Samson Microphones & Accessories

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Samson Airline Micro

This is the latest addition to the Samson Wireless offerring and is an incredibly comfortable, well performing and nicely designed sysem.

The AirLine Micro Wireless Earset System is a breakthrough that utilizes the latest in lithium ion battery technology and small, high-quality audio and RF components to bring freedom and convenience to a new level of performance. The result is not only our smallest wireless system, but also our most comfortable, reliable and versatile system ever.

To eliminate continually changing batteries, Samson has designed this micro-size UHF wireless 600 Mhz system to be fully rechargeable, supplying lithium ion rechargeable batteries and USB DC power inputs for both the AH2 earset transmitter and AR2 receiver. A handy docking station for the receiver also provides a USB DC input and a 3.5mm balanced audio output. Because of these convenient recharging capabilities, the days of constantly changing the batteries in your wireless system are over.

Items included in the box include those shown here plus a hard case and 72 inch double male plug for use with a personal computer:

Specifications:

• Transmitter:

Audio Input Level: -110 dBv ~ 0 dBv
Volume adustment steps: 5
RF Transmitter Output: 10 mW ERP
Power Requirements: Internal lithium ion rechargeable battery
Battery Life: about 10 hours
Weight: 22 grams

• Receiver:

Audio output connector: 1/8 inch unbalanced
Audio output level (Typical): -30 dBv (mic) -10 dBv (line)
Audio output impedance: 600 Ohms
AAF Frequency Response: 50 Hz - 15 Hz
S/N Ratio (overall) 90 dB
Sensitivity: 18 dBu
Power Requirements: internal lithium ion rechargeable batter
Battery life: about 10 hours

More Information:

• View detailed description on Samson Wireless web site
• View high resolution picture
• View demonstration of this microphone with speech recognition

Comments: We continue to test this unit, but our preliminary impressions are very favorable. It is amazingly small and lightweight and yet attaches so securely that use by a fitness instructor is entirely feasible. On the other hand it seems to have the accuracy to allow accurate use with speech recognition software. We have not yet formally evaluated the external noise rejection qualities of this microphone, but in preliminary testing it seems to do fine and was minimally affected by our babbling 8-year old son, a fairly loud air conditioner and other household noises. The external noise rejection is clearly well above average.

We recommend using this device with a monaural USB adapter such as the Andrea USB adapter since it does not have sound out capabilities. This product is packaged for use with professional sound equipment and not a personal computer. The audio output cord has a 1/4 inch plug. We recommend that you purchase a double male stereo 1/8 inch cord if you plan to use this with a pc. We list both the USB adapter and 1/8 inch double male cord below.

MSRP:$359.99
Our Price:$ 249.00

Recommended Accessores for this product:

Airline 77 Wireless Headset Microphone System

This unique wireless headset microphone system is made by Samson, an innovator in wireless microphones for more than 26 years. The package we sell includes either the AH1 QE or QV10e vocal headset transmitter, the CR77 receiver, and the required cable to connect the receiver to your personal computer. The unique aspect of this system is high quality microphone with attached transmitter (no need for separate battery pack as required with Sennheiser Evolution and Nady wireless systems).The headset requires 3 AAA batteries which have a life of about 14 hours.

Features:

• True Diversity UHF Wireless System with PLL Frequency Control
• AH1 Qe or Qv10e Vocal Headset Transmitter
• CR77 Receiver with Multi-segment Audio level, RF level and A/B Antenna
• Operation LED meters
• Squelch control eliminates carrier signal noise and RF interference
• Tuned molded antennas for accurate reception
• XLR and unbalanced 1/4" outputs with mic/line level output switch
• Single AAA battery operation allows 14-hours of Airline Transmitter life
• Required XLR to 3.5 mm stereo connector for connection to PC included (15 ft length)

Comments: As attested to on a number of speech forums, this microphone is widely acclaimed for it's accuracy - and deservedly so. It provides every bit the accuracy of the Sennheiser ME3. The downsides are two-fold. First, it lacks the portability of other microphones due to the size of the receiver unit. For this reason it is best suited for stationary operations and not "road warriors". Second, the headset is somewhat rigid and minimally alterable for different head shapes.

