Samson C03U USB Condenser Microphone

by Samson

Product Features

• Plugs in directly to any computer with a USB interface
• Switchable Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-8 Pickup Patterns
• High Quality A/D Converter with 16-Bit, 48kHz Sampling Rate
• Dual Large 19mm Diaphragm Elements
• Switchable High-Pass Filter and 10 dB Pad

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 3.5 x 5.5 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000QDF3G2
• Item model number: SAC03UCW
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,380 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #54 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Microphones > Condenser Microphones
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

Amazon.com

Following the success of the C01U, Samson is proud to introduce the C03U multi-pattern USB studio condenser microphone. Based on the extremely popular C03 studio condenser, the C03U delivers the same pristine audio quality and enhanced capabilities along with a high-quality A/D converter and USB output.

A multi-pattern condenser with high-quality A/D conversion and USB output. Click to enlarge.

View polar pattern/frequency response. Click to enlarge.

Samson's downloadable SoftPre gives you extra software controls.

The C03U features dual 19mm internal shockmounted diaphragms with switchable omni, supercardioid, and figure-8 pickup patterns. It's perfect for recording vocals or any acoustic instrument. Plus, the selectable patterns make it ideal for a variety of specialized recording situations, like multiple vocalists, ambient room miking, and even a group of people around a conference table recording a Podcast.

The C03U works seamlessly on any computer running Mac OS X, Windows XP or Windows Vista. It also works with most DAW software programs without having to install any extra software or drivers. And with solid die-cast construction, the C03U is as durable as it is portable, so taking it on the road with your laptop is never an problem.

Samson SoftPre
The Samson C03U is designed to be fully functional without installing additional drivers. But for those who would like a little something extra, Samson offers its downloadable SoftPre software applet, which gives you an Input Level Meter, Volume control, High-pass filter and Phase Switch, for Mac or Windows.

C03U Specs

• Frequency Response: 20 - 18000 HZ
• Polar pattern: Super Cardioid, Omni, Bi-directional
• Element type: Back condenser type
• Diaphragm thickness: 3 microns
• SPL: 136 dB Max.
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 7 x 2.125 x 2.125 inches (180 x 54 x 54 mm)
• Weight: 1.06 lbs. (.48 kg)

What's in the Box
C03U Microphone, Swivel Stand Mount, 10-Foot USB Cable

Product Description

The Samson C03U is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone with selectable polar patterns and a built-in USB connection. Musicians who record music on computers now have a brain-dead really simple, value-packed way to capture premium vocal and acoustic instrument performances. Say hello to the C03U, an value-packed studio condenser microphone with a direct USB out! Its multiple-pattern design and built-in USB connection also makes this impressive-sounding microphone a sweet podcasting solution. You also get easy-to-use and comprehensive Cakewalk Music Creator software with the premium, value-packed Samson C03U microphone.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome mic! March 12, 2007

By Roger

I had to do a bit of research to figure out which would be best (not having much experience in this area) and was very happy I did! This mic comes pretty highly rated on all pod casting sites for the price and (after using it with Dragon Naturally Speaking 9), I can see why. I use it to do term papers and it is great! It is an excellent mic with very solid construction. Only negative thing (although very minor) I wish I had know that I could have gotten a standard mic stand for it instead of the "fancy" "spider" or "cage" design advertised with it (you really don't need that). Lastly, no worries with the usb/windows set up. Literally took it out of the package, plug in and go! Again a great item!

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Microphone -- and a Nice Step Up from the C01U May 29, 2007

By Christopher Nielsen

Like others, I purchased this microphone for Podcasting. And I am extremely happy with the Samson C03U. The audio quality is outstanding, the microphone is constructed like a tank (it weighs a pound, and has the same solid feel as a pro-quality camera like Nikon's D2X and D200), and it provides the simplicity of a direct digital connection.

I originally considered Samson's similar C01U, but decided to spring for the C03U. The latter provides three selectable pickup patterns (whereas the C01U has a single fixed pattern), a selectable high-pass filter, and finally, a selectable 10 dB pad. The C01U provides neither of the latter, either.

Bottom line, the Samson C03U provides outstanding audio quality, and is suitable for Podcasting and other recording uses. Buy it, you will not be disappointed!

p.s. Samson's SP01 Shockmount is highly recommended as well, and provides isolation from vibrations and the like. Bear in mind that the SP01 fits both the C03U and the C01U (i.e. there is no SP03).

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars You won't be sorry! January 3, 2007

By JEM

This microphone is fantastic. I do online tutorials and have struggled with the audio portion of my videos for a long time. I've used desktop mics, headsets, lapel mics, nothing come close... Problem solved, period. The sound quality is wonderful.

