May we count your visit with Google Analytics? It uses cookies and sends visit data to Google. You can change this any time under Cookie choices. Privacy

GamingMics Mic test
Menu

Samson Q9U

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 USB/XLR dynamic mic with a mute button that works on both outputs and a headphone jack, for a Windows PC or Mac now and an interface later

Check this setup

Platform connections

“Works” means the maker lists that platform for the connection shown; “Maker doesn't say” means it doesn't mention it either way. On a headset, it also depends on the edition you pick.

Samson Q9U: how it connects and what you can adjust

Over USB

  1. Samson Q9U
  2. USB data cable
  3. PC or console
  4. Chat input

Over XLR

  1. Samson Q9U
  2. XLR cable + interface
  3. USB to computer
  4. Chat input

Over XLR, your headphones and hearing yourself go through the interface. The mic’s USB mute and voice processing may not work.

Connections
USB-C · XLR · 3.5 mm headphone
Mute
Mute button (mutes both the USB and XLR outputs)
Hear yourself
3.5 mm headphone jack, zero latency (USB); no headphone volume on the mic: set it with the computer's volume

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 yoke for a standard mic thread (Samson doesn't state the size).

Before choosing this model

  • No gain knob: over USB you set its level with the computer's input volume; over XLR on the interface.
  • No headphone volume on the mic: the headphone jack follows the computer's volume.
  • No stand in the box: it needs a boom arm or mic stand, and Samson doesn't state the thread size.
  • At 0.97 kg it is heavy for a light boom arm.
  • Samson names no console for it; for a phone or tablet it says to use a powered USB hub.
  • USB and XLR have different controls: over XLR, the mic's USB mute and voice processing may not work. Pick the connection you'll use in the checker.
  • 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 →
  • Also needed: mic stand or boom arm (none in the box); XLR cable and an audio interface or mixer, only if you use XLR.

Others like it

All Samson models compared →

Controls and specifications

Windows · macOS. Software: Not listed by the maker.

Connections, controls and fit
Connections USB-C · XLR · 3.5 mm headphone
Microphone mute Mute button (mutes both the USB and XLR outputs)
Monitoring 3.5 mm headphone jack, zero latency (USB); no headphone volume on the mic: set it with the computer's volume
Chat controls hardware mute (USB and XLR) · Low Cut switch · Mid boost switch
Mounts yoke for a standard mic thread (Samson doesn't state the size)
Dimensions 79.5 mm across, 178.5 mm long
In the box and parts
Included parts Q9U microphone · 2 m USB-C to USB-C cable · USB-C to USB-A cable · Foam windscreen
Additional parts Mic stand or boom arm (none in the box) · XLR cable and an audio interface or mixer, only if you use XLR
Manufacturer specifications for Samson Q9U.
Microphone type dynamic
Microphone connection USB and XLR
Pickup pattern Cardioid
Frequency response 50 Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity XLR -57 dBV/Pa; USB -16 dBFS/Pa (0 dB gain), at 1 kHz
Impedance 250 ohms
Maximum sound pressure level Above 140 dB SPL
Self-noise 23 dB SPL A-weighted (USB, maximum gain)
Sample rate 24-bit, up to 96 kHz
Connections XLR · USB-C · 3.5 mm headphone output
Headphone output 3.5 mm, zero-latency monitoring; level set with the computer's master volume
Controls Mute button (both outputs), Low Cut switch (-3 dB at 200 Hz), Mid presence boost switch
Software None needed: no driver on Mac or Windows
Phone and tablet statement For a smartphone or tablet, use a powered USB hub
Power USB bus power, 170 mA
Weight 970 g, without a stand
Dimensions 79.5 mm diameter x 178.5 mm
In the box 2 m USB-C to USB-C cable · USB-C to USB-A cable · Foam windscreen

Questions about the Samson Q9U

Does the Samson Q9U 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 Q9U?

Its maker lists: 3.5 mm headphone jack, zero latency (USB); no headphone volume on the mic: set it with the computer's volume.

Does the Samson Q9U 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 Q9U fit a boom arm?

Its mount: yoke for a standard mic thread (Samson doesn't state the size). It weighs about 970 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