With all the specialty choices out there I am most happy with my good old SM58. I think there is a perception that it’s so old a design that there has to be something better, but no, I am constantly amazed at the flexibility of it especially if you do comedy sketches and know how to move around and away from it to place characters in different spaces. So much fun. Thanks as always for the thorough review.
You've been very helpful in my audio journey, Curtis. But whenever people ask me how I built up my home studio, I always tell them that it was easier to know it than to explain why I know it.
I found the Q9u a few months ago after extensive research and settled on it being a great sound for the price. Biggest downside is that almost ALL vibrations will get picked up if you don't have noise suppression running in some form. I have my mic arm clamped on two layers of padding and my microphone in a shock mount itself and I still get vibration with noise suppression off. But, I still recommend this mic for the sound for the price.
First at all, thanks for every review you make, they are delightful. The price fits my budget to make an upgrade, I would came from a Samson Q2U. I have two kind of podcast: one where I talk with friends and other where I narrate stories I write. Do you think this mic could work for voice over, narration…? Is it worth the jump from the Q2U?. Thanks Curtis, I kind addicted to your context even if I’m not needed to buy a gear, keep it going.
First poster here! Actually this mic sounds good! Kind of a dark, warmish sound. But not sibilant. Great pick up! (hearing more intently) Yeah, this doesn't pick up as much sibilance. I think this is great!
The Samson Q9x sounds decent enough, especially if you are doing UA-cam content. I can certainly tell the differences between that and the SM7B and RE20 - but it would have no problems with it in isolation. It's actually impressive how budget dynamics are starting to close the gap to the next obvious tier upwards.
A handy review. I have a Samson Q2U that I use for hack stuff - especially portable voiceovers that still need pleasant sound. Samson seems to know how to make good-sounding and rugged mics. On most traveling uses, I use the Q2U's USB signal into a laptop. There's nothing else to haul along; no phantom power, no interface, and not a bunch of cables. Headphones even plug into the back of it! I'm glad to know of the Q9X as a studio alternative to the $400+ fashion mics. I definitely agree about the SM58. It's as durable as a hammer and sounds just fine.
Looks good and specially it sounds good so for the price of one sm7b you could have a set of 4 mics for the podcast. Samson sure is making great budget options.
Your reviews are par excellence, thank you. Hope you review the sE Dynacaster soon. I recently replaced my trusty SM7b, and I like sE a lot. Good with a dbx 286s.
Chis, with the new Premiere Pro updates, the audio export settings aren't the same and I don't know how to set nomalization, and target loudness with the new versions. Sure, I'd appreciate if you answer this question but can you make a new how to with the new updates? Thanks, Gary
I'm guessing that the Q9x is the Q9u minus the built-in audio interface. I use a Q9u for work and I'm really pleased with it. I agree it does sound a little muddy but the mid boost and low-cut filters (which the 9x doesn't have) help. For anyone who doesn't already own an audio interface the 9u is a cost effective option.
Thanks Algy! Samson tells me that the Q9x is voice slightly different to the Q9U. I haven't worked with the Q9U to know how big a difference there is, but thought I should mention it.
@@curtisjudd How big are the differences between the Q9U and the Q9X? Personally, I think it's convenient with both the USB and XLR connection available on the Q9U.
Video Suggestion: I am wanting to put iZotope RX to better use but am unsure of the best work flow. What edits/issues are best taken care of in the DAW before moving to RX? Does file format matter? Is there any reason to go back to DAW or do I export final product from RX? I would love to see a video covering this.
We have a full course on RX, if that would be of interest. Short answer to your questions - it depends. Yes, you can export from RX, but RX is NOT a DAW. So it is made to work on one clip at a time. Most of the modules work as plugins IN your DAW. But if you really need to solve a tough problem, the round-trip process is pretty painless.
