recordinghacks

Search Microphones


Share This Page

SupercardioidSamson G-Track

Supercardioid Condenser Microphone

The Samson G-Track is billed as the world’s first combination USB microphone and digital audio interface.

The Mic uses a 19mm electret condenser capsule with a supercardioid polar pattern. The published polar graph is for a single frequency, presumably 1kHz although not labelled, with textbook null points of ~22dB at ~±140°. In use, it should be positioned such that sound sources that should not be recorded are in those null points (rather than directly behind the microphone, where the cancellation is only -8dB).

The G-Track also provides a stereo instrument input, with corresponding Analog-Digital converter. This allows the following recording scenarios:

  • Record an acoustic source through the microphone, while simultaneously recording a live-level source plugged in to the instrument input, with separate gain controls.
  • Record a stereo line-level source.

The front of the microphone provides three rotary controls:

  • Headphone volume.
  • Instrument/line input gain level.
  • Microphone input gain level.

A peak LED on the microphone indicates input clipping. Presumably, this is active for both inputs simultaneously, requiring sources to be played solo during gain staging.

Two slider switches provide additional configuration:

  • Monitor selection: the headphone jack can play back the audio from the host computer (e.g. bed tracks, for a multitrack recording), dual mono (mic and line input, zero latency, hard-panned R and L), stereo (zero-latency line input monitoring).
  • Input selection: stereo line inputs, or microphone plus instrument.
  • Emusician - 2010
    The surprising heft of the G-Track, along with its ample included accessories, makes the unit feel like a professional product. Keep in mind that while the sound quality is quite good for a mic at this price, the G-Track is not intended to be a substitute for a professional recording mic. It’s a good choice for the new computer-based recordist who is adding narration to video tracks or creating Podcasts, and it’s a logical tool for remote voice recording with a laptop.

    Tape Op - 2010
    As a mic, it sounds pretty good, especially considering its $129 street price and the fact that it’s got an onboard audio interface. At high gain settings, there is some noise, including what sounds like computer-induced “whine”, and the top end isn’t very “airy”, so it’s certainly not a studio-quality device, but as long as you give it healthy levels, the G-Track will be fine for recording in your office, in your home, or on the road. It’s perfect for the singer-songwriter, podcaster, or traveling musician.

    The usb interface is class compliant (no drivers) and operates at 16-bit, 48kHz.

    The Samson G-Track is also known as: GM1U.

    Specifications

    Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
    Supercardioid (10 mV/Pa; 20 - 16,000 Hz)
    Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
    Capsule diameter: 19mm
    Diaphragm gauge: 3 microns
    n/a Max SPL: 132 dB
    Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
    626g (22.08oz) 160mm (6.30'') 73mm (2.87'')
    • USB (1)
    Power Specifications

    Did we get anything wrong on this page? Please let us know!