How to Set Up the Samson Q2U for Rap: USB or XLR

The Samson Q2U is a dynamic mic you can plug straight into your computer over USB, or into an audio interface over XLR. That's why a lot of beginners pick it: you start with USB and can easily move to an interface later. Here's how to set it up for rap.

1. Rap into the top of the mic

The Q2U is a handheld mic. So you rap into the top, the head with the grille. Not into the side. It has a cardioid pattern: it mostly picks up what's right in front of it, and less of what's happening beside and behind it.

2. USB or XLR?

The Q2U has two outputs:

  • USB: straight into your computer, no interface needed. According to Samson, you don't need to install any drivers.
  • XLR: into an audio interface or mixer. The Q2U is a dynamic mic, so it doesn't need 48V phantom power.

No interface yet? Start with USB. If you buy one later, just use the XLR output.

3. Check the switch

The mic has an on/off switch. It turns both the USB and the XLR output on or off. Not hearing anything, not even over XLR? Check that switch first. The current version also has a mute switch. Check that one too before you hit record.

4. Set your gain over USB

There's no gain knob on the Q2U. Over USB, you set the level on your computer:

  • Mac: go to System Settings, Sound, Input. Choose the Q2U and set the input slider.
  • Windows: open the Recording tab under Sound, choose the Q2U, click Properties and go to the Levels tab.

Rap your loudest part and set the level so your signal comes into your DAW nicely, without hitting the red. According to Samson's manual, the light on the mic is green when it's on, and flashes red when your signal comes in too hot. Flashing red? Turn the level down or move back from the mic a little. Also read distorted recording? How to prevent clipping.

Over XLR, you set the gain on your interface. Here's how for the Scarlett Solo, the Scarlett 2i2 or the Audient EVO 4.

5. Distance and plosives

A dynamic mic picks up less of your room when you're close to it. Samson's manual also explains the proximity effect: the closer you get to the mic, the more bass. Start about a fist away and move closer or further back until your voice sounds full, but not muddy. After that, stay at the same distance for every take.

There's a foam windscreen in the box. It helps against hard P and B sounds. Still hearing them? Put a pop filter in front. Read how to set up your mic for rap recording at home.

6. Hear yourself without delay

The Q2U has a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Through it you hear your mic directly, without delay. You set the volume on the mic itself. Want to hear the beat through those headphones too? Then also choose the Q2U as the output in your DAW.

Hearing yourself twice, or with a tiny echo? Then you're hearing your voice through the mic and through your DAW. Turn off monitoring on your track in your DAW. Also read how to fix latency when recording vocals.

7. Set your project to 44.1 or 48 kHz

Over USB, the Q2U records at 16 bit, at 44.1 or 48 kHz. Set your project in your DAW to one of those two.

8. Choose the Q2U in your DAW

Create a mono audio track and choose the Q2U as the input. Step-by-step guides:

Still choosing a mic? Read recording rap with a Shure SM58 and how to set up the Blue Yeti. Need a beat? Browse all beats.

FAQ

Does the Samson Q2U need phantom power?

No. It's a dynamic mic. Over USB it gets power from your computer, and over XLR it doesn't need 48V.

Where is the gain knob on the Q2U?

There isn't one. Over USB you set the level on your computer, over XLR on your interface.

Can I use USB and XLR at the same time?

According to Samson you can, for example to record a show while you're also coming through the PA. At home you usually only need one of the two.

Source: Samson's product information and manual for the Q2U.

Back to blog