Owner's Manual
Q9U - Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the Samson Q9U XLR/USB Dynamic Broadcast Microphone. The Q9U features a humbucking dynamic neodymium capsule that offers enough output to seamlessly integrate into any setup without the need for external gain boosting devices. The analog XLR output allows the microphone to connect to any standard mixer or audio interface. Additionally the Q9U features a USB-C connection for instant plug-and-play, driverless connectivity to a computer.
Applications Podcasting Broadcast Streaming Music Production Live Sound Voice-over NOTE: Drawing depicts typical use case with Samson MBA38 boom arm, mic cable, and Z Series headphones.
Q9U Callouts 2 3 1 4 4 1. Metal Windscreen – Dual stage grill protects the capsule and helps reduce wind noise and p-popping. 2. Capsule Element – End address humbucking dynamic neodymium, internally shockmounted capsule with cardioid polar pattern. 3. Mute Button – Press in to mute signal sent to both analog XLR and USB audio output jacks. Mutes the output of the microphone to the computer and headphone output. 4.
Q9U Callouts Continued Low Cut – When engaged this slide switch will cut low frequencies by 3dB at 200Hz. Use only if you feel the signal is muddy or too bass heavy. 6. Mid – When this slide switch is engaged you will hear a boosted midrange presence in your audio signal. Ideal for spoken word applications. 7. XLR – Male XLR connector used to send an analog output signal to a mixer or other input device that accepts mic level signal. 8.
Quick Start - Connect to a computer Follow this simple quick start for a typical set-up to start recording. Using the Q9U with a computer 1. Mount the Q9u on your microphone stand according to your desired application. 2. Connect headphones to the Headphone output located at the end of the microphone body. 3. Plug the included USB cable into the Q9U and plug the other end of the cable into an available USB port on your computer 4.
Windows Setup 2. From the Start Menu, open Settings - System - Sounds. 3. Under Input and Output select the Samson Q9U as the audio device. 4. While playing music adjust the Master volume until the headphone output is at a comfortable listening level 5. To adjust the microphone recording level click Device Properties in the Input section. 6. Press Start Test, this will allow you to see recording levels. 7. While speaking at a normal level adjust the Volume slider until all levels are visible.
macOS Setup Using the Q9U with macOS 1. Connect the Q9U to the computer using the included USB cable. 2. Open System Preferences from the dock or the main Apple Menu. 3. Select the Sound preference icon, choose the Input tab and select Samson Q9U. 4. Set the Q9U as the output device by clicking the Output tab and selecting Samson Q9U. 5. To set the sample rate, from the Applications folder, open the Utilities folder and open Audio MIDI Setup. 6. From the Window menu, select Show Audio Devices. 7.
Quick Start - Connect to a Mixer Follow this simple quick start to connect your Q9U to a mixer or interface. 1. Mount the Q9U on your microphone stand according to your desired application. 2. Connect to the mixer or interface using a standard XLR cable. 3. Follow the manfacturer’s instruction for the mixer or interface in order to properly set input gain in order to optimize performance.
Mic Stand & Windscreen Installation Illustrations below depict mounting the Q9U to a boom arm (Samson MBA38) as well as installation of the foam windscreen accessory. We suggest using the windscreen for spoken word and other vocal applications as it will help eliminate plosive sounds from words with hard “P” and “B” sounds.
Quick Start - Microphone Placement Careful attention should be made in regards to microphone placement when miking instrumentalists, vocalists, and other sound sources. We suggest that the microphone be placed directly in front of the performer at a distance of 4-12 inches. This will help focus the mic’s pickup of the vocal performance while blocking out unwanted background noise. Small adjustments to placement can change the tone of the microphone.
Specifications Element Type Dynamic with Humbucking Coil Frequency Response 50Hz–20kHz Polar Pattern Cardioid (unidirectional) Polarity Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3 and positive digital signal Electromagnetic Hum Sensitivity (no weighting) 60Hz: 24 dBSPL/m0e 500Hz: 24 dBSPL/m0e 1kHz: 27 dBSPL/m0e Impedance 250Ω Max Sensitivity XLR -57 dBV/Pa (1 kHz) Max Sensitivity USB -16 dBFS/Pa (0 dB gain, 1 kHz) Self-noise (USB) +23 dBSPL(A) (max gai
Important Safety Information WARNING: Listening to music at high volume levels and for extended durations can damage one’s hearing. In order to reduce the risk of damage to hearing, one should lower the volume to a safe, comfortable level, and reduce the amount of time listening at high levels. Please use the following guidelines established by the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) on maximum time exposure to sound pressure levels before hearing damage occurs.
Having Trouble with your Q9U? We can help! CONTACT OUR SUPPORT TEAM: support@samsontech.com Our experts can help you resolve any issues. Follow us: @samson @samson_technologies Samson Technologies Corp. Copyright 2020, Samson Technologies Corp. v1.1 278-B Duffy Ave Hicksville, New York 11801 Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) www.samsontech.