Samson Q2U vs Blue Yeti - Comparison and Review
Mar 11, 2022Looking for a comparison and review of the Samson Q2U vs Blue Yeti? You've come to the right place.
Both of these microphones are some of the most popular budget-friendly products on the market. While both have great features, one is better than the other for capturing voice recordings.
In this article, you will learn:
Blue Yeti vs Samson Q2U
Which One Is Best?
Read on and learn whether the Samson Q2U or the Blue Yeti is the superior microphone.
Blue Yeti vs Samson Q2U
Both the Blue Yeti and Samson Q2U have been around for many years. Throughout the years, many have had debates about which is the better microphone. Fortunately, a lot of testing has been done, and a winner has been determined.
Samson Q2U
The Samson Q2U was initially a popular microphone for live performances and podcasts, but in recent years it's become a favorite of many YouTube creators. While it might not look like much, it is a fantastic option.
It's important to recognize that the Q2U is very affordable. Along with this, it has an even higher value because of the dual output system it possesses. Having the ability to record in both USB and XLR modes is a huge money-saver.
Sound-wise, the Q2U does a great job at rejecting background noise and capturing clear audio if the mouth of the speaker is a short distance away. Unfortunately, the stand included with the mic makes it hard to record close to it. So, purchasing a different stand is recommended.
Specifications and Features:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 50-15kHz
- Dimensions: 13" x 4" x 10"
- Weight: 0.7lbs (0.32kg)
Pros
- XLR/USB outputs
Cons
- Poor included stand
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti has been the go-to microphone for YouTube content creators for years now. Ask any content creator what their first microphone was, and there's a good chance that they'll say it was the Blue Yeti.
The Yeti is a unique microphone for many reasons. It has multiple polar patterns, which help capture audio in different ways. Along with this, it has a unique form factor and a stand made specifically for it.
Unfortunately, the Yeti has issues rejecting background noise. So, if audio is not being recorded in a quiet environment, lots of noise will be captured. Also, the microphone is heavy, which makes it difficult to use with a boom arm.
Specifications and Features:
- Polar Pattern(s): Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Dimensions (In Stand): 4.72" x 4.92" x 11.61"
- Weight: 1.2lbs (0.55kg)
Pros
- Good included stand
Cons
- Background noise rejection
Which One Is Best?
At this point, you might be wondering- which is the best microphone? Should you go with the cost-effective and portable Samson Q2U? Or, should you opt for the flexible Blue Yeti microphone?
Overall, the Samson Q2U is a better choice of a microphone than the Blue Yeti. It has better background noise reduction, XLR/USB outputs, and more portability. With the Q2U, an audio setup can easily be upgraded by purchasing an audio interface.
With this said, the Blue Yeti isn't a bad microphone. If it is used in a quiet environment, it can capture high-quality audio. However, when the recording environment isn't quiet, the Yeti fails to reject background noise, which lowers audio quality.
At the end of the day, however, your needs will determine which microphone is best for you. If you record with multiple people, the Blue Yeti might be the better choice. If you record by yourself, the Samson Q2U is the way to go.
Conclusion
You now know what the superior microphone is between the Samson Q2U and Blue Yeti. While both are great budget-friendly options, the Samson Q2U provides more background noise reduction and a clearly defined upgrade path.