This system, as sold, is set up and includes everything you need for outstanding use with speech recognition software. To the basic system provided by Samson, we add the required XLR to 3.5 mm connector to attach the system to your PC or sound adapter and we perform a small tweak of the transmitter output (described in detail below). We recommend using it with an external USB sound adapter such as the Buddy 6G.

We sell this microphone in two versions. The QE10 is the "fitness" version and has a more waterproof microphone element and is intended for the fitness instructor. The QV version does not have the high moisture resistance but has a pick up pattern which may be more apt to reject external noise and be preferrable for speech recognition users.

Regardless of which version you purchase, consider the addition of an external USB adapter for the interface of this system to your pc. We recommend the Buddy 6G, but virtually any USB adapter will work with this system.

Special Note: If you have purchased this system elsewhere and are having problems using it, please realize that AH1 transmitter may have left the factory set up for the sound volume of a stage entertainer which is likely much louder than your normal "dictating voice". You will need to tweak the transmitter output as described below in order to increase it's output. This is a simple, 30 second procedure, and is described below. No secrets and no "proprietary modifications" at this site!

More Information:

View the Samson User's Guide in PDF format
Guide to Setting up the Samson Airline 77 Wireless Headset System for Speech Recognition
Tweaking the Samson Airline 77 for Speech Recognition

Samson Airline 77 QV - Vocal Version (including 5 ft XLR to 1/8" cord)

MSRP:
Our Price: $ 349.00

Samson Airline 77 QE10 Fitness Version (including 5 ft XLR to 1/8" cord)

MSRP:
Our Price: $ 349.00

Samson Go-Mic

This is a unique portable USB condenser microphone recently released by Samson and ideal in a variety of situation, including speech recognition, iChat, webcasting and VoIP.

The microphone is small and includes a padded metal base that can either clamp to the top of your laptop screen or serve as base for mounting the microphone on your tabletop. The unique feature of this USB microphone is the ability to select from among 3 directional settings: cardioid (highly directional) and omni (all directions) polar patterns.

Features:

• Portable USB condenser microphone
• Plug and Play 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
• Ideal for voice recognition software, iChat, VoIP and web casting
• Transducer Type: condenser, pressure gradient with USB digital output
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 18kHz
• Polar Pattern: cardioid or omni
• Resolution: 16-bit/44.1kHz
• 1/8-inch headphone output

Included in the box:

• Go-Mic with attached clamp/desk mount
• 8 ft USB cable
• Detailed user guide
• Nut for attachment to microphone stand
• Zipper storage case

View a demonstration of dictation with this microphone

Comments: We consider this a remarkably good microphone for use with speech recognition. It is surprising accurate, even when 12-18 inches away from your head, and is surprisingly noise cancelling. Although it can be used while resting on a table, this would require looking down at the microphone during use, which may not be comfortable. Mounted to a laptop screen, the positioning is perfect.

We recommend you hold the microphone in your hand and running the audio set-up wizard with the microphone positioned just an inch or two from your mouth. Once training is done, though, you can easily speak to this mic from a distance of 12-18 inches and get great accuracy.

Samson Go-Mic

MSRP: $89.99
Our Price: $ $69.95

Samson Q1U Dynamic USB Microphone

For those not wanting to hold or wear a microphone during use of speech recognition software, this microphone, when mounted to the included tripod stand or attached to an optional microphone stand, offers superb performance. The Q1U features a smooth sounding neodymium element, an on-board high quality microphone pre-amp, and an analog to digital converter. It is fully powered from your PC's USB port and provides exceptional performance with speech recognition software.

