Samson MeteoriteFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 31 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment43%
PROS 43%
CONS 57%

Rank based on 31 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a very cheap, compact USB mic for casual voice chat or podcasting
  • You can find it discounted (around $10-30) rather than full price
  • You mainly need it for speaking or acoustic guitar in a quiet room

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You record near a keyboard, mouse, or laptop fan and need noise rejection
  • You need a built-in tripod or stand mount for positioning
  • You want the cleanest possible sound and can afford a step-up like the Meteor or Yeti

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31Budget
Samson Meteorite
Budget-friendly priceClear sound for voice and guitarCompact, portable designCaptures desktop and keyboard noiseOutclassed by similarly priced rivalsNo tripod or stand mount
Samson Meteorite
Budget-friendly price
Clear sound for voice and guitar
Compact, portable design
Captures desktop and keyboard noise
Outclassed by similarly priced rivals
No tripod or stand mount

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

It's an extremely sensitive mic that hears everything in the room. Multiple users report the Meteorite picking up distant household noise, kitchen drawers, keyboard and mouse clicks, and laptop fan hum. One reviewer even compared close use to a 'creepy' amplified breathing recording. Users asked for tips to avoid these pickups, with one resorting to a towel and improvised tripod to dampen vibration and desktop noise before recording.

Sound quality opinions split sharply between clear and trashy. Some commenters loved the sound for guitar and vocals, calling it clear, powerful, and good enough for the price, while others called the preamp noisy with boosted upper mids and highs and 'no background noise rejection.' A few explicitly said it lagged behind the Meteor, Yeti, or Blue Snowball in the same lineup or price range.

Value depends heavily on what price you pay. Buyers who paid discounted or bargain prices (as low as $10-30) considered it a solid deal for casual use like gaming chat or YouTube videos, while those comparing it at full price ($40) or against the pricier Meteor felt it was outclassed. Several also wished for a detachable cable or built-in tripod mount to justify the cost further.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?