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First, some history. So I don't waste your time First version of this microphone was released way back in 2005 and it got famous real quick. But, it was soon forgotten because Blue Yeti took over. However, Samson is back and they improved the old one a lot. New version features headphone output with zero-latency monitoring, and an improved signal to noise ratio, but has a lot more to offer. Roll the intro. Their website claims it also features natural warmth and detail of vocal and instruments, every producers’ dream. But we’ll check if it’s true. First that we spot on the box is that it’s USB, so no XLR output and no use with mixers. Unboxing is simple, it’s fairly protected by the foam and my box came all beaten up. Luckily, the mic was not damaged. It features a 19mm diaphragm and really ensures studio quality audio. If you’re interested in a sound test, it’s at the end of the video. Big improvement for us, and I’m sure for a lot of producers out there is that headphone port. I use it all the time, since it can output microphone’s sound mixed with computers one, which helps a lot. Their website claims this mic is great for voice overs, audio for YouTube videos like this one, and recording instruments. But, the biggest con of this microphone is that it features only supercardioid pickup pattern. It’s not a big deal since it picks up anything in front of it and eliminates everything behind, but this isn’t a microphone made for interviews. Big plus of this microphone is that the diaphragm is shock-mounted, and it does a really great job at eliminating vibrations from the table or anything else. Another good thing of this microphone is that it features flat frequency response, from 20Hz to 20kHz, so you can really edit the audio. With it’s 16-bit, 44.1 to 48 kHz resolution, you can be sure this mic will capture clean sound. Peak LED indicator in the front indicates when the audio is peaking, which is really helpful since I can’t look at the screen and read something from the paper in the same time. Green means good, red means peaking. Let’s talk about build quality. This is solid metal. Everything is made out of metal. Table stand, mount, body, capsule, anything you name is metal. And that means great build quality. The table stand is okay, does it's job, although Samson sells a better one seperately. I’m not gonna talk much about the cable, since there isn’t a lot to talk about. It’s long and okay, not too durable but does its job. A big plus again for this microphone that it’s plug and play, no drivers needed. And it works with my iPad which is helpful. It’s compatible with both Windows and Mac. Overall, honestly I would recommend this microphone to producers who are new to producing, but that doesn’t mean that professionals can’t use it. For the price it sells for, this is way too good. And I would recommend it over Blue Yeti and I wish more people knew about this product. Video: I hope you like this little review I did! What do you think about it? I'm new to all this, so I appreciate everything you write EDIT: Filmed with Canon 70D. Yea yea, I know, it's not the best I'll do my best to improve it.

Hello everyone! CubePro (aka Seth) here, and today I’m reviewing the Samson C01U Microphone! I’ve started moving towards tech reviews and such because of my background in computers and video technology, and this is my first review! Have a look! VIDEO REVIEW TEXT REVIEW Preface One of the things I would like to point out about this review is that I have used the C01U for going on three years now, and you can still find it in stores; B&H lists it as the C01UCW, but the model is identical in every way. I have used the C01U in literally hundreds of videos, so there are plenty of samples, even if a few are subpar due to Windows hijacking the gain controls (thanks Microsoft). Price A cheap condenser microphone of decent quality is essential to any recording artist or Youtuber who is just starting out on their adventures. Condenser microphones are designed to capture rich, detailed sound, making them excellent for voiceovers and instrumental recordings. The words “cheap” and “quality,” however, do not exactly belong in the same sentence, and that is part of what makes the Samson C01U such a great microphone for me. The base package is $50 USD, and you get the microphone, carrying bag, mount, stand, and USB cable; in other words, everything you need to get started. You can also purchase an extended package priced anywhere from $100-$150 USD, and that will give you a pop filter, a larger (but still compact) desktop stand, and a shock mount. The more expensive variants may include a padded carrying case and software. Quality Quality is something rather rare among cheaper microphones (granted, most cheap microphones aren’t built for quality sound capture). The Samson C01U stands out with a full-metal casing and a certain weight that feels incredibly solid when you lift it. I was actually surprised by the heft of the microphone when I first got it. I expected the device to be a lot smaller than it was. There is nothing particularly special about the USB cable they give you other than to say that it works. The microphone is compatible with both Mac OS and Windows, making it an ideal choice for consumers and enthusiasts alike, from your basic laptop Skype-er to the professional video creator. The sound quality on this microphone is excellent. According to B&H Photo Video, the microphone has a frequency response range from 20Hz – 18kHz and uses a hyper-cardioid pickup pattern. I found the bass tones to be slightly lacking in my captures, but that is always fixable with a small boost in post-production, and in most cases it is barely noticeable. The C01U has excellent sound capture, comparable even to the Blue Yeti, which costs over double the C01U’s base price. I’ve used the microphone for three years, and the only audio issues I can detect are a result of the auto-gain adjustments that Windows (or certain capture programs) will make to the microphone, so it is best to disable those and find the setting that works for you. Any Issues? Because this is a $50 microphone, Samson gives you everything they can for $50. That means, of course, that you are a little left out compared to the Blue Yeti’s 1/8” monitoring port, gain adjustment, and selectable pickup patterns, none of which can be found on the C01U. However, those are the only minor gripes about this product, and honestly don’t count much against the device considering the affordable cost. Conclusion The Samson C01U is an excellent starting microphone for anyone looking to improve how they sound in voiceovers and Skype calls. I cannot tell you how many times clients, professionals, and co-workers have commented on the clean, crisp sound that this microphone captures when I talk with them online. It might lack in some of the extra features that more expensive microphones have, but the C01U makes up for it all with excellent sound and build quality. Mine still looks as new as the day I pulled it out of the box, and three years later I still do not feel like I need to replace it. If you need a great microphone under $100, this is definitely one of the best options out there. Thanks for reading (and watching), and until next time, I'll catch you later! - CubePro (Seth)

Hey guys, I've been using this mic for a while and it's never really had any issues. One day I booted up my computer and it's not recognized, it realizes there is something plugged in but the mic will not work, and the indicator light is off. I've tried restarting the computer, plugging it into every USB port on the computer, uninstalling all the USB port drivers and restarting. The mic is considered to be plug-and-play, so there are no drivers to be found. If someone could help me out I would be extatic! Cheers!

Hi, Here's my review of the Samson C01U USB Plug and Play. I made a video so you can hear it yourself to see if you like it. At £51.70 :- ITS A NO BRAINER http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samson-CO1U-Studio-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B000PTF0E2 REVIEW - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41tBredYnXk And here's a review of a game I did using the mic :- http://youtu.be/FwOSp8fN-5Q