit only.

Monitoring

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Headphone outputiA headphone jack on the microphone.

No1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026The Tech Specs list one connector, 3-pin XLR. The page calls the mic pure analog with zero circuitry.

Yes1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Specifications: Headphone Output 1/8 in (3.5mm).2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Layout item 8: Headphone Output, a 3.5mm stereo jack.

Zero-latency monitoringiThe headphone output plays the microphone signal directly, before it reaches the computer.

Not available

Yes1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Features: 1/8 in stereo headphone output with level control for zero-latency monitoring.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026The headphone output gives a mix of the direct signal from the microphone and the playback from the computer. Features: onboard headphone amplifier with level control for zero-latency monitoring.

Controls and processing

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Onboard controlsiFunctions you can change on the microphone itself, by knob, button, switch or touch. Settings that exist only in the app do not count. A switch that sets preamp gain steps, such as +18 or +28 dB, counts as gain. Echo is a knob or button for an echo or reverb effect.

Not available

Headphone volume, Mute1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026The headphone output has level control. The On/Off switch controls both the USB and XLR audio output, which the page also calls a microphone mute switch. The page lists no gain control and Samson's manual sets the gain in the computer.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Controls: On/Off Switch, Headphone Volume. The On/Off switch turns the USB and XLR outputs on or off. Input gain is computer-controlled.8Reviewbuzzsprout.com/blog/samson-q2u-reviewRead 20 October 2026No onboard gain knob. A physical off switch mutes between takes. Samson's specs list a headphone level control and an on/off switch.

Onboard processingiProcessing inside the microphone, analog or digital, that works without the maker's app running. A maker statement that settings are saved in the microphone counts. Effects that run only in the app on the computer do not count. An expander counts as noise gate. Clip protection such as Clipguard is clip protection. Limiter is only for a limiter the maker lists as its own effect, never both for one feature. Brand names such as APHEX or Clipguard go in the source note. Attenuation pad is a switch that lowers the capsule output, such as -15 dB. Echo is an echo or reverb effect in the microphone. Exciter or bass enhancer covers effects that add harmonics or bass, such as APHEX Aural Exciter and Big Bottom.

Not available

Not available

Mounting and accessories

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Mount threadsiStand threads the microphone or its included mount accepts, also with an included adapter.

5/8 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/4 inch1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Tech Specs: 5/8 inch mount with 3/8 inch and 1/4 inch thread adapters included.2Owner's manualelgato.com/explorer/products/wave/elgato-wave-dx-quick-start-guideRead 15 October 2026Installation: use a coin to remove the pre-installed thread adaptors, which leaves the 5/8 inch mount.

Not available

Shock mountiInternal is suspension inside the body. Included is a separate shock mount in the box. A cradle or ring mount that comes fitted to the microphone or its stand is included, even when the maker calls it built-in. A microphone with internal suspension and a separate shock mount in the box is included.

Not available

Internal2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Layout item 2: capsule, an internally shock mounted dynamic microphone element.

Pop filteriPop protection built in or in the box.

Internal1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Internal pop shield of acoustically engineered nylon fiber between two layers of foam.

Internal, Foam windscreen1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026The package includes a windscreen to minimize wind noise and plosives. The manual also names a dual stage grill that helps reduce p-popping.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Layout item 1: dual stage grill that helps reduce wind noise and p-popping. The pack includes a large foam windscreen.8Reviewbuzzsprout.com/blog/samson-q2u-reviewRead 20 October 2026The foam windscreen tames plosive bursts.

Desk stand includediA desk stand or base in the box. A yoke alone does not count. A boom arm does not count either. In the box names it.

No1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026The box list has no stand. Wave Desk Stand is sold separately.

Yes1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Features: includes mic clip, tripod stand, tripod stand extension. The text names a desktop tripod stand.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026The Q2U includes a tripod desktop microphone stand with an extension piece.

Design and build

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Housing material

Hardened steel1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Page gallery: hardened steel chassis.

Die-cast1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Features: solid, die-cast construction with heavy gauge mesh grille.

RGB lightingiDecorative lighting. Status and mute lights alone do not count. RGB lighting is lighting with no function. A level meter or mute indicator is not RGB lighting, even when its colour can be chosen. Lighting that changes colour on its own counts, even when it also turns off on mute.

No6Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/elgato-wave-dx-xlr-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Review of 2022-10-24: since it uses an XLR connection without phantom power, there is no lighting.

No1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026The complete feature list names only a dual-color Power/Clip LED, which is a status light. It names no decorative lighting.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Layout item 3: the dual color Power/Clip LED lights green for power and flashes red on overload. It is a status light.

Lighting zonesiIndependently controllable lighting areas.

Not available

Not available

Software

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SoftwareiThe maker's app for the microphone.

