@@DaMediaGuyProductions That's worth investigating. I'm about as far from a musician as it gets, so I couldn't really say. Check out the Podcastage channel. He does a million mic tests and covers all of that.
@@redswingline23 I have. I have three ATR 2100 and have used them for three years. They work great. I am sure the Samson would have been a great choose also but the additional noise that is picked up by the Samson would require more post production for my need which is podcasting. I don't have a sound room and record outside so the ATR 2100 Works great for me. I am thinking though of adding a xlr wireless adapter to my mic. Any suggestions?
Three years on and the Q2U continues to kick butt. Ladies & Gentlemen on headphones, please pay attention to the extra body that mic provides to the voice. Buy this mic.
Q2U has more louder "s" sounds than the ATR2100. ATR2100 feels more padded. Q2U is more sensitive and sounds more alive, the ATR2100 is more level across its tones and has less "spikes" in tones, translates to easier listening But the Q2U will bring the vocals to life more, good for soft speakers or very good for energetic podcasts. Sound processing might be needed to control the strong "S" sounds for the Q2U
Zoom H6 as an audio interface, into Adobe Audition. I think I used 48khz/24bit, but that’s overkill for podcasting. 44.1khz/16bit is just fine. No filters or processing at all. Hopefully that answers your question.
2:29 Q2U: "Just right off the _bat_...". 2:37 ATR2100: "So, take _that_ for what it's worth." Listen to the "at" sound at these two parts, "bat" and "that". With the Q2U, "bat" sounds like it's from a NPR narrator. With the ATR2100, "that" sounds like it's from a cheap cell phone with 1 bar of signal. However, note the big pop from the Q2U at 1:45. Although switching back and forth was great, even better would be to repeat the same segment. That way we'd know if this difference is real or whether you spoke the words differently. edit: grammar
i just listened to what you pointed out.. and you're exactly right.. that "at" sound had a night and day difference between the two.. popping isnt a big issue though.. i wouldnt use a dynamic mic which requires such close proximity to the mic without a pop filter anyway.. in fact, im ordering a Q2U, a neewer mic arm, and pop filter what you just pointed out though has sold me on the Q2U
Samson makes good mics for a really nice price. I would go with that. My only negative thought is that many reviewers have commented that you really need to get close to the Q2U or sound drops off very quickly. That's great for some applications, but not good for mine, as I need to work about 6 to 8 inches away from it. I'd like to see how it performs at different semi-near distances that aren't right up on it. One thing you'll notice that Samson does is that their mikes don't have that typical "cheap high end" sound many Chinese condensers and dynamics have. The highs sound more Shure-like. The Q2U is a great value, if you don't mind working close-in. Now I suspect that the Audio Technica has a flatter sound, and will be a better mic if you intend to EQ. It appears Samson has gone for great general use sound for people who aren't going to be messing with EQ much, right out of the box. In my (limited) experience, a flatter mic will EQ more cleanly, while a mic like the Samson will kind of fall apart under EQ, and you'll notice its faults rather quickly.
Thank you so much. Great way of comparison. Do you use your camera as a webcam and record the audio and video using a camera app? Or do you ad the voice to video in the post?
I only have $50. Would you recommend trying to get the extra $16 that I need for the ATR2100 (I'm only a kid so it would be hard to get) or just buying the Q2U. It's for my brother, but I don't want to ask him what he wants because it is sort of like a late Christmas present. Also, would you prefer the Q2U or the Blue Snowball/Snowball Ice?
Great comparison. Do you have a preference between the two when there is background noise? I sometimes run louder box fans and have a louder keyboard, trying to figure out which may be better for that situation if there's any diifference
Thank you! I don't know that there's much difference with background noise rejection. I like the Q2U a little better, overall. I always recommend that anyone looking for more specific info check out the Podcastage channel. Bandrew gets down and dirty on most any mic you can think of.
