So I may be getting one of these, although I have a Blue Snowball, which I like a lot.

From Amazon:
Samson CO1U USB Condenser Microphone

The C01U USB Studio Condenser Mic is the first affordable studio condenser mic with a USB interface.

For the first time ever, musicians who record music on computers have a simple, affordable way to capture high-quality vocal and acoustic instrument performances.

Seamless integration was the idea, and it was obtained by creating a studio condenser microphone that can be plugged into any computer with no in/out boxes, no expensive computer pre-amps, just a USB cable.

The C01U condenser microphone is based on our wildly successful C01. It features a 19mm internal shock mounted diaphragm with a cardioid pick up pattern ensuring pristine studio quality recordings.

The C01U works perfectly on any computer, Mac or PC, and with any DAW software program. It immediately solves a huge problem for users of many laptops, many of which have no other input method for audio devices.

It’s a must for any musician on the road or in the project studio, but the C01U is going to offer solutions to more than just musicians. The mic opens up possibilities for anyone who records audio—from Podcasters, journalists, students, and business people adding audio files to websites and multimedia presentations.

Feature List

• Large Diaphragm, 19mm, Studio Condenser with USB Digital Output.
• Compatible with any computer based Digital Audio Workstation.
• The extremely detailed sound reproduction makes it ideal for recording vocals, acoustic instruments and just about any other sound source.
• High Quality AD converter with 16 Bit, 48K sampling rate.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Nice low cost mic
It took just a little playing to get the mic placement figured out, but now it produces nice sounding audio. What works well for my screencasts is to set it on the table right in front of me at about a 60 degree angle tilted away from me. So the green light on the front is pointed towards my mouth, but I talk over it. I look at the computer screen, so the main acoustic energy is flowing about 5 inches above the microphone rather than aimed straight at it. I also bought the windscreen for it to help smooth any acoustic bursts.

It works perfectly with Windows and Linux. Supposed to also work with Mac. For me, a big concern before buying a microphone was that it works with Linux. I didn’t have to do anything to get it to work with Linux. I just plugged it in and used the ALSA mixer to turn it on and used it with Audacity and RecordMyDesktop.

5 Stars Great mic at a great price
I was looking for a good high-quality condensor microphone. This is it. USB connected for digital no-noise signal. Standard size fit my stand and vibration mount. The sound is clean and perfect for voice applications. Highly recommended!

5 Stars Received right away and works great!
This was sent out fast and we were very happy with the promptness and condition of the product.

Buy/More Info

The Samson C03U is a multi-pattern studio condenser microphone that records pristine audio and has enhanced capabilities along with a high quality A/D converter and USB output. Featuring dual 19mm internal shock mounted diaphragms with switchable omni, cardioid, and figure-8 pick-up patterns, it is perfect for recording vocals or any acoustic instrument. Plus the selectable patterns make it ideal for a variety of specialized recording situations, like multiple vocalists, ambient room miking, and even a group of people around a conference table recording a Podcast. The C03U works seamlessly on any computer running Mac OS X or Windows XP, and with most DAW software programs without having to install any extra software or drivers. Samson C03U USB Microphone Features Plugs in directly to any computer with a USB interface Bundled with Cakewalk’s Sonar LE software Switchable Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-8 Pickup Patterns High Quality A/D Converter with 16-Bit, 48kHz Sampling Rate Dual Large 19mm Diaphragm Elements Switchable High-Pass Filter and 10 dB Pad Smooth, Flat Frequency Response USB cable and carry pouch included Also avaible in a package which includes a desktop mic stand, mic clip, shockmount and USB cable in a durable, lightweight aluminum case.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Just what the doctor ordered
I needed a USB microphone for use with my speech recognition software (Dragon Naturally Speaking), when I got my new PC the sound card was incompatible with Dragon, and their tech support told me to either get a new sound card, or use a USB microphone. I tried an inexpensive USB microphone from Logitech, but it resulted in many more errors that I had to go back and correct. Most annoyingly, when I switched the microphone on and off, apparently there was a surge or something that the software would interpret as a word. So, many of my sentences started or ended with an extraneous “and” or “the” or “that,” all of which I had to go back and correct. I decided to upgrade the microphone rather than go the new sound card route, and ordered the Samson.

The Samson microphone has been great. Far fewer errors, works better than I hoped. The one thing I miss is that it has no on/off switch (couldn’t determine that from the available information), so I have to switch it on and off with the Dragon software, so I don’t get one of the main benefits I hoped for, but it works so well otherwise, I’m still happy.

Perhaps this seems like overkill for dictation software, but if you depend on that kind of software professionally, I think it’s well worth it.

3 Stars The wrong microphone was sent
I ordered two of the C03UCW microphones and I was sent two of the C01U’s – it is a different microphone. I wanted the one shown here.

The vendor offered to refund my money and said that it was a mistake made by Amazon. I needed the microphones for a project and did not have time to return them. They worked fine – but they were not the ones I ordered. I still want the other microphones.

Amazon – how can you make this one right?

5 Stars Podcasting Mic Mounted to Desk with Gooseneck
I primarily use this mic for podcasts and training screencasts for clients and colleagues in the Web design/development line of work. I’ve mounted it with a gooseneck and flange mount with shock absorbing pad which easily takes place of more expensive shockmounts available for this mic.

