If you’re looking to get started with a podcast channel, the first step is to decide which audio setup works best for you. Picking the right speakers, recording software, and microphone can be challenging, but the Samson Go Mic is an ideal solution for portable recording on a budget. If you need a more specific microphone for streaming, look at our guide to the best streaming microphones.
Let’s take a closer look at this cost-effective option.
What Is Samson Go Mic
In 1980, Samson Technologies created their first wireless microphone. Since then, they have become a major provider of cost-effective microphones. The company comprises three entities: Samson Audio, Samson Wireless, and Hartke. In 2005, they launched the first professional USB microphones, catering to the needs of musicians, broadcasters, and podcast fans.
The Samson Go Mic is an ideal solution for podcasters, streamers, or musicians who want to upgrade their digital sound quality. It’s a multi-purpose, portable USB microphone that allows you to make sure your message carries the weight and clarity it deserves. Enhance your audio and ensure your voice is heard with Go Mic.
It can be used wherever you want to record, connecting to Android and iOS devices via USB-C, lightning cable, or micro-USB. Go Mic is a portable USB microphone with multiple patterns to help you achieve that.
Specifications |
Microphone & Headphone Amplifier
Type: Condenser Connector: USB Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional Primary Applications: Podcast, Web-Streaming, Conferencing Form Factor: Desktop / Stand/Boom Mount Sound Field: Mono Pattern Selection: Switched Orientation: Side Address Circuitry: Solid-State High-Pass Filter: None Gain Adjustment: Yes On-Board Controls: Polar Pattern Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 18 kHz Max SPL: 121 dB |
Digital Audio
A/D Conversion: 16-Bit Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz |
Physical
Diaphragm Size: 0.39″ (10mm) Weight: 0.23 lbs. Manufacturer Part Number: SAGOMIC |
Main Features Of The Portable Mic
- Plug and Play (Portable USB condenser microphone)
- Mac and PC compatible, no drivers required
- Custom, compact design that clips to a laptop or sits on a desk
- Perfect for recording music, podcasting and field recording, voice recognition software, iChat, VoIP and web casting
- Switchable cardioid or omnidirectional pickup patterns
- 16-bit, 44.1kHz resolution
- Smooth, flat frequency response of 20Hz–18kHz
- Stereo 1/8″ headphone output for no latency monitoring
Design & Build
The Samson Go is an incredibly tiny device, measuring just six inches in length and one inch in width and weighing less than a pound – making it one of the most portable USB microphones available. The exterior is made of metal and high-grade plastic – with the grille being metal and the bottom of the casing being plastic. Its fold-up design allows it to fit right into your pocket.
The base has a shock-absorbing pad that minimizes vibrations and provides a clip for computer monitors. Furthermore, the microphone has a 3.5mm headphone jack for direct monitoring and a micro USB port for the included micro USB cable, allowing for low latency outputs.
The two 10mm capsules behind the windscreen feature shock isolation and the ability to record cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns. The pattern switch found on the interior side of the mic housing allows users to choose between cardioid, cardioid with a 10dB pad, or omnidirectional
Sound Quality
The Samson Go Mic Portable USB Microphone offers two different microphone patterns: Cardioid and Omni. The Cardioid pattern is best suited for single-person activities and captures sound from the front of the microphone; meanwhile, the Omni pattern is more suitable for multi-person activities, as it captures sound from all directions.
This mic will be of great use for podcasts, interviews, group discussions, voice-overs for videos, and even for basic music recording in an indoor environment. Thus, it provides a reasonable level of operation and functioning.
With a 16-bit resolution and a frequency of 44.1 kHz, this microphone can provide users with clear audio quality, making it ideal for ASMR recordings. Even the smallest audio peaks can be picked up, allowing users to adjust the volume without compromising the peaks and valleys of the audio.
Ease Of Use & Connectivity
The Samson Go Mic is ideal for hobbyists who want a convenient and easy-to-use microphone to connect to their phones. Setting up the Go Mic is a breeze, and the 3.5mm included cable is robust, making it an excellent choice for travel. Recording with the Go Mic is as simple as plugging it in and hitting record, no matter what software you use.
The Samson Go Mic Mobile is compatible with Android devices that run 5.0 Lollipop or higher, provided they allow for a USB digital audio connection (USB Micro B or USB-C cables included in the box). If this is not the case, you may need to download a third-party app.
Additionally, the mic is compatible with all iOS devices, as it comes with a lightning cable. This connection works with any device with the necessary ports, such as cameras, camcorders, computers, etc.
Drawbacks Of Samson Go Mic
Plastic can be vulnerable to cracks and damage is a major drawback for this type of microphone, as it means that the microphone could be easily broken or damaged if not handled carefully. Furthermore, the quality of the audio may be affected if the microphone is cracked or damaged in any way.
Because the microphone is a small condenser, it has a limited frequency response and cannot capture the full range of frequencies that other microphones can. As a result, the sound recording can lack the depth and richness that other microphones can provide.
Furthermore, Samson Go Mic does not have a gain control. Without gain control, the user is stuck with the volume level they have set and cannot change it according to their needs. This can be incredibly inconvenient if the user adjusts the volume depending on the environment or situation.
Lastly, Samson Go Mic does not come with a pop filter, which is a device that helps reduce plosive sounds (sounds created by hard consonants such as “p” and “t”) in recordings. This means that recordings made with the Samson Go Mic may suffer from excessive plosive sounds and background noise.
Final Verdict
The Samson Go Mic is a great, affordable option for those looking for a portable microphone for travel vlogging or starting content creation. It offers surprisingly rich sound quality for such a small mic and is easy to set up and use. The lack of a charging cable is a downside, but the Go Mic Mobile is still a great bang for your buck.
PROS | CONS |
Durable construction provides long-lasting use. | The casing is not particularly robust. |
Produces a clear and crisp sound. | The sound quality is somewhat lacking in terms of depth and richness. |
Solid steel stand included for easy setup. | There is no pop filter included. |
Can be mounted to a computer or table top with a clip or stand. | There is no gain control feature. |
Two polar patterns offer versatility. | |
Plug-and-Play compatible with Mac and PC. | |
Comes with a carrying pouch and case for portability. | |
Easy to use, even for beginners. |
I hope this Samson Go Mic review has been helpful to you. Do you have any questions, comments, or requests? Did I miss anything? Please let me know by commenting below.