LibriVox Forum

I've just purchased the Samson Q1U mike, and have the current Audacity on Windows 8. I'm wondering if the Samson software, "softpre applet" is redundant in terms of the Audacity controls, and just be another thing that might create conflicts, or whether it is useful for tweaking the mike before recording. A possible complication is that I have Windows 8 on my laptop, and that OS is prone to conflict with older software. The download site for the applet ends with Windows XP/Vista. Thanks in advance for any comments.

When I first had my Samson Q1U in 2008, the Softpre applet was the only way I could get sufficient volume on my mic. I had understood that the applet was discontinued years ago, and volume is no longer a problem.

In those days I was using Win XP. I very much doubt whether the applet would still work on Win8, and as long as you can get sufficient input volume using generic drivers, I would steer well clear. I no longer use the Q1U, so it's possible someone with more recent experience will come along to give you better advice .

Ruth

Thanks, Ruthie, I shared your suspicion, and asked here first because contacting any kind of tech support is not often a satisfying experience. But later I found my courage, and got a prompt reply from Samson:

The softpre applet is no longer applicable to current Samson product. No need to download external drivers, the Q1U microphone is now a plug and play device and is compatible with Windows 8.

So at least that bit of information is in this section, for other folks in the future.

Good to know, Ed. Thank you!

Ruth

I have a Q1U on Windows 7. I don't ever remember questioning this; your first post gave me a deer-in-the-headlights feeling. I guess I just plugged-and-played.

Well, Tricia, Fortune favors the bold.