Samson CO1U USB Condenser Microphone

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

2 Stars Does Not work with Vista
“Samson C01U USB mic records low volume on Vista.

This is a known behavior with the Samson Mic and the Vista operating system and is not specific with Camtasia Studio. Be sure to turn your recording volume up and speak directly into the microphone to obtain a good recording level. ”

The above is copied from the Camtasia Web site. This is apparently a well known problem with Vista. I’m encountering it too.

5 Stars Gain problem on Mac solved
On my Mac iBook G4 running 10.5.8 there had been a problem with these Samson USB CO1U mics that first came up when I switched them between laptops. The problem was there with Audacity and SoundStudio and it may be the same issue with other apps. I am using two of these mics for stereo recording, but the fix is the same for a single mic. The source of this problem is the fact that even though these are mono mics they have two output channels, and both channels must have their gain all the way up in order to have full gain from the mic. Setting gain in the system sound preference does not seem to accomplish this.

Go to the AudioMIDI Setup Utility in the utilities folder, select the Samson mic in the “Properties For” dropdown. Under “Audio Input” you will then see the option of 1 or 2 channels. Select 2-ch, then below to the left the L & R volume sliders for both channels should be all the way to the right. You can now put the mic setting back to 1-channel without affecting overall gain.

If you use two mics for stereo recording just set each mic like this individually, go to the Aggregate Device Editor under “Audio” on the menu bar, aggregate the two mics, and you’re done. If you need to balance the gain on them afterward you can do so by selecting them individually to make any changes. Make sure “Default Input” remains “Aggregate Device” (which BTW you can rename by going back to the “Aggregate Device Editor” and double clicking.) Unfortunately, on some Macs this resetting of mic gain has to be redone every time they are unplugged and plugged back in, but it’s quick and easy once you’ve done it. Hope this helps!

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.

The graphical mixer tools work well to turn it on or off, but to make sure I get the same a good volume setting each time, I made a couple simple shell scripts after experimenting with the right volume setting.

$ cat micon

amixer -c 1 set ‘Mic’ 48 unmute cap on

$ cat micoff

amixer -c 1 set ‘Mic’ nocap mute

Then in recordMyDesktop, either specify hw:1,0 in the device box (graphical version) or from the command line, use -device hw:1,0.

Here is a sample of one of my screencasts with this mic using recordMyDeskTop in Linux. My voice is pretty deep, so that’s just me, not the mic.

[...]

Here is one where I compare it to two other mics. I did this one right after I got it, and hadn’t figured out the mic placement yet. I did this one in Windows. You can also find this recording on YouTube.

[...]

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.

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CAD U7 USB Desktop Condenser Recording Mic

CAD U7 USB Desktop Condenser Recording Mic

The CAD U7 USB Tabletop Recording Microphone features an omnidirectional condenser element that is perfect for recording speech at home or in the office. With a frequency response tailored for speech and a low profile design that sits perfectly on a table, the CAD U7 works great for dictation or recording vocals from presentations. The plug and play U7 makes it easier than ever to start recording your meetings or speeches.

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Samson C03U and SP01 Outfit

Samson C03U and SP01 Outfit

Following on the success of the C01U, Samson is proud to introduce the C03U, multi-pattern USB studio condenser microphone. Based on the extremely popular C03 studio condenser, the C03U delivers the same pristine audio quality and enhanced capabilities along with a high quality A/D converter and USB output. The C03U features dual 19mm internal shock mounted diaphragms with switchable omni, cardioid, and figure-8 pick-up patterns. 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.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Sounds Great Problems at First
This mic sounds really nice. I use it for podcasting. It worked for 1 day and then died. The reseller never returned my calls (useless). I sent it back to the manufacturer to be fixed. It took over a month and a few calls. What a PAIN!. After all that it works wonderfully! My recommendation is to purchase this from a reputable company even if it costs a bit more. I would purchase this again.

5 Stars It’s not my 1st recommendation for speaking mic
Hello, The mic must be for loud recording…Talking in to it like a DJ you’ll be using your outside voice. It does deliver on accurate reproduction. The software is weak.

5 Stars Outstanding Microphone — and a Nice Step Up from the C01U
Like others, I purchased this microphone for Podcasting. And I am extremely happy with the Samson C03U. The audio quality is outstanding, the microphone is constructed like a tank (it weighs a pound, and has the same solid feel as a pro-quality camera like Nikon’s D2X and D200), and it provides the simplicity of a direct digital connection.

I originally considered Samson’s similar C01U, but decided to spring for the C03U. The latter provides three selectable pickup patterns (whereas the C01U has a single fixed pattern), a selectable high-pass filter, and finally, a selectable 10 dB pad. The C01U provides neither of the latter, either.

Bottom line, the Samson C03U provides outstanding audio quality, and is suitable for Podcasting and other recording uses. Buy it, you will not be disappointed!

p.s. Samson’s SP01 Shockmount (included in this bundle) is highly recommended as well, and provides isolation from vibrations and the like. Bear in mind that the SP01 fits both the C03U and the C01U (i.e. there is no SP03).

