Main

Studio Projects C1 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The Studio Projects C1 is a large diaphragm, fixed-cardioid condenser microphone employing a 1.06 in. (27mm) capsule, high quality, low noise amplifier and balanced, transformerless output circuitry. Learn More...

    • New $239.95
    • free ground shipping
Write a Review:

Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Individual User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * . . . . . . 4 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
I Want It:
* * . . . . . . . . 2 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
not many that help the sound...

Quality:
i cracked two capsules already they are real delicate, and use a pop filter or else it will die quickly.

Value:
you get what you pay for dont expect a u87 or something close to it ive used a u87 and this is not in the same ballpark as people claim its a thin sound with no body to it..

Desirability:
the mic looks good thats about it.

Sound:
has a high end shrill thats anoying a tube preamp can tame this but its still aparent it has no midrange or bottom eq is needed to get the right sound...

Ease of Use:
simple plug it in and turn on the phantom power...

Support:
i can always call studioprojects and get someone on the phone real quick..good company.

Overall:
a good beginner mic once you use the real deal its hard to go back to these china made toy mics they are a dime a dozen and most of them come from the same factory the companies just slap a different name on the same mic, im sure pmi audio has never made a mic they just pick these parts from china factories put them together and call it new.

Do You Agree? Was This Review Helpful to You?

yes

no

Overall:
* * * * . . . . . . 4 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10

Feature:
Good accessories, shock mount, hard case, stand adapter

Sound:
Tremendous sound while it lasted

Support:
Don't really know yet, will try to get it fixed

Overall:
Like I say, it was nice while it lasted. I used it perhaps four times, then humidity damage. I know about humidity and condenser mics. I was very careful with it. It was working fine one night, came back the next morning and it had lost most of its signal. What was left was mostly a low rumbling. Classic symptom of humidity damage. The manual suggests trying to dry it out by holding it several inches under an incandescent bulb for a while. Pointless. Once its shot, its shot. I'd hoped it would last longer than a month.

Do You Agree? Was This Review Helpful to You?

yes

no

Overall:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Feature:
Has the same basic features the competitors have.

Quality:
Quality in just fine.

Value:
I would have rated it a better value if they had not recently raised the price by forty dollars. I was a pretty good value at it's old price.

Desirability:
Looks of the product are just fine. It's not fancy but it's BIG.

Sound:
Very crisp on the top end but and picks up every crack in the voice, which is a good thing. The issues I have with this mic are that it's a bit noisy compared to some of its competitors and lacks punch on the low and mid range while recording male vocals. Many people compare this to the Neumann U87 but, in my opinion, Groove Tubes and Audio Technica both make mics in the two hundred dollar price range that are better than the C1. I love the sound of the the Studio Projects preamp I own but don't like the sound of this microphone.

Ease of Use:
Easy to use but the manual is pretty thin. The Groove Tubes manual is like an encyclopedia in comparison. If you have any kind of recording experience you won't have any problem.

Support:
Haven't needed it but I've Studio Projects has an excellent reputation when it comes to customer service and support.

Overall:
I bought this a while ago but haven't used it in over a year. I purchased different $200.00 mic and haven't looked back. It was a disappointing purchase because I did a lot of research before I bought this microphone. In my case, it just didn't live up to the hype that surrounds it. I ended up replacing it, on a whim, with a Groove Tubes GT55. The difference between the two, on male vocals, is like night and day. I plan on selling the C1 and getting an AT4040 to use along with the Groove Tubes mic.

Do You Agree? Was This Review Helpful to You?

yes

no

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
3-position 75,150hz low cut, -10,-20db pad, foam windscreen, spider mount, metal case- nice kit.

Value:
Right now even if I could afford a U87, I'd skip it get 3 more C1's and a couple of T3's, the tube mic from S.P., all for less than the U87 purchase price.

Desirability:
Huge, heavy, beautiful mic, custom build feel.

