TONOR Q9 USB Microphone Review

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Key Features

Plug and Play: With USB A to B cable, TONOR Q9 microphone is easy to connect with both Mac and Windows computer, no need any extra driver software or sound card. It is perfect for podcasting, music/video recording, live streaming, gaming or online chatting. Note: This microphone is compatible with PS4, but not compatible with Xbox.

Great Sound of Fidelity: Equipped with a 16mm large diaphragm, wide frequency response (20Hz to 20KHz) and professional sound chipset, Q9 microphone provides a perfect combination of clarity, warmth, extended dynamic range and high SPL capability. The cardioid condenser capsule enables the Q9 to capture pristine and accurate sound and cancel noise from surroundings, perfect for recording and communicating.

User-friendly Design: With a convenient volume button, TONOR Q9 recording microphone is much easier for you to use. In working status, short press for adjusting mic volume level, 3s long press for turning off the microphone.

Durable Boom Stand: The Q9 microphone has a sturdy all-metal suspension scissor stand that extends vertically up to 27.5″/700mm, giving you an excellent range of motion. Maximum desk thickness: 1.7″/45mm.

The TONOR Q9 USB Microphone was provided for review purposes.

I used the microphone when recording the latest episode of Rapid Reviews Radio. Click here to listen to the microphone in action.

What’s in the box?

Complete Mic Set: Package includes a condenser microphone, metal shock mount, adjustable suspension scissor arm stand, desk mount clamp, pop filter, foam mic cover, 1.8M USB A to B cable and manual. All premium accessories are contained in one package, which makes the TONOR Q9 to be your most secure choice!

Cost vs. Quality

As the world of technology continues to move forward at a rapid pace, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest and greatest technologies. All too often now it seems that there isn’t much you can own for more than 6 months without it being considered ‘out of date’ as a new upgraded model gets released. There are some of us who will try to remain at the forefront of it all, and others – like myself – who are content with finding something that works without ever breaking the bank.

The TONOR Q9 USB microphone is one such example, attempting to offer the perfect blend between cost and quality. Retailing at $69.99, or £64.99 in the UK, the Q9 sits firmly in the budget bracket for a microphone. The complete mic set includes a condenser microphone, metal shock mount, adjustable suspension scissor arm stand, desk mount clamp, pop filter, foam mic cover and the all important 1.8M USB cable.

I say ‘all important USB cable’ because it is very much one of the Q9’s defining characteristics. Rarely do we associate hardware with ‘pick up and play’ qualities, yet the Q9 requires nothing more than just that. It can be connected to either a Mac/Windows computer or PS4 via a USB port, with no need for any drivers, sound card or additional software.

Out of the box building

Straight out of the box, I was struck by how well made the Q9 is. It feels robust, sturdy and each part sits comfortably when put together. It took approximately 5 minutes from opening the box to plugging it into my laptop (a 2017 Macbook Air, for reference). It was fairly self-explanatory which is important as the manual didn’t cover assembly. There are a limited number of parts, and once you have established where the clamp will feature on your desk, it is easy to get started.

Sleek and polished, the black finish of the microphone and additional accessories is great and has a premium feel to it. With a fairly modest price point, it’s great to see that it hasn’t compromised on quality in order to keep the costs down. I was also pleased to see that it feels quite substantial, with a weightiness to the microphone itself and also the microphone arm too. Even the pop filter which is adjustable via a manoeuvrable metal cable of sorts is rigid yet easily manipulated.

Practi-qualities

To accompany the ease with which it can be plugged in and used, the microphone isn’t too large either. The sturdy all-metal suspension scissor stand extends vertically up to 27.5″/700mm, giving you an excellent range of motion and can be transported with relative ease. It weighs a little under 1kg with a combined weight of 839 grams and all in all, is a fantastic alternative to some of the more expensive microphones on the market. The extendable scissor stand makes it compatible with desks of all shapes and sizes, the only exception being that the clamp can only work with desks up to a maximum thickness of 55mm or 1.8inches.

How sound is that sound?

Sound quality is subjective by its very nature. Veterans of the streaming world may listen to a recording that has used the TONOR Q9 and believe the quality to be subpar, whereas others will feel it as clear and crisp. There is a link at the top of this page to our Rapid Reviews Radio podcast where you can hear me using the TONO Q9 for recording. TONOR promise great sound fidelity, with the Amazon listing sharing the following information:

• Equipped with a 16mm large diaphragm, wide frequency response (20Hz to 20KHz) and professional sound chipset, Q9 microphone provides a perfect combination of clarity, warmth, extended dynamic range and high SPL capability. The cardioid condenser capsule enables the Q9 to capture pristine and accurate sound and cancel noise from surroundings, perfect for recording and communicating.

Having used the microphone myself for a number of work-related tasks including video voiceovers and voice-calling, it is fair to say that the sound quality is good for everyday tasks. I also believe the podcast recording is indicative of its qualities outside of the mundane as it is excellent when completing any creative endeavours. It isn’t the best on the market, nor do TONOR claim it to be, yet it is a good budget microphone set that comes complete out of the packaging.

Are we compatible?

During my time testing the TONOR Q9, I used the microphone for a number of work and leisurely purposes. The microphone was functional and reliable when using video calling software such as Skype and Zoom. It was much the same when using Discord. Recording voiceover on iMovie was equally as reliable, and the sound quality was crisp and clear. This will always be relative to what the needs of the project itself are, as my work doesn’t involve a need for top quality sound but does have an audience that requires a professional feel.

Issues and concerns

The longevity of any technical hardware can only be tested over a substantial period of time, and whilst time will tell with the TONOR Q9, the early signs are extremely promising. That being said, there are two concerns: the tension on the joints of the stand and the knobs used to hold it in place could become loose over time and this may affect the sturdiness of the stand. As well as that, the clamp feels sturdy but could well be knocked out of place quite easily due to the weight of the product overall.  

Rapid Reviews Rating

Pound for pound, the TONOR Q9 USB microphone offers fantastic value in an over-saturated microphone market. It is one of the cheaper alternatives to other brands, and what it lacks in premium sound quality it more than makes up for in robustness and appearance. As with most technical equipment, time will tell as to how well the Q9 holds up with repeated use, but rest assured, for anyone looking for a microphone that won’t break the bank and gets the job done, you can’t go wrong with this one.  

You can purchase a TONOR Q9 USB Microphone on Amazon UK or on the TONOR website.