Where they differ
| Specs | Samson Q2U | Shure SM7B |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USB and XLR | XLR |
| Samson Q2U also has an XLR output for an audio interface; Shure SM7B is XLR only and always needs an interface. | ||
| Preamp gain needed | Not published | more than 60 dB |
| Shure SM7B needs more than 60 dB of preamp gain, by its maker’s guide; Samson Q2U’s maker publishes no such need. | ||
| Stand in the box | Yes | No |
| Samson Q2U comes with a desk stand; Shure SM7B needs a stand or boom arm. | ||
| XLR cable in the box | Yes | No |
| Samson Q2U comes with an XLR cable; for Shure SM7B you add one. | ||
Where they are the same
- Capsule
- Dynamic
- Pickup patterns
- Cardioid
What else each needs
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.
Shure SM7B
SM7B
An audio interface or mixer with an XLR microphone input
An XLR cable
An interface with more than 60 dB of gain, or an inline booster
A microphone stand or boom arm
- You need: 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.
- You need: An XLR cable. None comes in the box.
- You need: An interface with more than 60 dB of gain, or an inline booster. Shure asks for a preamp with more than 60 dB of gain for this microphone.
- You need: A microphone stand or boom arm. No stand comes in the box; it mounts on a 5/8-inch or 3/8-inch thread.
Next step
Put either model into the setup builder to check it against your computer and the rest of your gear, or see all 14 side by side in XLR microphones for streaming compared. Test your microphone before you go live.
Full profiles: Samson Q2U and Shure SM7B.