Samson CL2 Pencil Capacitor Microphone

No longer available at zZounds
Mic pianos, orchestral ensembles, and more with this matched pair of small-diaphragm condensers. Switchable omni and cardioid capsules are included.

Providing maximum flexibility for a variety of applications was one of the main design goals. Each CL2 comes with a pair of elements that can easily be detatched to change the pickup pattern to either omni-directional or cardioid. The elements feature three micron, gold-sputtered diaphragms and are designed to handle SPLs of 141 dB (cardioid) and 138 dB (omni).

The CL2 is ideal for recording or miking orchestral instruments, acoustic guitar, piano, overhead miking of drums and cymbals and of course, vocals.Providing great value and usability, the CL2s come in a durable, lightweight aluminum case with a pair of mic clips, pop filters, windscreens, shock mounts and the cardioid and omni capsules.

Features:
A pair of true capacitor microphones

High pass filter and 10dB pad

Includes cardioid and omni removable elements

Three micron, gold-sputtered diaphragms

Maximum SPLs of 141 dB (cardioid) and 138 dB (omni)

Includes mic clip, pop filter, wind screen and shock mount

Comes in durable, lightweight aluminum case

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 516-870-7200
Web: http://www.samsontech.com/contact/

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (5 ratings)
Submitted April 2, 2009 by a customer from gmail.com

"Don't waste your money on cheap MXL, NADY, or ART mics. Spend an extra $100 and get this matched set. For someone looking to sav"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I think these mics are great. I will always keep them in my collection, I don't plan on replacing them. I'll probably just add another pair someday for a different sound. Every engineer should have a "mic locker" to go to, and it's not a bad thing to have mics like this laying around. (even if you have more expensive ones). Every mic has its purpose. Look at the SM57, used in studios everywhere. Mics don't have to be expensive to sound good. If they were stolen I would buy another pair. It's a steal for $250-$350.

Sound
They sound great. Like the previous reviewer stated they sound as good as some other well-known mics out there. I would compare these against the Neumann KM184 and the Microtech Gefell M300's. Between the two they sound more like the M300. I'm glad too, the KM184's sound a little harsh for me. These have a nice glassy top end, with adequate low end. Sounds amazing on vocals and acoustic guitar.

Features
The mic's themselves have a low end roll off switch (85hz), as well as a -10db pad switch. I was impressed because usually cheaper mics don't give you any options like this. Each mic also came with interchangeable capsules (1 cardioid, 1 omni-directional). I don't think you'll find a mic in this price range with the amount of features and options these have.

Ease of Use
What can I say? They're mics. You should know how to use them or you wouldn't be reading this. Plug read more them in, set your levels, record.

Quality
Both mics sound virtually identical (matching serial numbers) so quality control must be pretty good. The mics sound great. They're hefty, durable, and made of solid metal. They don't feel like they'll break anytime soon. Plus they come with a 3 year warranty if anything should happen.

Value
If you're looking for a cheap set of pencil condensers look no further. The value of these mics is far greater than any other set I've seen available. They sound great, they come with tons of accessories, metal carrying case, 2 capsules, and a 3 year warranty. It averages to about $150 a mic, without adding up the accessories. That's pretty darn good.

Manufacturer Support
I had to call them to find my serial number (for product registration). I was able to talk to a human within 1 minute, and got directed to the technical support "head". They were quick and to the point. Very helpful.

The Wow Factor
I don't know what to say here. They're nice looking mics? They come in an aluminum case? They have a lot of accessories? They're just plain brushed metal, but they don't need to win any beauty contests, I just want them to sound good.

Musical Background:
Trained audio engineer, Musician, In a band

Musical Style:
Rock, Pop-punk, Alternative
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