Samson Meteor Mic USB Condenser Podcasting Podcast Recording Desktop Microphone
Bottom line: The Samson Meteor Mic USB Condenser Podcasting Podcast Recording Desktop ($18.95 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 04:15 UTC): 1-inch (25mm) studio condenser capsule in a pocket-sized body; main trade-off: 16-bit 44.1/48kHz caps it below 24-bit interfaces used in pro tracking.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 1-inch (25mm) studio condenser capsule in a pocket-sized body
- ✓ Patented fold-back legs collapse flat for travel, set up in seconds
- ✓ Cardioid pattern rejects side and rear room noise in untreated spaces
- ✓ 1/8-inch headphone out with level control for zero-latency monitoring
Cons
- ✗ 16-bit 44.1/48kHz caps it below 24-bit interfaces used in pro tracking
- ✗ Fixed cardioid pattern only, so no stereo or two-person facing setups
- ✗ Short built-in legs put the capsule low, well below seated mouth height
- ✗ iPad use requires Apple's Lightning or 30-pin Camera Adapter, sold separately
Manufacturer description
The Samson Meteor Mic is a USB studio condenser microphone built around a 1-inch (25mm) diaphragm capsule, the same large-capsule design used in traditional studio mics, packed into a chrome-plated zinc die-cast body small enough to travel with. Its patented fold-back legs let you set the mic up on a desk in seconds and collapse it flat for a backpack, so the same microphone covers your home podcasting desk and hotel-room recording sessions. A cardioid pickup pattern keeps the focus on whatever sits in front of the capsule and rejects room noise arriving from the sides and rear, which…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Samson Meteor Mic USB Condenser Podcasting Podcast Recording Desktop… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the streaming gear category. SAMSON's streaming gear lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for streaming gear of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an audio interface or preamp to use the Meteor Mic?
No. The Meteor Mic is a USB condenser microphone with its own converter built in, so it plugs straight into a computer's USB port and records at 16-bit, 44.1/48kHz without a separate interface or preamp.
Can I monitor myself while recording?
Yes. There is a 1/8-inch stereo headphone output on the mic with its own level control, which gives you zero-latency monitoring of your own voice as you track.
Will the Samson Meteor Mic work with an iPad?
Yes, using Apple's Lightning USB Camera Adapter or the 30-pin Camera Connection Kit. Those adapters are sold separately by Apple and are not included with the mic.
How well does it reject background noise in an untreated room?
It uses a cardioid pickup pattern, which captures audio in front of the capsule and minimizes ambient sound arriving from the sides and rear. It will not eliminate a loud room, so keep the mic close and speak into the front.
Is it good for anything besides voice and podcasting?
Yes. The 1-inch condenser capsule has a flat 20Hz-20kHz response and a 120dB max SPL, so it also handles acoustic instruments and louder sources, not just spoken word.
Key Features
- Professional USB microphone with 1" Studio-quality Capsule.., Fold-back legs provide optimal mic positioning and folds up for easy transport.
- Cardioid pickup pattern captures the Audio in front of the microphone, minimizing ambient sound from entering the recording, Smooth, flat frequency response of 20hz–20khz captures the detail of your voice or instrument.
- 1/8" Stereo headphone output with level control for zero-latency monitoring, Zinc die-cast construction with chrome-plated finish.
- Large, 25mm diaphragm USB studio condenser microphone, Works with iPad using Apple's Lightning USB Camera Adapter or Camera Connection Kit (30-pin).
- 16-bit, 44.1/48kHz resolution, Smooth, flat frequency response of 20Hz?20kHz.
Full Specifications
| Brand | SAMSON |
|---|---|
| Color | Chrome |
| Model Name | Meteor Mic |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | SAMTR |
| Power Source | Usb Microphone |
| Audible Noise | 96 db |
| Polar Pattern | Unidirectional |
| Built-In Media | Carry Pouch, Meteor Mic USB Microphone, USB Cable |
| Connector Type | USB |
| Item Type Name | USB Studio Condenser Microphone (Chrome) |
| Frequency Range | 20 hz - 20 khz |
| Item Dimensions | 6.5 x 5 x 3.1 inches |
| Mfr Part Number | SAMTR |
| Antenna Location | Singing |
| Audio Sensitivity | 50 db |
| Hardware Platform | Camera, PC, Tablet |
| Compatible Devices | Camera, Camera, Headphone, Personal Computer, Headphone |
| Enclosure Material | Metal |
Ready to buy?
Samson Meteor Mic USB Condenser Podcasting Podcast Recording Desktop Microphone is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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