Where they differ
| Specs | Samson Q2U | Elgato Wave DX |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USB and XLR | XLR |
| Samson Q2U also has an XLR output for an audio interface; Elgato Wave DX is XLR only and always needs an interface. | ||
| Stand in the box | Yes | No |
| Samson Q2U comes with a desk stand; Elgato Wave DX needs a stand or boom arm. | ||
| XLR cable in the box | Yes | No |
| Samson Q2U comes with an XLR cable; for Elgato Wave DX you add one. | ||
Where they are the same
- Capsule
- Dynamic
- Pickup patterns
- Cardioid
Not enough data to compare
We haven’t confirmed a figure for one or both models on: Preamp gain needed. 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 DX
Wave DX
An audio interface or mixer with an XLR microphone input
An XLR cable
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: A microphone stand or boom arm. No stand comes in the box; it mounts on a 5/8-inch, 3/8-inch or 1/4-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 Elgato Wave DX.