Join for free to get:

  • Private Sales
  • Exclusive Content
  • Weekly Deals
  • Insider Gear News

Plus:

  • Prizes - automatic entry in every      giveaway!
  • PLP Loops - Free!
  • 30 Days of Interactive Guitar Lessons -      Free!

To get your free catalog, we'll need your address:

Sign me up for the zZounds Catalog
Joining is not required in order to shop with zZounds, and you can opt out at any time.
 
Add Something to Your Cart.    
Toll Free 800.ZZOUNDS (996.8637) Open until 10 PM EST
Mention priority code 7WZ95HP when you call
 

Samson C01U Condenser USB Microphone

Buy it with SONAR LE or save even more with the Podcasting Package.

Additional Images: Loading...

 
Because this item is used at your mouth or ear, it cannot be returned once opened due to health reasons. details
Overview
Description
Docs
From Our Catalog
News
A studio-quality mic specifically for computer recording!
As big-budget recording studios go the way of the dinosaur, computer-based project studios are flourishing. With the latest digital technology, even small laptop recording rigs can produce professional-quality results. These mobile systems let you record anywhere, regardless of space limitations. Samson is at the forefront of the digital audio revolution with their C01U condenser microphone. Its pristine performance and direct-to-computer interface make it perfect for audio on-the-go.

Direct USB output
The Samson C01U is the first affordable studio-quality condenser mic with a direct USB output. In the past, studios had racks upon racks of microphone preamps, effects processors, and miles of cabling to get the signal down on tape. In today's digital world, however, streamlined portability is the key. This large-diaphragm condenser mic plugs straight into any Mac or Windows computer, faithfully capturing your audio source without all the excess baggage. There are no drivers to install and no special software required for operation, so you'll be up and running in minutes. Use it with your favorite recording software to lay down vocal tracks or instrumentals, right out of the box. If you don't have a favorite recording application, give SONAR LE a try. It's included with the microphone.

Full-range audio reproduction
Though specifically designed for computer recording, C01U microphones offer the same full-range warmth and clarity as their XLR counterparts. The large, 19mm diaphragm is strong enough to handle Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) up to 136dB, yet sensitive enough to reproduce both low- and high-volume sounds with equal articulation. A wide, flat frequency response from 20Hz to 18kHz gives you the accuracy you need to be sure what you hear is what gets recorded.

Hypercardioid pattern great for podcasting
The C01U's hypercardioid pickup pattern has a wider spread at the front of the mic capsule than a standard cardioid microphone, while still providing some directional aiming capabilities. During a podcast, for example, you can comfortably conduct an interview. Spread the host and the guests out in front of the C01U's protective mesh grille, and every voice comes through clearly. Meanwhile, your sound engineer/cue-card holder stands to the rear of the mic, outside of the pickup pattern where he can perform his duties without ruining the take. With a laptop and a C01U, you've got everything you need for on-location podcasts. It's just that simple.

Free software download
For added functionality, C01U owners can visit Samson's website and download the SoftPre applet. Running between the USB port and your audio software, it adds an independent level meter, volume control, high-pass filter, and phase switch. This way, you can be sure the highest-quality signal is sent to your recording application. No need to boost the gain or roll-off the lows after the fact; the incoming signal is as clean as it can be. Your recording projects will go smoother and sound better than ever before.

Available packages
Choose a bundle that best suits your needs. The standard package includes a C01U microphone, SONAR LE recording software, and a USB cable. The podcast package adds a shockmount, mic stand, and hard case with form-fitted interior.
The C01U USB Studio Condenser Mic is the first affordable studio condenser mic with a direct USB output.

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 Samson's 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.

Features:
Industry's first affordable USB studio condenser mic

Plugs in directly to any computer with a USB input

Cardioid pickup pattern

Large 19mm diaphragm

Heavy gauge mesh grill

Smooth, flat frequency response

USB connection cable included (10 Foot)

Technical Info

The Samson C01U works without the SoftPre applet software using the standard drivers included in your computer's operating system.

If you would like the added functionality of the Samson SoftPre you can download the application from the Samson website.

Samson SoftPre applet adds: Input Level Meter, Volume control, High-pass filter and Phase Switch

Revolutionary large-diaphragm, cardioid condenser mic with a built-in audio interface. Just connect the USB cable and you're ready to record CD-quality audio to your Mac or PC--perfect for songwriters and Podcasters. Includes pouch and USB cable. Podcasting package adds Cakewalk SONAR LE, desktop mic stand, mic clip, and shockmount--all in an aluminum flight case!
11/22 New stock arrives in zZounds' warehouse, New, with Sonar LE, and SP01 Shockmount, order now!
11/22 New inventory arrives, New, with Sonar LE, and Tripod Boom Stand, order before they are gone!
11/05 New stock arrives at zZounds, Warehouse Resealed, Podcasting Package, with SONAR LE, Shockmount, Desk Stand, and Case, order now!
11/02 Fresh from the truck! New, Podcasting Package, with SONAR LE, Shockmount, Desk Stand, and Case, will ship immediately.
10/27 New lower price, Blemished, Podcasting Package, with SONAR LE, Shockmount, Desk Stand, and Case, was $119.95, now only $109.95.