Hotter dynamics are generally better for the typical home recording. Most people are using dynamic mics with cardiod, super cardiod, or hyper cardiod patterns in hopes of reducing unwanted external sound sources from being recorded. Those same people generally have a consumer or prosumer grade device to connect their XLR mic into. Mics with a weak signal need more gain. Dynamic mics in particular generally need a lot more gain than condenser mics. When you put this all together usually what happens is you have to turn the gain dial up a lot to get a good signal level, but by doing so you're also raising the noise floor/introducing a lot of noise into your recording. By using a hotter microphone, or in other words a microphone that gives more signal with the same gain, this helps to reduce the amount of noise (floor) in your recordings. This is also why in line JFETs like the Cloudlifter, Fethead, Durham, SS1, etc are popular with UA-camrs and home recording artists. When using USB instead of XLR many of these same concepts would hold true, just the signal path and electronics are different. I have an ATR 2100 and it was actually very disappointing even compared to my Sennheiser PC131 headset connected via 3.5mm to a Creative Labs Sound Blaster. No joke, that PC131 had a FANTASTIC sound. It was just a cheap, flimsy, simple headset with an ultra thin cable that broke. The headset was open design so I couldn't ever use it for live monitoring as the mic on the boom would pick up sounds from the headset. And it connects via 3.5 mm jack, though I believe there is a USB version of the Sennheiser PC131. Looks like the PC36 might be that, basically. After a while I got tired of the lack of detail, and just the lacking in all spectrums of audio, that I was getting with the ATR 2100. I knew I wanted something more accurate, more detailed. But I also didn't want to just run right out, buy an SM7B for $400, buy a new, more robust, boom arm for another $100+, etc. And I often am a bit of a rebel who likes to find their own path, so instead of doing something like buying an SM58, I found the AKG D7 and bought that. Again, disappointment right out the gates, but this time it was due to the low signal levels I got from this mic combined with the large amounts of noise produced when turning the gain up high enough. The other issue I had was that I felt the low end just wasn't flattering for my voice whatsoever. Then, not long after, a friend offered to let me borrow their Heil Sound PR35. I ended up buying that off that friend and still have that hooked up. It's sibilant, it's sensitive to plosives, and it's not the most popular mic (who cares - there are BOAT LOADS of mics on the market), but it DID hit a few areas that made me really happy. First of all between my Shure WH20, Audio Technical ATR2100, and AKG D7, the Heil Sound PR35 is the hottest mic - meaning it needs the least gain/gives higher signal. PR35 has great, flattering lows - almost too much bass, in fact. I cut out 2-4 DB in the low end in post sometimes. It is still detailed and accurate, when compared to the ATR2100 certainly, throughout the entire audio spectrum for my voice. Funnier part of this is the PR35 isn't even designed as a vocal mic. It is based on the PR30 but Bob Heil was asked to turn the PR30 into a handheld, so he did. I believe Stevie Wonder uses the PR 35. I use both a windscreen, to help with sibilance, and the pop filter helps tremendously with the plosives. Pro tip - a pop filter is dirt cheap, yet effective. Don't let anybody mess with you and have you believe you have to spend $50 or more on an effective pop filter. You don't.
'I think the Q2U sounds better, and as you said it's louder, which means you don't need as much pre-amp. (I actually sort of like it better as a USB mic than with my XLR set-up.) Maybe one reason the ATR2100 costs more is that it gets more publicity (which has driven the price up in the past year or so), but additionally it comes with a lifetime warranty, which is hard to beat. Both are good. And both need windscreens, like you're using.
Good call. I like the Q2U as well. I wonder how consistent that is across units. The usb just went out on my atr2100, so the warranty will come in handy.
Joseph, sorry to hear about the USB on your ATR2100. I've read that that is the most common reason for buyers to use the warranty on that mic. The USB also went on my AT2005, which is similar, but....no warranty!
It was the q2u or meteor or atr2500 and I went with the q2u because it really has a good voice sound. I won't be making music with it and would choose a different mic if I were. The meteor is on sale at bh for $49 and was hard to pass up as it sounds nice and rich with good bass. Thanks for the video.
Not sure. My chain was simple. Mics to Zoom H6 as an audio interface, right into an Adobe Audition Multi-Track session. No filters. No post. Nothing. Kick ass mic technique, I Guess? LOL!
Thanks for doing this, that was exactly the comparison I've been searching for. Was looking to upgrade from an old CAD U1 and the samson looks like such a great option. After you lower the gain on the samson to match the db level you get from the audio technica do they pretty much sound identical? From what I could tell the samson was more prone to plosions but that could very well just be because it by default has a higher gain so things seem more obvious.
Yeah, I don't know where the company originated or who ultimately owns it. Their current address is NY. At the time, I had just heard that it was what was available to European markets, while the ATR 2100 was not. Thanks! Glad you like it.
Hi, thank you for this video! Great! I got the Samson and I connected it via USB directly into my computer. The voice is good but when I increase the volume to max (already with 85) I can hear the white noise -"sh sh sh sh" - in the background. Do you have any idea why is it happening? Would I have the same problem with ATR 2100? Thanks for your answer in advance.
