Samson Q1UFrom real comments

Name: Samson Q1U
Rating: 2.8 (13 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 13 mentions across 9 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment54%

PROS 54%

CONS 46%

Rank based on 13 mentions across 9 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want a durable, solid-feeling USB mic for singing at a low price
You're comfortable using proper close-mic technique and adjusting gain settings
You're okay with an all-in-one USB solution without needing direct monitoring

What users love

Good value for the price0 mentions

Widely praised

Durable, solid build0 mentions

Widely praised

Decent overall sound quality0 mentions

Generally positive

Rivals pricier mics with proper technique0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You need real-time monitoring via a headphone jack
You plan to use it for karaoke or other latency-sensitive live audio
You want a mic designed specifically for podcasting rather than singing

What users complain about

Requires very close mic technique0 mentions

Generally negative

No direct monitoring jack0 mentions

Generally negative

USB latency issues0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Hiss and noise at high gain0 mentions

Generally negative

Thin sound quality0 mentions

Generally negative

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

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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

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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 Q1U

Decent overall sound qualityDurable, solid buildGood value for the priceRequires very close mic techniqueHiss and noise at high gainNo direct monitoring jack

Samson Q1U

Decent overall sound quality

Durable, solid build

Good value for the price

Requires very close mic technique

Hiss and noise at high gain

No direct monitoring jack

Versatile
1. Lewitt LCT 640arrow_upward6
2. Neumann TLM 193arrow_upward3
Versatility
1. Shure Beta 57Aarrow_upward4
2. Sennheiser MD 441arrow_upward1
Premium price
1. Lewitt MTP W950arrow_downward1
2. Lewitt LCT 640arrow_downward3

Overall Impression

Solid value and build quality stand out to owners. Multiple commenters emphasize that the Q1U offers good sound for its price, with one saying it's better than most mics you could get for $18 and another noting it holds up well against pricier microphones when used correctly. One owner highlights the heavy, solid metal construction as a favorite feature, and another reports continuous reliable use since 2010, suggesting strong long-term durability for a budget-oriented USB microphone.

Proper technique is essential due to its dynamic cardioid design. Because the Q1U is a dynamic cardioid mic, users note it won't pick up voice well from more than 20-30cm away unless gain is pushed very high, which introduces hiss and background noise. Commenters recommend keeping mic volume around 70-75% and speaking or singing very close to the capsule, with one user specifically noting they had to hold it under a foot from their mouth for the best results.

Missing direct monitoring and USB latency limit real-time use. A recurring complaint is the absence of a headphone jack for direct monitoring, with one user wishing for a small jack connector alongside the USB-A port. Another commenter found the USB connection introduces a noticeable delay unsuitable for karaoke, recommending a mixer connected directly to speakers instead. Sound is described as ok but somewhat thin compared to alternatives, and pricing has varied widely over the years.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

attach_moneyGood value for the price

2 mentions

Widely praised

Users note the Q1U sounds good relative to its low cost, with one calling it better than most microphones available for around $18. Another says for the price, it's hard to do much better.

@gutpunchnews6449

Overall it sounds good. Better than most microphones you could get for 18 bucks. In the old days are used to be a kit with it, including a DAW.

smart_display

January 11, 2021

@enriquekahn9405

Great video as usual. For the price I think you could do a lot worse than this mic.

smart_display

January 11, 2021

buildDurable, solid build

2 mentions

Widely praised

One long-term owner reports the mic has been in constant use since 2010 and remains reliable, while another user specifically praises its solid, heavy metal construction.

@lifepath7741

Already 34 times watching this video for now. I own it. I love solid heavy metal microphones. It is an interesting product.

smart_display

November 2, 2023

@ar8647

Full agreement. I've been using mine constantly since 2010 and it's still going strong. With proper mic technique and post-processing it rivals my expensive microphones.

smart_display

July 13, 2021

graphic_eqDecent overall sound quality

2 mentions

Generally positive

Multiple commenters describe the sound as acceptable to good, though one notes it can sound somewhat thin compared to alternatives.

@asfodhell

Sounds ok enough, but kinda thin. \nWould have been a lot better with a small jack connector next to that USB-A to hear the computer and have direct monitoring.\nBTW, between mid-2017 and mid 2020 on Amazon France, it was priced between 74€ and 94€ ...... 😑(cheapest was 41€ back in 2011)

smart_display

January 12, 2021

@gutpunchnews6449

Overall it sounds good. Better than most microphones you could get for 18 bucks. In the old days are used to be a kit with it, including a DAW.

smart_display

January 11, 2021

check_circleRivals pricier mics with proper technique

1 mentions

Widely praised

A user states that with proper mic technique and post-processing, the Q1U can compete with their more expensive microphones, suggesting strong performance potential for the price bracket.

@ar8647

Full agreement. I've been using mine constantly since 2010 and it's still going strong. With proper mic technique and post-processing it rivals my expensive microphones.

smart_display

July 13, 2021

micRequires very close mic technique

2 mentions

Generally negative

Because it's a dynamic cardioid mic, users must speak or sing very close to the capsule, often within a foot, and can't achieve good pickup from farther away without raising gain.

@OldBlueMusician

Oops just under one foot. I tend to find u need to hold dynamic mics very close to mouth.

smart_display

January 6, 2014

@CasualFlyer2000

Problem with the Q1U is the volume that you've set for it in the computer settings. It's a dynamic cardioid microphone which means you shouldn't be able to pick up the voice with it from more than 20-30cm away from the microphone, unless you up the gain on it way high (mic volume in the computer settings).\n\nSo normally, you should have it at about 70-75% (?) an talk way closer to it. The hiss should disappear as should any other background noises that are not directly in front of the mic.

smart_display

December 15, 2013

headset_offNo direct monitoring jack

1 mentions

Generally negative

A user wishes the mic included a small headphone jack next to the USB-A connector for direct monitoring, noting its absence as a limitation for real-time listening.

@asfodhell

smart_display

January 12, 2021

warningUSB latency issues

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

One commenter found a noticeable audio delay when using the mic over USB, making it unsuitable for karaoke or other real-time applications, and recommends a mixer setup instead.

@SpyrosMitrakos

Ok i made it work in garage & i had the same problem in WS 7 but i think by updating the drivers of the computer or the mic the problem was solved.BUT i am not gonna recommend a usb mic is not usefull at all there is a delay time when i tried karaoke the sound delays enough.I connect a consola to the PC & the consola to the speakers, its much better to have a mic connected directly to the consola then you get the sound in real time!I also connected the PC to the TV with a HDMI cable for karaoke!

smart_display

February 21, 2013

volume_upHiss and noise at high gain

1 mentions

Generally negative

Raising the mic's gain to compensate for distance from the source introduces hiss and unwanted background noise, requiring careful gain settings around 70-75%.

@CasualFlyer2000

smart_display

December 15, 2013

trending_downThin sound quality

1 mentions

Generally negative

At least one user describes the sound as 'kinda thin', suggesting the tonal character may lack fullness compared to other microphones.

@asfodhell

smart_display

January 12, 2021

Samson Q1Uchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

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What users lovefavorite_border

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Who wins on what

Versatile

Versatility

Premium price

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Samson Q1UFrom real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression