Microphones / Compare

Samson Q2U vs Shure MV7+

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Product A: Samson

Q2U

37 of 61 known

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B

Product B: Shure

MV7+

43 of 61 known

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Only differences

ASamson Q2U

BShure MV7+

General

4 of 8 differ

Series

Not available

MOTIV1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026Shure lists the MV7+ in its MOTIV microphones series.

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

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.

MV7+-K, MV7+-W, MV7+-K-BNDL1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026SKUs in the page data: MV7+-K (black), MV7+-W (white), MV7+-K-BNDL (black with the Shure-by-Gator desktop stand). The boom arm bundles MV7+-KSHBROADCAST1 and MV7+-WSHBROADCAST1 are not stored.

GTIN / EAN

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.

042406791571, 042406812719, 0424067916941Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026UPC in the page data: 042406791571 for MV7+-K, 042406812719 for MV7+-W and 042406791694 for MV7+-K-BNDL. The boom arm bundles have no UPC.

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

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.

9 April 20244Press releaseshure.com/en-US/newsroom/shure-empowers-content-creators-with-next-level-recording-and-streaming-equipment-introducing-the-new-mv7-microphoneRead 14 October 2026Shure press release of 2024-04-09 announces the MV7+.

Status

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.

Available4Press releaseshure.com/en-US/newsroom/shure-empowers-content-creators-with-next-level-recording-and-streaming-equipment-introducing-the-new-mv7-microphoneRead 14 October 20265Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/microphones/shure-mv7plus-podcast-microphone-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review of 2024-08-16: on sale at Amazon and Shure's website.6Press articletechcrunch.com/2024/04/09/shure-mv7-the-best-usb-podcast-mic-gets-betterRead 14 October 2026Now available in black.

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.

$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.

$2794Press releaseshure.com/en-US/newsroom/shure-empowers-content-creators-with-next-level-recording-and-streaming-equipment-introducing-the-new-mv7-microphoneRead 14 October 2026Starting at $279 USD for black and, later, white. The MV7+ Podcast kit with the black microphone and a Gator mic stand starts at $299 USD. No euro price is in the release.5Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/microphones/shure-mv7plus-podcast-microphone-reviewRead 14 October 2026MSRP $279. The microphone with a desktop stand is $299.

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.

Not available

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

Not available

Black, White1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026The page offers Black and White.4Press releaseshure.com/en-US/newsroom/shure-empowers-content-creators-with-next-level-recording-and-streaming-equipment-introducing-the-new-mv7-microphoneRead 14 October 2026Two colors, black and white. The white version came later in summer 2024.

Microphone typeiElectret condensers count as condenser.

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.

Dynamic1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 20262Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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.

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.

12Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026The guide names one dynamic moving-coil transducer and cartridge protection. It prints no capsule count, so one is the reading of a single cardioid dynamic transducer.

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

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.

Cardioid1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026Page data lists cardioid.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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

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.

End address1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026Page data form factor: End-Address/Small Diaphragm.

Sound specs

5 of 10 differ

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

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.

Min50 HzMax16 kHz1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 20262Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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.

-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.

-55dBV/Pa2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Spec table: -55 dBV/Pa (1.78 mV) at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage with XLR connection, 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL. The XLR output is passive and has no preamp.

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

-33dBFS1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026Page data lists sensitivity -33.0 dBFS/Pa. The user guide ties -33 dBV/Pa to the USB-C connection.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Spec table: -33 dBV/Pa at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage with USB-C connection, 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL, at minimum gain and flat mode. The adjustable gain range is 0 to +36 dB. The output is digital over USB, so the value is stored as digital sensitivity.

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.

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.

128dB SPL2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026USB-C maximum SPL 128 dB SPL at minimum gain, flat mode. No THD level is given and no XLR figure 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.

Not available

350Ω2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026350 ohm at 1 kHz with XLR connection.

Connectivity

3 of 7 differ

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.

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.

USB, XLR1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026Dual USB-C and XLR outputs.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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.

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.

Not available

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.

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.

USB-C2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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

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.

USB-C2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Furnished accessory: a 3 meter USB-C to USB-C cable.

Cable lengthiLength of the included USB cable.

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.

3m2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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 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.

Not required2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026The XLR output is passive and the spec table lists phantom power protection: yes. The microphone is powered through USB-C bus power. A dynamic microphone needs no phantom power.

Digital audio

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Max bit depthiHighest recording bit depth over USB.

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.

24bits2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026A/D converter 16 or 24-bit, 48 kHz. The 16-bit and 44.1 kHz mode is iOS only.

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

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.

48kHz2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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

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.

No2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026The bit depth table lists only 24 bit and 16 bit, so no 32-bit float format.

Monitoring

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Headphone outputiA headphone jack on the microphone.

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.

Yes1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 20262Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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

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.