You will likely have the same result with the ATR2100. Unfortunately, I'm not sure why that is happening. I use an interface and xlr cables, and don't have an issue with either mic. I've read and heard that you will tend to have noise issues with any usb mic that goes straight into your computer. Maybe I'll do an in depth comparison. You could try a different usb cable just to make sure it's not that. Sorry I'm not more helpful. Good luck.
Hi, your reply is actually very helpful! Thank you very much! Which interface do you use? Would you recommend a condenser USB microphone (as I understand it that probably won't solve the problem and as I read they take a lot of background noise, is that true?) So, is the best solution Samson + interface? Thank you!
You're very welcome. I use a Zoom H6 as my interface. It's not ideal, but it is pretty good and I use it for many other things as well. Depending on the use, if you have a quiet recording space a condenser is okay. Many people like them for the supposed better sound quality, but they require a separate power source or phantom power, you're right; they pick up tons of noise. I don't have personal experience with one, so I really can't comment too much more on that. Are you recording? If so, what software do you use? Generally speaking, you don't want to crank up volume or gain to the max. Settling in a level where you're clear, loud enough, and not distorted is always the goal.
Thank you so much for your quick answers! I am preparing an online course about the Science of Decision Making and I have already recorded a couple of videos using Audio-Technika ATR3350 plugged directly into the Canon camera and it gave me how much white noise. Now, I am battling with it using Adobe Premiere and Audition. I need to record more videos as slide shows. Probably, I will use the Camtasia to do that and that's why I am looking for USB mic, this time without any hiss noises.. I would like to start recording short you tube videos as well about different topic from Positive Psychology, Coaching etc. I don't want to invest too much because I am starting..
I think the Q2U is a perfect mic for that. Check pod-casting blogs and forums for interface recommendations. There have to be a couple decent affordable ones out there that can get you on track. Good luck!
Can you please explain what were your settings on your Zoom H6? Also, how do you sync your video and your audio? At last, what is the reference for the boomer stand you used for the Q2U?
Zoom H6 with no effects at all, set to about 6.5 on the gain. I synced this in FCPX, using the native GoPro audio wave and just eyeballing it until I got it close enough. Then I deleted the GoPro audio. The better method would probably be to just line out right to the GoPro. The boom arms in the video are NEEWER Adjustable Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand. www.amazon.com/dp/B00DY1F2CS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tAK5AbJJ9ZK7A
@Joseph Cherry: We are 2 years later after you produced this video. Would the Samson Q2U be THE mic you would still recommend today in 2018? If not, what would your top 2 mics for $80 and your ultimate mic? So you confirmed you did not have ANY postproduction on the sound of this video? As Michael Hall below, the Q2U sounds like it's from a Radio Talk Show narrator. What is surprising is that we can't hear that on most of the other UA-cam videos reviewing that same Q2U. Yours is the only one that makes me think I should buy it... But I want to be sure I'll get the same quality.
I don't religiously follow the latest and greatest budget mic developments the way some guys do, but I do keep an eye out. I haven't seen anything in this price range that makes me change my mind. Here's a little bit deeper dive on the mics in this range. If you haven't seen Bandrew before, he's kind of a goofball, but he seems to really know his stuff. ua-cam.com/video/Gnu0QBNZ4AU/v-deo.html
2100 Worth it at $67 amazon US? I will have lots of backround noise, so this seems like a great option. Which filter did you use on the mic, should a generic one be fine? Also, which mic stand did you use? Thanks for fast response!
No problem. The ATR2100 is one of the most highly recommended mics out there, for beginning podcasters. The general consensus is that for less than $100 its a great deal. I use a Neewer scissor boom arm. They're anywhere from $13 to $20. Good luck!