Not available

Not available

User firmware updatesiA public updater or a documented firmware update procedure exists for this exact model.

Not available

Yes1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Downloads: Q2U Firmware Updater v3 (Windows).3Maker product pagesamsontech.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360045374974-Q2U-Firmware-UpdateRead 20 October 2026Samson support article with a firmware updater v3 and steps for rev 2 and rev 3 Q2U hardware.

Compatibility

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Works withiOperating systems the maker lists for USB audio. App support can be narrower.

Not available

Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Features: USB output for connecting to Mac, PC, or Chromebook.5Press releaselanoc.org/news/hardware-news/samson-ces-2017-q2u-recording-and-podcasting-packRead 20 October 2026Works with Mac and PC, with iPhone and iPad through Apple's Lightning to USB Camera Adapter and with Android through a host OTG cable.

ConsolesiConsoles the maker lists for USB audio.

Not available

Not available

Dimensions and weight

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Microphone dimensionsiMicrophone body without a stand or a detachable shock mount. A fixed yoke is included. Width is left to right as seen by the speaker, height is bottom to top in normal use and depth is front to back. Orient the microphone as in use on its yoke or stand. Depth is the direction it points at the speaker, height is up and width is across. An upright side-address microphone has its length as height. An end-address microphone has its length as depth, also when it is held in the hand. A round microphone with only a length and a diameter uses the diameter for the other two sides. The source note states the mapping.

Width53Height53Depth146mm(2.1 × 2.1 × 5.7 in)1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Tech Specs: 53 x 53 x 146 mm. The page data names the 146 mm Product Length and 53 mm Product Width and Height. The mic is end-address, so the 146 mm length is the depth toward the speaker. GamesRadar says the body is under 15 cm long and 5.3 cm across, not counting the mounting joint, so the size is the body only.7Reviewgamesradar.com/elgato-wave-dx-reviewRead 15 October 2026Review: without the mounting joint the body is under 15 cm long and 5.3 cm across.

Width55Height55Depth190mm(2.2 × 2.2 × 7.5 in)1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Specifications: 7.5 in (190mm) x 2.2 in (55mm) diameter. The microphone is end-address and handheld, so the 190 mm length is the depth and the 55 mm diameter is used for width and height.2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Specifications: 7.5 in x 2.2 in (diameter) / 190 mm x 55 mm (diameter).

Microphone weightiWithout stand, detachable shock mount and cable. A fixed yoke is included.

440g(15.5 oz)1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Tech Specs: 440 g | 1 lb. The page does not say whether the swivel mount is part of the weight. Tom's Hardware prints 0.97 lb, which is 440 g. Amazon prints 407 g, which is not used because the maker states a value.

317.5g(11.2 oz)2Owner's manualstorage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdfRead 20 October 2026Specifications: 11.2oz / 317.5g. The product page rounds this to 0.7 lb (0.32 kg).

Weight with standiWith the included stand or mount attached, without the cable. An included shock mount between the microphone and the stand counts.

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Certifications

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Other certifications

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In the box

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In the box

Wave DX, Swivel Mount, 3/8" and 1/4" Thread Adapters, Quick Start Guide1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026Tech Specs, In The Box: Wave DX, Swivel Mount, 3/8" and 1/4" Thread Adapters, Quick Start Guide. XLR cable and audio interface are not included.

Q2U microphone, Mic clip, Tripod stand, Tripod stand extension, Foam windscreen, USB cable (2.25m), XLR cable (3m)1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Features: includes mic clip, tripod stand, tripod stand extension, foam windscreen, USB cable (2.25m) and XLR cable (3m). The microphone itself is added to the list.

Links

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Product page

www.elgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphone1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026

samsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2u1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026

Spec sheet

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Manual

www.elgato.com/explorer/products/wave/elgato-wave-dx-quick-start-guide2Owner's manualelgato.com/explorer/products/wave/elgato-wave-dx-quick-start-guideRead 15 October 2026Quick Start Guide, page 1 of the Elgato explorer. The PDF is linked from it.

storage.googleapis.com/samson-production/uploads/documents/Q2U_OM_5L_v7.pdf1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Downloads: Q2U Owners Manual (5 Language) v7. The manual describes the earlier Mini-B USB model, see usb_connector.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

2years3Press releaseaphnetworks.com/news/26070-dynamic-mic-no-other-elgato-launches-wave-dxRead 15 October 2026The release says Wave DX is backed by a two-year warranty. Amazon US also lists a 2 year manufacturer warranty.

2years4Maker product pagesamsontech.com/support/warranty-informationRead 20 October 2026Samson Audio products carry a two year warranty in the USA, with proof of purchase.

Both are also in the API. Back to all microphones.