Features:

• Dynamic Microphone with USB Digital Output
• Compatible with any computer based Digital Audio Workstation.
• The extremely detailed sound reproduction makes it ideal for recording vocals, acoustic instruments and just about any other sound source.
• High Quality AD convertor with 16 Bit, 48K sampling rate.
• Downloadable Softpre applet for MAC and PC provide additional features like Programmable Gain, LED Input Metering, Low Cut Filter, and Phase.
• Super Cardioid pick-up pattern.
• Solid Die Cast construction.

Included in the Box:

• Q1U Dynamic USB microphone
• 10 ft. USB cable
• Carrying case for mic
• Small tripod mic stand for desk mounting
• Samson SoftPre recording software

Comments: We consider this similar in quality to the Samson Q7. It is truly an superb microphone for use with speech recognition sofware (and we don't say this often). This microphone has a few advantages over the Q7, including the included analog to digital conversion circuitry (and USB interface with your PC) and the inclusion of a small tripod stand which can rest behind or next to your computer keyboard.

Although we recommend holding the microphone an inch or so away from your mouth when doing the Audio Set-up Wizard with Dragon, once set-up, you can use this microphone 12-18 inches and it works wonderfully. Accessories you might consider with this microphone are any of the microphone boom stands (see accessories listed below). It is packaged with a small tripod stand, but the emphasis should be on small. The tripod stand will take up a bit of real estate on your desk.

Additional Information:

• View hi-res image of microphone
• View owner's manual
• View Data Sheet from Samson

Samson Q1U Dynamic USB Microphone

MSRP: $79.99
Our Price: $ 69.00

Samson Q1U - Balanced Spring Arm Combo

Combine our favorite hand-held microphone with a sturdy, desk-mounting mechanism in this combination. Together, they bring you an extremely high quality microphone and a mounting mechanism geared to your comfort and convenience.

MSRP: 79.99 + 89.99
Our Usual Price: $139.99
Special Combination Price: $ 135.00

Samson Q7 Microphone

This is a very high quality hand-held microphone at an extremely affordable price. It works beautifully with speech recognition software and has been compared by many to the considerably more expensive Sennheiser MD431II. We simply say this: hold it, use it with speech recognition software, and you will be convinced.

Specifications:

• Microphone Type: Dynamic
• Frequency Response: 80 Hz - 12 kHz
• Polar Pattern: Super-cardioid
• Output Impedance: 200 ohms
• Sensitivity: -54 dBV/Pa (2.2. mv/pa)
• Connector: 3-pin gold plated balance XLR Male
• Weight: 12 oz (370 g)

Features:

• Ultra sensitive, neodymium element picks up all of the nuances of any performance
• Tight super-cardioid polar pattern minimizes feedback problems and effectively rejects signals not originating directly in front of the mic capsule
• Extended range frequency response for optimum reproduction and exceptionally clear, crisp sound
• Rugged zinc alloy die-casting case ensures reliable performance in even the most demanding environments
• The Q7 can be mounted on any standard microphone stand (using the included mic clip
• Includes foam-lined, impact resistant carrying case
• Gold-plated XLR Connector

Links for additional information:

• View Samson Q7 user manual
• View Samson Q7 technical data sheet

Comments: If you don't mind the need to use an appropriate microphone stand (see below) this is an extraordinarily high quality desktop or hand-held microphone for use with speech recognition software. It will provide superb results and is very very noise canceling. We have been amazed at the ability to successfully use this microphone a full 12 inches away from our mouth and get great speech recognition results even with music playing from our desktop speakers.

We recommend using it with a monaural external sound adapter, such as the Andrea USB adapter, but using an appropriate XLR to 1/8 inch adapter (see below), it can also be plugged directly into your PC. Be sure to order the XLR to 1/8 inch male adapter (below) and consider the foam wind screen. Shipping weight about 3 lbs.

Special Note: This microphone is not bundled with a cable. If you plan to interface this with your PC or an external sound adapter (recommended), you should purchase one of the XLR to 1/4 cables below.

MSRP: $99.99
Our Price: $89.00

Accessories for the Q7

WS1 Foam Windscreen

This is the Samson WS1 foam windscreen which simultaneously protects your microphone element from moisture coming from your mouth and also reduces "popping" noises from your air movement.