When I was looking for a USB mic the ATR2100 NEVER came up in any searches, but the Q2U came up frequently. I've no idea if the ATR2100 existed 5 yrs ago, but the Q2U certainly did. Even when I looked at Audio Technica's website, there was NO ATR2100 listed back then. So my suspicions are that AT simply went to the same 'asian' company that Samson was using to produce their Q2U and had them make the ATR2100 to compete with Samson (don't know this for a fact...but 'rebranding' is quite common with products). Since, at the time, I'm unaware of anyone else, other then Samson, that was offering a USB/XLR dynamic microphone. I went a different route (USB condenser) simply because I couldn't find anyone that had the Q2U in stock (for whatever reason, supply or sheer demand, everyone was "OUT OF STOCK"). But the Q2U has always been on my radar. Versitility, because of the USB/XLR should a would be 'recordist' decide they need more then just a computer (moving up to an actual mixer) and the fact it meant not having to change/replace microphones when one does move up to a mixer OR do something live that a USB mic simply cannot fill the role (latency is always an issue when going through a computer). And worse come to worse, its a 'back up' mic if one chooses to go higher end for an XLR mic. Even 5 yrs on, the Q2U is STILL on my radar. And now that I'm looking for another microphone...its near the top of the list, again (USB condenser is stuck in the house, I need a 'remote' robust mic, which is why dynamics are used on stage and condensers are not, for 'out of the studio' work).
Hi there. Very helpful video as both these mics were recommended to me. I bought the Q2U, just got it, haven't used it yet. You mentioned the earphones are crap. Is there a set of earphones you'd recommend? Also, being new to all of this (will soon be launching a podcast with video version of interviews too), I need to learn more about what the Zoom6 does. Can you explain why you use it because I understand that you can plug the USB from Q2U straight into computer, so what are the benefits of having the Zoom in between? Thanks so much!!!!
The H6 is great as an audio interface or a stand alone recorder. There are some good videos about it on UA-cam, but not a ton. Daniel J Lewis has a course you can order that really breaks it all down. It's not free, but might be worth it. That's awesome you're starting a podcast. Good luck!
Dynamic microphones are very sensible to distances, In your footage the samson looks and sounds few inches closer. First the volume is higher on the samson as you said but there is also way more bass picked up. the AT also sounds flatter and more ''boring''. Would have been better if you used the exact same placement as room acoustics also change the sound you get.
No. No additional preamp. The Zoom H6 has its own preamps. I don't know how it stacks up against cloudlifter. I believe the gain was about 6 on the Zoom dials.
Straight to the point , short video , and helpful ! Thank you so much
i will buy Q2U
Awesome! Glad you found it useful.
Love me some straight to the point vids,ty
@@cometjosh Trust me, everyone loves straight to the point vids.
Samson Q2U by a mile. Not just louder but fuller and richer as well.
Holy hell man. It seems like such a simple task to literally pit the mics together in the way you did. But it seems few people do it. Thanks a ton!
This was the best comparison and demo of the Q2U against the 2100 I have seen yet,
Thanks. I'm glad you found it useful.
@@redswingline23 the Samson was louder but the Audio Technica sounded clearer.
@@redswingline23 maybe the ATR 2100 is better for podcasting and the Samson Q2U is better for musicians? Thoughts?
@@DaMediaGuyProductions That's worth investigating. I'm about as far from a musician as it gets, so I couldn't really say. Check out the Podcastage channel. He does a million mic tests and covers all of that.
@@redswingline23 I have. I have three ATR 2100 and have used them for three years. They work great. I am sure the Samson would have been a great choose also but the additional noise that is picked up by the Samson would require more post production for my need which is podcasting. I don't have a sound room and record outside so the ATR 2100 Works great for me. I am thinking though of adding a xlr wireless adapter to my mic. Any suggestions?
Thank you for a fantastic easy to understand comparison- most helpful - I had made up my mind to buy the ATR till now - damn ....
SUPER! Exactly what I needed to know and hear. Thanks!
Three years on and the Q2U continues to kick butt. Ladies & Gentlemen on headphones, please pay attention to the extra body that mic provides to the voice. Buy this mic.
after 2 years, my Q2U broke
I find it toouch loud for my taste
Q2U has more louder "s" sounds than the ATR2100. ATR2100 feels more padded. Q2U is more sensitive and sounds more alive, the ATR2100 is more level across its tones and has less "spikes" in tones, translates to easier listening But the Q2U will bring the vocals to life more, good for soft speakers or very good for energetic podcasts. Sound processing might be needed to control the strong "S" sounds for the Q2U
Great comments. Thanks for chiming in!
but what do you think take more background noise in real time fore example in a videocall?
What audio recording you use sir. Bec. I have Q2U but i cant find audio recording. Pls reply to me. I need to know.
Zoom H6 as an audio interface, into Adobe Audition. I think I used 48khz/24bit, but that’s overkill for podcasting. 44.1khz/16bit is just fine. No filters or processing at all. Hopefully that answers your question.
2:29 Q2U: "Just right off the _bat_...".
