Tier 5

Samson — the budget brand that takes the first podcast seriously

Samson Technologies has been making affordable mics since 1980. Their lineup is wide — wireless systems, headphones, mixers, USB mics, condensers — and their best-known products today are the Q2U (dual USB/XLR podcast mic) and the C01 condenser, both of which have launched countless home studios.

Founded1980

HQHicksville, New York

OwnershipPrivate

Best-knownQ2U podcast mic

What they make

Affordable mics that don’t feel like junk

The whole point of Samson is the price. The Q2U is around $70 and gives you both USB and XLR connections. That’s the “start podcasting today, upgrade your interface later” mic. The C01 is a $90 condenser that anyone can afford.

The famous mics

Microphones worth knowing

Q2U — dual USB/XLR dynamic. ~$70. Best podcast starter mic, period.
Q9U — broadcast-style dynamic, USB and XLR. The grown-up Q2U.
C01 / C01U Pro — XLR or USB condenser.
C02 pair — small-diaphragm pencil condensers in a stereo pair, often used for drum overheads on a budget.
Meteor Mic — chrome-domed USB condenser, a Yeti alternative.
Concert 88 wireless — affordable handheld and lavalier wireless system.

Should you buy one?

The short answer

Get one ifYou’re starting your first podcast and you don’t want to spend $400 on day one. The Q2U is the universal recommendation — start there, upgrade later if you stick with it.

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