Comments: this is an optional item for use with the Q7 and we don't believe this substantially improves performance of the microphone with speech recognition software.

Our Price: $4.99

5 Ft. XLR to 1/8 Cord

This 5 ft. cord has a female XLR connector on one end, for attachment to the Samson Q7, and a 3.5 mm stereo plug on the other end for attachment to a USB sound adapter or your PC. Don't let the picture confuse you - the cable is truly 5 ft. long!

This part is manufactured by Hosa Technology, Inc. and is part number XVM-105.

Warranty: One-year warranty by Hosa

Comments: the picture to the right shows a monaural cable, but we ship a cable that is balanced (stereo). If you need more length, purchase the 15 ft version shown below.

Our Price: $ 11.99

15 Ft. Connecting Cord for Samson Airline 77

This 15 ft. cord has a female XLR connector on one end, for attachment to the back of the CR77 transmitter, and a 3.5 mm stereo plug on the other end for attachment to a USB sound adapter or your PC. Don't let the picture confuse you - the cable is truly 15 ft. long!

This part is manufactured by Hosa Technology, Inc. and is part number XVM-115.

Warranty: One-year warranty by Hosa

Comments: this is identical to the XVM 105 but 15 ft. in length rather than 5 ft.

Our Price: $ 14.99

Andrea USB Adapter

This is a sound adapter to use when you have concerns about whether your computer's internal sound card is adequate for the task. When using this adapter the analog to digital conversion occurs outside of your computer and the digital signal enters your computer through a USB slot.

Comments: This is a simple monaural external USB adapter and works perfectly as an interface between the Samson Q7 and your PC.

Instructions for using a USB sound adapter

Andrea USB Sound Adapter
Usual Retail: $49.95 Our Price: $ 35.00

MB1 Mini Microphone Boom Stand

Although designed for mounting a microphone in front of a drum set or speaker for stage entertainers, this is a perfect microphone stand for use of the Q7 on your desk. The base has a diameter of about 10 inches and weighs 6 lbs. The boom has a practical length of about 18-20 inches. If you add to this the length of the microphone, you can easily place the center point of the base 24 inches away from the end of the microphone. This set-up is rugged and includes a microphone clip.

Comments: This is the ideal stand if you have sufficient real estate on your desk and don't want it mounted on the floor (using MK5 shown below). The advantage of this set-up is the long boom arm which allows you to place the base well out of your way.

MSRP: $44.99
Our Price: $39.99

A view of the Q7 mounted on the MB1:

Balanced Spring Microphone Arm

If you've decided to use a high quality hand-held microphone for your speech recognition, this is an ideal way to utilize your microphone without using consuming real estate on your desk. This product clamps onto any desk up to 2 inches in thickness and extends up to 41 inches. It includes a standard 5/8 inch 27 thread for attachment to your microphone clip.

Comments: This is a sturdy, well designed microphone arm. Alternatives include our table mounted Samson MB1 Mini Boom microphone stand (which sits on your desk) and Samson MK5 Microphone boom stand (which sits on the floor). Please note that this product does not include the microphone clip or any cables.

MSRP: $89.99
Our Price: $ 84.99

Samson MK5 Microphone Boom Stand (Floor mounting)

The MK5 package gives you all the accessories you need: a heavy-duty adjustable boom mic stand, an 18-foot XLR mic cable, a microphone windscreen and a mic clip. Perfect for use with your Samson Q7 or other favorite microphone, the MK5 mic stand gives you both durability and portability, so it’s ideal for on-the-go musicians, venues and rehearsal spaces. Combined with our professional-grade windscreen and mic cable, you’re ready to perform anywhere anytime.

Please note that the included 18-foot cable is an XLR to 1/4 inch cable. For use with a PC, you will want to order the XLR to 1/8 inch cable shown above.

MSRP: $109.99
Our Price: $99.95