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Samson Q2U

Works on Windows and Mac over USB, or XLR through an interface, with a mute control on the mic and a headphone jack to hear yourself; no console maker statement.

USB + XLRA cheap dynamic mic that hears your voice more than your keyboard, with USB now and XLR for later

Platform connections

Support depends on the selected connection and edition. “Supported” means the maker states it for that connection.

Samson Q2U: signal and controlsChecked October 9, 2026

USB path

  1. Samson Q2U
  2. USB data cable
  3. Computer / supported console
  4. Chat input

XLR path

  1. Samson Q2U
  2. XLR cable + interface
  3. USB to computer
  4. Chat input

In XLR mode, the interface owns the headphones and monitoring. USB mute and processing do not automatically affect the XLR signal.

Connections
USB-C · XLR · 3.5 mm headphone
Mute the microphone
On/off switch that silences both the USB and XLR outputs
Hear your microphone
Yes

Choose it if…

  • You want a direct USB computer input without a separate audio interface.
  • You want to hear your own voice through headphones while you play.
  • You can match your stand or arm to Included mic clip.

Before choosing this model

  • There is no gain knob on the mic: set the level in Windows, macOS or your interface.
  • It is a handheld-style dynamic: it needs to be a hand's width from your mouth, so plan a stand or arm that brings it close.
  • USB and XLR have different controls. Select the connection in the checker; do not assume USB mute or DSP reaches the XLR output.
  • Check the stand, thread and desk position before ordering a mount. Include attached shock mounts and adapters in the total weight. Arms rated for this mic →
  • Check the included cable against the available data port. Add only the adapters or headphones your chosen path needs.

Compare it

vs
FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 Samson Q2U

FIFINE AM8 vs Samson Q2U: two cheap USB/XLR dynamic mics

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Controls and specifications

Windows · macOS · ChromeOS. Software: Not specified.

Connections, controls and fit
Connections USB-C · XLR · 3.5 mm headphone
Microphone mute On/off switch that silences both the USB and XLR outputs
Monitoring Yes
Chat controls on/off switch · headphone volume
Mounts Included mic clip
Dimensions 190 mm long, 55 mm diameter
In the box and parts
Included parts Q2U microphone · Mic clip · Tripod desk stand · Stand extension · Foam windscreen · 2.25 m USB cable · 3 m XLR cable
Additional parts The connection and headphones you choose determine what to add.
Manufacturer specifications for Samson Q2U.
Microphone type dynamic
Microphone connection USB and XLR
Pickup pattern Cardioid
Frequency response 50 Hz-15 kHz
Sensitivity -54 dBV/Pa
Maximum sound pressure level 148 dB SPL
Bit depth Up to 16-bit
Sample rates 44.1 kHz · 48 kHz
Connections USB-C · XLR · 3.5 mm headphone
Direct monitoring Yes
Dimensions 190 mm long, 55 mm diameter
Weight 320 g
Operating systems Mac · PC · Chromebook
In the box Mic clip · Tripod stand · Tripod stand extension · Foam windscreen · USB cable (2.25 m) · XLR cable (3 m)

Questions about the Samson Q2U

Does the Samson Q2U need an audio interface?

No, not over USB: it plugs straight into a computer. Its XLR output needs an interface or mixer, and over XLR the interface takes over gain and headphone monitoring.

Can I hear myself through the Samson Q2U?

Yes: plug headphones into it and you hear your own voice with no computer delay.

Does the Samson Q2U work on PS5?

Samson doesn't say. The PS5 takes many USB mics, but we only mark a model as working when its maker states it.

Will the Samson Q2U fit a boom arm?

Its mount: Included mic clip. It weighs about 320 g as its maker lists it; add a shock mount if you use one and compare with the arm's limit.

Set it up for game chat.

  1. Connect the parts shown in the diagram. If you use XLR, connect the microphone to the interface before selecting it in your app.

  2. Choose the intended input in the operating system. Run the Discord input check or use your console’s microphone test.

  3. Check speaking level and mute with headphones on. Change only one gain, sensitivity or suppression control between tests.

References