Samson Q7 Dynamic Microphone

About the Samson Q7 Microphone

Thank you for purchasing the Samson Q7 Neodymium Dynamic Microphone. The Q7 dynamic microphone offers high accuracy and audio performance for vocal miking applications, thanks to its low mass, neodymium element. It is a handheld, dynamic microphone suitable for both live performance and recording. Equipped with a linear frequency response for superior reproduction, it is designed to withstand high sound pressure levels. Its sensitive, tight super cardioid pattern helps reduce feedback, and a special shock-mounted element minimizes handling noise and provides additional protection.

Servicing Your Microphone

Should your microphone require servicing, a Return Authorization number (RA) must be obtained before shipping your unit to Samson. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please call Samson at 1-800-3SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) for a Return Authorization number prior to shipping. Retain the original packing materials and, if possible, return the unit in its original carton and packing materials.

Key Features

• Ultra-sensitive neodymium element captures all nuances of a performance.
• Tight super cardioid polar pattern minimizes feedback 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.
• Special shock-mounting allows movement of the mic element to greatly reduce handling noise.
• Rugged zinc alloy die-casting case ensures reliable performance in demanding environments.
• Can be mounted on any standard microphone stand using the included mic clip.
• Withstands high SPLs, suitable for a wide range of miking situations.
• Includes a foam-lined, impact-resistant carrying case for convenient transport.
• Features a gold-plated XLR Connector.

Microphone Placement and Tone Quality

Use these suggestions as a guide for microphone placement:

• Sound source less than 6 inches away: Full sound, pronounced bass, increased isolation from background noise.
• Sound source 6 inches to 2 feet away: Balanced natural sound, less bass, some background noise.
• Sound source 3 to 6 feet away: Thinner ambient sound.

Guidelines for Microphone Use

• Aim the microphone at the desired source. Keep unwanted sound sources at a 135° angle from the front of the microphone.
• Place the microphone as close to the sound source as possible.
• Utilize the proximity effect: the closer the mic is to the sound source, the more emphasized the bass response will be.
• Use a windscreen to suppress unwanted wind noise.
• Avoid cupping your hand over the microphone grill.

Operating Notes

• The Q7 boosts bass frequencies when the microphone is between 0–6 inches from the sound source. As the source moves further away, the bass response gradually rolls off.
• The Q7 has a built-in windscreen that protects against most wind and breathing noise. For adverse conditions like high winds, an optional foam windscreen (Samson part number, WS5) can be used.

Connectivity

The Q7 can be connected to any mixer, mixer/amplifier, or mic preamp using a standard microphone cable. Connect the female XLR end directly to the Q7's gold-plated connector and the other end (normally a male XLR end, though some mixers use 1/4" connectors) to your audio equipment.

Wiring Diagram Descriptions:

• Wiring Diagram 1: Illustrates the connection of a standard microphone cable between a male XLR connector and a female XLR connector, suitable for connecting the microphone to audio equipment.
• Wiring Diagram 2: Shows the connection of a 1/4" TS (Tip-Sleeve) phone jack to a female XLR connector.
• Wiring Diagram 3: Depicts the connection of a 1/4" TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) phone jack to a female XLR connector.

Mounting and Handling

The Q7 can be mounted on any standard microphone stand using the included mic clip or can be handheld. Its unique mic element shock mounting generates significantly less handling noise than most other microphones. If handheld, take care not to cover the head grille with your hand. Be aware of the proximity effect, which causes a noticeable increase in low frequencies (bass response) when the microphone is close to the audio source. This can positively impact your voice, making it sound fuller when singing up close. The Q7 is designed for close-up use, featuring a built-in windscreen to reduce pops, sibilance, and onstage noise. Experimentation is key to developing the best mic technique, along with understanding that closer proximity to the signal source results in greater bass response.

Frequency Response

Q7 Frequency Chart Description: A graph showing the microphone's frequency response. The X-axis represents frequency in Hertz (Hz) from 20 to 20,000 Hz, and the Y-axis represents output level in decibels (dB) from -20 to +10 dB. The curve indicates a relatively flat response between 80 Hz and 12 kHz, with a slight bass boost below 100 Hz and a gradual roll-off above 10 kHz.

Polar Pattern

Every microphone has a characteristic polar pattern that determines how well it accepts or rejects signals from various areas around it. Omnidirectional mics accept all signals regardless of origin. In contrast, directional super cardioid mics, like the Q7, are specifically designed to accept most signal coming from directly in front and reject signals from the behind or side. This makes the Q7 excel in environments with unwanted ambient sound, delivering signals from the front while rejecting those from behind. The polar pattern also influences susceptibility to feedback. Feedback is a howling sound that occurs when a mic is too close to a loudspeaker, creating a loop. The Q7's super cardioid pattern minimizes feedback problems by effectively rejecting off-axis signals.

Q7 Polar Pattern Description: A series of concentric circles representing sensitivity in decibels (dB) and radial lines representing angles around the microphone (0° to 360°). Separate curves are shown for different frequencies (250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz, 8 kHz). The pattern clearly demonstrates a super cardioid pickup, with maximum sensitivity directly in front (0°) and significant rejection from the sides and rear, particularly at higher frequencies.

Specifications