What Our Customers Say About zZounds

"Fast shipping! I got the item I wanted (and being a brat kid, I WANT IT NOW!) I will shop again! " - customer on November 12, 2009

Call 800.ZZOUNDS (996.8637) and mention priority code: 7WZ95HP
Item: SAMC01U
Choose a model below and select "Add to Cart"
 
In Stock
Will Ship Tuesday  
$99.00
List: $189.98 SAVE 47%
Ground: $3.99
 
In Stock
Will Ship Tuesday  
$149.00
List: $234.99 SAVE 36%
Free Ground Shipping
 
In Stock
Will Ship Tuesday  
$109.95
List: $219.95 SAVE 50%
Free Ground Shipping
what's blemished?
 
In Stock
Will Ship Tuesday
$109.95
List: $234.99 SAVE 53%
Ground: $3.99
what's warehouse resealed?
 
Will Ship Tuesday
$134.95
List: $234.99 SAVE 42%
Free Ground Shipping

related accessories

 
from $25.95
 
from $24.95

Samson C01U Condenser USB Microphone Reviews

193 People rated this product :
           8 out of 10
           10 out of 10
  zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"The Samson C01U USB Studio Condensor Mic: Thank God For It!!!"
Feature:
Not many accesories. The microphone is all you really need anyway. The package comes with a soft microphone bag that no one really uses. It doesn't protect the microphone from damage but you can put it in there to hide from damaging water and other liquids. It comes with a pretty long USB chord, nice, simple, long, and black. Also, it comes with a little microphone holster that isn't top quality. The SPM01 shockmount is awesome for this microphone's performance, as well as looks.

Quality:
The product is pretty well made. It looks good, nice texture and design. It does it's job and looks good at the same time. Nice LED Green Light on the microphone to tell you when its plugged in.

Value:
How can you go wrong with an 80 dollar USB Condensor Mic that is this cheap and this easy to use. Perfect value for any person looking for high quality and professional-like equipment.

Desirability:
I saw the microphone online. A USB Condensor Mic for 80 bucks. Best thing I've ever seen and invested in. It sounds so good, the price is so good, and it even looks good. Huge "sex appeal" as they put it.

Sound:
Pretty awesome quality. For this price this is the best condensor mic you can buy. Honestly, with good mixing skills and a nice mixing program/DAW, someone could compare their quality to professional artists recording in a studio. I know some of my songs that I make sound like anything else on the radio, if not, better.

Ease of Use:
Easiest microphone you could ever use. I love it. I plugged it in when I got it, and began recording some songs, and with awesome quality. When I'm done I unplug it and when I need it again I plug it in and record. Some problems you might have are the volume being too high. Simply go to control panel and sound devices and change the microphone levels. Also, some DAWs record in stereo, 16 bit. Change it to Left Channel and 32 bit on all tracks and everything is perfect.

Support:
Never had any problems, so it get's a 10.

Overall:
Awesome quality, amazing price, great perfomance, unbelievably easy to use: this microphone is perfect for me, and hopefully for everyone else.

Submitted: 05/12/2006
Style of Music: Hip-Hop, Alternative Hip-Hop, Indie, Rock, Emo-Hop
20 of 20 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?    
Thanks for your opinion!
           10 out of 10
"What more can you ask for???"
Feature:
How many features do you want at this price?? There are 4 digit mics out there,even 5, so you get what you pay for.

Quality:
I've dropped it twice on, on CONCRETE, if theres anyu difference in sound I cn't tell..just a few nics on the casing..nothing major.

Value:
Bang for Buck..that's what it's all about..pound for pound one of the best...

Desirability:
looks cool to me

Sound:
The only reason i give the sound a 9 is because ive heard other condernser mics int this price range with comparable sound quaility, but other than that you can't beat the bamg for the buck...if you want more thna what this mic offers, don't complain, just spend more money...duh

Ease of Use:
doesn't get any easier..true plug and play, just select it in your DAW

Support:
Dont know..havet needed..butthe website is plenty helpful

Overall:
I beleive i may have been the very first person ever with this mic...I just remember the day sam ash posted it on their website i bought it, after searching for a month for a new mic..but anyways..i hav ent looked nack since but do plan on tryin the co3u from zzounds.com

Submitted: 11/21/2007
Style of Music: ALL
4 of 4 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?    
Thanks for your opinion!
Questions? Our musicians can help you right now!
Call Toll Free:  800.ZZOUNDS (996.8637) Hours
Mention Priority Code 7WZ95HP When You Call. Toll Free En Español: 800.460.7976 9 AM to 5 PM EST
Shop with those who respect your privacy— we do. Copyright © 1996-2009, zZounds Music, LLC. Terms of use apply.