Samson Q2U Users Manual

Printed August, 2009 v1.1

Samson Technologies Corp. 45 Gilpin Avenue Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816 Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) Fax: 631-784-2201 www.samsontech.com

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Q2U Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Q2U Layout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Installing the Q2U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Getting Started with Windows XP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Getting Started with Windows Vista . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Getting Started with MAC OS X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Operating the Q2U. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 - 19

Q2U Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Powering the Q2U. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Setting Up the Signal Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Stand Mounting the Q2U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Polar Patterns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Microphone Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

P-Popping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Application Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Q2U Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 - 21

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Q2U Recording Pack from Samson! The package contains all you need to get started recording, and monitoring, high quality audio on just about any computer system with a USB connection. Included in the pack is the Q2U, 2-in-1 USB Microphone with USB cable for recording any sound source and the HP20 stereo headphones, which provide crystal clear monitoring of your recordings. Plus, the Q2U has a standard XLR output allowing you to use the included XLR cable to connect to your sound system for live performances. The Q2U features a smooth sounding dynamic element, capable of handling high SPL (sound pressure level), cleverly interfaced to onboard high quality mic pre, Analog-to-Digital converter and USB output. There’s even on onboard headphone amplifier with level control so you can connect the HP20 directly to the microphone. The Q2U is perfect for recording your music, podcast or an acoustic audio source on your favorite DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Just plug in the supplied USB cable, launch your DAW and start recording. The Q2U faithfully reproduces a variety of sound sources including vocals, acoustic instruments and overhead cymbals, to name a few, and because the Q2U can handle high SPL you can use it on drums or in front of a loud guitar amp. The extended frequency and fast transient response ensures an accurate reproduction with linear characteristics from bottom to top. For recording music, podcasts, house of worship services, or conferences meetings, the Q2U and HP20 are the perfect solution for recording quality digital audio on your computer. Just plug in and start creating!

In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the Q2U 2-in-1 USB Microphone, as well as step-by-step instructions for its setup and use, and full specifications. You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—please don’t forget to fill it out and mail it in so that you can receive online technical support and so we can send you updated information about these and other Samson products in the future.

With proper care, your Q2U will operate trouble free for many years. We recommend you record your serial number in the space provided below for future reference.

Serial number: __________________________

Date of purchase: __________________

Should your unit ever require servicing, a Return Authorization number (RA) must be obtained before shipping your unit to Samson. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please call Samson at 1-800-3SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) for a Return Authorization number prior to shipping your unit. Please retain the original packing materials and if possible, return the unit in the original carton and packing materials. If you purchased your Samson product outside the United States, please contact your local distributor for warranty information and service.

Introduction

Q2U Recording Pack Features

• Dynamic Microphone with USB digital output and standard XLR analog output.

• Full range, linear frequency response for accurate sound reproduction.

• Cardioid, or unidirectional, pick-up pattern for maximum gain before feedback.

• Compatible with most any Mac or PC based Digital Audio Workstation that supports the USB Audio class.

• The onboard headphone amplifier with level control allows you to listen to your recording directly from the microphone, plus you can use the output to connect active studio monitors.

• A software-controlled, analog direct monitor mode is provided for zero-latency monitoring.

• Computer-controlled analog Input Gain makes it easy to set the proper level and get a clean signal.

• The on-board, high quality AD converters with 16-bit, 48 kHz sampling rate provide better than CD quality recording.

• HP20 Headphones included for high quality stereo monitoring.

• On the road, in the studio or in a fixed installation, the solid construction with die cast construction makes the microphone a reliable audio tool, day in and day out.

• A desktop tripod stand, mic clip, 10 foot USB cable and 10 foot XLR cable are included to easily set up the microphone right out of the box.

• The Q2U is perfect for recording voice, music, live instruments, podcasts, or for chatting and VoIP.

Q2U Layout

1. Windscreen – Dual stage grill protects the

capsule and helps reduce wind noise and ppopping.

2. Capsule

– Internally shock isolated, Dynamic microphone element with Cardioid pick up pattern.

3. LED

– The dual color Power/Clip LED lights green to indicate power, and flashes red when the input signal is clipping.

4. ON/OFF switch

– Used to turn the microphone’s both the USB and XLR outputs on or off.

5. Die-cast body

– Super tough molded zinc body construction provides long lasting reliability for recording or live stage use.

6. Output Level control -

Up and Down pushbutton switches used to control the overall volume of the headphone or assigned output device.

7. XLR connector

– Standard Male XLR connector with analog output for connecting to a standard PA system.

8. USB

– Mini-B size USB connector for interfacing

with your PC or Mac.

9. Phones

- 1/8-inch (3.5mm) stereo jack for

connecting headphones or studio monitors.

Installing the Q2U

Installing the Q2U is a simple procedure that takes just a few minutes. Since the Q2U is USB compliant, you can use either a MAC or PC, connect the included USB cable and plug and play. You will be able to control your Q2U using the standard audio interface controls in the MAC or Windows operating system. You will find detailed instructions on setting up with MAC OS and Windows in the following sections of this manual.

Getting Started with Windows XP

1. The first time you plug the Q2U into a USB port, Windows will install the universal drivers for that port. A balloon tip will pop up, telling you it has “Found new Hardware” (figure 1).

2. When it is finished installing the drivers, it will say “Your new hardware is installed and ready to use” (figure 2).

Note: This balloon will not pop up again for

the same USB port.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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