Samson R21From real comments

Verdict distilled from 8 mentions across 6 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment75%
PROS 75%
CONS 25%

Rank based on 8 mentions across 6 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want an affordable SM58-style dynamic mic for gigs or vlogging
  • You need a low-risk backup mic for rowdy or high-turnover venues
  • You're buying in bulk and want the best price per mic with 3-pack deals

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're sensitive to handling noise and plosive 'P' pops without a wind filter
  • You need a mic proven for busking with more real-world feedback
  • You expect it to fully replace a premium SM58 in every situation

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 R21
Comparable to Shure SM58Great value for the priceGood backup or secondary micPicks up handling noiseSusceptible to breathing and plosives
Samson R21
Comparable to Shure SM58
Great value for the price
Good backup or secondary mic
Picks up handling noise
Susceptible to breathing and plosives

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Solid value-for-money alternative to the SM58. Commenters see the R21 as a budget-friendly stand-in for the industry-standard Shure SM58, saying there isn't a huge difference in sound when one had to swap in the Samson temporarily. Combined with a 3-pack going for under $50 and individual units spotted for around $25 on eBay, users consistently frame the R21 as strong value for what it costs, especially for anyone not wanting to invest heavily in a first or backup vocal microphone.

Handles live gigs well but needs a wind filter. Users running the R21 at live gigs report generally good overall sound for the price, making it a workable choice on stage. However, they flag that it can pick up handling noise when moved around during a performance, and breathing along with plosive 'P' sounds come through more than ideal. Adding a wind filter is mentioned as an effective fix, tightening up the vocal capture noticeably.

A smart pick for secondary or high-risk setups. Because of its low cost, the R21 is recommended as a secondary microphone for situations where a more expensive mic might get damaged, such as gigs with intoxicated patrons or lower-trust environments. This positions it less as a flagship vocal mic and more as a dependable, replaceable workhorse that still performs comparably to pricier options when it counts.

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