2:37 ATR2100: "So, take _that_ for what it's worth."
Listen to the "at" sound at these two parts, "bat" and "that". With the Q2U, "bat" sounds like it's from a NPR narrator. With the ATR2100, "that" sounds like it's from a cheap cell phone with 1 bar of signal. However, note the big pop from the Q2U at 1:45.
Although switching back and forth was great, even better would be to repeat the same segment. That way we'd know if this difference is real or whether you spoke the words differently.
edit: grammar
Michael Hall thanks for the feedback.
i just listened to what you pointed out.. and you're exactly right.. that "at" sound had a night and day difference between the two.. popping isnt a big issue though.. i wouldnt use a dynamic mic which requires such close proximity to the mic without a pop filter anyway.. in fact, im ordering a Q2U, a neewer mic arm, and pop filter
what you just pointed out though has sold me on the Q2U
Thank you. Strangely this is still a relevant question.
Dont normally give likes on video but this one deserve a fucking like. Straight to the point. I'm glad it wasnt a 20min video
Samson makes good mics for a really nice price. I would go with that. My only negative thought is that many reviewers have commented that you really need to get close to the Q2U or sound drops off very quickly. That's great for some applications, but not good for mine, as I need to work about 6 to 8 inches away from it. I'd like to see how it performs at different semi-near distances that aren't right up on it. One thing you'll notice that Samson does is that their mikes don't have that typical "cheap high end" sound many Chinese condensers and dynamics have. The highs sound more Shure-like. The Q2U is a great value, if you don't mind working close-in. Now I suspect that the Audio Technica has a flatter sound, and will be a better mic if you intend to EQ. It appears Samson has gone for great general use sound for people who aren't going to be messing with EQ much, right out of the box. In my (limited) experience, a flatter mic will EQ more cleanly, while a mic like the Samson will kind of fall apart under EQ, and you'll notice its faults rather quickly.
Excellent input! Thanks for watching!
Both sound relatively the same. Although the 2100 is a bit quieter, so you’ll need to raise the gain/volume a little more on it, if you choose that
You helped me pull the trigger. Thanks.
Right on! Happy recording!
Defo prefer the a2100 thanks for this!
You're welcome!
Really helpful!! Thanks for taking the time to make the decision easy.
No problem, Josh. Thanks for watching.
Great comparison buddy!
Thank you so much. Great way of comparison. Do you use your camera as a webcam and record the audio and video using a camera app? Or do you ad the voice to video in the post?
Jeez. Sorry for the super late response. I synced the audio in post.
I only have $50. Would you recommend trying to get the extra $16 that I need for the ATR2100 (I'm only a kid so it would be hard to get) or just buying the Q2U. It's for my brother, but I don't want to ask him what he wants because it is sort of like a late Christmas present. Also, would you prefer the Q2U or the Blue Snowball/Snowball Ice?
Damn! Sorry I missed this comment until now. Hopefully whatever choice you made, your brother loved his new mic! I'm sure he did.
don't get the snowball/yeti. ever. unless in a sound treated room.
Great comparison. Do you have a preference between the two when there is background noise? I sometimes run louder box fans and have a louder keyboard, trying to figure out which may be better for that situation if there's any diifference
Thank you! I don't know that there's much difference with background noise rejection. I like the Q2U a little better, overall. I always recommend that anyone looking for more specific info check out the Podcastage channel. Bandrew gets down and dirty on most any mic you can think of.
The samson sounds a little louder and better thanks
Hey great video. I actually made my decision on the Samson after watching this. Keep up the good work!
Well, thanks! I'm glad you found it helpful.
why was that??? it could be take less background noise in real time??? im am wonder for videocall
Hotter dynamics are generally better for the typical home recording. Most people are using dynamic mics with cardiod, super cardiod, or hyper cardiod patterns in hopes of reducing unwanted external sound sources from being recorded. Those same people generally have a consumer or prosumer grade device to connect their XLR mic into. Mics with a weak signal need more gain. Dynamic mics in particular generally need a lot more gain than condenser mics. When you put this all together usually what happens is you have to turn the gain dial up a lot to get a good signal level, but by doing so you're also raising the noise floor/introducing a lot of noise into your recording.
By using a hotter microphone, or in other words a microphone that gives more signal with the same gain, this helps to reduce the amount of noise (floor) in your recordings.
This is also why in line JFETs like the Cloudlifter, Fethead, Durham, SS1, etc are popular with UA-camrs and home recording artists.
When using USB instead of XLR many of these same concepts would hold true, just the signal path and electronics are different.
I have an ATR 2100 and it was actually very disappointing even compared to my Sennheiser PC131 headset connected via 3.5mm to a Creative Labs Sound Blaster. No joke, that PC131 had a FANTASTIC sound. It was just a cheap, flimsy, simple headset with an ultra thin cable that broke. The headset was open design so I couldn't ever use it for live monitoring as the mic on the boom would pick up sounds from the headset. And it connects via 3.5 mm jack, though I believe there is a USB version of the Sennheiser PC131. Looks like the PC36 might be that, basically.
After a while I got tired of the lack of detail, and just the lacking in all spectrums of audio, that I was getting with the ATR 2100. I knew I wanted something more accurate, more detailed. But I also didn't want to just run right out, buy an SM7B for $400, buy a new, more robust, boom arm for another $100+, etc. And I often am a bit of a rebel who likes to find their own path, so instead of doing something like buying an SM58, I found the AKG D7 and bought that. Again, disappointment right out the gates, but this time it was due to the low signal levels I got from this mic combined with the large amounts of noise produced when turning the gain up high enough. The other issue I had was that I felt the low end just wasn't flattering for my voice whatsoever.
Then, not long after, a friend offered to let me borrow their Heil Sound PR35. I ended up buying that off that friend and still have that hooked up. It's sibilant, it's sensitive to plosives, and it's not the most popular mic (who cares - there are BOAT LOADS of mics on the market), but it DID hit a few areas that made me really happy. First of all between my Shure WH20, Audio Technical ATR2100, and AKG D7, the Heil Sound PR35 is the hottest mic - meaning it needs the least gain/gives higher signal. PR35 has great, flattering lows - almost too much bass, in fact. I cut out 2-4 DB in the low end in post sometimes. It is still detailed and accurate, when compared to the ATR2100 certainly, throughout the entire audio spectrum for my voice. Funnier part of this is the PR35 isn't even designed as a vocal mic. It is based on the PR30 but Bob Heil was asked to turn the PR30 into a handheld, so he did. I believe Stevie Wonder uses the PR 35.
I use both a windscreen, to help with sibilance, and the pop filter helps tremendously with the plosives. Pro tip - a pop filter is dirt cheap, yet effective. Don't let anybody mess with you and have you believe you have to spend $50 or more on an effective pop filter. You don't.
That's a ton of info. Thanks, Dan!
Good Video Thank You ^ ^
Very helpful, thank you Joseph!
The Q2U seems like it has a much broader pickup range. I'd love to see a more dynamic comparison, beyond level speaking voice.
Check out Podcastage. Thanks!
ua-cam.com/video/Gnu0QBNZ4AU/v-deo.html
Great to know, helped a lot thanks a lot dude!
Glad it helped!
'I think the Q2U sounds better, and as you said it's louder, which means you don't need as much pre-amp. (I actually sort of like it better as a USB mic than with my XLR set-up.) Maybe one reason the ATR2100 costs more is that it gets more publicity (which has driven the price up in the past year or so), but additionally it comes with a lifetime warranty, which is hard to beat. Both are good. And both need windscreens, like you're using.
Good call. I like the Q2U as well. I wonder how consistent that is across units. The usb just went out on my atr2100, so the warranty will come in handy.
Joseph, sorry to hear about the USB on your ATR2100. I've read that that is the most common reason for buyers to use the warranty on that mic. The USB also went on my AT2005, which is similar, but....no warranty!
Very useful, thank you.
It was the q2u or meteor or atr2500 and I went with the q2u because it really has a good voice sound. I won't be making music with it and would choose a different mic if I were. The meteor is on sale at bh for $49 and was hard to pass up as it sounds nice and rich with good bass. Thanks for the video.
Both of your mics sound bolder and better than all the other reviews of the same mics on UA-cam, what are you doing different?
Not sure. My chain was simple. Mics to Zoom H6 as an audio interface, right into an Adobe Audition Multi-Track session. No filters. No post. Nothing. Kick ass mic technique, I Guess? LOL!
Thank you, nice.
Nice little vid man. I like the Q2U a bit better personally after listening to this
Very cool! Glad you found it useful.
Thanks for doing this, that was exactly the comparison I've been searching for. Was looking to upgrade from an old CAD U1 and the samson looks like such a great option. After you lower the gain on the samson to match the db level you get from the audio technica do they pretty much sound identical? From what I could tell the samson was more prone to plosions but that could very well just be because it by default has a higher gain so things seem more obvious.
evilzombie I would agree with that. They're basically the same. I primarily use the atr2100, but have the q2u ready to go, with no reservations.
