Samson C03U USB Condenser Microphone

by Samson

Product Features

• Plugs in directly to any computer with a USB interface
• Bundled with Cakewalk's Sonar LE software
• Switchable Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-8 Pickup Patterns
• High Quality A/D Converter with 16-Bit, 48kHz Sampling Rate
• USB cable and carry pouch included

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 3.5 x 5.5 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 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: SAM C03UCW
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,219 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #9 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Microphones > Condenser Microphones > Vocal

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

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

Samson C03UCW - Variable Pattern Large Diaphragm USB Studio Condenser Microphone

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

PC "Sleepless in LA" (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Podcasting Mic Mounted to Desk with Gooseneck, November 19, 2009

By 

Scott Showalter "purefusion" (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Samson C03U USB Condenser Microphone (Electronics)

I primarily use this mic for podcasts and training screencasts for clients and colleagues in the Web design/development line of work. I've mounted it with a gooseneck and flange mount with shock absorbing pad which easily takes place of more expensive shockmounts available for this mic.

My main review for this mic is located on the other Samson C03U Microphone product page (see link below), but I want to add here that this seller had listings on the other product page, which is the item without the CakeWalk Sonar software.

However, buying the version without the software, from Ace Photo Digital... they threw in the software anyway!

It's a superior product at an incredible value. It's well worth the investment. See my full review here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EZKZMY?ie=UTF8&tag=a354-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000EZKZMY

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great sounding mic., May 31, 2010

By 

Kanadavos (Vancouver, WA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Samson C03U USB Condenser Microphone (Electronics)

I mostly bought this for voice chatting with friends and gaming, the sound quality of this mic is crystal clear from a distance away, so put on your favorite headphone and don't worry about mic adjustment in the middle of a match.
The only thing I didn't like, was the software that came with it, it's buggy and will crash your system, even the latest version of the software is buggy, so stick with the built in windows drivers and it'll work perfect.