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Samson C01U Pro USB Studio Condenser Microphone

Samson's upgrade to the mega-popular C01U USB microphone, the lower-noise-floor C01U Pro adds a headphone output for zero-latency monitoring and a peak LED.

Samson C01U Pro USB Studio Condenser Microphone

$89.99
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Samson C01U USB Microphone, Condenser

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Samson C01U USB Microphone, Condenser, With SONAR LE
Samson C01U USB Microphone, Condenser, Main
Samson C01U USB Microphone, Condenser, With SONAR LE Samson C01U USB Microphone, Condenser, Main
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.

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

… read more 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. read less

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

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 516-870-7200
Web: http://www.samsontech.com/contact/
Owner's Manual
Specifications Sheet

Samson C01U USB Microphone, Condenser

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)

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. (183 ratings)
Submitted December 17, 2007 by a customer from yahoo.com

"Great entry level microphone"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I say an 8 because even though its true meaning for it is Podcasting, I have recorded over 3 albums and gotten several gigs because of it. If you are a beginner or loooking for an affordable microphone, you wont go wrong getting this. Theres no hidden secrets behind it...it does just what it says it does.

Sound
When I first got this item, I was so excited. Being an amature recording artist, all I knew was that this mic was a huge step up from the headset microphone that I had used to use. I learned later on, however, that USB mics differ in quality from their pre-amped counterparts in several ways. Fortunately, if you are willing to spend the time, and have a good software program to record with, you can get a way with the vast diffrence in quality if you can edit the sound well and get a good physical recording. For the money, I would say that you get what you pay for, and thats not entirely a bad thing.

Features
I liked this product, surprizingly, for its simplicity. On a mic, you dont really want a bunch of features, however, you want to be able to tweak it to your desire. I gave this an 8 because it comes with a free downloadable applet that is essential in audio editing for this mic.

Ease of Use
I'd prolly give it a 8.5. Its recognizable by severaly audio software programs when plugged in, which is great. However, i can recall more than once when I had to rerecord because the levels… read more were too high when I thought they were set correctly.

Quality
Its been dropped a few times (on carpet) and I cant notice.

Value
For the price, its worth it. Also, now that they are selling these with Sonar, its definately worth the price.

The Wow Factor
It looks professional. Nowadays, thats a big part of the music industry.

Musical Background:
Active musican, recording engineer

Musical Style:
Alternative, Hip Hop, Experimental read less
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No longer available at zZounds