Sound:
Perfect, vibrant reproduction of vocals- I a/b'd the C1 with my other favorite mics, small and large condensers, and recorded with it for months now, and it beats all the others- sibilants sound sweet and dense- this is the thing about this mic that is truly amazing. I've used akg 414's and Neumann U87's, U47's, and several vintage tube mics, and I don't remember being this impressed by any of them- the sibilant sounds were always bothersome to me, hard to regulate. Not with the C1- even without a pop filter. Even careless proximity not a problem, always sweet-sounding. Whoever made this mic has created a truly incredible vocal mic. Acoustic guitar still served better by akg c1000s for me, but maybe I haven't found the right mic placement for the C1 yet.

Ease of Use:
Still needs a slight high boost and low cut, not much though- less than other mics. I use it with studio projects VTB-1 (great preamp!)

Do You Agree? Was This Review Helpful to You?

yes

no

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
talk about bang for the buck, comes with a shockmount, windscreen, and travel case, and you cant forget the features on the mic Pressure-Gradient Transducer: 1.06 in. (27mm) 6um mylar diaphragm High Pass Filter 10db Pad great value these features are not normaly found on such a enexspensive condencer mic

Quality:
perfect rode nt1a cant touch it !!!

Value:
IN WHAT OTHER BRAND CAN YOU GET A HIGH QUALITY MIC WITH THESE FEATURES AND ACCESORIES I , YOU WOULD THINK THIS COST 10X WHAT IT DID !!!

Desirability:
IT LOOKS LIKE A VERY EXPENSIVE MIC

Sound:
This mic simply gives back exactly what you put in, with no distortion, or loss of quality, when i play back a recording you cant even tell if someone is standing right in front of you singing or if its a recording, its that good , many compare it to a newman I have never herd myself through a newman, however this is the best mic i have ever used, and i currently also own a rode nt1a , so if your debating between the node mt1a and the studio projects c1 get the c1 there is no contest

Support:
I HAVENT HAD TO USE THEM SO IM JUST LEAVING THIS AREA ALONE

Overall:
I WOULD RECOMEND THIS TO ANYONE

Do You Agree? Was This Review Helpful to You?

yes

no

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Feature:
The mic includes a light metal carrying case, shock mount holder, and foam windscreen. In order to protect the high-quality diaphragm from accumulating moisture spots, a stand mounted pop filter is recommended. You'll also need a standart 3-pin cable and 48V of phantom power, of course.

Quality:
Apprarently the C1 is partially produced in China and assembled to assure quality control, here in the States. If a manufacturer finds the means of doing this, it keeps the cost of production down while optimizing quality.

Value:
I'd shopped comparable products for more than a year and am convinced the C1 is 'far and away', the best value mic in its price range.

Desirability:
Simply . . . gotta have it! Sex appeal? Hey, we're talking about inanimate objects here . . . (Give me a break.)

Sound:
Though this is my first large condenser 'studio' mic, I've worked with a number of other microphones and applications over the last 2 or 3 decades. As far as sound goes, the C1 is noted for producing a very warm, natural quality, that translates especially well for vocals.

Ease of Use:
I was able to unpack the mic, plug it in, and begin recording almost immediately.

Support:
No, though I filled out and mailed my pre-printed product registration card to the PMI Audio Group (Studio Projects) in Torrance, California. It was returned to me with a P.O. label indicating the company's forwarding address had expired.

Overall:
After I'd read several reviews of the C1, I realized I needed to get my hands on one of these 'bad boys' while they were still available for $200. It's pretty common for a manufacturer, especially with a high quality product to introduce it into the market at a premium price and watch it rise with increased demand over time. (See, my business education wasn't a complete waste!)

Do You Agree? Was This Review Helpful to You?

yes

no

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Awesome briefcase and shock mount. It comes with a spit catcher/wind screen but I use a metal pop filter which works way better but it's there for you. The low-cut is another "can't live without" feature.

Quality:
The mic and the mic stand has had it's fair share of crash and bumps but it keeps on ticking. I have a 2 year old... nuff said.

Value:
For the price there is no reason to look elsewhere. What are you waiting for? But it now!

Desirability:
The brushed aluminium look is the played out look of the new millenium but this mic is still sweeeeet to look at! Hey, it's no Blue but it holds it's own.

