Where they differ
| Specs | Samson Q2U | Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USB and XLR | USB |
| Samson Q2U also has an XLR output for an audio interface; Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 connects over USB only. | ||
| Capsule | Dynamic | Condenser |
| Samson Q2U is dynamic, which picks up less of the room; Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 is a condenser, which suits a quiet room. | ||
| Best USB recording format | 16-bit, 48 kHz | 24-bit, 48 kHz |
| Over USB, Samson Q2U records up to 16-bit, 48 kHz and Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 up to 24-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 | None listed | Yes |
| Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 processes your voice on the microphone over USB; for Samson Q2U you add filters in OBS. | ||
Where they are the same
- 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
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.
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2
Wave:3 MK.2
A USB port that fits the cable
A boom arm, if you want it closer
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
- Check first: A USB port that fits the cable. A USB-C cable is in the box; check its other end against your computer’s ports.
- 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 1/4-inch, 5/8-inch or 3/8-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.
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: Samson Q2U and Elgato Wave:3 MK.2.