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MXL 990 MXL 991 Recording Microphone Package

MXL 990 MXL 991 Recording Microphone Package

The MXL 990/MXL 991 Recording Mic Package is a 2-microphone kit with the latest in MXL’s range of studio condenser microphones. The 990 has silky, sweet high end and a tight solid bass, perfect for recording vocals. The 991 is a superior instrument microphone designed for recording acoustic guitar and drum overheads. Both have gold-sputtered diaphragms (20mm) creating a professional sound perfectly suited for digital and analog recording. The MXL 990/MXL 991 Recording Mic Package includes a high-impact carrying case and mic stand adapters.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Aspiring Artist Seeks Mean Mic.
I bought this condenser mic. combo-set about two years ago. I had received an interface (fire-wire, from guitar/mic to computer)the previous Christmas and decided it was time for a serious equip upgrade. The problem? I was low on funds. However, per a serendipitous find at my local guitar boutique, I came across this Microphone set. The salesman had me questioning my buy by offering precautions against cheaply priced equip. (he worked on commission) but at the end of the day price won over quality and I sauntered back to my recording den with the MXL 991/990 (pair) in hand.

Aside from the jaunty carrying case and foam buffers, the set was straight forward: One Uni-directional Mic, One Choir Mic (cables sold separately). I opened, plugged(P48 req.), and tested. The microphones were great! The lows were fat and highs were crystal clear. The 990 is great for vocals and the 991 is great for instruments. I have no professional studio practice to speak of, but from my experience, both mics. have extremely dynamic properties and are great for either @home or in-studio recording. This set is great for the low budget aspiring artist, or money strapped pod-caster.

5 Stars finally technology i can afford
i have been into recording for about 20yrs now, and had never had a condensor mic, i must say, its a huge difference. even over a sm57 or 58. nice and clean sound. and as far as know most condensor mics do require phantom power, good news here though, you can find tube mic pre amps with phantom for a descent price, and it does improve the sound of the mic(even moreso than installed phantom on digital recorders) i recieved these mics, along w a set of fostex pm04monitors, w two stands, two xlrs, and a set of headphones for 212$ from musicians friend.

trickle down technology! please trickle down.

5 Stars Great mics, good price.
This is a great deal for those looking to record acoustic guitar and vocals. The vocals mic works great even without a pop filter. The instrument mic is small but records very well. They come in a nice and small case with two stand hook ups. The best part is that they are very cheap but still produce a good sounding recording.

4 Stars Fair for the price!
I’ve been working in radio broadcasting for about 6 years in my life..so when I’m telling you this is a decent deal, you should trust me.

Given the price, the sound of the MXL 990 and 991 is more than fair..is more than I expected.

With a bit of touch you can capture instruments and voice like a pro.I would say 90-95% ..you are there.

Since these mics require phantom power, be sure you have your mixer equipped with phantom power or buy a pre-amp that has one.Also you will probably need a tripod as well.Don’t be cheap on cables – bad ones can pickup ground noise or other noise..if possible use balanced connections between your mixer and your computer..(if that’s what you using for recording).Other than that..warm, round sound..you have to play with them until you get your perfect sound.I rarely give 5 star to a product, that’s the reason for 4 out of 5.

I’ve been using them to capture acoustic guitar and voice.

3 Stars OK, but you may outgrow them quickly
1st The bigger one has the same size capsule as the smaller one. It has a better bass response due to mounting. Neither of these is a Large Diaphram Condenser, but they can get you some higher frequency response in your recordings. The 990, with its larger frame lends itself to many mods and there are even a few companies that will get it sounding quite good compared to $800 SDCs. If you have a PC/or DigitalWorkstation set up this could get you started getting things recorded fairly quickly but in the long run you are better off with with an Audix i5 or Shure SM57 and then one of the LDC’s from AKG Perception , Oktava Mk219 or Mk319 or an inexpensive MXL, Marshal, or Rode. If you are looking for recording drums you might get usable results with these using the recorderman technique and a kick drum mic. They are usable but a LDC or even SM58 would be better on vocals. On acoustic instruments they might shine better than most < $100 dynamics. I picked them up when I needed OH's in a pinch last year. Take what I say as personal opinion. They may be great for you but they aren't the smoothest or the cleanest but they are better than nothing if that is the situation. Save and buy better if you can.

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1 Samson C03U Microphone 1 Samson SP04 Shockmount 1 Samson PS01 Pop Filter Cakewalk Sonar LE Software CD 1 Samson MD5 Desktop Microphone Stand 2 Unique Squared Vinyl Stickers

1 Samson C03U Microphone 1 Samson SP04 Shockmount 1 Samson PS01 Pop Filter Cakewalk Sonar LE Software CD 1 Samson MD5 Desktop Microphone Stand 2 Unique Squared Vinyl Stickers

Following on the success of the C01U, Samson is proud to introduce the C03U, multi-pattern USB studio condenser microphone. Based on the extremely popular C03 studio condenser, the C03U delivers the same pristine audio quality and enhanced capabilities along with a high quality A/D converter and USB output.

The C03U features dual 19mm internal shock mounted diaphragms with switchable omni, cardioid, and figure-8 pick-up patterns. 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.

Plugs in directly to any computer with a USB interface
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

Be sure to check the FAQs for the latest info on how to integrate the C03U with your recording software.

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Recording Microphone Reviews USB Microphone Reviews Condenser Microphone Reviews