Hi, your videos were recommended to me. I am very impressed with your knowledge level! Unfortunately I’m a complete beginner at this and I can’t understand most of what you say. I want to record my face and voice at the same time as my computer screen for creating courses. The computer mic picks up the keyboard more prominently than my voice. I’m looking for an audio solution that is under (or at most around) $100 and plugs directly into my computer as I don’t have all the other equipment you discuss. A headset would be ok if it was discreet. Anything that doesn’t cover my face, really. I like the sound of the Shure mics you demonstrated and I don’t believe I have a “dark” voice. Is there something you can recommend based on that info?
The Q9x would be rather interesting for my voice as I think the tone would help me with authority a ton, but my interface (Air 192) has a really weird gain behavior where I'd need to iron this out really specifically in OBS and Reaper. It's worth looking at.. but I would fear adjusting the volume lol
@@curtisjudd Yep, that seems to be a thing on most M-Audio interfaces, from what I've consulted with my friend who's got the predecessor to it. I think we call it logarithmic gain? It's annoying to set up, but the preamps are so quiet I don't really mind, haha.
Again, 90% of podcast listener or streamers viewers (that is who this mic is targeted at) would never notice the nuances of each mic since they'd be listening through low quality buds (or over emphasized on the bass frequencies, which if someone likes good for them, but that's not being actually good) or even worse phone' speakers. That said, it doesn't hold a candle with the other two mics once you have a proper set up to listen too. The samson sounds like it has a blanket on top of the capsule (which true, can be mitigated with the presence switch but still). To me in this 250 eu market price tag, the mv7 by shure remains unbeaten (maybe the only one that holds a candle to that mic in the 250ish eu market is the rode nt1, but that's not dynamic and has no usb capabilities). That said, im enamoured with the re20, truly the best mic (imo) for spoken words. But im not willing to dish out 550 eu for it when im not a pro podcaster or streamer. Im pretty contempt with the mv7. *EDIT* i didn't know it costs so much less there in the us. Here in europe is at least 220 eu. Then for that pricetag, it might actually be worth it as i personally dislike the podmic over brigthness. I do agree the sm58 sounds better, but it doesn't offer usb compability which for some might be the deciding factor.
@@davidepannone6021 No worries, just wanted to make sure anyone else who saw the comments here are aware that there's a difference. I'm told by Samson that the Q9x is also voiced differently. But I don't have a Q9U to test that.
With all the specialty choices out there I am most happy with my good old SM58. I think there is a perception that it’s so old a design that there has to be something better, but no, I am constantly amazed at the flexibility of it especially if you do comedy sketches and know how to move around and away from it to place characters in different spaces. So much fun. Thanks as always for the thorough review.
I've come to the same conclusion. For the money the SM58 is pretty tough to beat.
Thanks. I agree, by the way. The SM58 is super useful.
Good to see my favorite critical Canadian stopping by to check out our mutual audio pal, Critical Curtis!
@@insanejughead He’s the best.
@@CallMeChato Truly so! He's the only pro I know to have given me precise, critical advice on the audio for my short films. Be seeing you!
You've been very helpful in my audio journey, Curtis. But whenever people ask me how I built up my home studio, I always tell them that it was easier to know it than to explain why I know it.
LOL!
God I love the boldness and clarity of the RE20
👍
The difference is eye opening for me. Wow!
The gold standard of audio related gear reviews.
Thanks, Thomas!
I found the Q9u a few months ago after extensive research and settled on it being a great sound for the price. Biggest downside is that almost ALL vibrations will get picked up if you don't have noise suppression running in some form. I have my mic arm clamped on two layers of padding and my microphone in a shock mount itself and I still get vibration with noise suppression off. But, I still recommend this mic for the sound for the price.
👍
First at all, thanks for every review you make, they are delightful. The price fits my budget to make an upgrade, I would came from a Samson Q2U. I have two kind of podcast: one where I talk with friends and other where I narrate stories I write. Do you think this mic could work for voice over, narration…? Is it worth the jump from the Q2U?. Thanks Curtis, I kind addicted to your context even if I’m not needed to buy a gear, keep it going.
First poster here! Actually this mic sounds good! Kind of a dark, warmish sound. But not sibilant. Great pick up! (hearing more intently) Yeah, this doesn't pick up as much sibilance. I think this is great!
Congrats on posting first! I agree, pretty good sounding mic!
