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Samson C01U USB Microphone, Condenser

Plug the ultra-affordable Samson C01U USB microphone into your computer's USB port, and get recording fast with the included Sonar LE DAW software. (214) Read 38 reviews for this product | Rate and Review This Product
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Want to make quality recordings with your computer? You could spend hundreds on a microphone, an XLR cable, and an audio interface -- or you could pick up the Samson C01U USB condenser microphone, which plugs directly into your laptop or desktop's USB port. With a USB cable and Sonar LE recording software included, the C01U microphone has everything you need to start recording out of the box -- just add a computer with a USB port, and a pair of headphones. A high-quality large-diaphragm cardioid condenser mic, the C01U is ideal for recording vocals or acoustic instruments directly to your computer. It's a convenient real-world solution for anyone who wants to get started recording with minimumal fuss.

Direct USB Output -- No Interface Required

As one of the first affordable condenser microphones with a direct USB output, the Samson C01U has been helping musicians and podcasters capture quality recordings since its release in 2006. Since this USB mic plugs directly into your Mac or PC, there's no need for a separate preamplifier, audio interface, or XLR cable -- so it's an ideal portable setup. With its tough metal case and grill, this mic is rugged enough to travel in your laptop bag, and since it's a class-compliant USB device, it's perfect for simple plug-and-play operation on the go. The C01U works with most any digital audio workstation (DAW) software, and if you don't have a favorite DAW, Sonar LE comes bundled with the microphone for free.

Capture Full-Range Audio

Though it plugs directly into your computer, the Samson C01U USB microphone is designed to deliver the same full-range warmth and clarity as its XLR counterparts. Drawing phantom power directly from your computer's USB port, this condenser microphone is sensitive enough to reproduce quiet sounds, yet can handle sound pressure levels (SPL) up to a screaming 136 dB. Its 19 mm diaphragm delivers a smooth, wide, and airy frequency response from 20 Hz to 18 kHz -- great for vocals, voiceover, instruments, or just about anything you need to capture. The C01U's classic side-address cardioid pickup pattern rejects sound to the rear of the microphone, focusing on your source.

Features:

- Plug-and-play USB microphone -- no driver necessary
- Large-diaphragm condenser with cardioid pickup pattern -- ideal for capturing vocals and more
- Sonar LE software included for audio recording and editing
- USB cable included
- Optional shock mount, desk stand, and hard case available.

Want to record your band's practice session? Need to lay down a scratch vocal track at home? All you need is the Samson C01U and your computer. As one of the first USB condenser microphones on the market, Samson's C01U has long been a no-hassle solution for everyone from musicians tracking quickie demos at home, to voiceover talent recording auditions on the go. Get recording fast, with this affordable, simple-to-setup USB condenser microphone. zZounds is an authorized dealer of Samson products.
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
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
with SONAR LE
Shipping Weight: 2 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 4 in
with SONAR LE, and Tripod Boom Stand
Shipping Weight: 8 lbs
Podcasting Package, with SONAR LE, Shockmount, Desk Stand, and Case
Shipping Weight: 12 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 6 in
Samson Warranty If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 631-784-2200

Product Description

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 19 mm internally shock-mounted diaphragm with a cardioid pickup 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)
Our extended 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on this product. Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!
What Our Customers Are Saying About zZounds "Thanks to zZounds for the awesome Play as you Pay installment plan. I have become a customer for life!" - customer on May 13, 2013
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Samson C01U USB Microphone, Condenser -  with SONAR LE
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Value Pack Price: $84.99
New, Podcasting Package, with SONAR LE, Shockmount, Desk Stand, and Case
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Customer Reviews
4 out of 5 (214 ratings) Rate and Review This Product
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. "Three Thumbs Up!"
Sound: This product produces great sound at an incredibly low price. This mic produces sound that compares well with others costing hundreds more, and I'm quite fond of it. Feature: It's a microphone. Make sure, if you don't own one already, that you purchase a stand to go with it, any standard stand will do. (Comes with Euro adapter.) Because of not needing phantom power or a mixer, it's great for a portable setup. Ease of Use: The software could be better, and because of no live playback, you have to watch your levels instead of listening for them. (You can use a software playback, but because of the disconcerting delay that it causes, I find it easier to watch.) Quality: Cosmetically, it was perfect, no blemishes, dents or missing finish. Everything appeared aligned perfectly. It seems quite rugged and is heavy. I've had the product for about 90 days now and have had no problems, I use it nearly everyday. Value: This mic is VERY well worth the money I spent on it. Manufacturer Support: Samson responded quickly to an inquiry about the live playback, and they have an excellent amount of information on their website about this mic. The Wow Factor: Overall this is a great mic. Overall: I expect I'll always have a use for this mic. It's a great sound at a low price.
Style of Music: n/a
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zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. "Good mic, handy to use, great price."
Sound: Very nice condenser mic, a little thin, but nothing a touch of EQ can't fix. However, the noise floor is pretty high. Using the free software preamp helps, and it's very clean wideband noise, so it's not even very offensive. Still, for pro use, it needs to drop 20 dB or so. Still, the sound is quite good, and for voice mixed with music, the noise will never be a problem. Feature: Has no features, except the software preamp does offer a great "LED" meter onscreen, and a low cut filter. Ease of Use: For my laptop, it was plug it in, record. Even before loading the Samson software preamp, the mic was recognized, and my computer's sound card switched out as the record input. Unplug, it switched back. You may have to switch back and forth by clicking through on your system, but that only takes a few seconds. Quality: The noise level is the only quality issue here. Strong, well made looking mic. Value: The mic was a good deal in the first place. Add a preamp, plus a power supply that can run the circuit AND provide phantom power from the five volts it gets from a USB plug, plus an A to D converter, plus a USB interface and cable, for under $80 street price; heck of a deal. Manufacturer Support: N.A. Overall: There isn't much competition in the USB microphone or really cheap USB interface for a quality mic. The Blue Snowball mic is the only other good mic I know of. When others are made, I'd consider another brand. But till then, this one works fine.
Style of Music: Voice production, standard production music all genres
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