Head-to-head · Best USB-C Microphones For Podcasting

Samson Q2U vs Shure MV7+

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Samson Q2U comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.8 vs 4.2). Samson Q2U is best for: budget-conscious podcasters seeking versatile connectivity. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best USB-C Microphones For Podcasting

Samson Q2U

4.8

1 source$79.99as of Oct 11

The Samson Q2U is a budget-friendly dynamic microphone with professional sound quality and good noise rejection. Reviewers point to the dual USB/XLR connectivity, which covers both simple and advanced setups. Podcasters favor it on value, since it performs nearly as well as the Shure SM58 at a fraction of the cost. Availability can be spotty, but it stays a top recommendation for beginners and experienced users alike.

Strengths

— Dual USB/XLR connectivity offers flexibility for different recording setups
— Excellent noise isolation with cardioid pickup pattern
— Good value for money compared to higher-end mics like the Shure SM58

Watch-outs

— Limited availability in some markets

$79.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best USB-C Microphones For Podcasting

Shure MV7+

4.2

2 sources$299as of Oct 11

The Shure MV7+ is a dynamic podcast microphone that carries both an XLR output and a USB-C port in one body, so it can feed a laptop directly or drop into an interface-based rig later. The cardioid capsule, built-in pop filter and onboard gain, high-pass and pad controls are aimed at spoken word rather than music. At $299 it costs several times what a basic USB condenser does, and the XLR side only earns its keep once an interface is in the chain.

Strengths

— XLR and USB connectivity in a single microphone design
— Built-in pop filter reduces plosive sounds
— Includes a desktop stand in the bundle version

Watch-outs

— Requires a computer or audio interface for full XLR functionality

$299 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Samson Q2U

The Samson Q2U is a dynamic microphone with both USB and XLR outputs, a pairing it shares with the Shure MV7+ at a much lower price. The Rode PodMic is XLR only and the Rode NT-USB Mini is USB-C only. Its listed frequency response of 50Hz to 15kHz is narrower than the 20 Hz to 20 kHz the PodMic and the MV7+ list, and at 0.7 lb it is lighter than both.

Shure MV7+

The Shure MV7+ offers both XLR and USB-C, as the Samson Q2U offers XLR and USB, but it costs far more. It has a built-in pop filter and onboard gain, high-pass and pad controls. The Rode PodMic is XLR only and the Rode NT-USB Mini is USB-C only, so the MV7+ covers both connection paths in one microphone.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Samson Q2U	Shure MV7+
Microphone Type	USB/XLR dynamic microphone	Dynamic
Connectivity	USB and XLR	XLR and USB-C
Polar Pattern	Cardioid	Cardioid
Frequency Response	50Hz–15kHz	20 Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity	-54dBV/Pa	-55dBV (XLR)
Weight	0.7 lb	1.1 lb
Included Accessories	Mic stand, boom arm, headphones, cables	USB-C to USB-C cable
Impedance	—	150 ohms

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