The Samson Q9x sounds decent enough, especially if you are doing UA-cam content. I can certainly tell the differences between that and the SM7B and RE20 - but it would have no problems with it in isolation. It's actually impressive how budget dynamics are starting to close the gap to the next obvious tier upwards.
Agreed. 👍
Thank you Curtis, a very nice review. Also about the 'practical self noise test' a very good explanation. This makes the review more valuable.
Thanks Frans.
A handy review. I have a Samson Q2U that I use for hack stuff - especially portable voiceovers that still need pleasant sound. Samson seems to know how to make good-sounding and rugged mics. On most traveling uses, I use the Q2U's USB signal into a laptop. There's nothing else to haul along; no phantom power, no interface, and not a bunch of cables. Headphones even plug into the back of it!
I'm glad to know of the Q9X as a studio alternative to the $400+ fashion mics.
I definitely agree about the SM58. It's as durable as a hammer and sounds just fine.
👍
Looks good and specially it sounds good so for the price of one sm7b you could have a set of 4 mics for the podcast. Samson sure is making great budget options.
Surprisingly decent sound and quality. 👍
Your reviews are par excellence, thank you. Hope you review the sE Dynacaster soon. I recently replaced my trusty SM7b, and I like sE a lot. Good with a dbx 286s.
Thanks 🙏 thanks for the tip re: the Dynacaster.
Chis, with the new Premiere Pro updates, the audio export settings aren't the same and I don't know how to set nomalization, and target loudness with the new versions. Sure, I'd appreciate if you answer this question but can you make a new how to with the new updates? Thanks, Gary
It is still on the export page under effects -> Loudness normalization. Thanks for the suggestion. 👍
I'm guessing that the Q9x is the Q9u minus the built-in audio interface. I use a Q9u for work and I'm really pleased with it. I agree it does sound a little muddy but the mid boost and low-cut filters (which the 9x doesn't have) help. For anyone who doesn't already own an audio interface the 9u is a cost effective option.
Thanks Algy! Samson tells me that the Q9x is voice slightly different to the Q9U. I haven't worked with the Q9U to know how big a difference there is, but thought I should mention it.
@@curtisjudd thanks, that's good to know.
Thanks for the wonderful review of the Samson Q9x.
👍
@@curtisjudd
How big are the differences between the Q9U and the Q9X? Personally, I think it's convenient with both the USB and XLR connection available on the Q9U.
@@jorgenjohnsson9084 I'm not sure, I haven't worked with the Q9U. Samson tells me that they were voiced differently. That's all I know so far.
For the money, its a great option. Fantastic video
Thanks and yes, pretty good. Though I’d probably stick with and SM58 for my voice. 👍
I just bought the Samson Q9U so would you say there’s a need to upgrade to the Q9X?
No, they're different mics for different situations. If you're getting good results from the Q9U, I'd just stick with it.
@@curtisjudd thanks Curtis! I’m a new Subscriber and UA-camr! Love your work.
Excellent detailed review, Thank you so much Sir :)
You're most welcome!
The Shure and Samson Q9x sound the same. Thank you sir!!!!
👍
Video Suggestion: I am wanting to put iZotope RX to better use but am unsure of the best work flow. What edits/issues are best taken care of in the DAW before moving to RX? Does file format matter? Is there any reason to go back to DAW or do I export final product from RX? I would love to see a video covering this.
We have a full course on RX, if that would be of interest. Short answer to your questions - it depends. Yes, you can export from RX, but RX is NOT a DAW. So it is made to work on one clip at a time. Most of the modules work as plugins IN your DAW. But if you really need to solve a tough problem, the round-trip process is pretty painless.
Hi, your videos were recommended to me. I am very impressed with your knowledge level! Unfortunately I’m a complete beginner at this and I can’t understand most of what you say.
I want to record my face and voice at the same time as my computer screen for creating courses. The computer mic picks up the keyboard more prominently than my voice. I’m looking for an audio solution that is under (or at most around) $100 and plugs directly into my computer as I don’t have all the other equipment you discuss. A headset would be ok if it was discreet. Anything that doesn’t cover my face, really. I like the sound of the Shure mics you demonstrated and I don’t believe I have a “dark” voice. Is there something you can recommend based on that info?
