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.
Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Q2U Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Q2U Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Installing the Q2U . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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.
Introduction 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.
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.
Q2U Layout 1. Windscreen – Dual stage grill protects the capsule and helps reduce wind noise and ppopping. 1 2. Capsule – Internally shock isolated, Dynamic microphone element with Cardioid pick up pattern. 2 3 3. LED – The dual color Power/Clip LED lights green to indicate power, and flashes red when the input signal is clipping. 4. O N/OFF switch – Used to turn the microphone’s both the USB and XLR outputs on or off. 4 5.
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 Figure 1 Figure 2 1.
Installing the Q2U 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). Figure 4 Figure 5 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).
Installing the Q2U 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 Getting Started with Windows Vista 1. The first time you plug the Q2U into a USB port, Windows Vista will install the universal drivers for that port. A balloon tip will pop up, telling you it has “Found new Hardware”. 2. When it is finished installing the drivers, it will say “Your new hardware is installed and ready to use”. Note: This balloon will not pop up again for the same USB port. 3.
Installing the Q2U 5. To set the direct monitoring level or the playback volume in the headphones, click the Properties button in the Playback tab instead, and open the Levels tab. Adjusting the Speakers slider or pressing the pushbuttons on the mic changes the headphone level. To turn off the zero-latency hardware direct monitoring (if you want to use software play-through with effects instead), click the Mute button (speaker symbol) in the right of the Microphone section (figure 11).
Installing the Q2U Getting Started with MAC OS X The following example is for setting up the Q2U in MAC OS X . 1. To start using the Samson Q2U, just plug it in. The LED will light to indicate it is receiving USB power. The MAC will recognize the USB audio device and automatically install a universal driver. 2. To select the Q2U as the computer’s default device, open the System Preferences from the dock or the main Apple Menu (figure 12).
Installing the Q2U 7. To set the playback volume in the headphones, adjust the Output volume slider at the bottom of the Sound dialog box (figure 15) or press the pushbuttons on the mic. At this point you can begin using your microphone with most any audio recording software, but you need to select it as an input and output device within the DAW. When selecting the inputs and outputs just look for and select the Q2U.
Operating the Q2U Q2U Quick Start You will find a detailed description of the Q2U’s controls and functions in the following sections of this manual. However, if you can’t wait to get started, you can follow this quick start guide. Before you get going it’s recommended that you follow the instructions on installing the Q2U with either Windows or OS Mac in the previous sections of this manual. Once you confirm the Q2U is connected to your computer properly, it will be easy to start recording.
Operating the Q2U Q2U Quick Start - continued 4. Plug the mini-B size (small) end of the included USB cable into the USB socket also located on the bottom side of the Q2U. 5. Now, plug the other end of the USB cable into an available USB port on your computer. Note: Be sure to check the installation guide for Windows and Mac OS to confirm your computer has recognized the Q2U. Also, make sure your computer’s output level is set to maximum for full volume in the Q2U headphone monitor. 6.
Operating the Q2U Using the Level Controls The Q2U employs Up and Down Level controls, which are normally used to control the level of the internal headphone amp, however the Level controls will adjust the volume of whichever device (Q2U or internal sound card) is set up as the output. If you set the Q2U as the output device, the Level controls will adjust the headphone output.
Operating the Q2U Stand Mounting the Q2U The Q2U can be mounted to a standard microphone stand like the Samson BT4, BL3 or MB1 using the included mic clip. If you are using a U.S. 5/8” mic stand, you will need to unscrew and remove the included Euro stand adapter. Simply screw the Q2U mic clip on to your mic stand or boom arm and adjust the microphone to the desired angle. Polar Patterns The most important characteristic of any microphone is its directionality or “pick-up pattern”.
Operating the Q2U response, however when you start pointing the microphone slightly away (off axis) you will notice the high frequency response dropping off and the microphone will start to sound like it has more bass and less highs. For most vocal applications you’ll want to position the microphone directly in front of the artist about 4 to 18 inches. If you are close miking a vocal, set the microphone to a slight angle to reduce p-popping.
Application Notes The Q2U is a great microphone choice for many instrument miking situations. Below is a brief guide on using the Q2U in some typical applications: Vocals Position the microphone directly in front of the artist so that the microphone grill is approximately 4 to 18 inches away. When close miking vocals, use of an external pop filter like the Samson PS01 is strongly recommended.
Application Notes Piano You can achieve outstanding results using the Q2U on acoustic piano. Several placement approaches can be used depending on the size of the piano, and the type of sound you are looking to record. When miking a Grand Piano, (for an ambient sound like that used in a classical recital), a Q2U can be positioned directly in front of the instrument. Open the lid to the full position and place the microphone five to twenty feet in front of the instrument.
Q2U Specifications Q2U Frequency Response - Cardioid Polar Pattern - Cardioid 20
Q2U Specifications Q2U Specifications Polar pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cardioid Frequency Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Hz - 15 kHz Element type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dynamic Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -54 dBV/Pa SPL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 dB Weight . . . .
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.