Where they differ
| Specs | Shure MV6 | Samson Q2U |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USB | USB and XLR |
| Samson Q2U also has an XLR output for an audio interface; Shure MV6 connects over USB only. | ||
| Best USB recording format | 24-bit, 48 kHz | 16-bit, 48 kHz |
| Over USB, Shure MV6 records up to 24-bit, 48 kHz and Samson Q2U up to 16-bit, 48 kHz. Both are more than a stream carries (Twitch takes AAC audio at up to 160 kbps), so the difference matters for recordings you edit. | ||
| Processing on the microphone | Yes | None listed |
| Shure MV6 processes your voice on the microphone over USB; for Samson Q2U you add filters in OBS. | ||
Where they are the same
- Capsule
- Dynamic
- Pickup patterns
- Cardioid
- Stand in the box
- Yes
- Headphone socket
- Yes
Not enough data to compare
We haven’t confirmed a figure for one or both models on: Preamp gain needed, XLR cable in the box, USB cable in the box. The site leaves these out rather than guess.
What else each needs
Shure MV6
MV6
A USB-C port on your computer
A boom arm, if you want it closer
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
MOTIV Mix desktop or the maker’s other apps
- Check first: A USB-C port on your computer. The cable in the box has USB-C at both ends. If your computer only has USB-A ports, you need a USB-C to USB-A cable rated for the same speed.
- Optional: A boom arm, if you want it closer. A desk stand is in the box. An arm lets you bring the microphone nearer your mouth without it sitting in the camera shot; check the arm fits its 5/8-inch thread.
- Optional: Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. Its headphone socket lets you hear yourself straight from the microphone, before the computer adds delay.
- Optional: MOTIV Mix desktop or the maker’s other apps. The maker’s app sets its processing and controls.
Samson Q2U
Q2U
For USB: a USB port that fits the cable
For XLR: an audio interface or mixer with an XLR microphone input
A boom arm, if you want it closer
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
- Check first: For USB: a USB port that fits the cable. A USB cable is in the box, but its ends are not listed. Check it against your computer’s ports.
- Optional: For XLR: an audio interface or mixer with an XLR microphone input. A computer has no XLR input. The interface’s preamp raises the microphone’s signal and sends it to the computer over USB.
- Optional: A boom arm, if you want it closer. A desk stand is in the box. An arm lets you bring the microphone nearer your mouth without it sitting in the camera shot.
- Optional: Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. Its headphone socket lets you hear yourself straight from the microphone, before the computer adds delay.
Next step
Put either model into the setup builder to check it against your computer and the rest of your gear, or see all 27 side by side in USB microphones for streaming compared. Test your microphone before you go live.
Full profiles: Shure MV6 and Samson Q2U.