Hi Lorain, perhaps the Samson Q2U and ad mic stand would do the job for you.
@@curtisjudd Thank you so much for your reply! I’ll look into it!
@@curtisjudd Do you have an affiliate link for mic and stand? I’d be happy to use them.
@@onecoolponie Yes, both in the description of the video here.
Does the focusrite scarlett solo give that 65Db boost? or evo 4? help
The Scarlett Solo supplies 56 dB of gain and the Evo 4 supplies 58 dB. So unfortunately, no on both of those.
@@curtisjudd Which audio interface shall I go for then please suggest me help
@@RevolverOcelotMGS2 Consider the Zoom UAC-232.
Focusrite Vocaster One
The Q9x would be rather interesting for my voice as I think the tone would help me with authority a ton, but my interface (Air 192) has a really weird gain behavior where I'd need to iron this out really specifically in OBS and Reaper. It's worth looking at.. but I would fear adjusting the volume lol
My experience with the Air 192 is that it has a weird curve that changes REALLY quickly in the last bit of gain range.
@@curtisjudd Yep, that seems to be a thing on most M-Audio interfaces, from what I've consulted with my friend who's got the predecessor to it. I think we call it logarithmic gain? It's annoying to set up, but the preamps are so quiet I don't really mind, haha.
65 dB: Does a “Zoom H6” qualify for the mentioned 65 dB clean gain with this Samson Q9x microphone? Thanks.
No, the H6 tops out at 55dB of gain. I'd recommend you use a cloud lifter or fethead if you're going to use the Q9x with the H6.
@@curtisjudd Thank you very much for your fast and complete answer!!!!
What might be a good shotgun option for sibilant voices?
RODE NTG 5.
What is the difference (if any) between the Samson Q9X and the Samson Q9U?
The Q9x only has an XLR output and according to Samson, slightly different voicing. The Q9U is a bit more expensive and has both XLR and USB outputs.
re20 ftw ...
For only $320 more 🙂
I like the Podmic better in the price range. Just a personal opinion, though.
Thanks for sharing.
Again, 90% of podcast listener or streamers viewers (that is who this mic is targeted at) would never notice the nuances of each mic since they'd be listening through low quality buds (or over emphasized on the bass frequencies, which if someone likes good for them, but that's not being actually good) or even worse phone' speakers. That said, it doesn't hold a candle with the other two mics once you have a proper set up to listen too. The samson sounds like it has a blanket on top of the capsule (which true, can be mitigated with the presence switch but still). To me in this 250 eu market price tag, the mv7 by shure remains unbeaten (maybe the only one that holds a candle to that mic in the 250ish eu market is the rode nt1, but that's not dynamic and has no usb capabilities).
That said, im enamoured with the re20, truly the best mic (imo) for spoken words. But im not willing to dish out 550 eu for it when im not a pro podcaster or streamer. Im pretty contempt with the mv7. *EDIT* i didn't know it costs so much less there in the us. Here in europe is at least 220 eu. Then for that pricetag, it might actually be worth it as i personally dislike the podmic over brigthness. I do agree the sm58 sounds better, but it doesn't offer usb compability which for some might be the deciding factor.
The Q9x also does NOT include a USB output. That's the Q9U. And yes, I agree, many podcast listeners will not notice a difference.
@@curtisjudd oh wow damn. So is like the mv7x and the standard mv7. I didn't know that, my bad.
@@davidepannone6021 No worries, just wanted to make sure anyone else who saw the comments here are aware that there's a difference. I'm told by Samson that the Q9x is also voiced differently. But I don't have a Q9U to test that.
👍
🙏
Great review. But given the price range of this mic, I think it would have been informative to include the SM58 in the audio comparisons.
Thanks.
"Yet you are quite SHURE of the fact."
Kind of unfair to the other mics if you are testing them all with a blatantly Shure-branded sentence!
LOL 😂
tooo big lol
Everyone has an opinion on that, it seems.