Samson SAMTR Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone

I purchase this microphone for two reasons: 1.) I make videos for work that require voice-over narration and 2.) I started vlogging and needed a mic to add voice-over to my videos. But, I've actually found it to be quite useful for more than just those purposes. I also use it for online meetings, audio/video chats, teaching online classes, etc. I'm so much happier with it over the built-in mic in my laptop.Firstly, let's discuss looks. This mic has a really neat, stylish look to it. It's retro-looking with an appearance similar to old-school mics from the 1950's, but the flip-out feet give it a modern twist. The polished metal look is also great. It does tend to show fingerprints, though. If that's a concern, consider a different color option.Sound quality is also fantastic. It's a condenser mic, so it's somewhat directional. I find I get plenty of volume when I speak with the mic on my desk and I'm sitting back comfortably in my chair. The sound does get richer as you move closer to it, though. So for video voice-over, I tend to hold it in my hand closer to my mouth. It also does a fairly decent job at minimizing background noise, especially when it originates from the sides or rear. I've had no need for a pop filter on this mic, but I also don't speak with my mouth right up to it, either. I have tested this, and it does catch a few of those pops. So, for those of you who would put it on a stand and speak close to it, consider adding a pop filter. But, if you speak adjacent to it and not directly toward it (as you should do anyway), you'll avoid puffing air at it and causing those volume spikes when you spit air into the mic. It also has a headphone port on the rear so you can monitor your sound input directly from the back of the Meteor as you're speaking, which is great if your recording device doesn't have a headphone jack available for monitoring.The Meteor has a threaded insert on the bottom to accept a mic stand. If you want to attach it to a boom, a stand, a desk mount, whatever, you can do so. But, I will say it'll look a little funny with the feet sticking out when it's mounted on a threaded stand. Some people won't care. If you do, you may try using a screwdriver to take out the fold-out feet, if you plan to leave it mounted to a stand.Speaking of those fold-out feet......... I'd LOVE if those were detachable. It's one of my only gripes with this mic. But, since I use it on my desk the majority of the time, it's usually a non-issue for me. The rear foot also folds up over the Mini USB port on the back of the mic. So, you can't just fold the feet up and still use the mic, as you wouldn't be able to plug it in. If you aren't careful and push down on the mic, you could also change the position of the rear foot and damage this port or the cable by pushing the rear foot up into the cable. So, just make sure to be aware of that as you use and move your Meteor around.The mic level and mute can be controlled right on the mic. I love that! It has adjustable volume on the ring around the mute button. And the LED changes from blue to yellow to indicate the mic has been muted. This works even when you mute the mic from a computer or laptop. (I have a dedicated mute button on my keyboard, so I just use that instead of reaching for the mic.)If you do need to travel with it, since the feet fold up, it ends up being nice and compact. And it even included a faux velvet pouch to put it in.Lastly, if you do purchase this mic...... while the sound quality is very good, if you do plan to record anything with it, I would HIGHLY-recommend spending a few extra dollars and getting the Samson Sound Deck companion app to go with it. You can record audio through that app. And the app includes the ability to turn on noise reduction, which virtually eliminated any echoing I heard from my voice bouncing off of the hard walls in my home office. The Sound Deck app also works with 3rd-party recording products. I tried adjusting Noise Reduction and Echo Erase while recording in Audacity, and it definitely affected the recordings. So, you don't have to record only using Sound Deck, you just need to have the app running in the background to take advantage of it. This also means that all real-time audio has the NR and EE features active, which is great for clear audio during my meetings and training courses.So, all-in-all, this is a fantastic mic! I'm pleased with how it looks and functions. There are a couple of minor things I'd change (removable feet!!!), but not enough to warrant removing a full star from my review. I'd give it a 4.5, if I could. Especially once you pair it with Samson Sound Deck.

I do a good deal of narration and Screen and pod casting it was definitely time for a new mic.For a couple days I was split between the Samson and the Yeti by Blue Microphones. Both are equally well reviewed and in the same price range give or take a few bucks, so cost wasn't a factor. But size sure was the Yeti is huge! and for my quite small over cluttered desk - that was the deal breaker for the Yeti.The first thing I'll say is that the packaging alone knocked me out, it's simply gorgeous. I bought a Rhode NG2 Shotgun mic for my Panasonic Pro AG- HMC40 camera that came in a flimsy cardboard box with equally flimsy plastic mounts.The Samson arrives looking like something from Tiffany's - beautiful black box, custom molded foam encasement, the mic of course, the USB cable and a thick plush velvet carrying pouch.So I'm a sucker for good packaging but after 30 years in Advertising if I learned anything it's that presentation is everything, well, almost.As for the mic it's wild looking, who complements a microphone? so far about a dozen people. Gleaming chrome plated heavy cast steel, fold down legs, impeccable build quality and equally impressive performance.There's lot's of bang for your buck here:* A large (25mm) diaphragm means rich and complex audio production* CD quality 16 bit (44.1/48kHZ) recording - means crystal clear rendering* 1/8 inch headphone jack* Headphone volume control on the micThe very cool lighting and easy to use controls are effortless. It's built like a tank and performs beautifully. I'm producing the best narrations I ever have.It's also quite beautiful as I said before, very retro looking like those wonderful old school mics from the 50' but with a scaled down, somewhat eclectic design.If your looking for a mic with a small foot print, that easily fits most stands and delivers sensational recording and conversion to playback sound, there's no reason to look any further, this little gem is a giant when it comes to performance and bang for your buck.Highly Recommended.