Samson Meteorite USB Microphone Review #SamsonMics

These days we all have a voice to share. It is easier than ever to Skype or chat or with people online, create a podcast, live stream or make a YouTube (or Vimeo) Video.

We can do all these things from a variety of devices including our computer, phone, laptop, even a camera or recording device. What isn’t always easy is ensuring our voices are heard clearly!

Yes, quality sound equipment is available, though sometimes we just don’t need expensive, studio quality equipment. There are affordable options, though it is a gamble and we don’t know if the quality is suitable until we try.

I struggle with these issues as I make videos using my computer and mobile devices. When Samson offered the opportunity to review their Meteorite USB Microphone, I accepted without hesitation.

My Experience Using the Samson Meteorite USB Microphone:

First, I was impressed with the appearance. To me, the microphone has a retro look, kind of like a retro from the future” look. It is small (a few inches tall). The stand is magnetic and holds the microphone in place, but the microphone itself is a ball that is easy to position.  I was also impressed that the microphone was surprisingly heavy for the size. I know some prefer light weight items (and this is light weight as it is small), but I also tend to judge quality by how substantial the item feels.

I found the microphone easy to use with my MacBook. I simply plugged it in and changed my sound settings to use the microphone rather than the computer’s internal microphone. The Samson Meteorite is designed to pick up sounds emanating from in front of it while rejecting sounds from the sides and rear. This can be useful for reducing background noise, depending where the noise originates from (I did find that when I shot a video review of a box of liquid chalk markers it picked up extra background noise from the markers moving around in the box!).

Other than occasionally amplifying otherwise quiet sounds in front of the mic (like the box of markers), my only other issue is that the cable is a little short. The shorter cable isn’t that much of an issue, except if you want to position yourself a foot or more away from your computer or device you are limited.

According to Samson, you can use this microphone with a phone or tablet if you purchase the appropriate camera adapter. I tried a cheaper one, and it did not work. I think the issue was the adapter not the microphone. So I ordered an Apple camera adapter for my iPad, unfortunately it has not arrived yet so I am not able to comment on how well it works through the adapter.

I shot a short video demonstration that contains an example of me talking without this microphone and again using the Samson Meteorite USB Microphone. You can hear the difference yourself, now I just need to work out a solution to my lighting and camera-work issue!

Product Information From Samson:

Upgrade the audio quality of your video blog, improve your Skype conversations, and accessorize your desktop with the sleek Samson Meteorite USB microphone. Featuring a magnetic stand for optimal positioning, the ultra-portable Meteorite USB Microphone provides studio quality audio to your computer at an unbelievable price. The Meteorite is easy to use, just plug it in using the attached USB cable and start recording or communicating with natural and detailed audio. The Meteorite is compatible with iPad and iphone using the appropriate adapters.

Meteorite USB Condenser Microphone