I enjoy my occasional Skype or Google hangout with friends, and have the idea to one day record some video tutorials. Instead of using the internal microphone of my iMac, I’ve wanted to try an external microphone. One look at this Samson Meteorite USB microphone and I couldn’t resist the chance to review it. It’s small size and awesome retro style intrigued me. Let’s take a look!Note: Images can be clicked on to view a larger size.
Features:
- 14mm diaphragm USB condenser microphone
- Plugs directly into any computer with a USB input, no driver installation required
- Compatible with most computer-based digital audio software
- Cardioid pickup pattern
- 16-bit, 44.1/48kHz resolution
- Smooth, flat frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz
- Integrated USB cable
- Chrome-plated body
- Removable magnetic base for optimal desktop positioning
When I removed the Meteorite out of the box, I loved the small size and shape of the microphone. It’s only 2 inches in diameter, so it doesn’t take up a lot of room on a desk.
It’s Chrome-plated, and has a magnetic base that lets the microphone sit nicely on the desk. The curve of the base lets the microphone fit perfectly. Sitting on the stand, it allows you adjust the microphone to whatever angle is best for you. There are no drivers needed on Windows or Mac, so it’s super easy to install.
Here’s the back of the Meteorite, where you see the USB cable attached.
As mentioned above, the Meteorite contains a 14mm capsule, cardiod pickup pattern, with 16bit, 44.1/48kHz resolution. Here is a small audio sample that I recorded with the internal microphone of my Macbook Air, then using Audacity to export it to an .mp3 file:
Here is a second small audio sample that I recorded with the Samson Meteorite, then using Audacity to export it to an .mp3 file:
For both recordings I sat about a foot away from the microphone (internal and Meteorite), and exported the files using the exact same settings. The Samson Meteorite gave a louder and richer sound, which is definitely useful when speaking during a podcast or a Skype session with a friend. 
Samson also mentions that this is great to use with the iPad and the Apple Lightning USB Camera Adapter or Camera connection kit. I didn’t have this kit to test with, but it sounds like a useful thing to have with you, especially with the small size of the Meteorite.
I really loved this microphone and will use it for all my future chats and recordings. If you need a small microphone that packs a lot of power, with portability, I definitely recommend it. You can find the Samson Meteorite USB microphone at Amazon or for about $39.99.
Source: The sample for this review as provided by Samson. Please visit their site for more info.
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Elizabeth,
I do a lot of tutorial recordings. I was hoping the Samsung could replace my bulky Snowball mic.
You may feel the sound is richer and louder, but there is a horrible electronic hum in the sample. Also, your voice has slight static distortions.
It doesn’t sound better at all.
I dunno if the mic is humming/hissing, or if it’s picking up something in your environment that the other mic did not.
One of the best purchases I have made was the Samson Go Mic. It is probably not as good as products like the Blue Nessie, but it is very tiny and I carry it in my laptop bag. I have been very happy with the quality. I purchased it about 3 years ago.
http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Mic-Portable-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B001R76D42/
It appears that Samson has made a even smaller and more modern version, that plugs directly into a USB port and does not require a cable. Frankly, although it looks compelling, I would prefer to have the option of placing the mic a short distance from my laptop. But its noise cancellation feature and bundled software makes it appear to be a better value than the original.
http://www.amazon.com/Samson-SAGOMICDIR-Mic-Direct-Cancellation/dp/B00I9RK97A/
It sounded to me like the recording level for the Samson was way too high and the sound was distorted as a result.