Microphones / Compare

RØDE PodMic vs Samson Q2U

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Product A: RØDE

PodMic

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B

Product B: Samson

Q2U

37 of 61 known

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Only differences

ARØDE PodMic

BSamson Q2U

General

4 of 8 differ

Series

Not available

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

PODMIC, PODMICW1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/podmicRead 15 October 2026SKUs PODMIC (black) and PODMICW (white) in the product data of the page.

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

0698813005567, 06988130107695Maker product pagebrandstore.rode.com/products/podmic.jsonRead 15 October 2026The brand store feed lists barcode 698813005567 (written here as a 13-digit GTIN with a leading zero, as for the NT-USB+) for SKU PODMIC (black).6Retailer pagedateks.lv/en/cenas/mikrofoni/1008223-rode-podmic-whiteRead 15 October 2026Barcode 698813010769 (written here with a leading zero) for product code PODMICW (white). PB Tech and Chuck Levin's list the same UPC.

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.

19 December 20188Press releaserode.com/en/about/news-info/rode-launches-all-new-podmic-podcast-ready-dynamic-microphoneRead 15 October 2026RØDE launch news. audioXpress and Newsshooter carried it on 2018-12-19. The RØDE page itself shows no date.

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 pagerode.com/en-us/products/podmicRead 15 October 2026The US page sells the PodMic at 99 USD in Black (PODMIC) and White (PODMICW).

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

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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

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

$9910Reviewaudiomediainternational.com/review-rodecaster-pro-and-rode-podmicRead 15 October 2026Review dated 2019-08-30 lists PodMic RRP: $99. Podcast Insights also gives 99 USD. US price excl. 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.

€1199Reviewdelamar.de/test/rode-podmicRead 15 October 2026German test dated 2019-06-11: Preis 119 Euro and UVP 119 Euro. The review does not state the tax treatment. German RRPs are normally printed with VAT. No RØDE EUR launch price was found.

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

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ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black, White1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/podmicRead 15 October 2026Variants in the page data: Black and White.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdfRead 15 October 2026Colour: Black. The page lists Black and White.

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Microphone typeiElectret condensers count as condenser.

Dynamic1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/podmicRead 15 October 2026Dynamic broadcast microphone with a high-quality dynamic capsule.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdfRead 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

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

11Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/podmicRead 15 October 2026The page names a dynamic capsule 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 pagerode.com/en-us/products/podmicRead 15 October 2026Tight cardioid polar pattern.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdfRead 15 October 2026

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 pagerode.com/en-us/products/podmicRead 15 October 2026The page calls the PodMic a broadcast-grade end-address microphone.4Owner's manualedge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/0927-0716-03-05%20PODMIC%20QSG_FINAL%20ARTWORK-WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Step 3: talk or sing into the end of the microphone.

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 HzMax13 kHz2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdfRead 15 October 2026Frequency Range: 50Hz ~13 kHz. The older datasheet (May 2023, linked from rode.com) and the spec tab of the rode.com page say 50Hz - 15kHz. The newer sheet is stored. The frequency chart in both sheets falls steeply at about 15 kHz.

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.

-57dBV/Pa2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdfRead 15 October 2026Sensitivity: -57.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz. The sheet adds 1.60mV @ 94 dB SPL, which would be -55.9 dBV. The older sheet and the rode.com spec tab print -57dBV (1.4mV @ 94dB SPL). The dB value is the same in all three.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_07_FA.pdfRead 15 October 2026Older datasheet: -57dBV (1.4mV @ 94dB SPL) +/- 2dB @1kHz.

-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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

320Ω2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdfRead 15 October 2026Output Impedance: 320 ohm.

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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.

XLR2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdfRead 15 October 2026Output Connection: XLR.4Owner's manualedge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/0927-0716-03-05%20PODMIC%20QSG_FINAL%20ARTWORK-WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Step 2: connect an XLR cable to the output on the rear of the microphone.

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

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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 required2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdfRead 15 October 2026Phantom Power: Not required.

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

2 of 2 differ

Headphone outputiA headphone jack on the microphone.

No2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdfRead 15 October 2026The datasheet lists XLR as the only output connection.

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.

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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.

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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 inch7Retailer pagethomann.de/gb/rode_podmic.htmRead 15 October 2026Thomann says the PodMic can be mounted on conventional stands thanks to its integrated 5/8 inch and 3/8 inch threads. No maker document names the thread.

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.

Internal1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/podmicRead 15 October 2026Internal shockmount. The page FAQ says the capsule is internally suspended and the swing mount is internally decoupled, so no external shock mount can be used.

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 pagerode.com/en-us/products/podmicRead 15 October 2026Internal pop filter.

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.

No2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdfRead 15 October 2026What's in the box shows the PodMic only. No stand is listed.

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

All-metal body with stainless steel mesh grille1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/podmicRead 15 October 2026Robust all-metal body and hard-wearing stainless steel mesh grille.

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.

Not available

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.

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Software

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SoftwareiThe maker's app for the microphone.

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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.

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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.

Width109Height62Depth172mm(4.3 × 2.4 × 6.8 in)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdfRead 15 October 2026Product Dimensions (LxWxH, mm): 172 x 109 x 62 with the integrated swing mount. The drawing shows 172 mm along the microphone body, 109 mm across the swing mount and 62 mm as the body diameter. Stored as depth 172, width 109 and height 62. The height of a mic hung from its stem is larger.

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.

937g(2.1 lb)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdfRead 15 October 2026Weight: 937g. The swing mount is part of the microphone.

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

CE, UKCA, FCC Part 15 Class B, CAN ICES-3 (B) / NMB-3 (B), KC (South Korea)4Owner's manualedge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/0927-0716-03-05%20PODMIC%20QSG_FINAL%20ARTWORK-WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Compliance text lists FCC Part 15 Class B, CAN ICES-3 (B) / NMB-3 (B) and a South Korea ID R-R-R72-PodMic. The rode.com page links an EU and a UKCA Declaration of Conformity.

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In the box

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In the box

PodMic2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdfRead 15 October 2026What's in the box: PodMic (Black or White).

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

rode.com/en-us/products/podmic1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/podmicRead 15 October 2026

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

Spec sheet

edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/PodMic_Datasheet_FA.pdfRead 15 October 2026Datasheet linked from the RØDE brand store. It was made in September 2024 and is newer than the datasheet linked from rode.com (PodMic_Datasheet_07_FA.pdf, May 2023).

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Manual

edge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/0927-0716-03-05%20PODMIC%20QSG_FINAL%20ARTWORK-WEB.pdf4Owner's manualedge.rode.com/pdf/products/108/0927-0716-03-05%20PODMIC%20QSG_FINAL%20ARTWORK-WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Quick Start Guide. The rode.com page lists it as the Product Manual.

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.

2years1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/podmicRead 15 October 2026The product data has warranty 2 and the page shows a 2 Year Warranty icon. Whether the 2 years need a registration was not checked for this model.

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.