Amazon.com: Samson C01UCW Studio USB Mic with Cakewalk Sonar LE: Electronics

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Color: Silver

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Product Details

Color: Silver

Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 8 x 5.8 inches ; 2 pounds
Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
ASIN: B000PTF0E2
Item model number: SAM C01UCW
Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (242 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
- #23 in Electronics > Accessories & Supplies > Computer Accessories > Headsets & Microphones > PC Microphones
- #33 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Microphones > Condenser Microphones > Multipurpose
Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

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Product Description

Color: Silver

Samson C01UCW Studio USB Mic with Cakewalk Sonar LE

Original USB Studio Condenser Mic Reigns Supreme in Popularity and Versatility

This classic USB microphone bridges the gap between mid-level USB audio adapters and pro-line products that require additional drivers, special software, and/or excess cabling. The C01U is USB compatible with any Mac or PC, as well as most DAW software programs, including GarageBand. It also comes with Cakewalk's Sonar LE digital audio workstation software. Its supreme ability to produce pristine audio recordings with ease and mobility, along with a desktop mic stand, mic clip, USB cable and carry pouch also included, makes the C01U a most valuable addition to any studio. Musicians, podcasters, educators, business people and many more applicable users can continue to rely on Samson to provide the highest standard of simple, affordable, and mobile USB studio condenser microphone technology: The C01U.

The C01U features a large 19mm shock mounted diaphragm.
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The cardioid pickup pattern provides a smooth, flat frequency response.
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Music Manager

For musicians, the convergence of computer and audio technologies has established the home/mobile studio as an alternative to the professional recording facility. Whether you're touring the country or experimenting in your project studio, the C01U sets the standard for integrating your computer into your recording experience. Use the cardioid pickup pattern to record vocals or close-mic an acoustic instrument at a pro-level directly to your computer. The C01U is perfect for recording music on-the-go or in limited spaces, allowing all musicians tremendous freedom to create.

Podcaster's Producer

The evolution of podcasting has created a need for high-quality production capabilities that are also attainable by everyone. Satisfying these criteria, the C01U is a podcaster's dream come true. Given a simple USB connection straight into your computer, it provides your podcasts with unparalleled quality in audio recording. With the C01U affordable for all, the voices of web journalists are empowered to establish a real identity in the congested world of podcasting.

Great for Business and Academic Applications

With computer-based technology becoming more steadily incorporated into educational protocols, useful functions for the C01U among students, professors and administrators are also on the rise. So, whether you're teaching an online course, reviewing a past lecture or studying for a big exam across multiple computers, the C01U helps to make education a more accessible and interactive experience. Additionally, the C01U provides answers for those business professionals in need of revitalizing their corporate communications. Ideal for rich media on websites, in multimedia presentations, company meetings or corporate events, the C01U's features allow for easy, cost-effective recording of studio-quality audio clips to make your communications more impactful and your presentations come to life.

Bundled with Cakewalk Sonar LE music production software.
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About Samson

Samson Technologies began in 1980 as a pioneer in wireless microphone technology. Today, Samson is an industry leader in professional audio solutions whose products are known for their fidelity and reliability. Samson products are preferred by recording artists, performers, educators and audio professionals throughout the world.

C01U USB Studio Condenser Microphone

Plug-and-play, with no drivers needed
Hypercardioid pickup pattern
16-bit, 48kHz resolution
Smooth, flat frequency response of 20Hz - 18kHz
Solid, die-cast construction with heavy gauge mesh grill
Includes swivel stand mount and USB cable

Loves to Accessorize

Samson offers a collection of pro-level accessories (all sold separately) that can be used to further enhance the recording experience of the C01U, including the PS01 microphone pop filter and the SP01 spider mount. The PS01's nylon mesh screen will reduce vocal popping and sibilance from affecting the performance of your C01U. It also comes equipped with a universal mic stand mounting bracket and a flexible metal gooseneck for convenient placement. Lastly, the SP01 provides the C01U with a reliable shockmount system to absorb unwanted vibrations and disturbances.

Customer Reviews

(242)

4.2 out of 5 stars

5 star		139
4 star		52
3 star		25
2 star		10
1 star		16

See all 242 customer reviews

I've tried several kinds of recording softwares and the mic works very well on Cakewalk Sonar 6, Samplitude 9.

