For those who don’t know, a cardioid mic is a “polar pattern” that is designed to pick up sound coming directly at the pickup and filter out sound coming in at off angles. The Samson Q9U is a cardioid mic that aims to provide professional sound while coming in at a budget-friendly price. Where does it land on that spectrum? Read on to find out… What is it? Price tag does not always mean better, and the Samson Q9U tries to straddle the border between professional-grade sound and budget pricing. Whether that’s your profession (vocalist, podcaster, or content producer) or your hobby (storyteller, singer/songwriter or gamer), you need a clear, strong voice to give to the world. If you buy something through the links on this page, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.