Samson Q6 User manual

DYNAMIC MICROPHONE
OWNER'S MANUAL
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 suppor[email protected] 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.
Copyright 2021, Samson Technologies Corp.
Samson Technologies Corp.
278-B Duffy Avenue
Hicksville, NY 11801
www.samsontech.com
v2.2
•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.

2
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.
• 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
• 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.

3
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.
Q6 Polar Pattern

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
[email protected] • www.samsontech.com
Q6 Frequency Chart
1
3
2
2
3
1
Female XLR
Male XLR
Hot (2)
Cold (3)
Common (1)
Hot (2)
Cold (3)
Common (1)
Solder Points
End View
End View
Solder Points
1 2
3
2 1
3
1
3
2
Female XLR
Hot (2)
Cold (3)
Common (1)
Solder Points
End View
2 1
3
1
3
2
Female XLR
Male Phone
Jack (TS)
Male Phone
Jack (TRS)
Hot (2)
Cold (3)
Common (1)
Solder Points
End View
2 1
3
Tip (Hot) Hot
Cold
Ring (Cold)
Sleeve (Common)
Tip (Hot) Hot
Sleeve (Common and Cold)
Common
Common and Cold
Q6 Mic Cable Wiring Diagram