I'm guessing you were in a quiet room I hear no background noise at all. Sounds good.
I know! I was pretty surprised. The room wasn't noisy by any means, but it also wasn't sound treated in any way. Just a normal office/guest bedroom.
There is background noise. You need headphones
I looked away after starting the video and thought I accidentally clicked a "Food Wishes" video
European counterpart?! I thought Samson was a chinese brand hahahaha. i love this review by the way!
Yeah, I don't know where the company originated or who ultimately owns it. Their current address is NY. At the time, I had just heard that it was what was available to European markets, while the ATR 2100 was not. Thanks! Glad you like it.
Hi, thank you for this video! Great! I got the Samson and I connected it via USB directly into my computer. The voice is good but when I increase the volume to max (already with 85) I can hear the white noise -"sh sh sh sh" - in the background. Do you have any idea why is it happening? Would I have the same problem with ATR 2100? Thanks for your answer in advance.
You will likely have the same result with the ATR2100. Unfortunately, I'm not sure why that is happening. I use an interface and xlr cables, and don't have an issue with either mic. I've read and heard that you will tend to have noise issues with any usb mic that goes straight into your computer. Maybe I'll do an in depth comparison. You could try a different usb cable just to make sure it's not that. Sorry I'm not more helpful. Good luck.
Hi, your reply is actually very helpful! Thank you very much! Which interface do you use? Would you recommend a condenser USB microphone (as I understand it that probably won't solve the problem and as I read they take a lot of background noise, is that true?) So, is the best solution Samson + interface? Thank you!
You're very welcome. I use a Zoom H6 as my interface. It's not ideal, but it is pretty good and I use it for many other things as well. Depending on the use, if you have a quiet recording space a condenser is okay. Many people like them for the supposed better sound quality, but they require a separate power source or phantom power, you're right; they pick up tons of noise. I don't have personal experience with one, so I really can't comment too much more on that. Are you recording? If so, what software do you use? Generally speaking, you don't want to crank up volume or gain to the max. Settling in a level where you're clear, loud enough, and not distorted is always the goal.
Thank you so much for your quick answers! I am preparing an online course about the Science of Decision Making and I have already recorded a couple of videos using Audio-Technika ATR3350 plugged directly into the Canon camera and it gave me how much white noise. Now, I am battling with it using Adobe Premiere and Audition. I need to record more videos as slide shows. Probably, I will use the Camtasia to do that and that's why I am looking for USB mic, this time without any hiss noises.. I would like to start recording short you tube videos as well about different topic from Positive Psychology, Coaching etc. I don't want to invest too much because I am starting..
I think the Q2U is a perfect mic for that. Check pod-casting blogs and forums for interface recommendations. There have to be a couple decent affordable ones out there that can get you on track. Good luck!
Hey what mic stand are you using also do you have to buy the separate piece to hold your mic?
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DY1F2CS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505439836&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=neewer+mic+boom&dpPl=1&dpID=41i8vnokzKL&ref=plSrch
What gain setting was used on the h6?
About 6.5, if I remember correctly.
Can you please explain what were your settings on your Zoom H6?
Also, how do you sync your video and your audio?
At last, what is the reference for the boomer stand you used for the Q2U?
Zoom H6 with no effects at all, set to about 6.5 on the gain. I synced this in FCPX, using the native GoPro audio wave and just eyeballing it until I got it close enough. Then I deleted the GoPro audio. The better method would probably be to just line out right to the GoPro. The boom arms in the video are NEEWER Adjustable Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand. www.amazon.com/dp/B00DY1F2CS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tAK5AbJJ9ZK7A
@Joseph Cherry: We are 2 years later after you produced this video. Would the Samson Q2U be THE mic you would still recommend today in 2018? If not, what would your top 2 mics for $80 and your ultimate mic?
So you confirmed you did not have ANY postproduction on the sound of this video? As Michael Hall below, the Q2U sounds like it's from a Radio Talk Show narrator. What is surprising is that we can't hear that on most of the other UA-cam videos reviewing that same Q2U. Yours is the only one that makes me think I should buy it... But I want to be sure I'll get the same quality.
