Samson Q9x review: XLR microphone trying to stand out in design and sound

Podcasts and home recordings became popular during pandemic, and many have decided to implement a simple and effective solution for recording content at home. Even I know how to gradually create a personal space that meets my needs. However, I always change options and Samson was able to adapt to my habits. After use Q9U as main microphoneit’s time to tell you if it’s worth going for the option XLR: Q9x.

Samson Q9x: specifications

Samson Q9x: what you need to know

Exquisite design. Short distances with the Q9U, which we have already tested, especially in terms of assembly. We’ve kept the aluminum chassis, which gives it rigidity, and the lever mount, which makes it easy to screw in.

There are some differences between them. The Q9x adds a light gray accent to the mesh that covers the capsule while removing the MUTE button, USB-C input, headphone jack and crossover.

The rest is traces of mold, which we appreciate. Already, the Q9U is a microphone that delivers ease of use and functionality. I would at least leave the MUTE button on this XLR version.

Reimagined sound. In this case, some variables point to strengthening the capsule insulation to reduce the noise that microphone manipulation can create. In addition to this carcass, a two-layer safety net and an external “windbreaker” are added to minimize involuntary “pops”.

The cardioid dynamic capsule concentrates sound reception in front of the microphone, limiting its range from other angles and reducing the pickup of ambient noise. Sounds a little different than the Q9x, though not as far off. Truth be told, you don’t have to be very far from this signature, and the “mid-booster” has the same timbre.

Okay, but what about the record? In my personal use it is connected to an M-Audio Air 192 4 interface and a cloud lifter which adds pure amplification. This is the microphone I used to record METADATA, my podcast, and the equipment I use to get out of the house for RPP radio and TV. Personally, I think this improves the Q9U capsule in terms of mids and we get a less boxy sound than the USB-C brother.

Although condenser microphones pick up more clearly and louder, they also tend to attract additional noise and have less control over interference. In this case, the Q9x mixes both conditions a bit and boasts a constant input noise of 19dB-A, which is close to the ENL ideal of 15dB and rarely seen in an XLR speaker.

Already in comparison with condenser microphones, this microphone loses in brightness and medium and high frequencies. It is very tight in the bass, but requires more intensive EQ work compared to condensers, which, both in the box and live, offer a more balanced response range.

I don’t think it’s a good mic for streamers unless they do some basic EQ and compression first, which very few users do.

Samson Q9x worth it?

Compared to the Q9U, the sound is better: it’s friendlier and less restrictive than the mixed USB/XLR model. While we’ll need a cloud lifter to run smoothly on the audio interface, it adds weight to my work. In this case, I would tell you that, due to the $132 price tag, this is an item to consider when compared to the wide range of dynamic microphones on the market.

Personally, I really like the color of the sound we get with this mic, in addition to a system that improves noise cancellation and provides cleaner amplification. Unfortunately we can’t say it can live up to the standard of the ElectroVoice RE20 or Shure SM7b as both have recognizable sound from miles away. This Q9x, other than being an XLR only, adds no real value as an arsenal to the Q9U. However, I will keep it at home and the Q9U will be my travel companion.

Whether you’re looking for an XLR, the good old SM58, or failing that, Samson’s own Q2U are really effective options.