SAMSON Q6 Dynamic Microphone
Product Usage Instructions
Thank you for purchasing the Samson Q6 Dynamic Microphone. The Q6 dynamic microphone brings a high level of accuracy and audio performance to vocal miking applications thanks to its low mass, neodymium element. The Q6 is a hand held, dynamic microphone that excels in both live performance and recording applications. Equipped with a linear frequency response for superior reproduction, it is also designed to withstand high sound pressure levels. Extremely sensitive, it employs a tight super cardioid pattern to reduce feedback.
A special shock-mounted element minimizes handling noise and provides additional protection. In this manual you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the Q6 microphone, as well as instructions for using your Q6, and full specifications. You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed-don’t forget to fill it out and send it in! This will enable you to receive online technical support and will allow us to send you updated information about other Samson products. Should your Q6 ever require servicing, a Return Authorization (RA) number must be obtained before shipping your unit to Samson. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please visit samsontech.com/ra or contact us at support@samsontech.com for an RA number prior to shipping your unit. Please retain the original packing materials and, if possible, return the unit in its original carton. If your Q6 was purchased outside of the United States, contact your local distributor for warranty details and service information.
Features
The Samson Q6 utilizes state-of-the-art microphone technology and is engineered to the finest detail.
Here are some of its main features:
- Ultra sensitive element picks up all of the nuances of any performance.
- 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.
- Handy ON/OFF switch for on-stage control.
- Special shock-mounting allows movement of the mic element to greatly reduce handling noise.
- Rugged zinc alloy die-casting case ensures reliable performance in even the most demanding environments.
- The Q6 can be mounted on any standard microphone stand (using the included mic clip).
- Withstands high SPLs lending itself to a wide range of miking situations.
- Low impedance output lets the Q6 send a strong full bandwidth signal over long cable runs.
- Gold plated XLR Connector.
Microphone Placement and Tone Quality
Listed are some common microphone placement techniques. Use these suggestions as a guide and let your ears determine what works best in your situation. Experiment with different microphone placement techniques to find the best tone quality for your specific situation.
- Sound source less than 6 inches away from mic—Full sound, pronounced bass, increased isolation from background noise.
- Sound source 6 inches to 2 feet away from mic—Balanced natural sound, less bass, some background noise.
- Sound source 3 to 6 feet away from mic—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 (see polar pattern).
- Place the microphone as close to the sound source as possible.
- Use the proximity effect to your advantage: The closer the mic is to the sound source, the more emphasized the bass response will be.
- When operating outdoors, use a foam windscreen to suppress unwanted wind noise.
- Never cup your hand over the microphone grill.
Operating Notes
Ensure proper handling of the microphone to maximize its performance and longevity.
- The Q6 will boost bass frequencies when the microphone is between 0—6 inches from the sound source. As you move the sound source further away from the microphone, the bass response will gradually roll off.
- The Q6 has a built-in wind screen which protects against most wind and breathing noise. Under adverse conditions, such as high winds, an optional foam windscreen (Samson part number, WS5) can be used.
- For maximum signal handling capability and minimal distortion, a minimum load impedance of 800 ohms should be used. A reduction in output signal strength and output clipping level will result with the load at 150 ohms.
Q6 Hook-up and Mounting
The Q6 can be connected to any mixer, mixer/amplifier, or mic preamp using a standard microphone cable. Connect the female XLR end directly to the Q6’s gold-plated connector and the other end (normally a male XLR end, although some mixers use 1/4″ connectors) to the mixer, mixer/amplifier, or mic preamp. Detailed wiring diagrams for XLR and XLR to 1/4 cables can be found on the back page of this manual. The Q6 can be mounted to any standard microphone stand (using the included mic clip) or can be handheld; due to its unique mic element shock mounting, it generates significantly less handling noise than most other microphones. If handheld, take care not to cover the any part of the head grille with your hand.
Be aware of a phenomenon called the proximity effect which causes a noticeable increase in low frequencies (bass response) when a microphone is close to the audio source. This can have positive impact—for example, it will cause your voice to sound much fuller when you sing close to the mic than when you sing at a distance. The Q6 is specially designed to be used up close, since it provides a built-in windscreen for removal of pops, sibilance and on stage noise. The key to developing the best mic technique is experimentation, along with awareness of the general principle that, the closer your Q6 is to a signal source, the greater the bass response.
Q6 Polar Pattern
Every microphone has a characteristic polar pattern that determines how well it accepts or rejects signal coming from various areas around the microphone. For example, omnidirectional mics accept all signals regardless of wherever those signals originate (in front of the mic, behind it, to the side, etc.).
In contrast, unidirectional, or cardioid, mics are specifically designed to accept mostly signal coming from directly in front, and to reject signal coming from behind or from the side. The super cardioid pattern is utilized by the Q6 (as shown in the illustration below). For this reason, the Q6 excels in environments where there is a good deal of unwanted ambient sound—it delivers those signals originating directly in front of the mic capsule itself while rejecting those that originate from behind. The polar pattern also determines how prone a particular mic is to inducing feedback. Feedback is that characteristic nasty howling sound that occurs when a mic is placed too close to a loudspeaker—the signal from the loudspeaker is fed into the mic, then into the loudspeaker, then into the mic, over and over again until an oscillating tone is generated. Because the super cardioid pattern utilized by the Q6 is so good at rejecting signal not coming from directly in front of the mic, you’ll find that use of the Q6 greatly minimizes feedback problems. Understand the super cardioid polar pattern of the Q6 to optimize its performance and minimize feedback.
Q6 Mic Cable Wiring Diagram
Q6 Specifications
- Type Dynamic
- Frequency Response 50 Hz – 15 kHz
- Polar Pattern Super Cardioid
- Output Impedance 500Ω
- Sensitivity -48 dBV/Pa (4mV/Pa)
- Connector 3-pin gold plated balanced XLR male
- Dimensions
- Diameter 2.09″ / 53 mm
- Total length 6.50″ / 165 mm
- Weight 9.52 oz / 270 g
Samson Technologies Corp.
278-B Duffy Avenue, Hicksville, NY 11801
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Copyright 2021, Samson Technologies Corp.
Samson Technologies Corp.
278-B Duffy Avenue
Hicksville, NY 11801
www.samsontech.com
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FAQ:
- Q: How do I reduce handling noise with the Q6 microphone?
A: The Q6 features a special shock-mounted element that minimizes handling noise. Ensure proper handling techniques to further reduce any unwanted noise. - Q: Can the Q6 be used for both live performances and recording applications?
A: Yes, the Q6 is designed to excel in both live performance settings and recording environments, providing accurate and clear sound reproduction. - Q: What is the warranty coverage for the Q6 microphone?
A: Fill out and send in the enclosed warranty card to receive online technical support and stay updated on Samson products. Warranty details are provided with the card.
Documents / Resources
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SAMSON Q6 Dynamic Microphone [pdf] Owner's Manual Q6, Q6 Dynamic Microphone, Q6, Dynamic Microphone, Microphone |