I don't religiously follow the latest and greatest budget mic developments the way some guys do, but I do keep an eye out. I haven't seen anything in this price range that makes me change my mind. Here's a little bit deeper dive on the mics in this range. If you haven't seen Bandrew before, he's kind of a goofball, but he seems to really know his stuff. ua-cam.com/video/Gnu0QBNZ4AU/v-deo.html
So much bass
Which one is better with background noise?
They seem the same to me.
2100 Worth it at $67 amazon US? I will have lots of backround noise, so this seems like a great option. Which filter did you use on the mic, should a generic one be fine? Also, which mic stand did you use? Thanks for fast response!
No problem. The ATR2100 is one of the most highly recommended mics out there, for beginning podcasters. The general consensus is that for less than $100 its a great deal. I use a Neewer scissor boom arm. They're anywhere from $13 to $20. Good luck!
Which One Best For Sing Songs?
Bangla Songs That, I couldn't say. Not a singer. Good luck.
Q2U
And weirdly, its the same mic!
Supposed to be, anyway. Can't help but wonder if it's random, right?
did you add post processing ?
None at all.
Helpful video. Thanks!
Anything for the "Desert Fox".
When I was looking for a USB mic the ATR2100 NEVER came up in any searches, but the Q2U came up frequently. I've no idea if the ATR2100 existed 5 yrs ago, but the Q2U certainly did.
Even when I looked at Audio Technica's website, there was NO ATR2100 listed back then. So my suspicions are that AT simply went to the same 'asian' company that Samson was using to produce their Q2U and had them make the ATR2100 to compete with Samson (don't know this for a fact...but 'rebranding' is quite common with products). Since, at the time, I'm unaware of anyone else, other then Samson, that was offering a USB/XLR dynamic microphone.
I went a different route (USB condenser) simply because I couldn't find anyone that had the Q2U in stock (for whatever reason, supply or sheer demand, everyone was "OUT OF STOCK").
But the Q2U has always been on my radar. Versitility, because of the USB/XLR should a would be 'recordist' decide they need more then just a computer (moving up to an actual mixer) and the fact it meant not having to change/replace microphones when one does move up to a mixer OR do something live that a USB mic simply cannot fill the role (latency is always an issue when going through a computer). And worse come to worse, its a 'back up' mic if one chooses to go higher end for an XLR mic.
Even 5 yrs on, the Q2U is STILL on my radar. And now that I'm looking for another microphone...its near the top of the list, again (USB condenser is stuck in the house, I need a 'remote' robust mic, which is why dynamics are used on stage and condensers are not, for 'out of the studio' work).
Hi there. Very helpful video as both these mics were recommended to me. I bought the Q2U, just got it, haven't used it yet. You mentioned the earphones are crap. Is there a set of earphones you'd recommend?
Also, being new to all of this (will soon be launching a podcast with video version of interviews too), I need to learn more about what the Zoom6 does. Can you explain why you use it because I understand that you can plug the USB from Q2U straight into computer, so what are the benefits of having the Zoom in between? Thanks so much!!!!
Hi Julie,
Sure. I like the Audio-technica line. I have both the M30X and M40X, and they're both great as flat studio monitors.
The H6 is great as an audio interface or a stand alone recorder. There are some good videos about it on UA-cam, but not a ton. Daniel J Lewis has a course you can order that really breaks it all down. It's not free, but might be worth it. That's awesome you're starting a podcast. Good luck!
Also, the zoom enables you to ha've 4 mics plugged in (6 with an extra attachment).
Dynamic microphones are very sensible to distances, In your footage the samson looks and sounds few inches closer. First the volume is higher on the samson as you said but there is also way more bass picked up. the AT also sounds flatter and more ''boring''. Would have been better if you used the exact same placement as room acoustics also change the sound you get.
S W A G L O R D 4 2 0 6 9 Cool! Thanks for the input. Will take into account for future tests.
agreed with Oj.
whats your preamp
ZOOM H6.
Joseph Cherry sounds so warm on both mics
i feel like the q2u sounds muddy
Food wishes?
That's right!
Q2U too much loudness
Did you use preamp?
Zoom H6 as USB interface. So, whatever preamp that has.
so you didn't use preamp (e.g. Cloudlifter) ... What was the gain?
No. No additional preamp. The Zoom H6 has its own preamps. I don't know how it stacks up against cloudlifter. I believe the gain was about 6 on the Zoom dials.
Hello this is chef john, from foodwishes.com wiiitthhhhhh
That's right!
I think that Samson sounds really ordinary.
The lows on both of these are amongst the worst I've ever heard.