Samson Go Mic Review: Portable USB Condenser Mic

The Samson Go microphone is ideal for anyone looking for near-studio quality sound recording for barely a fraction of the price. This USB condenser mic has gained reputation as being the most favourable microphone by YouTubers from all niches.

Pros:

• Small and lightweight
• Three modes:
• High quality sound
• Great 'bang for buck' value for money
• Very laptop-friendly

Cons:

• Built-on clip could be more solid
• Not completely desktop-friendly

What's in the box?

The Samson Go comes packaged with a two-meter USB cable, a carry case (which can only fit the microphone and nothing else), warranty information, a CD containing some optional drivers and audio recording/editing software and a user manual.

The microphone is packaged into a fairly small box, but that had effect on my reaction when I initially opened the box…

First Impressions

It's tiny!

The Samson Go microphone was much smaller than I had anticipated. Measuring just under three inches in length it easily fits into any desktop or portable set up. It features a switch to choose between Cardiod, Omni and -10dB modes, a 3.5mm headphone socket and a USB socket. The most prominent feature of the Go was the clip which allows the microphone to stand up on a flat surface or be clipped to a monitor or laptop clamshell.

Sound Quality

It's a microphone, so no doubt you will want to hear for yourselves how well it performs. Below is a video comparing it to a built-in microphone on my Sony Vaio laptop to the Samson Go mic in three different modes.

Overview & Verdict

This is a very well built product with incredible attention being paid to its design. Regardless of it being so small, it feels very solid in the hand and that gives it a very premium feel. It has plug and play compatibility with Windows and Mac so all you need is the two-metre USB cable supplied. You will be able to plug the mic into almost any machine and start recording right away!

I found the balance of sound quality with price exceptional. For just over thirty pounds there is no microphone that rivals the Samson Go. Stepping up from conventional built-in mics I have been thoroughly impressed with the Go.

My primary use for the mic is YouTube video voice-overs for which the microphone works very well. Sound is very crisp, clear and background noise is easily removed using the Cardiod or -10dB mode. I imagine this mic is also well suited to group podcasts and recordings too as the Omni mode does a very good job of picking up sound from all directions.

And finally, I leave you with an unboxing video and review video while you wait for your Samson Go to be delivered:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjWvh2NXoi4[/embed]

[embed]http://youtu.be/HlfdQ5NtCmM[/embed]