Li Chao

It would help if they offered support to Mac users by someone sufficiently familiar with Macs, but my impression is that the Mac was an afterthought for Samson.

N.. Martin

A raw recording (by raw I mean no EQ, noise removal, or anything else added) with this mic. sounds clear, crisp and professional even without being treated.

Gavin

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

126 of 128 people found the following review helpful

Bad Software taints a great mic

By kindasorta on March 5, 2006

Color Name: Silver Verified Purchase

The audio quality of the mic is outstanding, worthy of 4 stars on its own. I use it to do production for radio and it sounds nearly as good as the studio mics. The problem lies with the software and the drivers. Mac users aren't the only ones experiencing headaches. If you are going to use this microphone on a Windows PC, I highly recommend using the native Windows drivers instead of the Samson SoftPre drivers, as the XP drivers are much more stable. The SoftPre, for some reason, conflicts with the native XP drivers and is prone to crashing and causing erratic audio performance - such as stuttering, clipping and popping noise, none of which I get using XP's drivers. The Samson drivers also crashed my computer three times in the first couple of days I used it, so now I am using the XP drivers. The Samson drivers aren't fully compliant with Windows XP, and as such you'll get a barrage of warnings when installing them ("Drivers are NOT digitally signed...may cause system instability!"). Its kind of a disappointment, because the SoftPre has some very useful basic features like Gain, LPF and such, but if you know anything about working with DAW's, any capable editing program will have these functions built in anyways. So for the price, I say go for it...just stay FAR away from Samson's software.

*update*

This mic works perfectly with the native OS X Tiger drivers. Its truly plug and play, have been using it in Garage band with no problems. Also, this mic works perfect with Vista...no software needed.

ALSO...I notice alot of people commenting on adjusting the balance when using this microphone. You dont need to do that, because you are forgetting that this is a MONO sound source. In your audio editing program, select the Samson CO1U, and then when you select input, choose "Input 1 MONO" instead of "Input 1-2 Stereo." Stereo is out of balance because again, its a single mono source. Hope this helps.

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139 of 143 people found the following review helpful

Solid microphone, no real complaints.

By Tempting Reviews TOP 500 REVIEWER on May 23, 2010

Length: 2:26 Mins

Small video to demonstrate the audio quality. The video was shot in iMovie and I didn't really care about the quality of the video (since it didn't matter). I was about two feet away from the microphone the entire time, talking at normal volume.

If you use GarageBand or Logic (Mac OS), the audio options for vocal enhancement will make the mic sound even louder when recording podcasts or music. Audacity also has such options, but if you're a Mac user stick with GarageBand/Logic. There is very little white noise or static when recording with the mic. A really good use for the mic is podcasting, as your voice is projected quite clearly to the audience. Since it's USB powered you can use it anywhere, for anything, but I don't find it to be all that portable (i.e. for remote webcam); for me not a big deal. But if you're at home and want a better audio alternative for voice chat or Skype, this mic is excellent.

Overall I'm quite satisfied. Well worth the money.

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41 of 43 people found the following review helpful

Not bad at all!

By Tracy Latham on April 11, 2006

Color Name: Silver

I have some decent mics in my cabinet, as well as a nice preamp, A/D converter and fire wire interface for my home multitracking setup. I wasn't expecting as good or better quality than I can already get, but I hoped the Samson C01B USB Studio Condenser would at least give me a decent sound. The idea was to have freedom and portablility that my studio set up prohibits. I was not disappointed. Installation was no more complicated that plugging the cable into a USB port on my laptop running XP and the other end into the mic. It is far from the best mic I have, but it is certainly not the worst. I have read reviews that say the recording quality is too thin, but I found that not to be the case. The noise floor when recording with the Samson is a little high, and it is lacking in headroom compared to any traditional mic through my Millenia preamp. I have to record at slightly lower levels than I am used to, but for $79, I am not complaining. There is no significant latency recording 16 bits at 44100hz in Fasoft N-Track Studio. The ability to plug this thing in and record at a whim is quite liberating. Way to go, Samson!

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43 of 46 people found the following review helpful

The Best Solution For The Money

By Jon E. Rasmussen on March 11, 2006

As I started building my portable music studio (laptop, mic, amp...) I ran into one major setback. The soundcard in my laptop just couldn't handle the quality of audio I was trying to record. For the price, this definitely seemed to be the best solution.

