Samson G-Track Pro Overview
The G-Track Pro is a bit of an all-in-one type of device, as it not only functions as a standard microphone, but it also includes a 1/4″ audio input for instruments or other audio devices. Additionally, there is a built-in mixer for adjusting the microphone and instrument volume, as well as the headphone monitoring volume. These features allow you to use the G-Track Pro to get started with some basic recording and mixing capabilities, without having to dedicate resources to individual components, which can also add complexity to a beginner’s setup.
Hefty. That was our first reaction when we took the G-Track Pro out of the box. This microphone weighs over 3.5lbs with the stand, and that is thanks to the die-cast zinc construction and heavy gauge mesh grille. There is zero flex to this microphone, and it is built like a tank. The black paint job has a slightly textured feel to it, and all of the button, switch, and dial labeling is white.
Starting at the top of the microphone, we see the heavy gauge mesh grille, which protects the dual, 1″ condenser capsules. A fine mesh material is also beneath the metal grille to help keep dust out, as well as filtering out some plosives and wind noise. A thin metal frame makes its way up and over the grille for a bit of extra protection and sturdiness.
Moving down to the top ring of the microphone body, we find a small Samson label, and just beneath is a three-way switch that allows you to adjust the polar pattern of the G-Track Pro between bi-directional, cardioid, and omnidirectional.
A multi-color LED sits in the middle and indicates USB connectivity, clipping, and mute statuses.
Just to the right is a two-way switch to select either mono or 2-track recording. Selecting Mono combines the microphone and instrument input into a single track, while the 2-track setting keeps the two inputs as separate tracks.
Placed vertically on the body of the G-Track Pro is a Mute button, which sits just above three adjustment dials. The topmost dial adjusts microphone volume, the middle dial adjusts the volume of instruments or audio devices plugged into the 1/4″ jack, while the bottom dial adjust the volume for headset monitoring on the 1/8″ jack.
Turning the microphone around to the rear presents us with a switch for enabling or disabling the 1/8″ headphone monitoring functionality of the G-Track Pro, as well as the 1/8″ and 3/8″ input jacks.
If we tilt the microphone back in the stand, which we will cover next, we see the USB Type-B input jack for PC or Mac connectivity. There is also a fairly significantly sized threaded ring that can be unscrewed from the microphone, to allow it to be removed from the microphone stand.
Speaking of the stand, the G-Track Pro comes attached to a very solid and heavy metal stand. The circular base has a nice foam pad on the bottom to protect your desktop surfaces, and two swooping, curved vertical arms extend from the base. Attached to these arms is a bit of a “cradle” for the microphone itself, and the aforementioned threaded ring keeps the G-Track Pro secured to the stand.
The stand also offers the ability to tilt forward and back, which can help orient the microphone for the best audio pickup, depending on your setup.
