Samson C01 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

Embrace the world of condensor large diaphragm microphones and discover a detail and fullness of sound not possible with a basic dynamic mic. 83 People rated this product:

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zZounds' Take on Samson C01

It's well known that Samson offers an impressive bang for the recording enthusiast's buck. The Samson C01 is no different. Well under the price of most dynamic microphones, the C01's large-diaphragm condenser capsule is capable of producing detailed, clear recordings of sensitive acoustic instruments like guitar and piano, as well as tracking impressive spoken and sung vocals. In short, if you've already got a dynamic mic like the SM58, your next purchase needs to be a large-diaphragm condenser, and you can hardly go wrong with the Samson C01.

Large Diaphragm Condenser

While dynamic mics like the aforementioned SM58 may be great for live vocals where feedback is an issue, or for tracking super-loud instruments like guitar amps and snare drums, its role in the studio is limited. The passive dynamic voice coil just doesn't have the sensitivity required for quality recordings of acoustic instruments and studio vocals. That's why anyone making audio recordings of any kind simply needs a large-diaphragm condenser, and the Samson C01 is an amazing value. The C01's recording element is an electrically activated, dual-layer diaphragm measuring 19mm wide. The two ultra-thin sensor membranes pick up far more detailed sounds than any dynamic coil, so you'll suddenly be able to hear the strings and wood of your guitar, the breath and resonance of a singer, or the brassy shimmer of a ride cymbal.

A True Multi-Purpose Microphone

In addition to the applications listed above, the Samson C01 also excels at spoken word, ambient recording, and sound effects production. The C01 features a cardioid pickup pattern that is highly directional, meaning it records what you point it at while rejecting off-axis noise. The cardioid pattern also lends the mic a very useable proximity effect, meaning the closer the mic is to a sound source, the more pronounced the bass frequencies. This is great for getting a lot of depth out of a close-up spoken vocal, but it means the mic can still pick up the subtleties of room acoustics without getting muddy. A gentle low-frequency roll-off and smooth high-end response add to the overall pleasing sound of the Samson C01.

Built Heavy-Duty To Last

Condenser mics are more sensitive instruments than dynamic mics, and so can't withstand the same abuses. Still, the Samson C01 is no fading violet; a heavy gauge mesh grill protects the sensitive condenser diaphragm, and a robust metal chassis will fend off the odd bump, drop, or jostle. Like any condenser microphone, the C01 requires 48 volts of phantom power for proper operation--power provided by most mixing boards and USB or FireWire audio interfaces. An LED indicates whether phantom power is running, which is yet another safety feature: unplugging a condenser while phantom power is on can damage the mic and the equipment to which it's connected. A light that's off means it's safe to disconnect, a feature that's sure to prolong the life of your Samson C01, not to mention the rest of your valued recording gear.

So what are you waiting for? It's obvious you'll need a Samson C01 before you start your next project. Order one from zZounds today and get tracking ASAP!

Manufacturer's Description for Samson C01 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

Great for recording vocals, acoustic instruments and for use as overhead drum mics, the new Samson C01 large diaphragm condenser microphone is accurate, detailed, smooth with warm bass and extended top end. This sturdy microphone has a large 19mm diaphragm that produces a smooth flat frequency response. It features a heavy gauge mesh grill screen, a gold plated XLR connecter and an LED indicating 48V phantom power. The unit includes a swivel stand mount and an optional SP01 shock mount is available.

Features:

- Hypercardioid Pickup Pattern
- Large 19mm Diaphragm
- Heavy Gauge Mesh Grill
- Gold Plated XLR Connector
- Swivel Stand Mount (Included)
- Optional SP01 Shock Mount (Sold Separately)
- LED Indicates 48V Phantom Power
- Gold Plated XLR Connector
- Smooth, Flat Frequency Response zZounds is an authorized dealer of Samson products.

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging: Shipping Weight: 3 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 3 in

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Samson Warranty

If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 631-784-2200

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Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 (83 ratings) Rate and Review This Product

Read all 11 Samson C01 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone Reviews

Samson C01 Microphone Customer Review

Sound: I am a New York certified sound engineer and own an Audio Technica 4040, an Audio Technica 3060 Tube mic and 2 sm 58's. Personally i think this mic is great because of its low end being rolled off or compressed or something. If you have a bad room and dont feel like putting acoustic absorbers up this mic is for you. Other mics i have used record very accurately so they record the boxiness of my room as well, boxiness lies at the low end frequencies which is why vocal booths sound boxy because you eliminate the high frequencies but the low frequecies are still there causing a boxy tone. this mic sounds very dry and does not show any boxiness in any room because it rolls off the low end on the mic. perfect for someone who wants a proffesional sound with a low budget mic. People that say the noise is too high dont know what there talking about. its not the mic its the preamp that your using. havent any of you heard of signal to noise ratio. price does not matter to make a professional sounding recording. hey michael jackson used an sm 58 on his billie jean song that mic only cost 99 bucks. Just make sure that you stand at no closer than 8 inches to the mic a good standing point would be 12 inches away from the mouth aimed directly at the mouth . Feature: i think the rolled off bass end is a great help if you have a boxy room Value: i think samson came out with a great mic here

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"Pretty good for the price. I would recommend it more for vocals, guitar cabs, or snare because I've used it on those...if you a"

Sound: I've been recording vocals on this mic through a liquid 4 pre into pro tools HD. On the vocalist I tried: SM27, CAD M179, Heil PR-35, Audix VX5, and a DPA SDC. I may have tried another, but the C01 blew them all away except the Audix VX5. The VX5 sounds very close to the C01. However, the C01 sounded a little more natural. It's a very plain sounding mic and sounds pretty much like what you put in front of it. That's what I like about the C01 and the VX5. The response is pretty linear. All you have to do it EQ it for your mix; the mic doesn't produce any nasty stuff. I've used the C01 on live guitar cabs, too with great results. Put it really close to the speaker at a 45 degree angle from the outside of the speaker pointing to the middle and it's perfect. I used this also on snare bottom on the 4pre. It sounds just like the snare but it needs a pad. It was alllmosst clipping the whole time. Good results. I think I may have liked the SM27 slightly better on snare bottom, but, hey, for $58, why not use the C01 and EQ it a little of you are on a budget? It doesn't pick up all the well from a distance though. You probably don't want to use this on choir or probably not even acoustic guitar. It's not as sensitive as say an SM27 from a distance. Feature: All it comes with is a clip. It needs a pad though!! Ease of Use: This microphone is really easy to use. The source should be pretty close though because of the tight pick up pattern. I believe it's actually super cardioid. Quality: It feels solid. The only issue I've had is that my vocalist is so powerful that it distorted the mic; but I went in the room and his nose was on the mic. I told him move a few inches back and then it was fine. It was probably low end pops distorting it. Value: I got this shipped for $58 on sale. Great. Manufacturer Support: No experience. The Wow Factor: The blue light is awesome. Overall: I bought this mic because my friend had one and I heard it. So, I was then a believer and bought it since it was on sale. I might even try this on live vocals sometime just to see because in the studio, it sounded good.

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Read all 11 Samson C01 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone Reviews