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars You will not be disappointed with this microphone!!! Superb quality!!! January 17, 2008

By Daryl Wilson

Amazon Verified Purchase

A quality audio recording system is essential in laying down professional-grade tracks rather than the normal, mediocre, amateurish audio which is so prevalent amongst basement/indie recording artists, unfortunately. As someone who has worked in the music industry for many years, and now in the film and television industry, I've personally used or been exposed to some of the best (and worst) audio recording equipment available, and I've learned that the cost of the equipment is not necessarily the top consideration when selecting quality audio recording components, among which the microphone should be the first and most important component evaluated and selected of the entire mix.

So many amateurs who wish to set up their own home audio recording studios max out their credit lines to buy the top, name-brand, latest craze in mixers, stands, isolation accesories, speakers, computer equipment, etc., etc., but they often neglect to buy the best quality microphone, or the correct type of microphone, first and foremost. Strange, considering the first piece of equipment touched by the talent's voice or musical instrument's soundwaves is the microphone, right?

More often than not, these home-brew artists do not understand which microphone type to select for what their specific recording needs will be, or they figure they can skimp on the cost of the microphone itself, selecting whatever store-bought microphone they come across instead, hoping that they can "fix" the audio in post-production. Wrong! As they say, crap in, crap out. Sometimes, by the time these self-titled, home studio "experts" get to selecting the microphone to use in their studio, they are nearly broke (which is very easy to do)....

Can you imagine Hollywood's top blockbusters being recorded with crappy, tinny-sounding microphones, full of pops and static and unwanted ambient noises such as airplanes and street cars, spectators, shuffling feet, mechanical sounds, reflections/reverberations, etc.? The crappy audio would be so incredibly distracting that you could not possibly enjoy the film.

If, when you view a high-dollar film, you notice the bad lighting, the poor staging and props, the bad acting or scriptwriting, or the terrible choice in colors and costumes, then the message of the film gets lost, in my opinion. So, too, if you notice the really bad audio tracks. The bottom line in Hollywood is don't skimp on quality, but don't blow your budget either. If you need to save, skip the free doughnuts and sandwiches in the back of the room.

I didn't know what to expect when I first purchased the Samson C-03 microphone, even after countless hours of research on several budget microphones, but I have to say that I am definitely not disappointed in this microphone's sound...and you won't be either, if you decide to purchase it. I returned the other microphones I evaluated and kept this one because I really liked the selectable recording patterns (hypercardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional patterns), the dual 19mm diaphragm design of this studio condenser mic, the professional-grade durability of the all-metal die-cast chassis, the quality built-in analog/digital converter and, of course, the absolutely, crisp, clear and wonderful sound that it produces. Samson even offers this same microphone with a USB connection (instead of the standard XLR) for added flexibility and ease of connection/usability for the home recording enthusiast.

Would I recommend this Samson C-03 multi-pattern studio condenser microphone for the quality-conscious, yet budget-minded, podcaster, CD/DVD trainer/recorder or music recording artist? That would be a resounding YES!! No disappointments here. Buy it today. Don't simply rack up your credit cards on the latest name-brand, top magazine choice microphone when this microphone will do the same job as many of the higher-end mics out there, while also not emptying your wallet. I also do podcasting, record How-To audios and videos, and am a professional voice-over actor, and I cannot say enough positive about this microphone. Read more ›

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy setup on Mac. Great quality. August 14, 2007

By Richard J. Wagner

I bought this for recording music from an antique phonograph onto my MacBook Pro running OS X 10.4. I had previously tried using an unpowered microphone plugged into the audio input jack, but that setup produced buzzing and poor sensitivity.

This new USB microphone worked great. I didn't have to install any software, just plugged it in and selected it in the sound preferences. The sound quality is very clear and sensitive.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good for acoustic music February 8, 2008

By T. Havens

OK, this microphone really is a great quality for the price, i play the tenor saxophone, and this actually picks it up wonderfully! my only caution would be that if you are recording voice, keep it a good six inches away from your mouth. This microphone makes a very good re-creation of the music being played. Most of the reviews on here are about using it for spoken word, so I'm focusing on the acoustic music side of the mic. This microphone really has great sound quality, and it will pick up things very well, inflections, slightly different tones, etc. All in all a good purchase

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Looks, sounds, feels good! June 27, 2008

By PC

Amazon Verified Purchase

I don't have too much experience on this type of microphone to make extensive/professional review. I just started playing with Garageband/pod cast and use Skype and wanted to improve the sound input.
Compare to the other mini microphones I've used, this is HUGE and heavy, solidly built. Connection is easy, just plug in the USB and the Mac recognizes it. To my not so experienced ears, it sounds better than iSight, built-in mics, and the Sony mic that requires an AA battery and a pre-amp.
Well-made, good sound, easy to use. 5-star for the prize/package/performance.