Samson Q2U Recording Pak User manual
Copyright 2009, Samson Technologies Corp.
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
2
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!
3
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
4
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.
5
Q2U Layout
1. Windscreen – Dual stage grill protects the
capsule and helps reduce wind noise and p-
popping.
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 push-
button 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.
4
9
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
6
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
7
3. To set the Q2U as your default device
for sound playback and recording, or
to change its settings, click the Start
button, click Control Panel and then
click Sounds and Audio Devices.
Under the Audio tab, you can select
the Samson Q2U from the drop-down
menus. (figure 3).
4. To set the gain of the microphone,
click the Volume button in the Sound
recording section to make the
Microphone slider appear (figure 4). It
will say “Samson Q2U” in the status bar
at the bottom. Moving this slider will
adjust the analog amplifier circuitry in
the microphone.
5. To set the direct monitoring level or the
playback volume in the headphones,
click the Volume button in the Sound
playback section instead. Adjusting
either the Speaker slider on the left or
pushing the push-buttons on the mic
changes the headphone level (figure
5). To turn off the zero-latency direct
hardware monitoring (if you want to
use software play-through with effects
instead), click
Figure 5
Installing the Q2U
Figure 4
8
Figure 6
Figure 7
the Mute checkbox in the Microphone
section on the right. If the Microphone
section does not appear at first, click
Options and then Properties (figure
6), and click the checkbox next to
Microphone. (Figure 7)
6. To prevent system sounds from coming
through the Q2U, select a different
sound card for the system default, and
then choose the Q2U manually within
your DAW software.
Installing the Q2U
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2
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