Samson G-Track Pro Usage
Getting the G-Track Pro up and running is breeze, as the microphone is a simple plug-and-play device, with no drivers required for its use. The microphone shows up as “Mic/Inst Samson G-Track Pro” in Windows 10 on the recording side of things, while is is listed as just the “Samson G-Track Pro” with regards to the headphone output. Simple tweaks to Discord and Streamlabs OBS were needed to make it our input device, but other than that, the Samson G-Track Pro was really a great example of plug-and-play.
In our time with the G-Track Pro, we have used it in a variety of scenarios. Our most common uses for microphones are streaming, Discord discussions, and podcast recording, and in all of these scenarios we used the Cardioid polar pattern. This allowed us to have the microphone right in front of us for great audio pickup of our voice, and reduced audio pickup from our keyboard and mouse. We used the G-Track Pro both in front of and behind our keyboard, and while we did get better results with the microphone in front of our keyboard, it was definitely in the way when typing or playing games. The included stand is nice to have, and does a great job, but we would have really liked to see the microphone be compatible with standard microphone arms to get it up and away from our peripherals and close to our mouth for better pickup.
As we mentioned earlier, we have looked at a few other microphones recently, and below are some samples from the Samson G-Track Pro, as well as our previously reviewed items.
Samson G-Track Pro
MXL BCD-1
MXL Tempo
HyperX QuadCast
Corsair VOID Pro
Final Thoughts
By combining a microphone, audio interface, and mixer into a single product, Samson has removed a lot of the complexity that can come with getting started in audio recording. The dual 1″ condenser capsules do a great job with audio pickup, and the G-Track Pro offers three polar patterns for versatility in its use; bi-directional, cardiod, and omnidirectional. Throw in the ability to combine or keep separate the microphone and instrument tracks, and you are already a good way towards recording and editing your audio tracks. Each input has its own level dial to adjust their volumes, and the zero-latency headphone volume can be adjusted as well.
The build quality of the G-Track Pro is great, with its die-cast zinc body and hefty stand. We really wish this microphone came with a microphone stand adapter, as it is limited to functioning in its included stand only, unless you spend an additional $30 for the SP04 shockmount, which allows it to fit a standard microphone stand.
The Samson G-Track Pro definitely sounds great, especially when compared to a standard headset microphone. We definitely recommend a dedicated microphone for anyone looking to improve their streaming or overall audio recording quality, and the Samson G-Track Pro is a great option to consider. Available at our favorite online retailer for $129, the Samson G-Track Pro may prove to be a bit overkill for those just needing a basic microphone, but its combination of multiple components into a single product earns it a hefty 8 out of 10.
Pros:
- Solid Build
- Built-In Mixer
- 1/4″ Instrument Input
- Three Polar Patterns – Bi-Directional, Cardioid, and Omnidirectional
- Mono & 2-Track Recording
- No Drivers Required
Cons:
- Not Compatible With Standard Microphone Arms – Requires Optional Shockmount
- Price