The Samson Q1 is a dual-purpose live/project studio mic that looks similar to many hand-held dynamic stage mics and, indeed, it's this type of mic that it is designed to replace. The build is both solid and tidily finished, with the back-electret capsule protected by a foam-lined, stainless steel basket atop a chunky metal body. There are no switches for pad or low-frequency roll-off and the balanced output is on a standard XLR connector with gold-plated pins. Unlike some back-electret mics, this model can only be used with phantom power — there's no provision for battery operation, though any phantom power supply between 11 and 52 Volts may be used. The mic comes with a stand clip, but there is no carry case.
The frequency response is quoted as 50Hz to 20kHz, though this is reduced to more like 150Hz to 20kHz if you look at the -3dB points — a gentle low-frequency roll-off starts at about 300Hz, designed to counteract the proximity effect of the Q1's cardioid polar pattern. In practice, this means the mic should sound reasonably well-balanced when used close up, but suggests it may be a bit bass light when sources aren't close-miked. In addition, the response has a slight rise above about 8kHz, which helps provide a little 'air' in the sound. The maximum SPL handling depends on the load into which the mic feeds, but at worst it can handle peaks of up to 134dB and at best 142dB. No sensitivity figures were provided.
Against some of my favourite dynamic mics, such as Shure's SM58, the Samson Q1 came out as being slightly more sensitive with a noticeably clearer top end, though I feel the low end lacked a little warmth unless the mic was used very close up to the source. However, the mic is quite capable of making a reasonable recording of an acoustic guitar despite its unexceptional sensitivity, and here the low-end roll-off can help keep things sounding bright and crisp.
Compared to my Rode NT1 capacitor mic, the Samson Q1 was significantly less sensitive and less warm at the low end. The mid-range and high-end characteristics were broadly similar. The off-axis response was also pretty good, while the rear rejection was better than 15dB or thereabouts, making the mic good for live use. I also tested the Q1 mic at a live acoustic gig and it worked surprisingly well.
Summary
Samson's Q1 would be a good choice for any budget-conscious user who wants to use the same mic for recording and for live performance, and it provides a useful alternative to a dynamic model when you need greater high end transparency. Overall the mic is a good performer with a clear, well-balanced sound, though the low end does tend to turn thin when you move the mic more than a few inches from the sound source. On the whole, a well-made and affordable back-electret mic.
£129 including VAT.
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