Despite the reviews sighting difficulties with OS compatibility I decided to give it a try. The mic is truly plug and play in Windows XP, requiring only a slight balance adjustment and setting the volume.

The sound quality is excellent, surpassing my expectations. For the money, and the entry level studio this is an excellent buy. I guess if you're trying to build a more professional studio, you should be looking at equipment on a different level than this.

This is a must have for the small home studio.

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39 of 43 people found the following review helpful

Samson C01U

By Shani Porter on January 8, 2006

The installation sucks because if you do not have the following your screwed. I was just about to re-sell my Mic until i read a few reviews. You really need the aggregate device to use your Mic and hear sound for MAC OS X Logic and Garageband.

Using the Samson C01U with Apple Logic (Mac OS X)

This is the process of setting up the CO1U to work in Logic. This will only work in OSX 10.4 or later.

10.3 and earlier versions don't have this facility.

1. Open Audio MIDI Setup (from the Applications/Utilities folder)

2. Go to the Audio Menu - Open Aggregate Device Editor ⇧⌘A

3. Click on the + button to create a new device

4. It's a good idea to rename it (double click on Aggregate Device in the list and enter the new name eg. CO1U)

5. The list at the bottom of the window will show all the audio devices connected to the computer. Select the ones you want the device to use by checking the "use" button. For instance, if you only have a CO1U connected you will need to check CO1U and Built-in Audio. Check the clock button on one of the devices, not the CO1U.

6. Click Done

And that's it. The device will then appear in Logic under Audio Hardware and Drivers as an available I/O.

Using the Samson C01U with Apple Garage Band (Mac OS X)

1. Plug the Mic into a USB Port

2. Open Garage Band and Go to Preferences ⌘,

3. Click on Audio/Midi

4. Select Samson C01U from the Audio Input drop down list

5. Click on Yes when it asks if you want to Change audio driver

6. One the Driver initializes, close the preferences dialog box and Garage Band will be ready to use the C01U.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

Unbelievable sound quality.

My windows 7 OS recognizes this mic effortlessly and the build quality is excellent. It comes with a tripod and is perfect for desktop or studio recordings. Read more

Published 5 hours ago by Kris Kasprzak

Good quality sound

Good quality sound. Only thing I don't care for is the mic stand it comes with. It is a little hard to get it to stand up right sometimes. Read more

Published 8 days ago by Heather Millard

Five Stars

Very Excellent

Published 23 days ago by ALWALEED

Highly Recommend Mic Great Price

Outstanding microphone! This mic is beyond what it's price states its to be…worth about $50 more than the retail price as my opinion. Read more

Published 24 days ago by Chris Lee

i love it and its work good

Published 1 month ago by chris

Never given me a problem. Quality microphone.

Published 1 month ago by M. Hernandez

I like it !

I happen to like this microphone i would've rather bought a Studio Series SL300 USB Condensor Microphone. Read more

Published 1 month ago by ZaraByte

Its just an amazing mic. i was wondering if i would buy ...

Its just an amazing mic.
i was wondering if i would buy this or the blue yeti, i think that the samson is more lighter than the blue yeti more cheaper, great sound quality,... Read more

Published 1 month ago by Abdulkareem Al-Musallam

Good, but still not perfect...

Bought a used one because of lack of $, and i'm not sure if it is just me, my PC or some problem with the mic but it only picks up sound when the volume is set above 80. Read more

Published 2 months ago by Christian Vasquez

Very capable and impressive mic, for a lot less money...

I purchased this mic for the purpose of doing podcasts and recording various videos for YouTube. I actually already own a different, more expensive condenser mic that I've used for... Read more

Published 2 months ago by Brent D.

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Samson C01UCW Studio USB Mic with Cakewalk Sonar LE

Special Offers and Product Promotions

Frequently Bought Together

What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?

Product Details

Product Description

Samson C01UCW Studio USB Mic with Cakewalk Sonar LE

Original USB Studio Condenser Mic Reigns Supreme in Popularity and Versatility

Music Manager

Podcaster's Producer

Great for Business and Academic Applications

About Samson

C01U USB Studio Condenser Microphone

Loves to Accessorize

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

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