Yes1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026Page: monitor your audio in real-time via the 3.5mm headphone jack. The text for musicians says latency-free monitoring via the headphone jack.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 20263.5 mm monitor output for latency-free 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.

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.

Mute1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026Instantly mute the microphone by tapping anywhere on the LED panel. Gain and monitor mix are set in MOTIV Mix.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026The LED touch panel mutes the microphone when touched. Mute lock is set in MOTIV Mix. Gain and monitor mix show on the panel but are set in MOTIV Mix.

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

Auto level, Compressor, Limiter, Noise reduction, EQ, High-pass filter, Plosive reduction1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026Page lists Auto Level Mode, real-time Denoiser, Digital Popper Stopper, three reverbs and sound signature, EQ and compression in MOTIV Mix. The user guide spec table lists the on-board DSP and says the device stores the most recently used settings.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Spec table, on-board DSP: Auto-Level Mode, Digital Popper Stopper, Real-time Denoiser, Tone Slider, Reverb, Compressor, Limiter, High-Pass Filter. Digital Popper Stopper is stored as plosive reduction and the Tone Slider as EQ. Reverb has no matching option. Manual mode sets gain, compressor and limiter, and Auto Level is the default. The guide says the device stores the most recently used settings.

Mounting and accessories

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

Not available

5/8 inch, 3/8 inch2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 20265/8 in-27 thread mount. The furnished accessories include a 5/8 in to 3/8 in thread adapter.

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.

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.

Not available

Pop filteriPop protection built in or in the box.

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.

Foam windscreen2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Furnished accessory: black foam windscreen (AMV7+K).

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.

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.

No1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026The box list has no stand. The bundle MV7+-K-BNDL adds the Shure-by-Gator Desktop Microphone Stand.5Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/microphones/shure-mv7plus-podcast-microphone-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review says the MV7+ does not come with a boom arm or a desktop stand.

Design and build

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Housing material

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

Diecast aluminum1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026Page data lists a metal housing. The user guide says diecast aluminum.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Housing: diecast aluminum.

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.

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.

Yes1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026The LED touch panel offers 16.8 million colors and a pulsing light effect besides the live meter and mute state. The decorative pulse is why this is stored as true.

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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MOTIV Mix1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026MOTIV Mix desktop app. MOTIV Audio and MOTIV Video are the mobile apps.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Software compatibility: MOTIV Mix desktop app, Shure MOTIV Audio and Video apps.

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

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.

Yes2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Firmware update section: a Firmware Update Available button appears in MOTIV Mix, MOTIV for iOS and Android and MOTIV Video.

Compatibility

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

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.

Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026MOTIV Mix on Windows 10 and higher and Mac OS 12 and higher. MOTIV Audio and Video apps on iOS 16 and higher and Android OS 12 and higher. iPadOS follows from the Made for iPad certification list in the user guide.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Windows 10 and higher, macOS 12 and higher, iOS 16 and higher, Android 12 and higher. The certification section lists Made for iPad models.

ConsolesiConsoles the maker lists for USB audio.

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PlayStation2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Game compatibility: PS5. Not compatible with Xbox.

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.

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).

Width90Height164Depth169.5mm(3.5 × 6.5 × 6.7 in)2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Overall dimensions drawing, page 13: 169.5 mm long, 90 mm wide and 164.0 mm high, with the yoke and its mount post. The microphone points along the length, so the depth is 169.5 mm.

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

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).

573.5g(1.3 lb)1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026Page lists 574 g. The user guide net weight is 573.5 g.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Net weight 573.5 g (1.26 lbs).

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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MFi certified2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Spec table: MFi certified, yes.

In the box

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In the box

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.

MV7+ Black, MV7+ White, USB-C to USB-C cable, Quick Start Guide, Shure-by-Gator Desktop Microphone Stand1Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026Box lists of the SKUs: 1 MV7+ Black (or White), 1 USB-C to USB-C cable, 1 Quick Start Guide. MV7+-K-BNDL adds 1 Shure-by-Gator Desktop Microphone Stand. The user guide also lists a black foam windscreen and a 5/8 in to 3/8 in thread adapter as furnished accessories, which the page box list leaves out.2Owner's manualpubs.shure.com/view/guide/MV7plus/en-US.pdfRead 14 October 2026Furnished accessories: 3 meter USB-C to USB-C cable, black foam windscreen and a thread adapter. Version 1.11 (2026-H) of the guide.

Links

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Product page

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

www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv71Maker product pageshure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7Read 14 October 2026

Spec sheet

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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.

www.shure.com/en-US/docs/guide/MV7plus3Owner's manualshure.com/en-US/docs/guide/MV7plusRead 14 October 2026Shure online user guide for the MV7+. The page builds its text with scripts, so the specs were read from the PDF edition.

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.

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

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