My main review for this mic is located on the other Samson C03U Microphone product page (see link below), but I want to add here that this seller had listings on the other product page, which is the item without the CakeWalk Sonar software.

However, buying the version without the software, from Ace Photo Digital… they threw in the software anyway!

It’s a superior product at an incredible value. It’s well worth the investment. See my full review here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EZKZMY?ie=UTF8&tag=a354-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000EZKZMY

5 Stars Looks, sounds, feels good!
I don’t have too much experience on this type of microphone to make extensive/professional review. I just started playing with Garageband/pod cast and use Skype and wanted to improve the sound input.

Compare to the other mini microphones I’ve used, this is HUGE and heavy, solidly built. Connection is easy, just plug in the USB and the Mac recognizes it. To my not so experienced ears, it sounds better than iSight, built-in mics, and the Sony mic that requires an AA battery and a pre-amp.

Well-made, good sound, easy to use. 5-star for the prize/package/performance.

Buy/More Info

The Blue Mics Yeti is the most advanced and versatile multi-pattern USB Microphone available anywhere. Combining three capsules and four different pattern settings, the Yeti is the ultimate tool for creating amazing recordings, directly to your computer. THX Certified for exceptional sound and performance, the Yeti can capture anything with a clarity & ease unheard of in a USB microphone. The ultimate professional USB Microphone The Yeti features Blue’s innovative triple capsule array, allowing for recording in stereo or your choice of three unique patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, giving you recording capabilities usually requiring multiple microphones. The Yeti utilizes a high quality analog-to-digital converter to send incredible audio fidelity directly into your computer, a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring, and simple controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain located directly on the microphone. The Yeti’s exceptional performance and fidelity have earned it the distinction of being the first THX Certified Microphone, a validation of Yeti’s incredibly low distortion, high fidelity, and balanced frequency response. There are no drivers to install simply plug the Yeti into your PC or Mac, load up your favorite recording software, and record something amazing. Yeti Microphone Features Proprietary Tri-Capsule Array Three premium 14mm, tuned condenser capsules Mic gain control Four polar patterns: Stereo Cardioid Omni Bidirectional Mute button Master Volume control Zero-latency headphone output with amplifier and volume control USB mini jack Standard threaded stand mount

Buy/More Info

Record studio quality audio directly into your computers USB input and digital recording software with the Samson C01U!Some very clever Samson engineers managed to build the entire USB audio interface into the barrel of their best selling C01 Studio Condenser microphone. For the first time ever, musicians who record music on computers have a simple, affordable way to capture high-quality vocal and acoustic instrument performances. Seamless integration was the idea, and it was obtained by creating a studio condenser microphone that can be plugged into any computer with no in/out boxes, no expensive computer pre-amps, just a USB cable (includes 10 foot cable).The C01U condenser microphone features a 19mm internal shock mounted diaphragm with a cardioid pick up pattern ensuring pristine studio quality recordings. The C01U works perfectly on any computer, Mac or PC, and with any DAW software program. It immediately solves a huge problem for users of many laptops, many of which have no other input method for audio devices.Its a must for any musician on the road or in the project studio, but the C01U is going to offer solutions to more than just musicians. The mic opens up possibilities for anyone who records audiofrom Podcasters, journalists, students, and business people adding audio files to websites and multimedia presentations.The C01U comes bundled with Cakewalk Sonar LE, their vastly popular digital audio workstation software, giving users additional power and versatility to digitally record audio in any situation.Also available as a package which comes with a desktop mic stand, mic clip, shockmount and USB cable in a durable, lightweight aluminum case.Samson C01U USB Microphone FeaturesIndustrys first affordable USB Studio Condenser micPlugs in directly to any computer with a USB inputCardioid Pickup PatternLarge 19mm DiaphragmH

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Easy as pie
This is a USB mic. It plugs directly into the USB jack of the computer, thus bypassing the need for an audio interface mixer. That said this is a quality mic with good sound . The ease of use is it’s best selling point. As long as you don’t need to mix two mic inputs this does the job and can save you money. If you’re just getting into podcasting I highly recommend this samson mic.

3 Stars My Review
I got the mic from Amazon because it was the best price anywhere on the internet. Excited when it came, I later came to find out it was not compatible with my laptop because the soundcard did not support it. I returned the item, simple as that.

Buy/More Info

Specifically engineered for lead vocal reproduction, the PG42USB side-address condenser microphone easily plugs into a computer USB port for the convenience of digital recording. The PG42USB features a large cardioid diaphragm tailored with high sensitivity to clearly reproduce refined performances with guaranteed ‘Plug and Play’ Shure quality. Includes a 9.8ft (3m) USB cable, stand adapter and a carrying case.

Buy/More Info

Ideal for the traveling musician or the project studio, the G-Track ships with a desktop mic stand, swivel stand mount, USB cable and all the cables needed to connect any musical instrument with a standard 1/4″ or RCA output. The G-Track ships with Cakewalk’s Sonar LE and works brilliantly with Apple’s GarageBand.

Buy/More Info