arkivoAPI
Menu

Computers / Microphones

Samson Q2U

SamsonMicrophone

Q2U

Released January 2009.7Press articlesweetwater.com/insync/winter-namm-2009-samson-q2uRead 20 October 2026The Q2U was shown at Winter NAMM 2009. No ship date was found. Samson reintroduced it as the Recording and Podcasting Pack in February 2017. Last checked 20 October 2026.

Type
Dynamic
Polar patterns
Cardioid
Outputs
USB, XLR
Frequency response
50 Hz / 15 kHz

37 of 61 fields known.

Compare with another microphoneDownload JSONDownload CSVGet it from the API

At a glance

All specs

SourceCalculated

General

Series
Not available
Model numbers
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
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.
Announced
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 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.
Predecessor
Not available
Successor
Not available
Launch price (US)
$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)
Not available
Markets
Not available
Colours
Not available
Microphone type
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

Capsule size
Not available
Capsules
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 patterns
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 type
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

Frequency response
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)
-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)
Not available
Max SPL
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 limit
Not available
Self-noise
Not available
Digital noise floor
Not available
Signal-to-noise ratio
Not available
Dynamic range
Not available
Output impedance
Not available

Connectivity

Outputs
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 sources
Not available
USB and XLR at once
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 port
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 plug
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 length
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 power
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

Max bit depth
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 rate
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 recording
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

Headphone output
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 monitoring
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

Onboard controls
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 processing
Not available

Mounting and accessories

Mount threads
Not available
Shock mount
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 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 included
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

Housing material
Die-cast1Maker product pagesamsontech.com/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2uRead 20 October 2026Features: solid, die-cast construction with heavy gauge mesh grille.
RGB 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 zones
Not available

Software

Software
Not available
User firmware updates
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

Works with
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.
Consoles
Not available

Dimensions and weight

Front and side, drawn to scale.

Microphone dimensions
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 weight
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 stand
Not available

Certifications

We could not find any of these 1 fields. Show them
Other certifications
Not available

In the box

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.

Warranty

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

Compare with

Pick a microphone to see both side by side. Differences are marked yellow.

More microphone comparisons

Sources

We read 10 sources for this microphone. The numbers match the markers in the sheet.

  1. Read 20 October 2026Backs 29 fields
  2. Read 20 October 2026Backs 20 fields
  3. Read 20 October 2026Backs 1 field
  4. Read 20 October 2026Backs 1 field
  5. Read 20 October 2026Backs 3 fields
  6. Read 20 October 2026Backs 4 fields
  7. Read 20 October 2026Backs 3 fields
  8. Read 20 October 2026Backs 3 fields
  9. Read 20 October 2026Backs 1 field
  10. Read 20 October 2026Backs 1 field

See a wrong value? Tell us and name the field.