Sound:
Amazing quality vs price. I've done major research on mics and the ratings don't change for this mic. Vocals are very smooth and don't need much tweaking at all. I've used other more costly mics and some in the same price range but for vocals there is no competition.

Ease of Use:
Plug it in. Sweeet!

Overall:
Come on this kind of quality and features for $200 there is no need to compare.

Do You Agree? Was This Review Helpful to You?

yes

no

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Overall:
I'd be satisfied with it for about a year or two. i'd keep it and try to find another as good or better. if it was stole or lost i would just by another

Do You Agree? Was This Review Helpful to You?

yes

no

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
All the low cut filters we are accustom to!

Quality:
Is it comparable to neuman? In my professional opinion yes it is! plain and simple, the most bang fo your buck!

Value:
Its worth it let me tell ya'll! I almost bought a U87 a month ago, an am i happy didn't

Desirability:
Easily the best looking mic for the price

Sound:
The sound from tis mis incredible! its very smooth without any processing. I use it mainly on hip-hop vocals and bought it to compliment my VS-2400 im about to purchase. Running it through a focusrite platinum comp/eq/preamp i was very surprised! It sounds more exspensive than it is, thats the truth!

Support:
Don't need any! No support when none is rquired is the best support!

Do You Agree? Was This Review Helpful to You?

yes

no

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Comes in the coolest little briefcase. Everything you need inside. Great packaging!

Quality:
Very well made. I accidentally knocked it over a couple of times and it still performed perfectly.

Value:
It's actually underpriced if you want my opinion.

Desirability:
It's a tubular mic...could it be more phallic? :) Silver, long, hard...lustworthy.

Sound:
I'm a vocalist and it can literally catch the bubbles pop on my molars...it's THAT good. I read some review originally that compared it to a Neuman (very favorably) so I decided to purchase it. True to it's laudits, it's like a baby Neuman for a fraction of the cost.

Support:
Didn't have to...

Overall:
I'd only choose a Neuman if I could afford it. However, I love this mic and would purchase another before I'd switch to a comparably priced brand.

Do You Agree? Was This Review Helpful to You?

yes

no

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Flight case, shockmount, and windscreen!

Quality:
heavy sturdy mic, wire mesh grill like an SM58. Dropped it once(hard) and didn't even worry about it!

Value:
FOR UNDER $200, IM STILL MIND BLOWN.

Sound:
THE BEST VOCAL MIC UNDER 2G's (FOR REAL!) IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A VOCAL MIC, SEARCH NO MORE!!!! I RECORDED MY WHOLE ALBUM WITH THIS MIC PLUGGED RIGHT INTO AN MBOX AND GOT MIND BLOWING RESULTS. I HAVE RECORDED WITH A U87 AND WASN'T IMPRESSED!! A MUST BUY!!!!!!!!!

Overall:
LETS JUST SAY THAT I WANT TO BUY 3MORE JUST INCASE ONE GOS I HAVE BACKUPS FOR LIFE!!!!

Do You Agree? Was This Review Helpful to You?

yes

no

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Feature:
Good shock mount. Sturdy metal case. Comes with the wind screen.

Quality:
I own two. Work great from the day one. Usual care required as with any mic of this type.

Value:
Great value - you get more than you pay for. Would buy again.

Sound:
Smooth, silky top end. Well defined and articulate mids. Transparent bottom. Works very well for vocals and acoustic instruments.

Support:
n/a

Do You Agree? Was This Review Helpful to You?

yes

no

Overall:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * . . . . . . . 3 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Feature:
I give it an 8 for features because at least it has the standard roll off, etc

Quality:
Well made microphone but extremly cheap quality, mine broke and is still brken with a db decrease only after using it couple times, It can't take humidity changes like a more expensive higher quality microphone, no other more expensive mic I own have given me these problems so I guess I got what I payed for. I didn't even bother trying to get it fixed after it broke on me out of frustration for poor quality and a good but nothing really really great type of sound. I'll probably go for a AT-4033

Value:
Great value for all the stuff it comes with, shock mount,wind screen, carrying case anyone can find it a great value.

Desirability:
It looks Good, and is a great value because it comes with a free shock mount and foam s