Head-to-head comparison
Electro-Voice RE20 vs Samson Q2U
Two of the equipment tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
Electro-Voice RE20
Pros
- Minimal proximity effect (Variable-D)
- Broadcast-grade tone, used at major stations
- Built to last decades
Watch-outs
- $399-$499 puts it out of starter range
- 309A shock mount sold separately
- Needs ~60dB clean gain (Cloudlifter often helps)
Samson Q2U
Pros
- Dual USB and XLR for the price (~$60-70)
- Built-in headphone monitoring jack
- Comes with stand, clip, windscreen, cables
Watch-outs
- Plastic build feels light
- Needs to be close to mouth for best tone
- USB output is 16-bit only
Which one should you pick?
Pick Electro-Voice RE20 if
You’re building around . The RE20 is the broadcast-industry standard for a reason — Variable-D pattern means proximity effect stays minimal even when you move close. Currently around $399-$499 at major retailers.
Pick Samson Q2U if
You’re building around . The Samson Q2U is the budget pick that earned its reputation — dual USB and XLR outputs, headphone monitoring built in, and around $60-70 at most retailers. Build is plastic but the capsule is honestly competitive with mics three times the price.
Also worth comparing
Frequently asked
What does Electro-Voice RE20 do better than Samson Q2U?
Electro-Voice RE20's standout is "Minimal proximity effect (Variable-D)". Samson Q2U doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Dual USB and XLR for the price (~$60-70)" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Electro-Voice RE20; if the second does, pick Samson Q2U.
What are the trade-offs?
Electro-Voice RE20: $399-$499 puts it out of starter range. Samson Q2U: plastic build feels light. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use Electro-Voice RE20 and Samson Q2U together?
Both are equipment tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Electro-Voice RE20 for one show or episode type and Samson Q2U for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.